SmartDNS is a technology that changes the DNS server your requests go through. This can be a convenient workaround to reroute your traffic on a device that doesn’t support native VPN apps (like some Smart TVs or gaming consoles).
There are some drawbacks, though. SmartDNS doesn’t hide your IP address or encrypt your internet connection. You’ll also need to configure it manually on each device.
If you simply need to adjust your DNS settings to improve or fix your connection, SmartDNS can be a useful tool. However, for privacy, end-to-end encryption, and safe online access, a VPN is a better choice.
SmartDNS is integrated into CyberGhost VPN, so you can enjoy the benefits of both when you become a Ghostie. Stream your favorite shows, movies, and sports securely on any device.
What Is DNS?
Before we dive into SmartDNS, let’s take a quick look at what regular DNS is and how it works.
Domain Name System (DNS) is like the internet’s phonebook — it’s how your device finds its way around the intricate maze of sites online. DNS translates human-friendly domain names (like Google.com) into computer-friendly IP addresses (like 172.217.3.206).
IP addresses are unique identifiers given to devices connected to the internet. Your device uses its IP address to communicate with other devices, websites, and any other part of the web.
How Do DNS Queries Work?
Every time you interact with a website, you send a DNS query (also known as a “DNS request”) to your ISP’s DNS servers. The DNS servers then translate your request into computer language. In short, DNS servers act as the middleman (and translator) between your device and the internet. Your ISP usually handles all DNS requests through its own DNS servers by default.
Incidentally, this is also how internet censorship works. Governments can demand that all local ISPs remove certain websites from their DNS database. Then, when you attempt to visit a blocked website, the DNS servers won’t be able to locate it, so you won’t be able to connect.
What Is a DNS Leak?
DNS leaks are when your ISP can see your DNS queries. This means your ISP can track everything you do online and every web page you visit. DNS leaks can happen even if you’ve changed your DNS to a third-party DNS provider (instead of defaulting to your ISP’s DNS servers).
Don’t want to risk a DNS leak? Get a VPN with built-in DNS leak protection, a strict No Logs policy, and private DNS servers to better protect your privacy.
What Is SmartDNS?
SmartDNS combines the capabilities of DNS servers with proxy servers. When you search for a blocked website in your location, your geographical data is removed from your DNS queries (the “DNS server” part). Your search query is then routed through a proxy server, which makes websites believe you’re sending requests from the proxy’s location (the “proxy server” part).
However, it’s important to note that SmartDNS won’t change your IP address or encrypt your internet traffic. Your IP address is still visible, and it can be linked to your physical location and online activity.
The best way to access content securely is to get a VPN. A VPN will mask your IP address and encrypt your traffic from third-party snoops, including your ISP. No one will be able to see what you’re browsing, watching, or downloading.
Is SmartDNS Legal?
Yes, SmartDNS is legal. All you’re doing is redirecting your DNS requests, but your internet traffic is still completely visible to your ISP. If your ISP wants to track your activity, it can still trace your identity through your IP address.
Note: Countries like North Korea, China, and Iran have stringent internet laws and often block technologies that can bypass restrictions. This includes SmartDNS, proxies, and VPNs. We recommend always checking your local laws before using SmartDNS.
Is SmartDNS Safe?
Using SmartDNS won’t worsen your security, but it won’t improve it either.
SmartDNS isn’t inherently unsafe as you’re simply redirecting your DNS requests through another server. However, SmartDNS doesn’t hide your IP address. Your ISP can still see your IP address and link your browsing activity to your identity.
You also need to be careful when you choose a SmartDNS provider. While they all provide the same basic service, some SmartDNS providers have very loose privacy policies. You could be putting your data at risk when you use them.
SmartDNS vs Proxy vs VPN
You can use SmartDNS, a proxy, or a VPN to spoof your location, but they work differently and have distinct benefits.
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- SmartDNS: Your DNS requests are redirected through a proxy server. They’ll now appear to originate from the location of the SmartDNS proxy server.
- Proxy: Your traffic is rerouted through a proxy server. This masks your real IP address with the proxy server’s IP address.
- VPN: Your traffic is encrypted and routed through private VPN servers. Your traffic appears to come from the VPN server’s location and is essentially unreadable.
We’ve outlined the key differences between SmartDNS, VPNs, and proxies in the table below.
| SmartDNS vs Proxy vs VPN | |||
| SmartDNS | Proxy | VPN | |
| Encryption | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| IP Masking | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Fast Speeds | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Content Unblocking | Sometimes | Sometimes | ✅ |
| Easy Setup | Sometimes | Sometimes | ✅ |
| Free | No, but included with some VPNs | ✅ | ❌ |
SmartDNS doesn’t hide your IP address, and neither SmartDNS nor proxy servers encrypt your connection.
Only a VPN will mask your IP address, encrypt your traffic, and provide a range of other security-related benefits. Combined, they protect your connection from eavesdroppers and cybersnoops. Consequently, a VPN is the most secure of all three options.
When to Use SmartDNS
There are some situations where it’s not possible to use a VPN, or where using SmartDNS might be your best option.
1. You Want a Simple Way to Reroute Your DNS Requests (And Security Isn’t an Issue)
SmartDNS can be a convenient way to change the DNS server your device uses. This can sometimes improve how quickly you can connect to websites and online services, as it may reroute DNS queries through a more efficient or reliable server.
However, SmartDNS doesn’t encrypt your data or change your IP address, so your browsing activity remains visible to your ISP and other third parties. It’s also not the most reliable way to retain access to websites you usually view if you’re using a restricted network at work, school, or other public places.
2. You Have Slow Internet Connection Speeds
SmartDNS changes your virtual location without any slowdown in speed. In contrast, a VPN changes your online location and also encrypts all your internet traffic, which can result in a small speed reduction.
However, SmartDNS’s lack of encryption also makes it much less secure than a VPN, so you’ll need to weigh up the risks for yourself. Keep in mind you can easily find VPNs with fast enough speeds for UHD streaming.
3. Your Device Doesn’t Support Your VPN
Unfortunately, some devices don’t allow you to install a VPN app (like some smart TVs, routers, game consoles, and Roku). In this case, you can use SmartDNS instead. Once you’ve manually set up SmartDNS on your device, your requests will automatically go through the new DNS server.
How to Use SmartDNS with a VPN
If you’ve subscribed to a quality VPN, there’s a high chance you already have access to SmartDNS. For instance, every CyberGhost VPN subscription comes with SmartDNS.
Get CyberGhost VPN and then follow the below instructions to enable SmartDNS on your device.
- Log into your CyberGhost Account Dashboard. Click Smart DNS on the left-hand sidebar to enter your My Smart DNS Settings.
- Click Enable Smart DNS. It’s the green button at the top of the page.
- Select the DNS address for your chosen platform, for example, PlayStation or Xbox.
- Set up the DNS address on your device. The address will appear in your Account Dashboard.
You can check out more device-specific instructions here: PlayStation 4 | PlayStation 3 | Xbox One | Xbox 360 | Apple TV 4 | Apple TV 3 | Samsung SmartTV with TizenOS | Wii | Wii U | Roku TV | DD-WRT Router
Don’t see your gadget listed here? Chat with Customer Support over 24/7 live chat or email, and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Get the Right Tool for the Job
SmartDNS is a useful alternative for rerouting a part of your traffic, but only when you can’t use a VPN. Unlike a VPN, SmartDNS doesn’t provide any digital security or privacy protection. SmartDNS also can’t reliably access websites and apps (especially streaming services).
If you do need to use SmartDNS, make sure to choose a safe and reputable service. Better still, choose a VPN with a SmartDNS feature. Many VPNs now offer SmartDNS for free, so you can have the best of both worlds.
Try CyberGhost VPN and you’ll instantly have access to its SmartDNS service, My Smart DNS. All new subscriptions come with a 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can take it for a risk-free test drive.
FAQ
No, SmartDNS doesn’t hide your IP address. SmartDNS only reroutes your DNS requests via a proxy server. Your ISP can still see your real IP address and link your activity to your identity. If you want to hide your IP, we recommend you use a VPN.
A VPN is better than SmartDNS, if you’ve got the choice. Not only will a VPN mask your IP address and encrypt your traffic, but it can also reliably unblock websites and apps. SmartDNS often struggles to work with streaming platforms (like Netflix), and don’t have any security or privacy benefits either.
Enable SmartDNS only if your device is incompatible with VPN apps. A VPN is still the best option for changing your online location. The best VPNs are ultra-fast, highly secure, and have servers optimized for streaming, downloading, and even gaming.
Yes. SmartDNS only redirects your DNS requests, which is perfectly legal in many countries. Your ISP can still see your real IP address when you use SmartDNS.
However, like all technologies, SmartDNS can be used to engage in unlawful activity. Double-check your local laws if you live in a country with strict internet regulations.
It depends on the service you use. CyberGhost VPN offers SmartDNS server specifically for Netflix in the US and the UK, so you can easily watch your favorite content at home. However, keep in mind that SmartDNS won’t help you access your usual shows when you’re abroad.
A VPN, proxy, and SmartDNS all change your virtual location, but each does so differently.
A VPN masks your IP address with a new IP from its VPN server network, plus it encrypts your traffic. SmartDNS doesn’t hide your IP nor encrypt your connection, but it changes your traffic’s location by redirecting your DNS requests. Proxies hide your real IP address with the proxy server’s IP, but there is no encryption.
Yes, SmartDNS can be faster than a VPN. While SmartDNS will redirect your DNS queries via a proxy server, a VPN encrypts and redirects your traffic via VPN servers. This extra step of VPN encryption can result in slightly slower speeds. Luckily, the speed difference is unnoticeable when you invest in a quality VPN.
It’s unnecessary to use a VPN and Smart DNS simultaneously. As long as you’ve got a VPN app installed, there’s no benefit to SmartDNS.
That said, if you have a device that doesn’t support VPN apps, then SmartDNS is an alternative solution. Many VPNs include a SmartDNS feature, so you don’t have to look for a separate SmartDNS provider either.
No, a VPN is far safer than SmartDNS. This is because a VPN comes with many security features, including military-grade encryption, a Kill Switch, leak protection, No Logs policy, and more.
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