DNS, VPN, and Smart DNS: what to choose?

If you have been exploring ways to access geo-blocked sites and contents, then you have probably been told that VPNs, Smart DNS, and custom DNS are your best bet. These technologies are great for internet browsing, even if each has its drawbacks and cons.

So, what’s are these technologies all about? What is the difference between them? How do they work? Which is the best option to choose? These and many more questions will be answered in this article. Let’s get right to it, shall we?

DNS vs VPN: What Are Their Differences?

DNS often seems like a very complicated and incomprehensible technical term for many. This is because many sites explain it from a technical point of view, using many words that many cannot relate to. But that’s not the case.

To put it simply, DNS is a unique protocol that allows you to change common and known addresses (www.example.com) into an IP address that a computer can read (192.0.2.44). This process is quite likened to a vocabulary translation.

A VPN, on the other hand, is a tool that allows network users to connect securely to various pages on the Internet. VPN security is achieved through advanced data encryption technologies and a change of the user’s IP address. With a VPN, you need not fear data leakages, including passwords, autofill data, and location.

IMPORTANT! DNS can be used without a VPN, but VPN cannot be used without DNS.

• When you connect to a site with a working DNS, your device will send a request to the server to find the IP address of the desired resource.
• As soon as the DNS server returns the correct result, your computer will be able to access the site you need, and you will finally be able to read about modern VPNs.
• When using a VPN, your device will first establish a connection with the VPN server so that you can safely use the Internet. After that, the computer will send a request to the DNS server. However, in this case, the request will be encrypted. Thus, government agencies, hackers, or others will be unable to track your network activities.

Many people use custom DNS instead of a VPN because it’s easy to use, easy to set up, and helps keep your online data secure and safe.

DNS is an essential part of how the Internet works, but it can also improve your online privacy and security. A secure DNS service routes your traffic through an encrypted tunnel to the DNS server.

The Best DNS to Use

Your devices often work with DNS servers provided by your ISP, which is handy but allows your internet provider to track what you do. To change this, you can select a different DNS provider. However, you should always consider the following factors before doing so:

1. Privacy: Ensure that the DNS does not record your IP address or trace your surfing activity. Additionally, ensure that the DNS provider does not sell its users’ data to third parties.
2. Speed: Always be sure that the DNS service’s speed meets your requirements.
3. Infrastructure for servers: Check if the provider has enough servers nearby to provide the optimum connection and speed.
4. Protection: Some DNS servers provide security against phishing sites and malware assaults.Watch out for such servers.
5. Excellent client service: Ensure the DNS server offers good customer service. You will need this when you are in a fix and need someone to help you out.

For example, the best DNS servers are those that Google provides or AdGuard DNS. You can google them via your browser and choose one from the list. While choosing DNS, look for the sign ‘Valid ‘month’+’year.’ remember that servers are constantly updating, and some of them can stop working for some time.

What Is Smart DNS and How Does It Work?

Smart DNS is a technology that allows Internet users to visit blocked sites and access streaming services from anywhere in the world. Unlike a VPN, a Smart DNS does not change your IP address. The Smart DNS service substitutes your ISP’s DNS address for a different DNS server. The provider’s server infrastructure determines the location. It’s vital to understand that DNS does not provide you with a new IP address as a VPN does; instead, it alters how a website perceives your IP address.

What Is VPN and How Does It Work?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and another server. VPNs protect your online traffic from snooping, interference, and censorship.

• When you connect to a VPN, your traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel to the VPN server. 
• The VPN server forwards your traffic to the website or service you’re trying to access. 
• This process hides your IP address and makes it difficult for others to track your online activity.

VPNXpert blog is devoted to private networks and techniques for achieving online anonymity. There are lots of VPNs and DNS are available, each with its features and benefits.

Here you can find many of the popular options that offer high security and privacy protection. However, VPNs can also be used to bypass geo-restrictions and censorship. Visit this blog to stay tuned in the world of VPNs.

What is better: Custom DNS, Smart DNS, or a VPN?

There are different factors to consider when choosing between VPN and DNS. If you’re primarily concerned with security and privacy, VPN is the better option.

VPNs encrypt your traffic and hide your IP address, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity. However, VPNs can be more expensive and slower than DNS.

On the other hand, if you’re more concerned with speed and convenience, then DNS is the best. This is because a DNS does not encrypt your traffic; thus, it’s usually faster than VPN as it doesn’t route your traffic through a different server. Additionally, many smart TVs and other devices come pre-configured with DNS settings, so you don’t need to set up a VPN if you’re looking to unblock content on your device.

Ultimately, the choice between VPN and DNS depends on your needs. If security and privacy are your top priorities, VPN is the better option. If you’re speed and convenience are all you care about, then DNS is the better option.

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