What Is Smart DNS? The 5 Best VPNs that offer Smart DNS (2024)

While a VPN is the most reliable way to access geographically blocked internet based content, like that available from streaming and gaming sites, some devices cannot run a VPN app.

While you could install a VPN on your wireless router, that affects the internet traffic of every device on the network, and you may only need access on your Apple TV, PS5 or other streaming-capable device.

What Can I Use Instead of a VPN?

Luckily, there is a group of select VPN providers that also offer reliable Smart DNS services. These VPN providers not only offer comprehensive VPN protection for most of your online activities, they also offer Smart DNS technology that can unblock geo-blocked content on devices that can’t use VPN apps.

What Is Smart DNS?

Smart DNS (Domain Name Server) is a service that allows connected devices to access geo-blocked content, much like a VPN.

The service allows you to replace your ISP-assigned DNS servers with the smart DNS servers that the VPN server provider runs. Please be aware that smart DNS does not offer encrypted connection protection like a provider’s VPN service does.

The new DNS address that the VPN provides allows you to view online streaming content in other regions of the world. In other words, even if you’re located in the United Kingdom, if you use a Smart DNS service provider, you’ll be allowed to access Netflix content that is usually limited to viewers located in the United States.

This service is especially handy for use on devices that aren’t compatible with VPN apps, such as the Apple TV, Playstation, Xbox and other devices. A VPN’s smart DNS service allows these devices to access geographically restricted content providers, without needing to set up the VPN service. (However, again, it doesn’t encrypt your internet connection.)

What Is the Best VPN for Smart DNS?

After extensive testing, the following five VPNs have proven to be the best VPNs for providing Smart DNS service. Here’s a TL;DR summary of each provider’s abilities:

1. NordVPN: #1 Smart DNS provider. This provider’s Smart DNS service is easy to set up and use. NordVPN’s service doesn’t slow your internet connection much and provides reliable access to certain streaming services.
2. Surfshark: Budget-priced Smart DNS provider. Surfshark’s Smart DNS service does a good job of unblocking streaming services, but only for those who are based in the United States. However, the company says it has plans to add new smart DNS server locations in other countries.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium Smart DNS service. This reliable VPN provider also offers a reliable Smart DNS service it calls MediaStreamer. This provider has a history of offering fast connections to geo-blocked content.
4. CyberGhost: Easy-to-use Smart DNS. This easy-to-use VPN provider offers a Smart DNS that uses DNS servers in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Japan.
5. Private Internet Access: Reliable Smart DNS service. This VPN provides reliable Smart DNS connections to provide access to content around the globe.

When ranking the top five VPNs the offer Smart DNS services, I considered the following factors:

• Unblocks geo-blocked content
• Works with multiple devices
• Fast, reliable connections
• Comprehensive customer support

Best VPNs with Smart DNS – Summary table

I’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice.

Here is my list of the five best VPNs that offer Smart DNS services in 2024.

1. NordVPN

Jan 2024

In addition to its top-rated VPN service, NordVPN also offers a SmartDNS service that allows your streaming device to access geo-blocked content.

The provider does an excellent job of unblocking geo-blocked content around the globe. This includes numerous popular streaming sites, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video and many more.

The provider’s SmartDNS service works with numerous streaming devices, including game consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, set-top boxes like the Apple TV, and a large number of smart TVs.

VPN apps are available for the iOS, macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support), Windows, Linux, Android, Amazon Fire, Chromebook and Android TV device platforms, and there’s also support for numerous router makes and models. In addition, you can protect your web browsing, thanks to the provider’s Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser extensions. You can connect up to six devices simultaneously.

The provider’s close to 5,600+ server infrastructure, based in 60 countries around the world, provide reliable access to geo-blocked content in most areas of the world.

NordVPN’s download speeds are some of the fastest around and can easily handle streaming HD and 4K video. The provider never limits your viewing fun with data caps or bandwidth throttling.

Customer support includes a 24/7 live support chat option, email support and a searchable knowledge base.

BEST SMART DNS OPTION:NordVPN is the best Smart DNS option for users who are looking for optimal access to geo-blocked content for their set-top boxes, game consoles and other connected streaming-capable devices. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Budget-minded Apple TV, smart TV and game console owners will appreciate Surfshark’s bargain-basem*nt pricing that belies its excellent online services.

The provider’s Smart DNS service unblocks geo-blocked content for devices like those listed above, that can’t make use of Surfshark’s VPN offering. Unfortunately, it currently only allows access to geo-restricted content in the United States, but the provider has plans to broaden that access to other countries.

VPN apps are available for the iOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, Windows, macOS (with native support for Macs powered by Apple Silicon) and Fire TV device platforms. Router features can protect all of your connected desktop and mobile devices via a single access point, if you’d like to go that route(r). Meanwhile, Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser extensions are also available.

Surfshark’s global server network is made up of 3,200+ servers stationed in 65+ countries around the world.

This provider’s secure connection speeds are great for streaming HD and 4K video. No data caps or bandwidth limitations will spoil your fun.

Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections allowance lets your entire family or company be protected at once.

Around-the-clock customer support includes 24/7 support chat, a searchable support library and FAQ section, and a support request form.

BUDGET-MINDED SMART DNS SERVICE:Surfshark is an attractive option for streaming viewers on a tight budget who would rather spend their money on a streaming service. Fast speeds and reliable access to blocked content are all available. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN offers a super-reliable, if somewhat expensive, Smart DNS service that offers excellent access to geo-blocked content around the globe.

The provider’s MediaStreamer service allows game consoles, Smart TVs and set-top boxes to take advantage of the provider’s geo-blocked content access powers.

Native VPN app support is also available for the iOS, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire, Chromebook, Linux, macOS and Windows device platforms. Plus, Chrome, Edge and Firefox users can benefit from the provider’s browser extensions.

Up to 5 devices can be used concurrently on the provider’s network. Comprehensive router support is also available.

With over 3,000 servers located in more than 94 countries, the provider has you covered when it comes to accessing location based content.

ExpressVPN’s connection speeds deliver more than enough bandwidth for streaming HD and 4K video, as well as gaming online.

24/7 live support chat, email support, a trouble ticket submission system and a searchable support library add up to always-available customer support.

FAST AND RELIABLE SMART DNS SERVICE:ExpressVPN provides reliable Smart DNS service for your streaming or gaming device. The provider works well to unblock geo-blocked content. While the provider’s pricing is a bit expensive, it offers a good return on investment. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost offers a Smart DNS service that’s easy to set up and that delivers reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe.

CyberGhost’s Smart DNS offering opens access to geo-blocked content for numerous streaming and gaming devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, Xbox and Playstation consoles, and much more.

VPN protection is available for other popular devices, including Windows, iOS, Android, Android TV, macOS, Linux and Amazon Fire devices. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available.

The service can also be set up on many brands of routers to protect all of your connected devices through a single access point. Up to 7 devices can simultaneously connect to the service using the same login.

CyberGhost’s global server network includes 8,000+ servers scattered among 90+ countries around the world, and many of those are stream-optimized.

CyberGhost’s connection speeds provide plenty of speed for both gaming and streaming HD and 4K video.

Customer support includes 24/7 live support chat, email support, a support ticket system and a searchable knowledge base.

BEST OPTION FOR NEWBIE SMART DNS USERS:CyberGhost is the best option for streaming and gaming fans who are looking for an easy-to-use Smart DNS service. Wide-ranging global server coverage and fast connections offer reliable geo-blocked content access. A 45-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) offers reliable Smart DNS service.

PIA’s global server network includes 3,300+ servers stationed in more than 80 countries around the globe. This provides access to geo-fenced content from around the globe.

No user logs are ever saved on PIA servers. Plus, the provider’s cryptocurrency payment option helps to keep your payment information private.

PIA’s connections are slower than the other providers on this list. That said, most users will find that PIA provides more than enough bandwidth for popular online activities. No data caps or bandwidth limitations to deal with when using this provider.

PIA also provides top-notch VPN protection, so be sure to take advantage of its native app support, including options for the Android, Android TV, iOS, Windows, macOS and Linux device platforms. Chrome, Opera and Firefox browser browser extensions are also available, as is compatibility with multiple router makes and models.

Up to 10 devices can be simultaneously connected to PIA’s servers.

Live support chat, a trouble ticket form, and a searchable support library are available when you need it.

RELIABLE SMART DNS SERVICE:In addition to comprehensive onlinesecurity and privacy, Private Internet Access provides reliable VPN services. PIA delivers reliable access to geo-controlled content around the globe. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read our full review of Private Internet Access.

Methodology for Assessing Smart DNS Services

Not all VPNs provide reliable Smart DNS service. You should also carefully consider the VPN service offerings of these service providers, because you will likely make use of a provider’s VPN protection for your compatible devices.

Here’s a list of the most critical factors I assessed when deciding upon which VPNs to recommend for Smart DNS:

• Connection Speed: Fast connection speeds are always important, whether you’re using a Smart DNS service or a full-blown VPN service. All of the providers on my lists offer fast connections.
• Server Network: An expansive global server network will provide access to international content. In addition, it’s important to consider the number of servers that a provider has stationed in a single country. More servers means no individual server will have too many users attempting to connect through them.
• Value: I assessed each VPN on my list to see whether or not their asking price was commensurate with what they offered, and found all of them to provide an excellent value.
• Ease of Use: Ease of use is an important factor, as you don’t want to waste time fiddling with complicated settings before you can connect. Every VPN on my list offers easy-to-use apps for most popular platforms.
• Security and Privacy: While a Smart DNS service does not provide the same protection as a VPN, you should also consider a provider’s VPN protection, just in case you need it. A VPN should, at a minimum, protect its users’ connections with banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. They also all follow strict no-logs policies.
• Streaming: Streaming is a popular activity amongst VPN users. Each VPN I include on my list offers reliable access to popular streaming sites, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and others.

This seems like a lot to consider, but my research does not end here. The factors listed above are just some of what I consider with my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. A data-driven research approach helps me to better understand the VPNs and their services, allowing me to recommend only those that are a good fit for your needs.

How to Use Smart DNS With Your Streaming Device, Game Console, or Smart TV

Setting up a Smart DNS service isn’t difficult. However, the instructions for setting up a Smart DNS server differ between VPN providers and devices. As an example, I’ll explain NordVPN’s instructions.

Keep in mind that Smart DNS doesn’t protect your connection like a VPN does, it merely provides access to certain streaming services. For example, NordVPN’s SmartDNS service offers access to the following services:

• ABC Go (US region)
• Amazon Prime (US region)
• Disney+ (German region)
• Fox Now / Sports Go / News
• Showtime (US region)
• HBO Max (US region)
• Netflix Originals

Check with your VPN provider for information on which services their Smart DNS service unblocks.

Setting Up NordVPN SmartDNS on an Apple TV

To configure your Apple TV for NordVPN’s SmartDNS service, do the following:

1. Whitelist your real IP address on your account profile at the NordVPN website: https://my.nordaccount.com/dashboard/nordvpn/. Make sure to whitelist your IP address without your VPN running, so you can whitelist your actual, ISP-provided IP address.
2. Go to “General” -> “Network” in your Apple TV Settings app.
3. Click on “Wi-Fi” at the top and select your WiFi or ethernet connection.
4. Select “Configure DNS” -> “Manual.”
5. Enter the NordVPN SmartDNS server IP addresses:
   Set Primary DNS: 103.86.99.103
   Set Secondary DNS (if available): 103.86.96.103

Setup on other streaming devices, such as Smart TVs, gaming consoles and streaming boxes, will be similar. However, you should consult your device’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for exact instructions on how to configure DNS on your device.

Can I Use a Free VPN for Smart DNS?

It’s going to be difficult to find reliable Smart DNS service from a free VPN provider. Even if you do, there are likely to be limitations that will make the service less than enjoyable to use.

Free VPNs will throttle their free users’ internet connection speeds to preserve bandwidth for their paying customers. Plus, most free VPN providers will enforce daily or monthly data caps on their free users’ connections. Slow speeds and data caps are not exactly conducive to enjoyable streaming or gaming.

If you use a free Smart DNS service, you may be tempted to also use the free provider’s VPN services. This is also a bad idea. Free VPNs will track their users’ online travels, saving the info and selling it to advertisers and other Nosy Nellies. They have also been known to insert unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browsing sessions.

While I can understand the impulse to save a few bucks, is it really worth the loss of online privacy and performance?

Conclusion

Users with streaming and gaming devices that can’t normally use a Virtual Private Network to protect and enhance their online activities will appreciate the Smart DNS services that these 5 VPN providers offer.

NordVPN is your best bet for Smart DNS service, and it also provides reliable VPN protection for all of your popular compatible devices. The provider’s comprehensive global server network delivers excellent access to geo-blocked online content. Its fast and reliable VPN connections will deliver streaming and gaming content with no “gotchas.”

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.

Smart DNS FAQs