Understanding the Differences Between Smart DNS and VPN

When it comes to protecting your data online, there is confusion between DNS servers and VPNs. However, as much as it seems like it is similar, there is a stark difference between these two systems. In this article, we will learn and understand the differences between Smart DNS and VPN. Let’s get right into it.

What is Smart DNS?

Smart DNS technology is made to get around content geo-restrictions. You can use it, for instance, to switch your Netflix location and access US Netflix from abroad. Similar to VPNs, Smart DNS services are frequently included in membership plans. Although a Smart DNS subscription typically costs less than a high-end VPN package, the service does not offer the same privacy and security safeguards.

Smart DNS works to unblock streaming services on devices where a VPN cannot be installed but does not encrypt your data or mask your IP address. Although activating a VPN on your router would allow you to use it with these devices, Smart DNS is much more user-friendly.

What is a VPN?

Virtual Private Networks, now widely known as VPNs, are internet security protocols. By establishing a protected channel, virtual private networks (VPNs) make data transmission much more secure. They also help safeguard your online identity by hiding your IP address, and they enable you to use public Wi-Fi hotspots without jeopardizing your privacy or security in any way.

Differences Between a Smart DNS and a VPN

As we have seen what Smart DNS and VPNs mean in general, it is now time to jot down the differences between these two protocols or applications for you to choose easily.

• Smart DNS is cheaper than VPNs
• Smart DNS does not affect internet speed but some VPNs may do
• VPNs have a large range of protocols that include encryption, kill-switch, and split tunneling which a Smart DNS does not.
• VPNs can hide your IP address which Smart DNS is unable to hence exposing you to the internet.
• Smart DNS is more complicated to use for people who are not tech-savvy.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Smart DNS?

Every product has its pros and cons, and so does Smart DNS. Here are a few advantages and disadvantages of Smart DNS listed below
Advantages:

• Smart DNS help to access a lot of geo-restricted content.
• It is available for devices where VPNs cannot be used.
• It is relatively cheaper than most VPNs.
• They do not have much of an impact on internet speed.

However, there are cons to this protocol too.
Disadvantages:

• It is important to note that Smart DNS does not offer secure encryption as a standalone service.
• It is impossible to conceal your IP address, which means that your service provider can still monitor your online activity.
• The setup process may be challenging for users who lack experience.
• DNS services of good quality can be expensive, sometimes even more than a VPN. However, they do not offer as many advantages as a VPN.
• A DNS spoofing attack can be used by hackers to redirect you to fake websites.

Features and Benefits of a VPN

Since we’re talking about safety, encryption is the first choice. VPNs now use the high-end security system AES-256, which is also thought to be military-grade. With the AES-256 method, 256-bit keys are used to secure and decrypt a block of messages.

This type of encryption has never been broken, and experts think that a large number of bits (256) is one of the main reasons why it is so hard to get through. DNS servers can never provide security of this level.

Split Tunneling: Split tunneling is a feature that gives you more control over what information you send through a VPN server and what information you send through the faster, unsecured, open web.

Kill-Switch: A Kill Switch is a piece of protection software that stops your device from making unsafe connections. The program continuously checks your connection to the server on a computer far away. If your device loses its connection to the internet by chance, this feature stops it from being able to reconnect. If the private tunnel isn’t fixed or the VPN Kill Switch isn’t turned off, your link won’t come back.

Multi-device connection– The best VPNs on the market let you connect more than one device at once, so you can use it on more than one device at once. Since you use websites like Chrome, it is also linked to your phone and other devices where you have a Google account. If you want to be completely safe while using Chrome, you need to connect to more than one computer. DNS can be used on one device it is available at.

To learn more attractive VPN features visit here:

How does a Smart DNS work?

A Smart DNS service’s job is to combine the tasks of a DNS server and a proxy server into a single operation. You can access streaming websites with the help of Smart DNS, which works by directing your DNS request to a proxy server physically situated in your chosen country.

You can access material that is only available in a particular region if you use the DNS address of the country in question. Because of this, the country in question is the location of your DNS address. Instead of altering your IP address, Smart DNS works by forcing websites to check your DNS before checking your IP address. This is accomplished without the need for you to change your IP address. When performing the detection procedure, the location of your DNS address is given higher priority than the location of your IP address.

How does a VPN work?

Unlike a DNS server, once you connect your device to a VPN service, it alters your IP address first. This is a form of encrypting and protecting your data. It creates a different route for your data to pass through. Since it can alter IP addresses, it helps you to unblock geo-restricted content as well.

Connecting a VPN to your device is very simple. All you need to do is, download, install, and sign up. Once you have signed up with your email and password, you are good to go. You can then choose a server location from all the options you are provided with and connect your device accordingly. It will not only protect you from the eyes of your own ISP but any random intruder too.
Check out our video on How to Protect Your Online Privacy With Symlex VPN

Conclusion

Smart DNS and VPNs are equally significant to internet users if not more. You need to choose carefully what is the best choice for your device. After all, your internet security is the most important aspect if you do not want to lose your personal and professional data amidst the millions of data theft victims. Smart DNS or VPN? Why choose one when you can get both?