Best 10 Smart DNS Services of 2026(Compared & Reviewed)

1. Smart DNS Proxy

Smart DNS Proxy is an all-in-one Smart DNS and VPN service that gives you fast access to geo-restricted websites and streaming platforms. It supports over 400 services, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and HBO Max. You can use Smart DNS for faster streaming or switch to the VPN for extra privacy, all with one subscription.

Key Features

Supports 400+ Streaming Services: You can access over 400 streaming services and geo-restricted websites from around the world.
Smart DNS and VPN Included: You get both Smart DNS and a VPN with every plan, so you can switch between faster streaming and better privacy.
Fast Streaming Performance: You can enjoy smooth HD and 4K streaming with minimal buffering on supported platforms.
Pros
Works with a wide range of devices, including Smart TVs and gaming consoles.
Offers a 14-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons
The Smart VPN allows only five simultaneous VPN connections.
Some streaming services may require occasional DNS or IP updates as platforms change their detection methods.
Pricing
Smart DNS Proxy offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required. Paid plans start at $6.79/month, with lower prices on longer-term plans. Every subscription includes both Smart DNS and Smart VPN.
Best For
Smart DNS Proxy is best for streamers, frequent travellers, and families who want easy access to geo-restricted content. It's also a good choice if you want both Smart DNS and a VPN in a single subscription.

2. Hide My IP

Hide My IP combines Smart DNS and VPN services to help you access geo-restricted content securely. It supports major devices and uses physical server locations instead of virtual servers, providing more reliable connections and better performance for streaming and everyday browsing.

Key Features

133 Genuine VPN Locations: You can connect to 133 physical server locations, providing more reliable connections and accurate virtual locations.
Fast and Secure Connections: You get fast browsing and streaming speeds while your internet traffic stays protected with VPN encryption.
Connect Up to 7 Devices: You can protect up to seven devices with a single subscription, making it suitable for personal and family use.
Pros
Supports all major operating systems and browsers.
Affordable long-term plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons
Focuses on VPN services rather than dedicated Smart DNS features.
The free trial includes limited locations and features.
Pricing
Hide My IP plans start at $4.95/month, with annual plans available from $2.91/month. All subscriptions support up to seven devices and include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Best For
Hide My IP is best for users who want an affordable Smart DNS and VPN service for streaming, secure browsing, and everyday online privacy across multiple devices.

3. HideIPVPN

HideIPVPN combines VPN and Smart DNS services, making it a reliable choice for secure browsing and accessing geo-restricted content. It offers stable performance, easy setup, and the flexibility to switch between faster streaming with Smart DNS and encrypted browsing with the VPN.

Key Features

VPN and Smart DNS Included: You get both VPN and Smart DNS, making it easy to switch between secure browsing and faster streaming.
Fast Servers with Unlimited Bandwidth: You can enjoy smooth streaming, faster downloads, and unrestricted browsing with high-speed servers.
Strong Privacy Protection: Your internet traffic stays protected with encryption, IP masking, and DNS leak protection.
Pros
Easy to set up and beginner-friendly.
24/7 customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons
Server coverage in Asia is more limited than some competitors.
Some advanced VPN protocols and features are still being requested by users.
Pricing
HideIPVPN offers a free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Plans start at $2.99/month, with longer subscriptions offering the best value. All plans include VPN, Smart DNS, and Proxy services.
Best For
HideIPVPN is best for beginners, travellers, and users looking for an affordable Smart DNS and VPN service for streaming and secure browsing.

4. CactusVPN

CactusVPN combines a VPN with Smart DNS in every plan, making it a practical choice for users who want secure browsing and unrestricted streaming. You can easily switch between Smart DNS for faster streaming and the VPN for added privacy whenever needed.

Key Features

Smart DNS Included: You get Smart DNS with every plan, making it easy to access over 340 streaming services and geo-restricted websites.
VPN Servers in 25 Countries: You can connect to high-speed servers in 25 countries for reliable browsing, streaming, and online privacy.
Strong Privacy Protection: Your internet traffic is protected with AES-256 encryption, and the verified no-logs policy helps keep your browsing activity private.
Pros
Verified no-logs policy with strong AES-256 encryption.
Unlimited device connections on all plans.
Cons
VPN servers are available in 25 countries, which is fewer than some larger VPN providers.
There is no permanent free plan or free VPN trial.
Pricing
CactusVPN plans start at $15/month. Long-term plans reduce the price to $5.83/month (annual) and $3.96/month (2-year). All plans include Smart DNS, unlimited device connections, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Best For
CactusVPN is best for streamers, travellers, and privacy-focused users who want Smart DNS and a VPN in one subscription with unlimited device support.

5. PrivadoVPN

PrivadoVPN combines Smart DNS, VPN, antivirus, ad blocking, and other security tools in one platform. It's a good choice for users who want to manage online privacy, streaming access, and device security with a single subscription.

Key Features

VPN and Smart DNS Included: You get both VPN and Smart DNS, allowing you to switch between secure browsing and faster streaming whenever needed.
Global Server Network: You can connect to high-speed servers in 66 cities for reliable streaming, browsing, gaming, and travel.
All-in-One Security Suite: You also get antivirus, ad blocking, threat protection, parental controls, and Email Relay to keep your devices and online activity protected.
Pros
Strong AES-256 encryption with a strict zero-log policy.
Supports up to 10 devices on premium plans.
Cons
Some advanced security features, such as antivirus, require an additional subscription.
The free plan includes limited data and fewer features than the premium plans.
Pricing
PrivadoVPN offers a free plan with 10 GB of data every 30 days. Premium plans start at $10.99/month, with long-term plans available from $1.11/month. All paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Best For
PrivadoVPN is best for users who want an all-in-one solution with Smart DNS, VPN, ad blocking, and additional security features.

6. Unlocator

Unlocator combines Smart DNS, VPN, and its Hybrid mode to deliver both streaming performance and online privacy. It's a strong option for users who want flexible access to geo-restricted content across multiple devices without compromising security.

Key Features

Smart DNS, VPN, and Hybrid Mode: You can choose Smart DNS for faster streaming, VPN for better privacy, or Hybrid mode to enjoy both.
Works on Multiple Devices: You can use Unlocator on Smart TVs, gaming consoles, streaming devices, computers, smartphones, tablets, and routers.
Strong Privacy Protection: Your internet traffic is protected with AES-256 encryption, WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, and a strict no-logs policy.
Pros
Includes Smart DNS, VPN, and Hybrid mode in one subscription.
Fast streaming with unlimited bandwidth.
Cons
Only five simultaneous VPN connections are included.
Costs more than some Smart DNS-only services.
Pricing
Unlocator offers a 7-day free trial. Paid plans start at ₹1,049/month, while the 2-year plan costs ₹433.29/month (billed every two years). All plans include Smart DNS, VPN, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Best For
Unlocator is best for streamers, frequent travellers, and families who want Smart DNS and VPN in a single subscription for fast, reliable access to geo-restricted content.

Should You Use a Smart DNS Service?

After comparing different Smart DNS services, I found they're most useful if your main goal is streaming. They let you access movies, TV shows, and live sports that may not be available in your country without affecting your streaming speed.
Another advantage I noticed is that Smart DNS is much easier to use on devices like Smart TVs, Apple TV, gaming consoles, and other streaming devices that don't support VPN apps. The setup is usually quick, and once it's configured, you can start streaming without much effort.
Unlike a VPN, Smart DNS doesn't encrypt your internet traffic. This means you can often enjoy faster speeds and smoother HD or 4K streaming with less buffering, which makes a noticeable difference during long streaming sessions.
If you mainly want to access international streaming content and don't need the extra privacy features of a VPN, I think a Smart DNS service is one of the simplest and most effective solutions.

How Smart DNS Helps You Access Geo-Restricted Content?

A Smart DNS service starts by connecting your device to the provider's DNS servers. This tells your device to use the Smart DNS service instead of your internet provider's default DNS.
Most providers first verify your IP address to make sure your subscription is active. This step usually happens automatically and only takes a few seconds.
When you open a supported streaming service, Smart DNS redirects only the DNS requests related to your location. It doesn't change the rest of your internet connection.
The streaming platform then believes you're accessing it from a supported country. This allows you to watch geo-restricted content without changing your entire internet connection.
Since only location-related requests are redirected, your normal web browsing and other online activities continue as usual. This helps keep streaming fast and responsive.

How We Selected These Smart DNS Services?

To create this list, we compared Smart DNS services based on the factors that matter most in everyday use. We looked at streaming performance, speed, device compatibility, ease of use, pricing, and overall value.
We also tested how well each service worked with popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Services with reliable access, fast speeds, and smooth HD and 4K streaming ranked higher.
Finally, we considered setup, supported devices, free trials, refund policies, customer support, and any extra features. Our goal was to recommend Smart DNS services that are reliable, easy to use, and worth your money.

Why Do We Recommend Using a Smart DNS Service?

After comparing different Smart DNS services, I found that one of the biggest benefits is how easily they let you access geo-restricted content. You can watch movies, TV shows, and live sports on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer from almost anywhere.
Another advantage is speed. Since Smart DNS doesn't encrypt your internet traffic like a VPN, you can usually enjoy smoother HD and 4K streaming with less buffering.
I also like that most Smart DNS services don't limit your bandwidth, so you can stream for as long as you want without worrying about data restrictions.
Setup is another area where Smart DNS stands out. Most providers offer simple guides, and once it's configured, you can start streaming within a few minutes.
Finally, Smart DNS works with a wide range of devices, including Smart TVs, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, and gaming consoles. If you mainly want faster access to international streaming content, it's one of the simplest solutions I've used.

Smart DNS vs VPN: What's the Difference?

After using both Smart DNS and VPN services, I found that the right choice depends on what you need. If your main goal is streaming, Smart DNS is usually the better option. It only redirects location-related requests, so you can often enjoy faster speeds with less buffering.
If privacy and security are more important, choose a VPN. It encrypts your internet traffic, hides your IP address, and helps keep your online activity private, especially on public Wi-Fi.
Many providers now include both Smart DNS and a VPN in one subscription. I think this is the best option if you want the flexibility to switch between faster streaming and stronger online privacy whenever you need.

Best Practices for Using Smart DNS

From my experience, choosing a trusted Smart DNS provider makes a big difference. Reliable services are updated more often and work better with popular streaming platforms.
If your provider requires IP registration, remember to update it whenever your IP address changes. This helps avoid streaming issues.
Always use the DNS settings provided by your Smart DNS service and test your favourite streaming platforms after setup to make sure everything is working properly.
If online privacy is important to you, consider using a VPN along with Smart DNS. This gives you access to geo-restricted content while also protecting your internet traffic.

Common Smart DNS Mistakes to Avoid

After comparing different Smart DNS services, I noticed a few common mistakes that are easy to avoid.
Don't choose a service based only on price. A slightly more expensive provider often offers better streaming support and more reliable performance.
Remember that Smart DNS is different from a VPN. It helps you access geo-restricted content but doesn't encrypt your internet traffic or improve your online privacy.
Before you subscribe, check that the service supports your favourite streaming platforms and the devices you use. If your provider requires IP registration, make sure you update it whenever your IP address changes.
Finally, follow the setup guide carefully. Entering the wrong DNS settings can stop the service from working properly.

Conclusion

After comparing these Smart DNS services, I found that the best choice depends on your needs. If you mainly want to stream movies and TV shows, choose a service with fast speeds and good streaming support. If you also want better online privacy, a provider that includes both Smart DNS and a VPN is a better choice.
I also recommend checking whether the service works with your favourite streaming platforms and the devices you use most. In my experience, easy setup and reliable performance make a much bigger difference than having a long list of features.
Before you subscribe, try the free trial or use the money-back guarantee if it's available. This gives you enough time to see how well the service works with your internet connection and streaming apps.
Overall, every Smart DNS service in this guide has its own strengths. Compare the features, pricing, and device support carefully, and choose the one that best fits your streaming needs and budget.