DNS (Smart DNS) vs VPN: Key Differences and Benefits Explained
4 min read
What is a DNS?
Domain Name System is a crucial part of the internet infrastructure that translates IP addresses into human-readable names. We can think of it as a phone book of the internet.
When you call someone, you don't need to enter the phone number every time. If you have it saved, your phone will relate the name with the number.
A DNS server accomplishes a similar function on a larger scale within the internet infrastructure. Your device sends a domain name (such as cometvpn.com) to the DNS server, which then translates it into the website's IP address (for example, 192.158.1.38).
This process is instantaneous and allows you to visit websites without memorizing IP addresses. It does not hide your identity in any way but has some other applications.
DNS servers enable websites to support dynamic updates and have more than one IP address refer to the same website. As such, it's also crucial for load balancing and preventing DDoS or other attacks.
Unfortunately, DNS infrastructure also allows certain restrictions. Websites might block users with certain DNS servers, and governments can practice DNS blocking. In both cases, restricted IPs become unavailable in certain regional DNS servers.
Since DNS servers act as phone books, one solution is using a different DNS server to bypass the restrictions. That's where smart DNS services come in.
What is Smart DNS?
By default, you use a DNS server supplied by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). If you were to encounter any internet restrictions, your local DNS would likely be the culprit.
It's fairly easy to change it, and there are many DNS servers to choose from. Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) and Google Public (8.8.8.8) are a few of the most popular ones. However, manually switching to them is just a temporary solution.
A smart DNS service automates the process of changing between multiple DNS servers. It's best for accessing geo-restricted content when the restrictions are imposed on your local DNS server used by your ISP.
Websites might apply different restrictions based on visitors' DNS servers. A smart DNS service will regularly check what DNS is needed. If the content is restricted, your requests will be routed via a different DNS server until you can access it.
Paid subscriptions are required to use smart DNS services as additional infrastructure, and sometimes proxy servers are needed. Despite the expenses, it still has at least two weak points.
Your IP address isn't hidden and can still signal your geolocation and other information to websites. They can use it to impose geo-restrictions no matter what DNS server you are using.
Additionally, smart DNS services do not provide more security and privacy benefits, such as data encryption. In fact, there is a risk that an unreliable smart DNS provider will be the one spying on you.
What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) sets up an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. It functions by routing all the data through a VPN server, which encrypts it and hides your original IP address.
Ensuring privacy is what, by definition, a VPN service does best. A reliable VPN provider, such as CometVPN, won't keep any logs. Not even your ISP will be able to snoop around your online activity.
A VPN connection also protects you from hacker attacks. Performing cyberattacks is much more difficult if your IP address is hidden and data encrypted.
By hiding your identity, a VPN connection allows you to sidestep various internet restrictions, including DNS blocking. The websites you visit will not know your IP address other than the one you choose as your VPN server.
For example, if the content you want to access is only accessible to users from Germany, you can simply choose one of the available IP addresses from there. The VPN provider will use a DNS needed to access the content, so in most cases, a smart DNS service is no longer needed.
DNS vs. VPN vs. SmartDNS
Using Smart DNS and a VPN Simultaneously
Theoretically, you can use a smart DNS service and a VPN together. Some providers even offer it as an additional service. However, it should be clear from the table above that there's little to gain from using a smart DNS and a VPN together.
It's unnecessary for most uses, and these services might even conflict with one another. Along with changing your IP address and encrypting data, VPNs also use their own DNS service. Smart DNS service becomes redundant in such cases.
Conclusion
A smart DNS service is a simple solution for bypassing DNS-based restrictions. But it isn't a complete tool, yet it still costs like one.
If you're going to pay for a subscription, you might as well choose a comprehensive solution. A VPN is a better choice that not only bypasses restrictions but ensures your security and privacy online.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does changing DNS improve the internet?
Usually, your internet service provider (ISP) will use the most efficient DNS server possible. In some cases, other DNS servers might do a better job retrieving IP addresses, but you shouldn't expect a major increase. Browsing speed depends more on the responsiveness of the target server.
2. Does DNS change IP location?
No. Unlike a VPN, changing your DNS server, even with a smart DNS, does not change or hide your IP address. Your ISP and the websites you visit can still identify you or block content based on your IP.
3. Is 1.1 1.1 the fastest DNS?
Many benchmarks claim that the 1.1.1.1 DNS operated by Cloudflare is the fastest one. However, the DNS that is fastest for you depends on your location and internet connection. It's best to test a few different ones and see for yourself before starting to use a smart DNS.
4. What happens if I turn off DNS?
The internet would not function without a DNS. You can try to bypass it by using IP addresses instead of domain names to browse. In some cases, you will succeed in entering websites. In others, some errors might occur.
5. Can a VPN cause DNS issues?
Most VPN providers will simply override the DNS server you are using with its own one. It replaces the effects even of a smart DNS service with a better, encrypted connection. Otherwise, there shouldn't be any major issues when browsing.
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