Smart DNS Proxy is owned by Global Stealth Inc., a Seychelles-based company established in 1995, known for its expertise in security solutions. Recently, the company has expanded its offerings to include a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service, featuring a range of protocols and support for numerous platforms. Smart DNS Proxy is a reliable choice for users seeking robust security features.
Features
The VPN service includes comprehensive features such as unlimited bandwidth, uncapped speed, support for up to five simultaneous connections, and a variety of security protocols, including PPTP, L2TP, IKEv2, IKEv1, SSTP, and OpenVPN. I opted for OpenVPN, which is renowned for its secure connections using 2048-bit encryption. However, it’s worth noting that stronger encryption can lead to reduced speeds.
Pricing
Smart DNS Proxy offers four pricing plans: $4.90 per month, $12.90 for three months, $39.90 annually, and $49.90 for a two-year subscription. All paid plans provide the same features, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free trial. Payment options include PayPal and credit cards, but Bitcoin is not accepted.
It is important to note that the free trial is limited to the Smart DNS proxy feature only. To evaluate the VPN service, a subscription to a paid plan is required. The company provides responsive customer support, including live chat, which is a notable advantage.
Streaming and Compatibility
Smart DNS Proxy excels in enabling access to geo-restricted streaming services. It supports popular platforms such as Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Pandora, Spotify, and Hulu. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including computers, smartphones, routers, smart TVs, and Xbox. Comprehensive setup guides are available for each platform, tailored to different operating system versions.
Setting up Smart DNS Proxy on Windows is straightforward, following the provided instructions. It is advisable to select IP addresses geographically close to your location to optimize performance.
VPN Service
The VPN service is more technical. Users familiar with OpenVPN will find the setup process manageable, while those less experienced may encounter challenges in configuring the required files. The VPN supports various devices and platforms, including Mac, Windows, Ubuntu, Android, iOS, and several router brands. Although OpenVPN offers the highest level of security with 2048-bit encryption, it may require manual login and password input for each server, which can be cumbersome for some users.
In summary, Smart DNS Proxy provides robust solutions for both DNS proxy and VPN needs, with a focus on secure streaming and versatile device compatibility.
VPN Testing Results
I conducted a performance assessment of the VPN solution, focusing on its speed. The results were generally favorable. While locating a fast server may require a few minutes, the overall performance was satisfactory.
Below are my speed test results prior to connecting to the VPN:
Before VPN Connection:
And the results when connected to the US server:
US Server:
And the UK server:
UK Server:
As expected, Smart DNS Proxy VPN successfully passed all security tests. There were no DNS leaks:
DNS Leak Test Results:
And no WebRTC leaks:
WebRTC Leak Test Results:
Smart DNS Proxy is designed to facilitate seamless streaming and performed admirably in accessing Netflix US and BBC iPlayer. It offers notable convenience by eliminating the need to enable the VPN manually, and it avoids issues such as speed drops, disconnections, or buffering. For those seeking to bypass Netflix’s VPN restrictions, Smart DNS Proxy stands out as one of the most effective and practical options available.
Privacy and Security
However, I have reservations about their Terms of Service (ToS) and Privacy Policy. The documentation lacks clarity on key aspects typically important to VPN users, such as logging practices, privacy measures, and jurisdiction. The language used is often vague and complex, making it difficult to discern whether the clauses apply to DNS, VPN services, or the website itself.
For instance, the Privacy Policy indicates that the company may collect personally identifiable information from its websites and certain other sources. They assert that this data is not shared with affiliates, contractors, or partners, but there is no clear information on session logging policies.
The ToS document is extensive, comprising 4,500 words of intricate legal language. Among its provisions, Smart DNS Proxy specifies that it offers “selectively private” browsing. Essentially, users bear responsibility for their actions, while the company will adhere to any legal notices it receives, whether from private or public entities. Notably, they do support P2P activities.
Given this, the Seychelles-based registration of Smart DNS Proxy seems less relevant, as the ToS explicitly limits the scope of privacy and anonymity. It is clear that Smart DNS Proxy prioritizes streaming over privacy and anonymity
