Smart DNS Proxy Review 2023
SmartDNSProxy is a cost-effective service available at a $4.01/month price. It only offers 89 servers worldwide that don't allow US Netflix streaming but support torrenting. The service has earned 2.8 stars rating overall.
- Updated: December 6, 2023
- 3 User Reviews
- Rachelle J. Alley
Based in | Seychelles [SAFE] |
Price | $4.01/mo |
Servers | 89 (42+ countries) |
Logs | Keeps logs |
Multi-login | 5 Devices |
Refund | 30 Days |
Recommended | NO |
Website | smartdnsproxy.com |
SmartDNSProxy is a service that allows you to access geo-restricted sites. The service also offers an impressive VPN if you subscribe to its Smart DNS service.
This Smart DNS Proxy review unveiled that the service has to improve its small server network to new heights. This is because services like ExpressVPN and Surfshark are offering servers in huge numbers.
Moreover, the service came short during the review in areas like speed, Netflix streaming, logging policy, and trustworthiness to a certain degree.
These are some of the reasons that did not allow me to recommend this service to privacy-conscious users worldwide.
Smart DNS Proxy Review Rating Criteria
I have tested SmartDNSProxy as per my own 9 steps criteria that includes:
- Jurisdiction – Is it located in a 5-eyes country?
- Security – Is SmartDNSProxy Secure?
- Leaks – IP, DNS, WebRTC & Virus Tests?
- Servers – Is it P2P compatible?
- Speed – How fast is SmartDNSProxy?
- Streaming – Does it unblock Netflix?
- Compatibility – Apps and supported devices
- Pricing – How much does SmartDNSProxy cost?
- Trustworthiness – Trustpilot Ratings, Reddit & Customer Support
Jurisdiction – Is it located in a 5-eyes country?
Interestingly, the service does not belong to any 5 eyes, 9 eyes, or 14 eyes territory. The service mainly conducts its operations from a user-friendly country Seychelles.
As a result, SmartDNSProxy does not have to follow mandatory data regulations whatsoever.
Security – Is SmartDNSProxy Secure?
Unfortunately, their logging policy looks a bit dubious. They are bound to collect different sorts of users’ data like personally identifiable information.
They have to rely on users’ information to continue providing their services to users. However, they cannot guarantee that they will secure their users’ data in the best possible manner.
In terms of tunneling protocols and encryption, SmartDNS proxy provides such options including:
- PPTP protocol with 128-bit encryption
- L2TP protocol with 256-bit encryption
- IKEv1/IKEv2 protocol with 256-bit encryption
- SSTP protocol with 2048-bit encryption
- OpenVPN protocol with 2048-bit encryption
Leaks – IP, DNS, WebRTC & Virus Tests
SmartDNS is secure and safe to use. Here are the screenshots:
IP Leak:
First, I tested for IP leaks while using its Australia server. As you can see from the screenshot below, it didn’t leak my IP address.
DNS Leak:
Next, I checked for DNS leaks, and it passed this test too. As you can see from the screenshot below, I’m connected to a DNS server from Australia.
WebRTC Leak:
As for WebRTC leaks, again, it showed no sign of leaks. Even after double-checking, it showed no signs of obvious WebRTC leaks.
Virus Test:
I checked its Google Play Store Android app link through VirusTotal and received no malware threat at all.
Servers – Is It P2P compatible?
SmartDNSProxy only offers 30 servers in 60+ countries all over the world. However, they do not mention if they offer virtual or physical servers facility to their users or not.
Luckily, you can consider using this VPN because all its servers endorse users’ P2P activities in the right way.
Speed – How fast is Smart DNS Proxy?
SmartDNSProxy will have to increase its performance from a speed point of view to a new plane. When I connected to its Australian server, I received the following speed result:
As you can observe, there is a downward spike of almost 80% in speed.
Remember, I used a 30 Mbps internet connection to perform the above-described speed test.
Streaming – Does it unblock Netflix?
Surprisingly, this service does not support US Netflix streaming. Therefore, you will have to depend on other VPNs to unblock the famous US media streaming service.
Compatibility – Apps and supported devices
When examining its compatibility feature, I found SmartDNSProxy quite efficient and equal to the task. The service is highly compatible with famous operating systems such as Windows, Mac, Linux, Android & iOS.
Furthermore, the provider is also workable on other devices like Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and Set-top boxes.
Pricing – How much does Smart DNS Proxy cost?
SmartDNSProxy has a budget-friendly strategy for its users. Currently, it is available in 4 pricing plans. The best part is that none of the pricing plans have any limitations or restrictions! There are no bandwidth limits or data caps!
These plans are:
- Monthly ($5.90/month)
- Quarterly (15.58) ($5.19/month) 12% discount
- Yearly ($48.14) ($4.01/month) 32% discount
- Two Yearly ($59.47) ($2.47/month)
The cherry on top of the Smart DNS Proxy 14 day Free Trial is that you will be covered with a 30-day money-back guarantee once you sign up. You are covered under all circumstances.
You can protect your five (5) different devices of your choice with a single SmartDNSProxy account. There is a small caveat that exists in the form of limited payment options.
At present, you can only use PayPal or Credit Cards to pay your dues.
Also, if you’re interested in getting premium VPNs at low prices, check out our awesome deals on VPN to get amazing discounts!
Trustworthiness – Trustpilot ratings, Reddit & Customer Support
On Trustpilot, SmartDNSProxy has received impressive feedback from its users overall. As you can observe, 73% of users have rated its services as excellent, which is a big plus for them.
Conversely, SmartDNSProxy will have to improve its presence on a popular interactive platform Reddit. This is because users have not appreciated the service when it comes to unblocking US Netflix.
Read this guide for more insights: Best VPN Service on Reddit.
Customer Support
SmartDNSProxy has all the right ingredients to increase its existing customer base next level on the support front. It consists of:
- FAQs
- Tutorials
- Live Chat
After using the options mentioned above, you can solve all your issues in no time.
Comparison between ExpressVPN and Smart DNS Proxy
I have described the significant attributes of both these services to help you decide about your privacy.
Features | ExpressVPN | Smart DNS Proxy |
---|---|---|
Price | $6.67/mo | $4.01/mo |
Servers | 3,000 in 94 Countries | 89 servers |
Compatibility | All Devices | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS |
Jurisdiction | The British Virgin Islands | Seychelles |
Logging Policy | Zero Logs | keeps Logs |
Customer Support | Live Chat & Email Support | FAQs, Live Chat & Email |
Trust Pilot Score | 4.6 | 4.7 |
Website | ExpressVPN | SmartDNSProxy |
Alternatives to SmartDNSProxy
By now, our Smart DNS Proxy review has provided everything we need to know about this service. If you’re still not impressed by the service, you can check some of its alternatives below in our comprehensive and unbiased VPN reviews:
- ExpressVPN Review 2023
- PIA VPN Review 2023
- Hide.me VPN Review 2023
- GeoSurf Review 2023
- ZenMate Review 2023
- Avast SecureLine VPN Review 2023
- NVPN Review 2023
- PureVPN Review 2023
- NordVPN Review 2023
- Surfshark Review 2023
Do I Recommend Smart DNS Proxy?
No, I do not recommend SmartDNSProxy to users across the globe. The service offers a smart DNS service that is embedded with a VPN facility as well.
However, the limited server network, slow speeds, Netflix incompatibility, and obnoxious logging policy have hampered its reputation greatly.
Therefore, the provider has received a 2.8/5.0 stars rating during this review. If you want to pick the best VPN with the Smart DNS check out our blog. Hope you find our Smart DNS Proxy review Helpful for further queries do comment below. If you’re interested in exploring more options, consider looking into “Free Canada Proxy Services in USA” to enhance your online security and access.
First of all, you can buy positives reviews for 3$ on the web.
Secondary, I will never recommend anyone to subscribe to this crap low cost service run by a bunch of close minded islanders prats.
Seychelles is well known for being a gangsta paradise where justice is only applied if you’re poor. If you’re rich there, you will never be worried, that’s why laundering money and hacking became the norm overthere. So no, it’s a cheap service, they don’t really tell you what they do with your logs and they will probably hack yoau if they see your i.q is above their. Which is not really hard…
They hacked my -junk- email address, my phone so far, what’s next ?
Exposed my life on the web ? Don’t trust the Islanders, never.
Unless you’re one of them.
I have been with Smart DNS Proxy for several years. The primary problem is their service if you need help. I is spotty and sometime non existent.
That’s a good article Danish . I personally prefer UnoTelly. It’s similar to Smart DNS Proxy but they offer a DNS server close to physical location and I can achieve better performance.