NordVPN is one of the most popular VPN services available today, known for its excellent privacy and security features, fast and reliable connections, and user-friendly interface. However, some users may not be aware that NordVPN also offers a Smart DNS service, which can be a great alternative to using a VPN in certain situations. In this article, we will discuss NordVPN's Smart DNS service, its features and benefits, and how to set it up.
What is Smart DNS?
Before we dive into NordVPN's Smart DNS service, it's essential to understand what Smart DNS is and how it works. Smart DNS is a technology that allows you to access geo-restricted content by changing your DNS server to one located in a different country. This means that you can access content that is not available in your location, such as streaming services that are only available in the US or UK.
Unlike a VPN, which encrypts your internet traffic and reroutes it through a remote server, Smart DNS only routes the traffic needed to access the content you want to view through a different DNS server. This means that Smart DNS is faster and doesn't impact your internet speed or latency. However, Smart DNS doesn't provide the same level of privacy and security as a VPN, so it's not recommended for sensitive activities like online banking or accessing confidential information.
What is NordVPN Smart DNS?
NordVPN's Smart DNS service is a great alternative to using a VPN for streaming geo-restricted content. NordVPN Smart DNS can be used on any device that supports DNS settings, such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers. The service allows you to access content from over 140 streaming services in different countries, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
One of the significant advantages of NordVPN's Smart DNS service is that it doesn't impact your internet speed or latency. This means that you can enjoy streaming high-quality content without buffering or lagging. NordVPN Smart DNS also doesn't limit your bandwidth, so you can stream as much content as you want without worrying about hitting a data cap.
Another advantage of NordVPN's Smart DNS service is that it doesn't require any additional software or configuration. Once you subscribe to NordVPN, you can activate Smart DNS by changing your DNS settings. NordVPN provides clear instructions on how to do this on their website, and the process only takes a few minutes.
How to set up NordVPN Smart DNS?
Setting up NordVPN's Smart DNS service is easy and straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:
- Log in to your NordVPN account.
- Go to the NordVPN Smart DNS page and copy the two DNS server addresses.
- Go to your device's network settings and locate the DNS settings.
- Replace your current DNS server addresses with the two NordVPN Smart DNS server addresses.
- Save the changes, and you're done!
Once you've changed your DNS settings, you can access geo-restricted content from over 140 streaming services on your device. You don't need to connect to a VPN server, and your internet speed and latency won't be impacted.
Pros and Cons of NordVPN Smart DNS
NordVPN's Smart DNS service has several advantages and disadvantages that you should be aware of before using it. Here are some of the pros and cons of NordVPN Smart DNS:
Pros:
- Faster than VPN: NordVPN Smart DNS is faster than a VPN because it only routes the traffic needed to access the content you want to view through a different DNS server.
- No impact on internet speed or latency: Since NordVPN Smart DNS doesn't encrypt your internet traffic, it doesn't impact your internet speed or latency.
- Compatible with any device that supports DNS settings: NordVPN's Smart DNS service can be used on any device that supports DNS settings, such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers.
- Access to over 140 streaming services: NordVPN Smart DNS allows you to access content from over 140 streaming services in different countries, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
- No additional software or configuration required: Once you subscribe to NordVPN, you can activate Smart DNS by changing your DNS settings, which only takes a few minutes.
Cons:
- No encryption: NordVPN Smart DNS doesn't provide the same level of privacy and security as a VPN since it doesn't encrypt your internet traffic. This means that your online activities can be monitored and tracked by your ISP and other third parties.
- Limited to geo-restricted content: NordVPN Smart DNS can only be used to access geo-restricted content and doesn't provide access to websites or services that are blocked by governments or ISPs.
- No protection against online threats: Since NordVPN Smart DNS doesn't encrypt your internet traffic, it doesn't protect you against online threats like malware, phishing, and hacking.
- Requires manual configuration: Unlike NordVPN's VPN service, which provides easy-to-use apps for various devices, NordVPN Smart DNS requires manual configuration, which can be challenging for some users.
NordVPN Smart DNS Pricing
NordVPN's Smart DNS service is included with a NordVPN subscription, which starts at $3.71 per month for a three-year plan. NordVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the service risk-free and get a full refund if you're not satisfied.
Conclusion
NordVPN's Smart DNS service is an excellent alternative to using a VPN for streaming geo-restricted content. It's faster than a VPN, doesn't impact your internet speed or latency, and provides access to over 140 streaming services in different countries. However, it's important to note that NordVPN Smart DNS doesn't provide the same level of privacy and security as a VPN, so it's not recommended for sensitive activities like online banking or accessing confidential information. If you're looking for a more secure option, you may want to consider using NordVPN's VPN service or another VPN provider that offers similar features.