Best VPNs with Smart DNS in USA in 2024

Last updated: January 10, 2024
William Sams
William Sams
William Sams is an online privacy/security advocate at BestVPN.co, who loves sharing his expert knowledge regarding the latest trends in user privacy, cyber laws, and digital affairs.
Best VPN with smart dns-in-USA

If you enjoy streaming content limited to certain regions, Smart DNS proves to be a valuable tool, ensuring smooth streaming. Curious about the best VPN with Smart DNS in USA? This article delves into the top VPNs featuring Smart DNS, ensuring a seamless and trouble-free streaming venture.

Smart DNS is a technology that allows users to access geo-restricted online content by rerouting its DNS queries through servers in different locations. Some VPN subscriptions offer Smart DNS as a feature, providing users with the flexibility to switch between the two technologies based on their needs, combining the benefits of security and privacy safeguards.

The best VPN services provide the Smart DNS functionality under distinct names. For instance, NordVPN refers to its Smart DNS proxy as SmartPlay, whereas ExpressVPN labels it as MediaStreamer. Both provide the same benefit despite the name change.

Embark on this exploration as we dive into the realm of Smart DNS services, revealing the top three trustworthy choices that elevate your online activities. Explore how these Smart DNS VPN solutions safeguard your connectivity, ensure your privacy, and facilitate seamless access to various online platforms.


3 Best VPNs with Smart DNS in USA in 2024

Effortlessly crossing global borders using Smart DNS is made possible through a VPN, quickly navigating around location-related obstacles. Our thorough assessments present the top-tier VPNs for Smart DNS, explore the details below:

  1. ExpressVPN: Best VPN with Smart DNS in USA, presents an integrated Smart DNS solution known as MediaStreamer, enabling access to restricted content on various streaming devices, especially those lacking VPN support, pricing starting at US$ 6.67 /mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free.
  2. NordVPN: The Largest Server Network VPN with Smart DNS in USA capabilities. Showcases an inherent Smart DNS utility named SmartPlay across all client applications. Ensures top-notch security alongside essential features even while utilizing its Smart DNS proxy with prices from US$ 3.99 /mo - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend.
  3. Surfshark: Budget-friendly VPN with Smart DNS in USA Arguably the most budget-friendly premium VPN offering a built-in Smart DNS function. Provides convenient entry to geo-restricted content through a user-friendly Smart DNS configuration, priced at only US$ 2.49 /mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, you can also refer to our Best VPN with Smart DNS in USA In-Depth Analysis  | FAQs

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What is Smart DNS?

Smart DNS, known as Domain Name Server, functions similarly to a VPN by enabling connected devices to access content that is restricted based on geographical locations.

Through this service, you can replace your Internet Service Provider’s designated DNS servers with the intelligent DNS servers maintained by the VPN server provider. It’s important to note that unlike a VPN service from the provider, smart DNS doesn’t establish an encrypted connection for safeguarding.

The fresh DNS address furnished by the VPN enables you to enjoy online streaming content from different global regions. Essentially, even if you’re situated in the United Kingdom, opting for a Smart DNS service provider grants you access to Netflix content typically reserved for viewers located in the United States or any other location.

This service is especially convenient for devices incompatible with VPN applications, like Apple TV, Playstation, Xbox, and similar gadgets. The smart DNS service of a VPN allows these devices to unlock content from specific geographic regions without requiring VPN setup. However, once again, it doesn’t encrypt your internet connection.


Why Should We Use a VPN with Smart DNS in USA?

To begin, using SmartDNS results in faster connection speeds compared to a VPN due to the absence of encryption. VPN encryption naturally leads to a decrease in internet speed. Without encryption, you avoid this speed reduction, allowing for smoother streaming experiences with SmartDNS, particularly for high-quality formats like HD, 4K, or 8K.

Additionally, SmartDNS is easily set up on various streaming devices, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles. In contrast, VPN software typically lacks direct compatibility with these devices, often necessitating VPN configuration through a compatible router with specialized firmware like Tomato or DD-WRT.

Moreover, while opting solely for a standalone SmartDNS service is an option, selecting a VPN with integrated SmartDNS offers the advantage of applying privacy protections inherent to a VPN on compatible devices. With a VPN featuring SmartDNS, you enjoy the benefits of both privacy and seamless content access, creating an optimal combination.


3 Best VPNs with Smart DNS in USA – Explained in Detail

Although a wide array of VPN services exists, only a limited selection can consistently overcome the limitations imposed by SmartDNS. After thorough assessments, we have identified the top three best VPN with Smart DNS in USA that ensure unrestricted access to content from any location.

1. ExpressVPN: Best VPN with Smart DNS in USA

ExpressVPN-in-USA

Serving as the best VPN with Smart DNS in USA, ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer empowers users to access geo-restricted content with ease. With a vast network of over 3000 servers across 105 countries, including an impressive 25 server locations within the US, ExpressVPN ensures a diverse range of options for users seeking optimized performance and unrestricted content access.

Security and Privacy

ExpressVPN prioritizes user security and privacy, and a key pillar of its security strategy is encryption, which involves utilizing strong protocols to protect internet traffic and thwart unauthorized data access. ExpressVPN also introduces a variety of protocols, including the Lightway protocol, striking a balance between speed and security to ensure effective and safe connections.

ExpressVPN upholds a stringent no-logging policy, guaranteeing the absence of records related to your online actions, encompassing the protection of browsing history, connection timestamps, and sensitive data. In addition, ExpressVPN reinforces security with a kill switch feature that swiftly halts your internet connection if the VPN link is disrupted, preventing any potential data exposure.

Furthermore, ExpressVPN diligently guards against IP and DNS leaks, ensuring that your true IP address and DNS queries are not exposed. This comprehensive approach to security and privacy solidifies ExpressVPN’s reputation as a reliable and trustworthy choice for safeguarding your online presence.

Speeds

ExpressVPN excels in providing impressive speeds for your online activities. When it comes to download and upload speeds of 89.42 Mbps and 84.64 Mbps, ExpressVPN speed test in USA  consistently delivers exceptional performance, ensuring quick data transfer for both retrieving and sending content. This is particularly advantageous for tasks like streaming high-definition videos, online gaming, and large file downloads.

ExpressVPN ensures uninterrupted streaming with bufferless viewing of shows, movies, and videos, thanks to its strong infrastructure and optimized servers. Its extensive server network maintains stable connections, offering reliable and smooth performance for various online activities, making it a trustworthy choice for consistent connectivity.

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ExpressVPN speeds were quite impressive as we didn’t face any lagging or buffering in USA.

Ease of Use

ExpressVPN streamlines its installation process, ensuring that users, regardless of its technical expertise, can swiftly set up and start using the service. The step-by-step instructions and user-friendly interface guide individuals through the process, eliminating any potential complexity.

ExpressVPN stands out as the best VPN for DD-WRT router in USA , offering a seamless and secure experience for users looking to enhance its network’s privacy and protection. With a dedicated router app, ExpressVPN simplifies the setup process on DD-WRT-compatible devices, ensuring that even those without technical expertise can configure the VPN seamlessly.

ExpressVPN further enhances usability through its MediaStreamer feature. This innovative addition is designed to facilitate the seamless streaming of geo-restricted content. ExpressVPN prioritizes user-friendliness by ensuring seamless compatibility with a variety of devices, spanning computers, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, requiring no technical expertise for integration.

Recognizing that questions and issues can arise at any time, ExpressVPN provides 24/7 customer support. This means that users can receive assistance and resolve queries promptly, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted experience.

Price

When considering the cost of using ExpressVPN, it is available at an affordable rate of only US$ 6.67 /mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free. Apprehensive about long-term commitment? Ease your concerns with the assurance of a 30-day money-back guarantee, enabling you to explore ExpressVPN risk-free. Moreover, you can leverage its free trial period to personally encounter the seamless performance and robust security that ExpressVPN provides.

For a more in-depth understanding, delve into our comprehensive ExpressVPN review in USA, where we meticulously assess its diverse features and functionalities.

Pros
  • Provides the MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) tool as an inclusive feature
  • Compatible with an array of streaming devices
  • Effectively unlocks leading streaming platforms
  • Ensures consistent high speeds with limitless bandwidth

Cons
  • Comes at a higher price compared to similar options

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2. NordVPN: Largest Server Network VPN with Smart DNS in USA

NordVPN-in-USA

NordVPN has the largest server network VPN with Smart DNS in USA that seamlessly combines convenience and accessibility. With a global network boasting over 6000 servers across 61 countries, including an impressive 1970+ servers stationed within the United States, NordVPN ensures a comprehensive solution for users seeking unrestricted content access with optimal performance.

Security and Privacy

NordVPN places paramount importance on security and privacy, evident through its comprehensive set of measures. The service employs advanced encryption protocols such as the innovative NordLynx to safeguard users’ data, ensuring that online activities remain confidential.

A strict no-logging policy underscores NordVPN’s commitment to protecting user information. This means that no records of users’ online activities or personal data are stored, preserving anonymity and privacy. To further enhance security, NordVPN features a kill switch functionality, which ensures that internet traffic is halted if the VPN connection drops, preventing any potential exposure.

You can also take advantage of NordVPN’s split tunneling, an innovative feature that allows you to selectively route your internet traffic, optimizing both security and performance for a tailored online experience.

Additionally, NordVPN goes the extra mile to prevent any data leaks. This includes measures to safeguard against IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, providing users with peace of mind that their sensitive information remains secure. With NordVPN’s comprehensive security and privacy features, users can confidently navigate the online world. It is also preferred by users as the best VPN for 4chan to ensure complete anonymity while using the platform.

Speeds

NordVPN prioritizes an exceptional browsing and streaming experience, evident in its impressive NordVPN speed test in USA  performance. With robust download speeds of 83.82 Mbps and upload speeds of 44.64 Mbps, users can enjoy seamless content consumption and data transfers.

The service’s dedication to bufferless streaming is particularly noteworthy, ensuring that your viewing experience remains uninterrupted and enjoyable. Moreover, NordVPN’s commitment to stable connections further enhances its reliability, allowing users to engage in various online activities with confidence and consistency.

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NordVPN provided excellent speeds for streaming and browsing in USA.

Ease of Use

NordVPN’s versatility is evident in its wide-ranging device compatibility. From computers to smartphones, tablets, and even routers, NordVPN seamlessly integrates with your preferred platforms.

One of the highlights enhancing NordVPN’s user-friendliness is its Smart DNS feature. This functionality simplifies the process of accessing geo-restricted content. Without the need for complex setup or configurations, users can effortlessly enjoy content from different regions while maintaining optimal connection speeds.

Additionally, NordVPN goes the extra mile to ensure user convenience by being the best VPN for Brave Browser in USA. This means you can secure your online activities and maintain your privacy directly from your browser, further streamlining your online protection efforts.

Recognizing that assistance might be needed at any hour, NordVPN offers 24/7 customer support. Whether you encounter technical issues or simply have questions, NordVPN’s responsive support team ensures that you’re never alone on your VPN journey. This commitment to round-the-clock assistance contributes to a worry-free and straightforward experience.

Price

Acquiring NordVPN proves to be exceptionally cost-effective, as pricing commences at a mere US$ 3.99 /mo - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend. Furthermore, NordVPN ensures your contentment by providing a 30-day money-back guarantee, instilling the confidence to explore its features without risk. Moreover, NordVPN extends the opportunity to test its full suite of features through a free trial, allowing you to assess the compatibility of the VPN subscription with your needs.

For a more comprehensive understanding of this VPN service, we invite you to delve into our detailed NordVPN review in USA, offering extensive insights into its capabilities.

Pros
  • SmartPlay (Smart DNS) feature enables swift access to restricted content
  • Expansive server network
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Advanced encryption protocols to guarantee top-tier security

Cons
  • Notable issue with sluggishness observed in desktop client applications

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3.  Surfshark: The Budget-Friendly VPN for Smart DNS in USA

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Surfshark, a budget-friendly VPN, provides a distinct advantage by including the Smart DNS feature in every subscription plan, facilitating effortless access to restricted content. Boasting a network of over 3200 servers across 100 countries, including an impressive selection of 600+ servers in the United States, NordVPN ensures a comprehensive and optimized experience for users.

Security and Privacy

To fortify data integrity, Surfshark employs state-of-the-art encryption protocols. Among these, the inclusion of the WireGuard protocol stands out as a cutting-edge addition that enhances the speed and security of data transfers. This combination of advanced encryption methods and protocols ensures that your sensitive information remains safeguarded against prying eyes.

Surfshark’s stringent no-logs policy underscores its dedication to preserving your privacy. This means that your online activities and browsing history are not recorded or stored, reinforcing your digital anonymity. Surfshark enhances security with a kill switch, instantly severing your internet connection if the VPN link is unexpectedly lost. This swift action averts data exposure to unsecured networks.

Surfshark enhances privacy with traffic obfuscation, disguising VPN traffic as regular internet data to hinder tracking. Notably, Surfshark’s impressive accomplishment lies in its flawless record of thwarting data leaks, encompassing DNS and IP leaks. This solidifies its dedication to maintaining comprehensive security measures.

Speeds

Surfshark sets a high standard for internet speeds, ensuring a seamless online experience for its users. With impressive download speeds of 81.32 Mbps and upload speeds of 76.12 Mbps, as proven in the Surfshark speed test in USA, Surfshark enhances browsing, streaming, and other online activities.

Moreover, Surfshark’s commitment to stable connections further contributes to a reliable and smooth internet experience. Whether you’re streaming high-definition content, engaging in online gaming, or simply browsing the web, Surfshark’s emphasis on speed and stability ensures consistent and satisfying performance.

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Surfshark provided terrific speeds on every device in USA.

Ease of Use

Surfshark’s versatility is a core pillar of its user-centric approach. It seamlessly integrates across a diverse range of devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and more. This broad compatibility ensures that regardless of your preferred platform, Surfshark can be effortlessly integrated to protect your online activities.

Therefore, when selecting the best VPN for PC, such as Surfshark, takes on added significance when it integrates seamlessly with Smart DNS technology. Surfshark’s collaboration with Smart DNS not only enhances the security of your PC but also provides a dynamic solution for bypassing geographic content restrictions. This dual functionality ensures a comprehensive online experience, combining robust privacy features for your PC with the ability to effortlessly access geo-blocked content.

Surfshark’s exceptional compatibility extends to being the best VPN for Chromebook in USA users. With optimized features and capabilities tailored to this platform, Surfshark ensures a seamless and secure browsing experience for Chromebook users.

A standout feature enhancing Surfshark’s user-friendliness is its Smart DNS functionality. This feature simplifies the process of accessing geo-restricted content. Users can effortlessly enjoy content from different regions while maintaining exceptional connection speeds, adding to the convenience of the overall experience.

Surfshark prioritizes user convenience with 24/7 customer support, ensuring a seamless experience. Its dedicated support team is available at all times, ensuring uninterrupted assistance. Additionally, Surfshark’s standout feature is the ability to secure unlimited simultaneous connections, catering to users with multiple devices for added convenience.

Price

Embark on a risk-free exploration of Surfshark’s impressive capabilities with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Moreover, take advantage of a Surfshark free trial in USA period to fully engage with its offerings, establishing an ideal platform to elevate your experience.

With pricing commencing at a mere US$ 2.49 /mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee, Surfshark presents a cost-effective and feature-abundant solution curated for creative professionals in search of premium VPN services. For a thorough grasp of Surfshark’s attributes and functionalities, immerse yourself in our all-encompassing Surfshark review in USA.

Pros
  • User-friendly setup for Smart DNS functionality
  • Swift speeds
  • Cost-effective subscription
  • Enables simultaneous access across unlimited devices

Cons
  • Intermittently, specific servers might exhibit reduced speed

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How To Use Smart DNS Feature with these VPNs in USA

Here are the procedures we followed to establish a Smart DNS connection:

  1. Log in to your VPN account and proceed to register your present IP address. We highly recommend ExpressVPN.
  2. Acquire a MediaStreamer server address, which you should save for configuration on your streaming device.
  3. Access your device’s network settings and locate the DNS settings section.
  4. Replace the existing DNS server addresses with the provided MediaStreamer server addresses.
  5. Save the modifications and exit the settings menu.
  6. Restart your device to ensure the changes are implemented effectively.
  7. Confirm your connection to MediaStreamer by visiting a geo-restricted website or service, which should now be accessible.
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FAQs – Best VPNs with Smart DNS in USA

Smart DNS and VPNs serve different purposes and have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Deciding whether one is better than the other depends on your specific needs and priorities.

Smart DNS offers limited security enhancement as changing the DNS server address affects DNS lookups but leaves your IP exposed and data unencrypted. In contrast, Smart DNS has a lesser impact on internet speed compared to VPN since VPN encryption uses bandwidth, while Smart DNS, being unencrypted, provides faster connections.

A smart DNS is limited in bypassing IP blocks set by institutions, while a VPN offers broader capabilities to overcome such restrictions. Smart DNS is suitable for devices where VPN clients cannot be installed; yet, with a compatible router, a VPN client can be installed to secure a wide range of devices, including phones, tablets, appliances, and smart assistants like Alexa.

No, it is not possible to use both simultaneously. When using VPN alongside the Smart DNS service, the Smart DNS will work, but the validated IP address will be the VPN server’s, potentially resulting in shared IP conflicts and website region issues. Conversely, if your device or network is Smart DNS-configured and you connect to a VPN, the VPN will ignore your device or network’s DNS addresses.

The combination of both services undermines internet speed due to VPN encryption, which contradicts Smart DNS’s primary advantage. However, practical use for both services is when specific devices need Smart DNS while others need VPN. To achieve this, set DNS addresses on your router and connect VPN-dependent devices separately.

Yes, the utilization of SmartDNS is completely within legal bounds. There exist no regulations prohibiting the alteration of your DNS server; hence, using a SmartDNS is entirely permissible and devoid of any legal concerns. This straightforward and legal approach grants you the freedom to leverage SmartDNS without any apprehensions.


Wrapping Up

In summary, ensuring the security of your SmartDNS-enabled viewing experience and upholding your privacy remains a paramount consideration. Opting for the best VPN with Smart DNS in USA can enhance your security measures. By coupling SmartDNS with a reputable VPN, you can confidently enjoy a diverse array of content while guaranteeing the safeguarding of your sensitive data.

Choosing ExpressVPN as the ultimate solution and the best VPN with Smart DNS requirements grants you access to top-tier security, uninterrupted streaming, and the ability to overcome restrictions for a seamless viewing journey. Thus, selecting ExpressVPN emerges as a critical choice, given that these combined assure a safe and secure exploration of the streaming content landscape.

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