In today’s world of geo-restricted content, Smart DNS proxy servers have become a popular choice for internet users who wish to access content from different countries.
Whether you want to stream Netflix, browse websites without region locks, or access platforms like Hulu or BBC iPlayer, a Smart DNS proxy can help you bypass those geo-restrictions and enjoy content from anywhere in the world.
Unlike traditional VPNs that encrypt your traffic, a Smart DNS server reroutes only your DNS requests, making it a faster solution for tasks like streaming media. But what exactly is a Smart DNS proxy server, and how can you create one on your own server?
In this blog, we’ll dive into the details of Smart DNS proxy servers, explore how they work, how to create one, and which Smart DNS proxy providers offer the best solutions in 2025.
What is a Smart DNS Proxy Server?
A Smart DNS proxy server is a service that allows you to change the DNS settings on your device to route your traffic through a different server, making it appear as though you are browsing from a different country or region.
Smart DNS services don’t encrypt your data like a VPN, but instead, they intercept your DNS requests, modify them, and reroute them through an intermediary server in the desired region.
How Smart DNS Works
When you access a website, your device sends a DNS request to a server to retrieve the corresponding IP address for the website. For example, if you want to visit Netflix, your device will look up the IP address for the site. If Netflix detects that you are in a region where access is restricted, it will block you from accessing the content.
However, when you use a Smart DNS proxy server, it intercepts this request and reroutes it through a server in a different region where Netflix is accessible. This makes it appear as though you are browsing from a location where content is not restricted, thus allowing you to bypass geo-blocks.
Unlike VPNs, Smart DNS proxies don’t encrypt your traffic. They only change your DNS requests, which means that your internet speed remains unaffected, making them ideal for streaming or activities where speed is critical.
Key Benefits of Smart DNS Proxy Servers
- Bypass Geolocation Restrictions: The primary benefit of using a Smart DNS proxy is to access geo-restricted content. You can unblock content on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, which are often region-locked.
- No Speed Loss: Unlike VPNs, Smart DNS proxies don’t encrypt your traffic, meaning you won’t experience the speed loss that VPNs sometimes cause.
- Easy to Set Up: Setting up a Smart DNS proxy server is relatively simple. You can configure it on a router, smart TV, gaming console, or even a phone, allowing all your devices to access restricted content without complex setups.
- More Suitable for Streaming: If your goal is to stream HD or 4K content, Smart DNS is ideal, as it doesn’t introduce the overhead that comes with VPN encryption.
How to Create a Smart DNS Proxy Server on Your Own Server
If you’re tech-savvy and want to create your own Smart DNS server, you can use software like Unbound or Bind9 to set up a DNS server. Here’s how you can create a Smart DNS server on your own Linux-based server:
Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Smart DNS Proxy Server
1. Choose a Server Provider
To begin, you need a server with a static IP address. This server will act as your DNS proxy. You can use a VPS (Virtual Private Server) from providers like DigitalOcean, Linode, or AWS.
2. Install a DNS Server
Once you have a VPS, the next step is to install a DNS server on your server. You can use Unbound or Bind9 — two of the most common open-source DNS servers.
For Unbound (on Ubuntu):
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install unbound
For Bind9:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install bind9
3. Configure DNS Server
After installing the DNS server software, you need to configure it. For Smart DNS functionality, you will modify the DNS query rules to reroute DNS requests for restricted websites to allowed regions.
In the Unbound or Bind9 configuration file, set up GeoDNS rules. These rules will handle routing DNS queries to specific IPs based on regions or countries.
- For instance, set rules to route requests for Netflix US through a US-based server or BBC iPlayer through a UK-based server.
4. Set Up DNS Forwarding
You’ll also need to configure DNS forwarding on your server. This is where you’ll define which DNS queries should be redirected to specific proxy servers in other countries.
forward-zone:
name: “example.com”
forward-addr: 8.8.8.8
This will ensure that all requests for example.com will be sent to the DNS resolver at 8.8.8.8.
5. Test the Server
After configuring the DNS server, you’ll want to test it. Use tools like nslookup or dig to check if the DNS queries are being routed properly to the correct server.
nslookup netflix.com
Ensure that your Smart DNS proxy server is properly resolving DNS requests for restricted sites by testing various geo-restricted platforms.
6. Configure Devices to Use Your DNS Server
To start using your Smart DNS proxy server, you need to configure your devices (PC, smartphone, or smart TV) to use your server’s IP address for DNS resolution. This will allow all DNS queries to go through your custom Smart DNS server.
How to Find a Proxy Server for Smart DNS
If you don’t want to set up your own server, you can find a proxy service that provides Smart DNS features. Many third-party Smart DNS providers offer reliable services for bypassing geo-restrictions.
Criteria for Choosing a Smart DNS Proxy Provider
- Reliability: Choose a provider with consistent uptime and reliable DNS resolution. You don’t want your service cutting off when you’re in the middle of watching your favorite show.
- Supported Devices: Ensure the provider supports the devices you plan to use, such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, and mobile devices.
- Compatibility with Streaming Services: The main benefit of Smart DNS is unblocking content. Make sure the provider is compatible with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and other streaming services.
- No Logging Policy: Privacy matters. Choose a service that doesn’t log your browsing activity.
- Speed: Look for fast DNS resolution times, especially if you plan to stream HD or 4K content.
Recommended Smart DNS Proxy Providers
Here are some of the best Smart DNS proxy providers:
1. SmartDNS Proxy
- Offers access to 50+ streaming services.
- Supports all major devices.
- Provides fast DNS resolution and multiple locations.
2. Unlocator
- Great for Netflix and Hulu.
- Includes a VPN option for privacy.
- Offers 7-day free trial to test its features.
3. OverPlay
- Optimized for high-speed streaming.
- Supports unlimited devices.
- Includes a free trial to test the service.
4. ProxyDNS
- Known for secure DNS and high-speed connections.
- Supports multiple devices like Roku and Apple TV.
- Includes a 7-day trial.
5. DNSLeakTest
- Provides unrestricted access to platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.
- Supports multiple locations.
- Free trial available.
Best Smart DNS Proxy Servers
After reviewing several options, here are the best Smart DNS proxy providers in 2025:
1. SmartDNS Proxy
A reliable and feature-rich service, SmartDNS Proxy offers access to a wide range of geo-blocked content. It’s one of the most well-known services, providing fast and seamless DNS resolution across multiple devices.
- Features:
- Access to Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc.
- No logging of your activity.
- Multiple locations for content access.
2. Unlocator
Unlocator is a top choice for users looking to bypass geofences with a focus on streaming platforms.
- Features:
- Unlimited location switching.
- Fast DNS resolution for HD streaming.
- 7-day free trial for users to test out its features.
3. OverPlay
With a strong focus on streaming performance, OverPlay offers unlimited access to popular streaming platforms worldwide.
- Features:
- Private DNS servers for smooth streaming.
- No logging policy for privacy.
- Multiple servers worldwide.
4. ProxyDNS
ProxyDNS offers reliable, high-speed Smart DNS services. It has strong privacy features, making it a great option for streaming and browsing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Smart DNS Proxy Servers
While both VPNs and Smart DNS can help you bypass geo-restrictions, they work in fundamentally different ways:
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Encrypts all your internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location. It masks your IP address and provides more privacy but can reduce your internet speed due to encryption.
- Smart DNS: Only reroutes your DNS queries (not the entire traffic) to bypass geo-restrictions. It doesn’t encrypt data, so it’s faster than a VPN but provides less privacy since it doesn’t mask your IP address or encrypt your data.
Smart DNS is ideal for streaming where speed matters most, while VPNs are better for privacy and security.
Smart DNS works by modifying your DNS settings to make websites think you’re accessing them from an allowed country. For example, by setting your DNS to a UK-based server, you can access content that’s otherwise restricted in your region (like BBC iPlayer or UK Netflix). The Smart DNS server intercepts only the DNS requests, not the entire internet traffic, so there’s no speed loss during streaming.
This makes Smart DNS ideal for streaming HD or 4K content, as it allows for faster connections than a VPN would, especially when used with popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer.
Yes, you can use Smart DNS on almost any device that allows you to configure DNS settings. Common devices that work with Smart DNS include:
- Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Roku)
- Game Consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
- Streaming Boxes (Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick)
- Mobile Devices (Android, iOS)
- PCs and Laptops (Windows, macOS)
Setting it up may require manual DNS configuration, but most providers offer detailed setup guides to help you configure your devices quickly. You can also configure Smart DNS directly on your router, allowing all devices connected to your Wi-Fi network to use it.
Final Verdict
A Smart DNS proxy server can significantly enhance your ability to access restricted content online. Whether you’re using a third-party provider like SmartDNS Proxy or Unlocator, or creating your own on a VPS, Smart DNS is the go-to tool for unblocking streaming content and bypassing geofencing.
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