VPN vs Proxy vs Smart DNS: What’s the Real Difference?

There is possibility that you may have heard of VPN vs proxy vs Smart DNS, through the course of trying to maintain internet privacy, or anonymity online or even trying to protect your data when using a public WiFi, you may have heard of them, but might not know the differences between the three

In this article we will be explaining this concept together, and I promise that by the end of this you would be able to get the real differences between a VPN, proxy and smart dns.

Let’s dive straight in.

What are VPN, Proxy, Smart DNS & How Do They Work

In this section we will be knowing what vpn, proxy and smart DNS are, and also how they work, let’s start with VPN

1. VPN: First you need to know that a VPN takes all your internet traffic through a encrypted tunnel to a server, thereby masking or hiding your IP Address and your location

Below are the simple summary of what a VPN does:

• Hide Your IP Address, Location
• Encrypt your data using AES-256 protocol
• Some VPNs also include feature like split tunneling, kill switch and DNS protection

2. Proxy Server: A proxy unlike VPN it acts like a middleman for some internet request like HTTPS and SOCKS

• It also mask IP address, but the owner will see the masked IP address 
• Unlike VPN it is not encrypted 
• Usually faster than VPN

3. Smart DNS: This simply just reroute only your DNS queries for some specific website to spoof location.

• In smart DNS only the DNS is modified
• Your real IP is exposed
• No encryption just as Proxy 
• Also very fast

Real Differences Between VPN, Proxy And Smart DNS 

Features	VPN	Proxy	Smart DNS
Mask IP Address	Yes	Yes	No
Internet Traffic Encryption	Yes	No	No
Hide DNS Request	Yes	No	No
Internet Traffic Routing	All Devices	Specific website or apps	Only DNS Requests
Unblocking Geo-Restricted Content	Yes	No	Yes
Internet Privacy & Security	Strong	Weak	Weak
Internet Speed Impact	Moderate	Minimal	Negligible

PROS AND CONS OF VPN, PROXY SERVERS AND SMART DNS

VPN: 

Pros

• Support torrenting
• Protect all your data with a strong encryption 
• Features of kill switch, split tunneling and so on.
• Mask IP Address and all DNS requests.

Cons

• Cost more than others(due to numerous features it has)
• Can slow down internet connection 
• Might be block by advanced services

PROXY:

Pros

• Very good for IP concealment
• Fast internet connection 
• Easy to set up

Cons

• No encryption – meaning no internet security 
• Limited ability to bypass Geo-Restricted content 
• Works on spilecific website or apps

Smart DNS:

Pros

• No software required
• Fast internet, minimal speed impact
• Good for streaming 

Cons

• No encryption 
• DNS queries are visible 
• IP Address is visible 

Deep Dive Into VPN vs Proxy vs Smart DNS 

1. Protocols & Encryption: for encryption vpns usually use openVPN, AES-256, Nordlynx/WireGuard, but smart DNS and proxy servers don’t encrypt.
2. IP Address & DNS Leak: most free VPN and even some paid VPN expose leaks, when you have a very good VPN you have full protection.
3. Internet Speed: Proxy and DNS have a faster internet connection compared to VPN

When To Use A VPN, Proxy & Smart DNS 

Need	Which To Use	The Why?
Internet Privacy and Security	VPN	It uses encrypted tunnel and also have the ability to mask your IP
IP disguise	Proxy	Easy and lightweight
Enjoy Fast Streaming	Smart DNS	Very fast due to no encryption
Privacy + Fast Streaming	VPN	Usually the best for both combo

Conclusion

From the table above you should be able to know which one fits your need, but critically looking at it, I feel VPN is the most flexible among the three due to the fact that it has more features that will enable you enjoy your internet.

Presently NordVPN has a built in DNS feature, making it have a fast internet.