Privacy is a hot topic these days, and for good reason. Companies, hackers, and even governments seem to be spying on our every click. It‘s enough to make you want to log off for good! Fortunately, tools like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and Smart DNS give us ways to take back control of our privacy. But which one should you use?
Let me be clear upfront: if you want true privacy protection, a trustworthy VPN is hands down the better choice over Smart DNS. VPNs encrypt all your traffic and hide your real IP address. Smart DNS only unblocks some geo-restricted sites.
I‘ll explain in depth why VPNs offer vastly superior security and anonymity. With your privacy at risk, it‘s crucial to understand the pros and cons of each technology. Let‘s dive in!
How VPNs Keep Your Browsing Truly Private
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server operated by the VPN provider. This securely encapsulates all your internet traffic so it cannot be monitored. Your device is assigned an IP address from the VPN provider, masking your real IP and location.
According to cybersecurity analysts at Norton, VPN encryption secures your web traffic "from prying eyes, whether from cybercriminals, nosy neighbors, or governments." This prevents your internet service provider (ISP), public Wi-Fi providers, and even the websites you visit from tracking your activities.
Leading VPN services like ExpressVPN and NordVPN use advanced protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 to encrypt connections. OpenVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption that security experts consider unbreakable even by quantum computers.
This means your sensitive browsing like medical research, shopping accounts, and financial transactions stay completely private. VPN encryption also blocks deep packet inspection systems used for censorship, geo-restrictions, and device fingerprinting.
According to a 2022 Pew Research study, 81% of Americans feel they have lost control over how personal data is collected and used. Fortunately, VPNs allow you to take back control and browse the internet anonymously.
You‘re Safe on Public Wi-Fi
We‘ve all connected to public Wi-Fi at the airport, hotel, or local coffee shop. But did you know these hotspots carry major privacy risks?
Hackers can position themselves on public networks to siphon up your data and login credentials. ISPs can also monitor your usage. But connecting through a VPN keeps you safe by encrypting everything behind an impenetrable tunnel.
Cybersecurity journalist Sean Hollister recommends always using a VPN on public Wi-Fi. As Hollister told The Verge, "That way, even someone snooping on the same network wouldn‘t be able to see which sites you‘re visiting or info you‘re sending."
Prevent Throttling and Blocking by ISPs
In 2017, the FCC repealed net neutrality regulations that prevented ISPs from throttling speeds for certain sites and services. This gives ISPs immense power to slow down your connection based on your browsing.
VPNs protect you by hiding which sites you visit from your ISP. Tests by news outlet Motherboard found major ISPs were throttling speeds for services like Netflix and YouTube by up to 71%! Connecting through a VPN puts a stop to shady throttling.
Access Geo-Restricted Content
Streaming sites and services often block access from outside specific countries. By routing your connection through a VPN server in an allowed region, you can bypass these geographic restrictions.
A 2022 DataReportal study found 25% of internet users worldwide use VPNs to access foreign content on sites like Netflix and Hulu. Unlike Smart DNS, VPNs allow you to choose server locations worldwide to unlock any geo-blocked service.
Why Smart DNS Falls Short on Privacy
In contrast to VPNs, Smart DNS does not provide full encryption or hide your real IP address. It simply reroutes DNS requests to access geo-blocked sites and services.
Your internet traffic remains fully visible to your ISP, Wi-Fi network, government agencies, and snoopers. According to privacy advocates at ProPrivacy, Smart DNS "provides zero anonymity protection."
Without encryption, your browsing data and activity can be logged, analyzed, throttled, and blocked. Deep packet inspection systems also decrypt and scan unsecured connections, posing privacy risks.
While cheaper and faster than VPNs, Smart DNS services should not be relied on for privacy. Cybersecurity expert Eric Geier advises in PCWorld only using Smart DNS "when security and anonymity don‘t matter."
For privacy-conscious web users, Smart DNS leaves your most sensitive browsing dangerously exposed.
You‘re At Risk on Public Wi-Fi
Public hotspots are a privacy nightmare, filled with hackers and snoops trying to compromise your data. Smart DNS provides zero protection on unsecured networks.
Any shady individual can use packet sniffers and other tools to intercept your unencrypted browsing. In crowdsourced tests, a shocking 68% of public Wi-Fi networks showed signs of spying. Don‘t take risks – use a VPN instead.
ISPs Have Free Reign to Profile and Throttle
Without encryption, your ISP can log and analyze your browsing to sell data or throttle speeds. Tests by Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) found major ISPs were actively blocking and slowing traffic based on content.
VPNs are the only way to stop discriminatory throttling. EFF co-founder John Gilmore said, "Freedom of speech remains at risk if ISPs can identifiy and discriminate against particular kinds of traffic." Fight back against shady ISPs with VPN encryption.
Limited to Specific Streaming Sites
Smart DNS relies on DNS proxy services that only unblock certain approved streaming platforms. If you want to access other geo-restricted sites and apps, you‘re out of luck.
VPNs route all your traffic through servers worldwide, allowing you to bypass regional blocks anywhere. Whether it‘s the BBC, HBO Max, or MLB.tv, VPNs let you access restricted content across the entire internet.
You Remain Visible
Without masking your IP address, Smart DNS does nothing to keep your online activities private. Marketers, trackers, snoops, and hackers can still monitor your browsing.
VPNs assign you an anonymous IP, preventing profiling and surveillance. Your physical location is also hidden, which privacy expert Jenna Cyprus says "will make it difficult for advertisers to target you." Stay truly anonymous with an encrypted VPN connection.
Take Control of Your Privacy – VPNs Do It Best
There‘s no doubt about it – VPNs offer vastly stronger privacy protections compared to Smart DNS. With encryption, hidden IP addresses, and anonymous browsing across all your traffic, VPNs are the gold standard for online security.
Smart DNS serves a purpose for easily accessing geo-fenced streaming content. But it comes at the cost of lower security, no anonymity, and gaping vulnerabilities. Don‘t compromise your privacy and safety – keep your browsing encrypted and private with a trusted VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
Many leading VPNs allow installing apps on unlimited devices with just one account. Take advantage of free trials to test speeds – a quality VPN will have minimal impact on performance. Investing in a premium VPN pays dividends by giving you peace of mind that your data is secure.
Stop worrying and take back control of your privacy today with a top-tier Virtual Private Network. Your anonymity and security are worth it!
