Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Smart DNS Proxy VS OpenDNS

Compare Smart DNS Proxy VS OpenDNS and see what are their differences

Smart DNS Proxy logo Smart DNS Proxy

Smart DNS Proxy is a great means for unblocking websites and digital media across the globe.

OpenDNS logo OpenDNS

OpenDNS provides faster and safer Internet access for your home or Business.
  • Smart DNS Proxy Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-06-12
  • OpenDNS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-22

Smart DNS Proxy features and specs

  • Fast Connection Speeds
    Smart DNS Proxy typically offers faster connection speeds than traditional VPNs because it doesn't encrypt your traffic, allowing for smoother streaming of content.
  • Access to Geo-Blocked Content
    It enables users to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from various streaming services, websites, and channels that may be unavailable in their region.
  • Ease of Use
    The service is user-friendly and easy to set up, often requiring minimal configuration to get started on a range of devices.
  • Wide Device Compatibility
    Smart DNS Proxy supports a broad range of devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, routers, and mobile devices, offering flexibility in accessing content.
  • No Bandwidth Limitations
    Users can enjoy unlimited bandwidth, which is beneficial for high-definition streaming without worrying about hitting data caps.

Possible disadvantages of Smart DNS Proxy

  • No Encryption
    Unlike VPNs, Smart DNS Proxy does not encrypt data, which means it doesn't provide the same level of privacy and security for online activities.
  • Limited Security Features
    The service lacks additional security features like kill switches and malware protection, making it less suitable for privacy-focused users.
  • Reliance on DNS Servers
    Connectivity depends on the reliability of DNS servers, and any issues with these servers can disrupt access to desired content.
  • Possible Compatibility Issues
    Although it supports a wide range of devices, specific configurations may not work seamlessly on all platforms, requiring manual adjustments.
  • Not Suitable for P2P or Torrents
    The service is not ideal for peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing or torrenting due to the lack of encryption and security measures.

OpenDNS features and specs

  • Improved Security
    OpenDNS offers robust protection against phishing attacks, malware, and botnets by blocking access to known malicious domains.
  • Enhanced Control
    Users get granular control over website access, enabling custom filtering to block inappropriate or unsafe sites, which is especially useful for parents and schools.
  • Faster DNS Resolution
    OpenDNS aims to provide faster domain name resolution, potentially reducing the time it takes to load websites compared to using ISPs' DNS services.
  • DNS Uptime
    With globally distributed servers, OpenDNS ensures high availability and reliability, minimizing the risk of DNS outages.
  • Detailed Analytics
    OpenDNS provides insightful web usage statistics and reports that can help identify trends and potential security threats.
  • Device Compatibility
    It is compatible with multiple platforms and devices, making it easy to configure on routers, computers, and mobile devices.
  • Ease of Use
    The service is straightforward to set up, often requiring only a simple change in DNS settings on your device or router.

Possible disadvantages of OpenDNS

  • Privacy Concerns
    By using OpenDNS, users are subject to its terms of service and privacy policy, which may involve data logging and sharing with third parties.
  • Limited Free Features
    The free version of OpenDNS has limited features compared to the premium offerings, which may not be sufficient for all users.
  • Potential Circumvention
    Tech-savvy users or devices can potentially circumvent OpenDNS filtering by manually changing DNS settings to another provider.
  • Dependency on Third-Party Service
    Relying on an external DNS service introduces an additional point of dependency, which could be problematic if the service experiences outages or disruptions.
  • Geographic Performance Variations
    Performance improvements in DNS resolution speed may vary based on geographic location due to the proximity of OpenDNS servers.
  • Complex Configuration for Advanced Features
    Utilizing some of the advanced features, like custom filtering and detailed analytics, may require a more complex configuration that could be challenging for non-technical users.
  • Limited control on Pure DNS Services
    Since OpenDNS modifies DNS requests for security and filtering purposes, users needing pure DNS services without any changes may find it restrictive.

Analysis of OpenDNS

Overall verdict

  • OpenDNS is generally regarded as a good choice for users looking for enhanced internet security and customizable filtering, making it a strong option for both personal and enterprise use.

Why this product is good

  • OpenDNS is renowned for its robust security features, including phishing protection, parental controls, and DNS-level blocking of malicious websites. It provides fast and reliable DNS resolution, which can enhance internet speed and browsing experience. The platform also offers customizable filtering policies and is easy to set up for both individuals and businesses.

Recommended for

    Families seeking to implement parental controls, businesses needing to safeguard against cyber threats with minimal infrastructure changes, and individuals looking for improved online safety and reliability.

Smart DNS Proxy videos

Smart DNS Proxy Demonstration HD

OpenDNS videos

OpenDNS - #2 - OpenDNS Review

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to secure home network using OpenDNS
  • Review - IN DEPTH: openDNS

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Smart DNS Proxy and OpenDNS)
VPN
100 100%
0% 0
Security & Privacy
29 29%
71% 71
DNS
0 0%
100% 100
Cloud VPN
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Smart DNS Proxy and OpenDNS

Smart DNS Proxy Reviews

We have no reviews of Smart DNS Proxy yet.
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OpenDNS Reviews

Best Free Firewalls for Windows, Mac & Android in 2024
Note that OpenDNS Home works best alongside Windows’ built-in firewall. Since it’s not a complete firewall software, you’ll need another firewall to properly monitor incoming and outgoing traffic to help block network intrusions. All things considered, though, OpenDNS Home is a great free solution to improve online safety.
Source: www.wizcase.com
Best DNS servers of 2022: Boost your internet speed with these free, public services
Google's support site offers only very basic guidance targeted at experienced users, warning that "only users who are proficient with configuring operating system settings [should] make these changes." If you're unsure what you're doing, check the tutorials from a provider such as OpenDNS, remembering to replace its nameservers with Google's: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
Best DNS Servers to Use for Free in 2022
Again, for users concerned about their children’s Internet safety, OpenDNS offers a service called OpenDNS FamilyShield that blocks adult content (available at the servers 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123).
Best free DNS servers: 14 options to check out
Owned by Cisco, OpenDNS has two free options: Family Shield and Home. Family Shield is good for parents who want to make sure their kids can’t access inappropriate content. Home focuses on internet safety and performance.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenDNS should be more popular than Smart DNS Proxy. It has been mentiond 11 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Smart DNS Proxy mentions (7)

  • HBO, Hulu, etc. in Georgia?
    I personally prefer DNS proxy servers like https://smartdnsproxy.com and it works well in Georgia. Source: about 2 years ago
  • cant login anymore due to vpn?
    When I have had issues with my VPN accessing region locked services, smartdnsproxy.com has worked really well. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Anyone use a firestick to watch overseas TV ? Preferably UK TV ?
    I use https://smartdnsproxy.com/ with the TV's native apps (reset to UK region) and an Apple TV. BBC, ITV, C4 & C5, UKTV et al. Even Sky Go works. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Update on 4K video quality for the World Cup and more
    Not the person you were replying to, but the two DNS servers with smartdnsproxy.com I've tried don't work. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Without secondary router that uses Smart DNS proxy
    Are you using the smartdnsproxy.com service, or are you hosting your own with a VPS? Like this: https://github.com/Seji64/SniDust? And what is your use case for the DNS proxy? Accessing geo-locked content? Source: almost 3 years ago
View more

OpenDNS mentions (11)

  • Multiple DDNS configs?
    I've been using the DDNS option in the UI to sync with no-ip.com, so that I can remotely access my NAS via Wireguard, and this works great. However, my new router no longer supports DDNS without subscription. I need another DDNS client to sync with opendns.com, to get content filtering and parental controls, as my new router has no options for this. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Evaluating DNSfilter
    We have used opendns.com for this for years. Might take a look at them. Source: about 2 years ago
  • What does this error message mean? How/where do I change the URL?
    Can you visit opendns.com on your home network? The problem likely that site is getting blocked, and can't use the API to get the public IP of your box. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Firefox detected a potential security threat and did not continue to calyxos.org
    This might be an issue with my DNS provider. I use opendns.com to filter my DNS queries. They're giving the following reasons for blocking the site... Source: over 2 years ago
  • Wi-Fi web filtering
    If all users need the same level of filtering, opendns.com is free and works great. You need a way to forward DNS requests to the Open DNS server, such as a typical Windows DNS. Source: about 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Smart DNS Proxy and OpenDNS, you can also consider the following products

FlyVPN - FlyVPN is listed among those few VPN service providers having hundreds of VPN servers in more than fifty countries of the world.

1.1.1.1 - The free app that makes your Internet safer.

BartVPN - BartVPN is the secure means of searching over the internet when it comes to maintaining the security and privacy.

Quad9 - Quad9 is a free, recursive, anycast DNS platform that provides end users robust security protections, high-performance, and privacy.

Vpn Center - Vpn Center is a multifunctional VPN system for online security and data privacy.

NextDNS - Block ads, trackers and malicious websites on all your devices.