#1
Smart DNS Proxy
The most complete standalone Smart DNS: 400+ channels, VPN bundled, 14-day trial without a card.
14-day free trial (no card) lifetime deal VPN included
from $2.85/mo 14-day free trial, no card
Standalone Smart DNS services
Pure Smart DNS specialists - no VPN bundle required, judged on their own merits.
Short answer: Smart DNS Proxy is our top-rated standalone Smart DNS as of 2026-09-23 (8/10), from $2.85/mo, 14-day free trial without a card.
#2
Unlocator
Polished Danish Smart DNS + VPN bundle with a strong reputation and unlimited DNS devices.
7-day free trial (no card) VPN included
from $2.88/mo 7-day free trial, no card
#3
ControlD
The power tool: Pi-hole-style DNS control plus per-service country redirection - more capable and more complex than classic Smart DNS.
14-day free trial (no card) multiple locations DoH/DoT
price on request 14-day free trial, no card
#4
Getflix
Veteran Australian Smart DNS with a lifetime plan and VPN bundled into paid tiers.
3-day free trial (no card) lifetime deal VPN included
from $2.62/mo 3-day free trial, no card
#5
KeepSolid SmartDNS
Cheapest serious standalone Smart DNS - $29.99/year with apps for TV and mobile.
7-day free trial (no card)
from $2.50/mo 7-day free trial, no card
#6
StrongDNS
Straightforward, fairly priced Smart DNS from the StrongVPN/Ziff Davis family - no bundle, no upsell.
30-day money-back
from $4.17/mo 30-day money-back
#7
dns4me
The power-user pick: custom URL overrides, 3 locations, dynamic DNS, DoH/DoT - at $35.88/year.
3-day free trial (no card) multiple locations DoH/DoT
from $2.99/mo 3-day free trial, no card
#8
playmoTV
One of the originals since 2011 - and the rare provider that explicitly allows multiple locations at once.
7-day free trial (no card) multiple locations
from $4.16/mo 7-day free trial, no card
#9
SmartyDNS
Romanian VPN+DNS bundle with crypto payments and 300+ claimed channels.
30-day money-back VPN included
from $3.33/mo 30-day money-back
#10
TrickByte
Cheap Estonian DNS+VPN bundle with a 14-day no-card trial.
14-day free trial (no card) VPN included
from $2.08/mo 14-day free trial, no card
#11
SimpleTelly
No-frills $4/month Smart DNS with a big regional channel grid and a 14-day trial.
14-day free trial (no card)
from $4/mo 14-day free trial, no card
#12
DNSFlex
Budget $5 Smart DNS with a region switcher - but the operator just cut its VPN product, so verify before buying.
7-day money-back verify
from $5/mo 7-day money-back
// FAQ
Why pick standalone over a VPN bundle?
Focus: standalone providers live or die by unblocking, so they maintain more services, update DNS endpoints faster and expose per-service controls a VPN-bundled feature usually lacks.
Do standalone providers also sell VPNs?
Many bundle one (useful on untrusted Wi-Fi), but the DNS product stands alone. The VPN inclusion is noted per provider - and it never changes the score of the DNS itself.
What should a power user look for?
Custom URL overrides, DoH/DoT support, multiple simultaneous locations and dynamic DNS. One specialist here offers all four at budget pricing.