Smart DNS guides: setup, unblocking, VPN trade-offs
Specific, current, sourced. Written for people who just want their streaming to work - every guide carries the dates it was updated and fact-checked.
Getting started
What Is Smart DNS? How It Works, Cost & Limits
Smart DNS explained in depth: the DNS-plus-relay trick behind geo-unblocking, why nothing is encrypted, which devices break it, and when it beats a VPN.
Smart DNS vs VPN 2026: Which Do You Need?
The honest comparison: where Smart DNS beats a VPN (devices, speed, multi-region) and where a VPN is the only safe answer, with current prices for both.
Unblocking streaming
How to Watch Your Home Netflix Abroad 2026
Lost your home Netflix catalog abroad? The documented proxy enforcement, what Netflix says about Originals-only access, EU portability, and providers that work.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer Outside the UK 2026
Watch BBC iPlayer and ITVX abroad with Smart DNS - the BBC's own rules, the licence question, the postcode step, ITV-101 errors and the downloads route.
Device setup
How to Set Up Smart DNS on Your Router (Covers All)
Router-level Smart DNS setup: the generic recipe, exact click-paths for FritzBox, ASUS, TP-Link and Netgear, hardcoded-DNS exceptions and the dynamic DNS fix.
How to Set Up Smart DNS on a Smart TV (Samsung, LG)
Smart DNS setup for every TV platform: Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, Google TV's static-IP trick, Apple TV - and why Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast need the router.
Sports abroad
Privacy & security
Brand checks - who has no Smart DNS
Does TunnelBear Offer Smart DNS? No - Best Alternatives
TunnelBear has no Smart DNS feature - confirmed in our research, evidence below. The providers that still unblock, and what it means for your TV.
Does VyprVPN Offer Smart DNS? No - Best Alternatives
VyprVPN has no Smart DNS feature - confirmed in our research, evidence below. The providers that still unblock, and what it means for your TV.
Does Windscribe Offer Smart DNS? No - Best Alternatives
Windscribe has no Smart DNS feature - confirmed in our research, evidence below. The providers that still unblock, and what it means for your TV.
Does IPVanish Offer Smart DNS? 2026 Check
IPVanish shows no Smart DNS feature in our checks - treat it as unsupported. The evidence, and the providers that still unblock.
Does Mullvad Offer Smart DNS? 2026 Check
Mullvad shows no Smart DNS feature in our checks - treat it as unsupported. The evidence, and the providers that still unblock.
Does Proton VPN Offer Smart DNS? 2026 Check
Proton VPN shows no Smart DNS feature in our checks - treat it as unsupported. The evidence, and the providers that still unblock.