NordVPN SmartDNS
A narrowly documented Smart DNS inside a great VPN - fine as a free extra, not a reason to subscribe.
30-day money-back VPN included
price on request 30-day money-back
PIA Smart DNS Review
A smart-TV location switch bundled with a cheap VPN - too undocumented to buy for the DNS alone.
no user ratings yet - be the first
site reachable · checked 18 h ago · daily check
Red flags (1):
- Smart DNS documented only as a smart-TV feature - no published service list
// Review
by the smartdnscomparison editorial desk · review version 1 · prose updated 2026-09-23 · facts as of 2026-09-23 · how we verify
Overview
PIA Smart DNS is a VPN service with Smart DNS included operating since 2010, based in United States. A smart-TV location switch bundled with a cheap VPN - too undocumented to buy for the DNS alone. Facts verified as of 2026-09-23.
Coverage & Unblocking
The total number of supported streaming services is not documented. The provider does not publish a per-service support list we could verify. Features page: 'Smart DNS lets you change your virtual location directly from your smart TV' - a detailed service list is not published. Coverage claims are a snapshot: streaming services fight unblockers, and a service that works today can break tomorrow. Every streaming service still needs its own paid subscription - Smart DNS only changes which regional catalog you see.
Devices & Setup
Documented device support: Smart TVs, Apple TV, Fire TV, routers. Setup follows the usual Smart DNS pattern: you point the device or router at the provider DNS servers and register your current IP address in the provider dashboard, and the IP allowlist ties the service to your connection. One registered location at a time.
Speed & Reliability
Smart DNS adds no encryption overhead - video streams travel directly between you and the streaming service at full line speed, which is the technology's main advantage over a VPN. Our daily reachability check tracks the provider site; unblocking reliability itself varies week to week by design of the cat-and-mouse game.
Privacy & Logging
Logging policy: the provider claims to keep no logs; jurisdiction: United States. Be clear about what Smart DNS is: it does NOT encrypt your traffic and does NOT hide your IP address. This plan bundles a full VPN, which closes that gap when you want encryption.
Pricing & Plans
Documented pricing: not documented - see the provider site. No free trial documented. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee. Smart DNS is included with a Private Internet Access subscription; not sold standalone.
Reputation & History
Private Internet Access (Kape Technologies) - veteran US VPN with court-proven no-logs history; Smart DNS is a side feature aimed at smart TVs. Noted concerns: ["Smart DNS documented only as a smart-TV feature - no published service list"]. Facts verified as of 2026-09-23.
Verdict
A smart-TV location switch bundled with a cheap VPN - too undocumented to buy for the DNS alone. Test it against the services you actually watch before committing to a long plan - a free trial or the money-back window is the honest way to do that.
++ What works
- Included with one of the cheapest big VPNs
- 24/7 live chat
- Straightforward smart-TV positioning
-- What to watch
- No published supported-service list for Smart DNS
- Coverage essentially undocumented
Trial & pricing reality check
| Money-back | 30 days |
|---|---|
| Documented pricing | see provider site |
| Pricing notes | Smart DNS is included with a Private Internet Access subscription; not sold standalone. |
Run the long-term math: price calculator with these plans →
Affiliate & referral program
webmaster programLarge public affiliate program; current terms on the program page.
Compared in detail on Best affiliate programs.
Ready to try PIA Smart DNS? Start with the free trial or the money-back window - set up one device, test the exact services you watch.
// PIA Smart DNS FAQ
Is PIA Smart DNS legit?
Based on our checks as of 2026-09-23: PIA Smart DNS scores 6.7/10 in our weighted review. We logged 1 red flag (listed above). User reports and operator background are documented with dated sources in the meta-review below.
Does PIA Smart DNS unblock Netflix?
Not documented. Netflix fights unblockers harder than anyone, so treat any coverage claim as a snapshot and re-test with the free trial before paying.
Is there a free trial?
No free trial, but there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Which devices are supported?
Documented support: Smart TVs, Apple TV, Fire TV, routers. Smart DNS runs at the DNS level, so any device whose DNS servers you can change is a candidate - routers cover a whole home at once.
Does Smart DNS slow down streaming?
No - Smart DNS only reroutes the DNS lookups used for geo-checks. The video stream itself travels directly between you and the streaming service at full line speed.
What does it log?
The provider claims to keep no logs. Smart DNS does not encrypt traffic - your ISP still sees where you connect.
How much does it cost?
Documented pricing: not documented - see the provider site.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes - 30 days.
// User comments (0)
// Similar providers
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