Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Hotspot Shield VS Smart DNS Proxy

Compare Hotspot Shield VS Smart DNS Proxy and see what are their differences

Hotspot Shield logo Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is a software application developed by AnchorFree, Inc.

Smart DNS Proxy logo Smart DNS Proxy

Smart DNS Proxy is a great means for unblocking websites and digital media across the globe.
  • Hotspot Shield Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-17
  • Smart DNS Proxy Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-06-12

Hotspot Shield features and specs

  • High-Speed Performance
    Hotspot Shield is known for its high-speed connections, making it ideal for streaming, large downloads, and gaming.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application is designed with a simple, intuitive interface that makes it easy for both technical and non-technical users to operate.
  • Large Server Network
    Hotspot Shield provides access to a large number of servers in various locations around the world, which can help bypass geo-restrictions.
  • Strong Security Features
    It offers robust encryption and security features such as malware protection, which enhance user privacy and data security.
  • Free Version Available
    A free version of Hotspot Shield is available, allowing users to try the service before committing to a paid subscription.

Possible disadvantages of Hotspot Shield

  • Logging Policy
    Hotspot Shield’s privacy policy has been criticized for potential logging of user data, which raises concerns for privacy-conscious users.
  • Ads in Free Version
    The free version of Hotspot Shield includes advertisements, which can be intrusive and disrupt the browsing experience.
  • Limited Features in Free Version
    The free version offers a limited set of features compared to the premium version, which may not meet all user needs.
  • Cost of Premium Version
    The premium subscription can be relatively expensive, which may not be affordable for all users.
  • Inconsistent Performance
    Some users have reported inconsistent performance, such as occasional slowdowns or interruptions depending on the server or location.

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.

Hotspot Shield videos

Hotspot Shield Review - Brutally Honest Review in 2019

More videos:

  • Review - Hotspot Shield VPN Review
  • Review - Hotspot Shield review: Should you get it? | VPNpro

Smart DNS Proxy videos

Smart DNS Proxy Demonstration HD

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Hotspot Shield and Smart DNS Proxy)
VPN
87 87%
13% 13
Cloud VPN
88 88%
12% 12
Security & Privacy
84 84%
16% 16
Security
86 86%
14% 14

User comments

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Reviews

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

Hotspot Shield Reviews

The Best Top 10 VPNs for Spotify 2025
Hotspot Shield is a popular VPN solution for Spotify users, offering fast and secure connections to its vast network of servers. With a user-friendly interface and 24/7 customer support, Hotspot Shield is perfect for music lovers.
Turbo VPN Alternatives – Best Free VPN Apps For Android in 2022
Hotspot Shield is the best and most popular VPN proxy application for Android smartphones. It takes security and privacy very seriously. Since it’s a VPN app, it can be used to unlock geo-restricted websites and content.
Source: techviral.net
112 Best Chrome Extensions You Should Try (2021 List)
Hotspot Shield extension is a freemium security tool. It uses WebRTC technologies to hide your IP and uses military-grade encryption to protect your data. Yes! it offers both free and paid plans, but as free, it only connects to one location and provides primary security. But premium subscription plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee. However, for beginners, the free...
8 Best Turbo VPN Alternatives for Android and iOS
HotSpot Shield is yet another VPN that offers unlimited data just like Turbo VPN. It does not throttle the speed and the servers are always up which translates to excellent performance. However, bear in mind, under the free service, you have servers only from the US region which could be a bummer for some. Nevertheless, the best part about Hotspot Shield is that it offers...
Source: beebom.com
8 Similar Apps like Psiphon that are Actually Better
Hotspot Shield VPN is yet another incredible app like Psiphon. However, it does require you to subscribe to a plan to be able to utilize the VPN service. The pricing plans are similar to the ones offered by other VPN providers.

Smart DNS Proxy Reviews

We have no reviews of Smart DNS Proxy yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Smart DNS Proxy seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 7 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.

Hotspot Shield mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Hotspot Shield yet. Tracking of Hotspot Shield recommendations started around Mar 2021.

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
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What are some alternatives?

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

ProtonVPN - ProtonVPN is a security focused FREE VPN service, developed by CERN and MIT scientists. Use the web anonymously, unblock websites & encrypt your connection.

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

OpenVPN - OpenVPN - The Open Source VPN

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

TunnelBear - Really simple VPN to browse the web privately & anonymously.

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