Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

OpenVPN VS Smart DNS Proxy

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

OpenVPN logo OpenVPN

OpenVPN - The Open Source VPN

Smart DNS Proxy logo Smart DNS Proxy

Smart DNS Proxy is a great means for unblocking websites and digital media across the globe.
  • OpenVPN Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-19
  • Smart DNS Proxy Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-06-12

OpenVPN features and specs

  • Security
    OpenVPN uses robust encryption standards like AES-256, providing a high level of security for data transmission.
  • Open Source
    Being open-source, OpenVPN allows users to verify its code for vulnerabilities, ensuring transparency and reliability.
  • Flexibility
    OpenVPN can run on various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android, offering extensive compatibility.
  • Customizability
    Users can configure OpenVPN according to their specific needs, allowing advanced network setups and policies.
  • Performance
    OpenVPN offers strong performance with efficient handling of large data transmissions and support for high and stable speeds.
  • Community Support
    A large and active community provides ample resources, including tutorials, forums, and user support.
  • Cost
    As a free and open-source solution, OpenVPN significantly reduces the cost compared to many commercial VPN offerings.

Possible disadvantages of OpenVPN

  • Complex Setup
    Setting up OpenVPN can be complex and may require technical expertise, particularly for advanced configurations.
  • Resource Intensive
    OpenVPN can be resource-intensive compared to some other VPN protocols, potentially impacting the performance of older or lower-spec hardware.
  • Client Software
    The official OpenVPN client software has a less user-friendly interface compared to some commercial VPNs, possibly deterring less tech-savvy users.
  • Mobile Experience
    Although OpenVPN supports mobile devices, the user experience on mobile can be less streamlined compared to desktop environments.
  • Initial Learning Curve
    New users may find the initial learning curve steep due to the multitude of configuration options and the need for understanding networking concepts.
  • Support
    While community support is strong, there may not be as much immediate or personalized support as found with some commercial VPN services.

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.

OpenVPN videos

OpenVPN Overview

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to setup OpenVPN on Windows | macOS | Android | iOS - Smart DNS Proxy

Smart DNS Proxy videos

Smart DNS Proxy Demonstration HD

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to OpenVPN and Smart DNS Proxy)
VPN
92 92%
8% 8
Security & Privacy
93 93%
7% 7
Cloud VPN
94 94%
6% 6
Security
79 79%
21% 21

User comments

Share your experience with using OpenVPN and Smart DNS Proxy. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Reviews

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

OpenVPN Reviews

The top 10 alternatives to OpenVPN
OpenVPN is an open-source software application that provides virtual private network (VPN) services. It allows the creation of secure network connections over the internet, using a custom security protocol that utilizes SSL/TLS for key exchange. OpenVPN is capable of traversing network address translators (NATs) and firewalls, providing users with the ability to securely...
Best Top 20 OpenVPN Alternatives (Pros and Cons)
OpenVPN is a virtual private network system used to create trusted end-to-end connection configuration and remote access services. As with any other VPN service, OpenVPN also has its own drawbacks. For instance, its inability to bypass particular proxy servers and complexities in user journeys lead to less user-friendliness. Therefore, we will be discussing a few...
6 Types of VPN Protocols, Compared: Which is the Best to Use?
In most cases, OpenVPN or WireGuard will be your best bet. PPTP is a protocol we don’t recommend using because of its relatively low-level encryption. However, you could try this protocol when privacy and security are not your highest priorities, such as for unblocking streams. If OpenVPN is not supported or does not work well for whatever reason, you could consider using...
Source: vpnoverview.com
OpenVPN vs WireGuard: Which protocol is best?
OpenVPN was first released in May 2001. Although the PPTP protocol had been around for five years already at this point, OpenVPN became popular because it offered stronger encryption without too much of a drop in speed. Over the years, vulnerabilities were patched and new clients were developed that brought OpenVPN support to a greater range of devices. This previously...
9 Best NordVPN Alternatives You Must Use In 2022
The next alternative to NordVPN on our list is OpenVPN. OpenVPN allows you to establish a point-to-point secure connection between your device and the Internet. It is a flexible VPN solution that can cater to business needs as well.
Source: wethegeek.com

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, OpenVPN should be more popular than Smart DNS Proxy. It has been mentiond 40 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.

OpenVPN mentions (40)

  • Ask HN: Who is hiring? (October 2023)
    OpenVPN is hiring! https://openvpn.net/ C++ Developer in the United States. Full-time| Fully remote| Flexible work schedules Link to look at vacancy details and apply:. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Are there any work arounds for the Netflix new "household" system?
    How you connect to your modem will depend on the device you are using, but for windows laptops as an example you download the OpenVPN program and input your modem details there, much like you would any other vpn service. I think there would be some guides on youtube. https://openvpn.net/. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Can i use PFSense to control incoming user connections (without a vpn?)
    I just started playing with CloudConnexa for remotely managing my second pFSense. Really nice and is free for up to 3 concurrent users. https://openvpn.net. Can also self-host OpenVPN access server with a free 2 concurrent license. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Is the 7spotlight Markle family interview airing now? Is anyone watching and can provide comment? 👀📺
    If anyone is being blocked check out free OpenVPN. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Is it possible for a sysadmin to block only some packets from a VPN connection ?
    I too haven't used the client-nat directive in some years (I currently implement 1:1 NAT with pfsense to access my network because I'm too lazy to change the networks subnet from the default) so I decided to retest and it does appear that OpenVPN Connect clients do not properly support the client-nat directive but the traditional OpenVPN server/clients still do. I've just tested this on OpenVPN 2.6.3 Server,... Source: about 2 years ago
View more

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

What are some alternatives?

When comparing OpenVPN 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.

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

AzireVPN - AzireVPN offers its VPN services without a great amount of reliability and flexibilities.

Psiphon - Psiphon is circumvention software for Windows and Mobile platforms that provides uncensored access to Internet content. Read more about Psiphon.

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