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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

DNSFlex Review 2024 - Fast for Streaming, Basic Security

Our Score: 5.4/10
Ranked 107th out of 198 VPNs
Editor's Note: DNS Flex VPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Kristin Hassel Former Staff Writer

DNSFlex offers a Smart DNS proxy that offers an in-house OpenVPN app for most devices it supports and can require some manual IPv4/IPv6 configuration.

DNSFlex's discontinued the VPN for its Total Internet Security plan, so I'll be explaining the SmartDNS feature only as it works well for streaming and most other common VPN purposes.

In A Hurry? Here Are My Key Findings:

  • Streaming services. Smart DNS was easily able to bypass geoblocks for multiple streaming services, including multiple Netflix libraries, Disney+, and 9Now.
  • Speeds are lightning-fast. I barely noticed a drop in download speeds at all and my upload speeds increased.
  • Security. Offers a variety of security features including DNS/IP leak protection, no-logs, auto IP updater, and more.
  • Ease of use. The Smart DNS interface is extremely easy to navigate, including enabling or disabling channels and services.  There is some manual configuration of your IPv4 and IPv6 settings but the website contains thorough directions, and DNSFlex offers an in-house app for OpenVPN on most devices it supports.

Can It Unblock Netflix? Yes

DNSFlex's Smart DNS proxy can unblock Netflix, 9Now, Disney+, and more worldwide. I was able to stream buffer-free too, thanks to the lightning-fast servers.

Smart DNS unblocks most streaming services.A screenshot of some of the streaming services that DNSFlex Smart DNS can unblock

No error message, straight to the log in page, no problems. Other services I was able to access included BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Netflix libraries US, UK, and France were also easy to access and I was able to stream in HD and Ultra HD. I did have some problems with slower speeds when attempting to access the German and Brazilian libraries, reducing my quality to SD.

Smart DNS also allows you to enable or disable preconfigured channels and services in its Favourite section. In fact, it has up to 40 preconfigured sites, so you can easily connect to just about any service.

DNSFlex Smart DNS Favourites area.Simply choose the region and toggle the switch on or off to enable or disable channels and services

Speeds - Fast Enough for HD Streaming

Since DNSFlex isn't a VPN, testing speeds for it is a bit different. I first tested my base speeds. Then I set up the service and configured my IPv4 and IPv6 settings, at which point I tested the speeds again. I was pleased to see that my speeds barely dropped, and were more than fast enough for streaming, gaming, and anything else I wanted to do online.

Speed test DNS Flex Smart DNS Canadian server.Downloads speeds dropped by a little less than 20 percent

As you can see, I had less than a 20 percent drop in download speeds. The connection is still plenty fast enough to stream in 4K buffer-free.

Is It Good for Gaming? Yes

The servers' low latency makes this VPN a solid option for gaming. While using it, I experienced no lag or freezing when playing Fortnite.

Security - Basic But Good

DNSFlex doesn't require any personally identifiable information to set up, accepts PayPal, and has a solid no-logs policy. All Smart DNS plans also offer malware and botnet protection, IPv4 and IPv6 support, and secure HTTP and HTTPs proxy. It features OpenVPN TLS/SSL protocols and DNS and IPv6 leak protection.

I also tested the service to find out if it leaked my DNS or IP address. I was happy to find it didn't leak my IP address or DNS requests.

Leak test performed on DNSFlex.It didn't leak my true IP address

It isn't a VPN, they make that pretty clear, so I wasn't surprised that there's no option for a kill switch, split-tunneling, option for double VPN, or even a definitive answer for what type of encryption is used. Since they use OpenVPN it's likely 256-bit but I was unable to confirm that for certain.

DNS Flex VPN Features — 2024 Update

6.5
💸 Price 5 USD/month
📆 Money Back Guarantee 7 Days
📝 Does VPN keep logs? No
🖥 Number of servers 12+
💻 Number of devices per license 3
🛡 Kill switch Yes
🗺 Based in country Canada
📥 Supports torrenting No

Installation & Apps

6.3

Manual configuration of IPv4 and IPv6 was easier than I expected. I was able to find Smart DNS setup guides on DNSFlex's site for Android, iOS, Apple, Linux, Windows, and more. It will even perform an DNS search for you to find the best IP addresses to use for setup. If you do run into any issues with set up you can contact live chat or support assist 24/7.

The interface is extremely intuitive, simply click on Smart DNS and enter a website or choose from the list of over 40+ preconfigured favorites. You can also configure up to 20 custom domains with Smart DNS.

In addition, you can configure up to 4 networks, I was able to set up a home network, one in Kansas, and one out of Canada.

Smart DNS interface DNSFlex.Enter a website and region, or choose a region and channel or service from the list of preconfigured options

Compatibility

DNSFlex Smart DNS is compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, AppleTV, PlayStation, Xbox, and more.

Pricing

2.3
Smart DNS
$ 5 / month per month
Premium Security
$ 10 / month per month
Premium Residental VPN
$ 45 / month per month
Editor's Note: DNS Flex VPN and this site are in the same ownership group.

DNSFlex Smart DNS proxy also offers three plans, Smart DNS is the most common for individual use as a VPN replacement and costs $5/month/mo. All of the DNSFlex plans are backed by a 7-day money-back guarantee.

Payments are accepted through Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, PayPal, and Bitcoin.

Reliability & Support

4.3

DNSFlex offers 24/7 support assistance via email or live chat. It also has a large FAQs section that has the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Compare DNS Flex VPN With The Top Alternative VPNs
Our Score: 9.9
Our Score: 9.7
Our Score: 9.6
Our Score: 9.5
Editor's Note: Transparency and impartiality are important to us when bringing you our best selection of VPNs. Some of the industry-leading products on our list, including Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company. The VPNs we choose are derived from a thorough testing process.

The Bottom Line

The Smart DNS proxy is great for unblocking streaming services, but it could use more security.

DNSFlex offers a secure Smart DNS proxy that offers users the ability to bypass geoblocks and browse anonymously. Its speeds are blazing fast and it offers IP addresses in 8 different countries, plus you can configure up to 4 networks on a single plan.

While it doesn't leak your true IP or DNS requests, it also doesn't offer a kill switch, split tunneling, double VPN, or most of the security features you'd find in a premium VPN. That said, it's pretty straightforward about the fact that it isn't a VPN, so you can't really expect the same features.

If you want to use a VPN, complete with in-house app, check out our top VPNs.

  • Smart DNS unblocks most popular streaming services
  • No identifiable information required to register
  • Accepts PayPal and Bitcoin

FAQs

Is Smart DNS the same as a VPN?

No. A Smart DNS proxy is very lightweight compared to a VPN, often taking up far less space on your device and slowing speeds minimally by connecting you to another network directly. On the other hand VPNs offer more security including full data encryption, kill switches, and better anonymity by changing your IP address altogether. 

Can I stream Netflix with a DNS proxy?

Both Smart DNS proxies and VPNs are capable of disguising your true IP address and unblocking geoblocked sites and services. Still, not all Smart DNS proxies offer an in-house app like DNSFlex does. Which could mean a lot of manual set up.

Does DNSFlex offer a VPN?

DNSFlex used to offer a VPN but it now outsources residential VPN services through StarVPN.com. 

Feature Summary

Money Back Guarantee (Days): 7
Mobile app:
Number of devices per license: 3
We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
DNS Flex VPN User Reviews (User reviews are not verified)
10.0
Based on 1 reviews in 1 languages

Write a Review on DNS Flex VPN

Please rate VPN.

All Speed Streaming Security Сustomer service
John D
John D
10/10
Fastest Smart DNS servers

Switched over from my other provider and noticed an instant difference with speeds and quality of servers. Also, the only provider that works with DAZN, DSTV, BBC iPlayer, Kayo, and Sports. These are premium stations that not all Smart DNS providers support.

About the Author

Kristin is a Multimedia Visual Communications entrepreneur who worked at vpnMentor using her experience with identity access management and online security.

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