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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.

ExpressVPN vs Smart DNS Proxy 2024

Table of Contents
    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.

    Which VPN is better?

    Author Image Doris Muthuri
    Doris Muthuri

    Former Senior Writer

    ExpressVPN and Smart DNS Proxy are pretty different in terms of features and capabilities. One is well-known in this industry for its extensive features and strong performance. The other is not as popular and claims to offer a combination of proxy, VPN, and SmartVPN services. Although they share some features, they’re not operating at the same level of service.

    The team and I tested and compared the features and performance of each VPN for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. ExpressVPN completely exceeded our expectations with more robust security features, better customer support, and faster speeds. Smart DNS Proxy could barely keep up with this industry giant. I've clearly outlined the results so you can easily compare them.

    My top recommendation is ExpressVPN. It's fast, dependable, and offers a large selection of servers globally. Plus, it prioritizes your privacy and security more than Smart DNS Proxy. You can even try it out risk-free for 30 days, as it’s backed by a trustworthy money-back guarantee.

    Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free

    Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings

    ExpressVPN Smart DNS Proxy VPN
    Overall Rating Rated 9.87/10

    https://www.expressvpn.com/

    Rated 6.66/10

    https://www.smartdnsproxy.com/

    💲 Lowest Monthly Price $6.67/month with 3 months of free service on your first 1-year subscription 58% on its 24-month plan
    🗓️ Price on Renewal $116.95 per year
    (subject to change)
    $48.14 per year
    (subject to change)
    🤑 Coupons ExpressVPN 48% Off (12-month plan) Smart DNS Proxy 58% Off (24-month plan)
    💸 Money-Back Guarantee 30 days 30 days
    📺 Streaming Works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, ESPN, Peacock, DAZN, BBC iPlayer, and more Works with Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Max, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, ITV, Peacock TV, and more
    🌍 VPN Servers 105 countries with 3,000 servers 27 countries with 400 servers
    Speed 2% speed drop on nearby servers and 14% on long-distance servers 52% speed drop on nearby servers and 72% drop on servers far away
    🎮 Gaming Performance Low ping on nearby servers and slightly higher ping on long-distance servers High ping on both nearby and faraway servers
    🧑‍🤝‍🧑 P2P Support Yes, on all servers Dedicated P2P servers, but not recommended for torrenting
    🔐 Security Protocols Lightway UDP and TCP, IKEv2, OpenVPN UDP and TCP OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, PPTP, Openconnect
    🔌 Kill Switch Yes Yes, but only for Windows and Android
    IP/DNS Leak Protection Yes Yes
    🏢 Based in Country British Virgin Islands Turkey
    ⚠️ Does VPN Keep Logs No No
    Works in China Yes Maybe
    #️⃣ Number of Device Connections 8 5
    💻 Device Compatibility Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and more.

    Plus native app for routers

    Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Ubuntu, ChromeOS, Android TV, and more

    Plus, manual setup on routers

    🔧 Customer Support 24/7 live chat, email, knowledge base, and FAQs 24/7 live chat, email, knowledge base, and FAQs

    Streaming — ExpressVPN Has Faster Speeds For Watching in UHD

    Editor's note: Both ExpressVPN and Smart DNS Proxy have strict no-logs policies, so they can’t see or store your online activities. This means it’s your responsibility to use a VPN within the bounds of the law and your chosen platform’s terms of use. The vpnMentor team does not condone copyright infringement.

    Both VPNs can securely access the most popular streaming services from anywhere. However, ExpressVPN’s excellent speeds allowed my team and me to stream in HD without buffering. While Smart DNS Proxy worked fine for streaming, we sometimes struggled with low-quality videos due to its slow speeds.

    Streaming Platform ExpressVPN Smart DNS Proxy
    Netflix ✅ Yes, including popular Netflix
    libraries like the US, UK, Canada,
    Japan, South Korea, and Switzerland
    ✅ Yes, including popular Netflix
    libraries like the US, UK, Canada,
    and Japan
    Disney+ ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    ESPN ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    (HBO) Max ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    Hulu ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    Sky ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    Amazon Prime Video ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    BBC iPlayer ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    ABC ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    CBS ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    NBC ✅ Yes ✅ Yes

    Smart DNS services are popular for streaming because they can access streaming services from abroad without slowing down your stream too much. These also work on devices that don’t normally support VPNs, like older smart TVs.

    However, smart DNS services don’t encrypt your data, which is why they’re faster. That’s why I recommend using one in combination with a VPN, as it gives you all of the streaming benefits without risking your data.

    ExpressVPN's smart DNS, known as MediaStreamer, makes it possible to access UK and US streaming services in UHD. Our UK colleagues tested it with ITVX and BBC iPlayer on their smart TVs and could watch without buffering. Accessing services on the big screen is just as easy as streaming on smartphones, tablets, or computers with ExpressVPN.

    Screenshot of ITVX streaming The Real Housewives of Cheshire while connected to ExpressVPN's UK serversThey had no issues watching live TV securely, either

    In comparison, Smart DNS Proxy’s SmartVPN servers have a built-in smart DNS service. There’s no extra setup required, which makes accessing a variety of platforms a little more beginner-friendly.

    Screenshot of Peacock player streaming A Franklin and Friends Adventure while connected to Smart DNS Proxy's US serversMy colleague reported that buffering got worse during peak times

    Our US tester used Smart DNS Proxy with popular streaming services, and it worked with most of them. They tried it with Peacock and could stream in HD with the SmartVPN. However, when they tried it with platforms like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, their video quality was always low. No matter which platform they tried, they had consistent buffering issues.

    Winner
    While both VPNs can access a range of platforms, ExpressVPN wins here because you can access a variety of libraries in the best possible quality from anywhere with no buffering,

    Server Network — ExpressVPN Has More Servers in More Countries

    ExpressVPN Smart DNS Proxy
    Total Countries With Servers 105 27
    Number of Servers 3,000 400

    ExpressVPN boasts a vast network with servers in many countries, all optimized for activities like streaming and gaming. Plus, each server works with its automatic obfuscation feature, which helps bypass stringent network blocks in places like schools and offices.

    On the other hand, Smart DNS Proxy has a smaller server network, which can cause overcrowding and slow connections. This limited network may also mean you're less likely to find a server close to your location, potentially resulting in slower VPN speeds.

    Winner
    ExpressVPN has a far larger worldwide server network, which helps to reduce server overcrowding.

    Speed — ExpressVPN Offers Excellent Speeds Over All Distances

    Our UK speed tester tested each VPN using their fastest protocols — Lightway for ExpressVPN and OpenVPN TCP for Smart DNS Proxy. They started with a baseline internet speed of around 249.85 Mbps.

    ExpressVPN’s Lightway is a propriety protocol that was designed to be as lightweight as possible, which means it offers great security without sacrificing your speeds. On the other hand, OpenVPN is a popular and secure open-source protocol. Still, in my experience, it’s not often it can outperform other industry protocols like WireGuard, let alone proprietary ones.

    Screenshot of a speed test showing rates not connected to the VPN vs connected to a server in LondonOur tester noticed no difference in load times on servers near them

    In speed comparisons between ExpressVPN and Smart DNS Proxy, ExpressVPN clearly performed better. It delivered faster speeds on both nearby and distant servers.

    Smart DNS Proxy is significantly slower, particularly on servers that are more than 5,000 miles away. This is made even worse by its limited server network, which can make it challenging to find a nearby server. For instance, the closest server to my location in Nairobi was South Africa.

    Screenshot of a speed test showing rates not connected to the VPN vs connected to a Smart DNS Proxy server in LondonIf you have a slow baseline connection, you'll probably struggle with Smart DNS Proxy

    Here’s a snapshot of the speeds recorded by our UK-based speed tester:

    Speed Tests ExpressVPN Average Download Speed Smart DNS Proxy Average Download Speed ExpressVPN Average Upload Speed Smart DNS Proxy Average Upload Speed
    Connected to a US server 219.69 Mbps 80.05 Mbps 24.46 Mbps 24.08 Mbps
    Connected to a UK server 234.39 Mbps 118.8 Mbps 24.79 Mbps 24.35 Mbps
    Connected to a Japan server 143.75 Mbps 70.28 Mbps 23.25 Mbps 22.43 Mbps
    Winner
    Thanks to its proprietary protocol, Lightway, ExpressVPN consistently gave us faster speeds on all servers. Smart DNS Proxy was slow on most servers.

    Gaming — ExpressVPN Offers A Lower Ping

    Ping measures how quickly your commands register on-screen, making it a key statistic for gaming. A ping under 100 ms is ideal for smooth gameplay, though lower is better. As with the speed section, our ping rates were measured by our UK speed tester with a baseline ping of 28 ms.

    ExpressVPN gave us a lower ping on most servers that we tested.

    ExpressVPN (Lightway) Smart DNS Proxy (OpenVPN TCP)
    Quick Connect 30 ms 27 ms
    Connected to a US server 116 ms 119 ms
    Connected to a UK server 26 ms 30 ms
    Connected to a Japan server 267 ms 271 ms

    I used ExpressVPN to play Roblox and Valorant and experienced no lag while gaming with friends.

    Screenshot of Roblox being played while connected to ExpressVPN's server in KenyaI played for hours and never experienced delays

    Smart DNS Proxy's latency was almost always higher than when connected to ExpressVPN. When I tested a server in South Africa, closest to my location in Nairobi, my character frequently froze, making the gaming experience unenjoyable — my ping was 134 ms.

    However, when my colleagues in London tested it, they had a decent experience playing Apex Legends on Proxy Smart DNS’s London server. Most VPNs will slow you down on long-distance servers. So, I recommend using a VPN with nearby servers for uninterrupted gameplay.

    Winner
    ExpressVPN offers lower ping across the board, even on mid-distance connections.

    Torrenting — ExpressVPN Is Faster and More Secure For Torrenting

    Important! We stand firmly against copyright infringement. Do not use a VPN for illegal torrent downloads. Check and ensure torrenting is legal in your location and verify that the files you download are not copyrighted.

    ExpressVPN works great for torrenting, and all of its servers are P2P friendly. It offers fast speeds and robust security and privacy features to protect you while using P2P networks. It maintains a strict no-log policy that has been independently audited, and its RAM-only servers ensure your online activities aren't stored or shared.

    Smart DNS Proxy supports torrenting on all its servers, and four of these servers are optimized for torrenting. However, these servers, including the torrent-optimized ones, generally perform slower than ExpressVPN's.

    I tested both VPNs from Nairobi and connected to the nearest server — a 5 GB copyright-free file took only 17 minutes to download with ExpressVPN, whereas it took 41 minutes with Smart DNS Proxy.

    While it lacks advanced security features such as split tunneling and RAM-only servers, Smart DNS Proxy does provide essential security features to protect your data during torrenting. However, it's important to note that the VPN only offers a kill switch for Android and Windows. A kill switch is crucial for all devices to prevent data exposure on P2P servers.

    Winner
    ExpressVPN has excellent speeds and impressive protection, while Smart DNS Proxy VPN has only basic security features and struggles with downloads.

    Security — ExpressVPN Has Excellent Security Features

    ExpressVPN has more advanced security features than Smart DNS Proxy VPN.

    Security Feature ExpressVPN Smart DNS Proxy
    Encryption level AES 256-bit cipher with a 4096-bit RSA key and SHA-512 HMAC authentication AES 128-bit encryption, AES 256-bit encryption, and 2048-bit encryption (Depending on which protocol you choose)
    Kill switch Yes, all OSs; use the Lightway protocol when enabling it on iOS Yes, only for Windows and Android
    DNS/IP leak protection Yes Yes
    Protocols Lightway UDP and TCP, IKEv2, OpenVPN UDP and TCP OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, PPTP
    Split tunneling Yes (except macOS 11+) No
    Private DNS servers Yes No
    Tor Over VPN servers No No
    RAM-only servers wipe data Yes No
    Ad & malware blocker Yes No
    Double hop servers No No
    Dedicated IP addresses No No
    Obfuscation technology Yes No

    I especially like ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol, Lightway, which is designed for faster speeds without compromising on security. Lightway is also open-source, which means that anyone can examine its code for vulnerabilities.

    Screenshot of ExpressVPN's Windows settings showing protocol optionsThe Automatic option selects the best protocol for you based on your network

    ExpressVPN uses its own private DNS servers across all its locations. This setup keeps your DNS queries within ExpressVPN's secure network, shielding them from external parties. Plus, it improves query speeds and prevents malicious attacks like DNS hijacking.

    Overall, Smart DNS Proxy is significantly less secure and lacks several features offered by ExpressVPN. It doesn’t offer obfuscation, RAM-only servers, or split tunneling. It did, however, consistently pass IP and DNS leak tests. But I feel that this is a bare minimum feature for any VPN.

    Screenshot IP Leak test showing Smart DNS Proxy preventing all leaksThe VPN kept my real location and identity hidden

    Winner
    ExpressVPN provides advanced security features, including RAM-only servers, a kill switch, and private DNS servers. However, Smart DNS Proxy only provides the bare minimum.

    Privacy — ExpressVPN’s Privacy Policy Is More Reliable

    The general privacy policy on the Smart DNS Proxy website states that it does collect some identifiable data. I contacted support to ask whether the VPN has a different privacy policy but received no response. So this is pretty concerning. What's more, I couldn’t find any information about the privacy policy being audited.

    In comparison, ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy that is clearly documented in its privacy policy. It has also been audited and verified by different independent security firms, including Cure53, KPMG, and PwC.

    Screenshot of ExpressVPN's privacy policy showing the data it collectsIt only stores your email and billing information

    Both VPNs are located outside the jurisdiction of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. This means that they are under no obligation to share data with any government bodies.

    Winner
    ExpressVPN has a clear privacy policy that has been verified by multiple independent parties.

    Works in China — ExpressVPN Is More Reliable in China

    Important! In China, only government-approved VPNs are legal, and these lack privacy. Although there are no recorded penalties for tourists using unapproved VPNs, it's important to stay aware of local laws to avoid inadvertently violating them.

    The Great Firewall of China is frequently updated, making it difficult for even the best VPNs to work reliably in the country. Smart DNS Proxy is among those that cannot guarantee to work in China. When I contacted customer support, the agent said that it does work within the country, but it depends on your ISP.

    On the other hand, ExpressVPN is known to work reliably in China. While it's not guaranteed to work all the time, it functions more consistently than many other VPNs. It also has servers in Macau and Hong Kong, which are not subject to the mainland's VPN data regulations.

    In China, VPN websites are typically blocked, making it difficult to download apps once inside the country. I like that ExpressVPN provides alternative download options through mirror URLs, which its support team can give you via email.

    Winner
    While it may not work all the time, ExpressVPN is the best-known reliable option for China.

    Installation & Ease of Use — ExpressVPN Is More Intuitive

    ExpressVPN is pretty easy to install and use. It took me about 3 minutes to install it and connect to a server in Kenya. I especially like its Smart Location feature, which suggests the best server for you based on distance, speed, and latency. Whenever I used this option, the decrease in speed was barely noticeable.

    Screenshot of ExpressVPN's Windows dashboard showing Smart LocationBesides Smart Location, ExpressVPN also shows Recent and Recommended locations

    I had some issues while installing Smart DNS Proxy VPN. Subscribing to the free trial was straightforward, but after downloading the Windows app, it wouldn't work at all. Despite entering the correct login details, I kept receiving an error message.

    I contacted support, and although the agent tried to help with the issue, I still wasn’t able to solve it. Interestingly, when my colleague signed up for a free trial with their details, they had no issues installing and launching the app.

    Screenshot of Smart DNS Proxy's Windows dashboard showing a login errorI tried changing the password but it still didn't work

    Smart DNS Proxy VPN has native apps for Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS. You can also manually set it up on Ubuntu, ChromeOS, Android TV, routers, and Roku.

    ExpressVPN supports these devices and several more, including Linux and Firestick, and has various browser extensions. It also sells pre-configured VPN routers (Aircove and Aircove Go), which is handy if you don’t want to dive into your device’s settings.

    Winner
    ExpressVPN is intuitive and easy to install and use, and it supports a ton of different devices and operating systems.

    Reliability & Support — ExpressVPN’s Support Is More Responsive

    Customer Support Features ExpressVPN Smart DNS Proxy
    24/7 Live chat Yes, responds instantly Yes, but it’s a chatbot
    Email support Yes Yes
    Phone support No No
    Step-by-step setup guides Yes, with video tutorials Yes, with video tutorials
    Searchable knowledge base Yes Yes
    Exhaustive FAQ section Yes Yes

    Both VPNs are fairly matched here, offering the same support channels. However, the way these channels are implemented is what sets them apart. While both offer 24/7 live chat support, ExpressVPN's support is efficient and friendly, with agents who respond quickly.

    In contrast, Smart DNS Proxy uses an AI chatbot for its live chat, which often provides unhelpful generic responses. When requesting to speak with a human agent, the bot instructs users to send an email instead. I received an email response nearly 48 hours later. Some of my emails also didn’t get a response.

    Winner
    ExpressVPN’s chat support is more responsive, and you can talk to a real human straight away

    Tips on Choosing Between ExpressVPN vs Smart DNS Proxy

    Here are the features I checked when comparing ExpressVPN and Smart DNS Proxy VPN, including tips on how to test them yourself:

    • Smooth streaming. My global team and I tested the VPN services to see if we could stream in the best available quality without interruptions.
    • Fast speeds. This is essential for high-bandwidth activities such as streaming, gaming, and downloading. I tested both VPNs to evaluate their performance over both short and long distances.
    • Large server network. I assessed their server networks because having more servers typically means it's easier to find one nearby, which can lead to faster speeds. Plus, a larger network helps reduce overcrowding.
    • Robust security features. I reviewed each VPN's security features, focusing on encryption standards, security protocols, and leak protection to guarantee your data's safety.
    • Respectable privacy practices. I checked whether the VPNs keep logs and have undergone an independent audit. It's preferable if they are based in a privacy-friendly location, not part of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance.
    • Easy to use. An easy-to-use app ensures a smooth experience. I assessed the user interface, setup, and navigation of both apps and found them to be user-friendly.
    • Reliable money-back guarantee. A reliable money-back guarantee shows confidence in the service. I reviewed and tested the refund process for both, confirming that they honor their guarantees.

    ExpressVPN vs Smart DNS Proxy — Reddit Opinions

    ExpressVPN has many long-term fans. Many users support it for its reliability and performance, often calling it the best VPN available. Fans also appreciate ExpressVPN's extensive server network and its effectiveness in circumventing strict firewalls.

    On the other hand, some Redditors feel that Smart DNS Proxy is too pricey. It has bare-bones privacy features and doesn’t even work with all streaming services. Some users say that they get a ton of buffering while streaming with Smart DNS Proxy, which is what my team and I found while testing.

    Our Score

    Features 9.9/10
    Pricing 9.4/10
    Ease of Use 10.0/10
    Reliability & Support 10.0/10
    Features 6.7/10
    Pricing 9.5/10
    Ease of Use 8.0/10
    Reliability & Support 7.8/10

    Reviews

    Review by our expert
    Author Image James Everard
    James Everard

    Senior Writer

    Our Score: 9.9/10

    ExpressVPN is one of the most popular and trusted names in the industry. It’s known for being one of the safest, fastest VPNs around, so I wanted to see if it can live up to these claims. It’s not the cheapest VPN, but it often offers discounts that make it a better value for the money. Other decent VPNs offer similar features for less in the long term. So, do you really need to pay that much...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    D
    Dijana
    10.0/10
    Amazing quality

    ExpressVPN is fantastic! It offers blazing fast speeds, strong security features, and a user-friendly ... interface. Perfect for streaming, browsing, and protecting your online privacy. Highly recommended!More

    Latest negative user review
    C
    Charli
    6.0/10
    Ok, but expensive

    Seems ok, but I wouldn't say it's worth $20AUD a month. That's steep if you live in a backwater like A... ustralia, where the currency is not valuable. Easy enough to set up - you don't need to be Einstein - but unless you're a tech nerd who can take a look under the bonnet, you'll just have to trust what they say about their product. It frequently drops out without the slightest warning, often when it's the only thing online at the time - despite fast and flawless fiber internet, rendering expression entirely useless UNLESS you have it sitting on your desktop where you can keep an eagle eye on it to actually see it when it drops out so you can kick it back into service again (it doesn't do it by itself), which seems to defeat its purpose, so I'm taking away 2 stars for that. Support is good and they do get back to you as fast as they can.More

    Review by our expert
    Author Image Ivana Sarandeska
    Ivana Sarandeska

    Former Cybersecurity Researcher

    Our Score: 6.7/10

    Smart DNS Proxy claims to offer a 3-in-1 service that includes a proxy, a VPN, and a SmartVPN. In reality, I found out it really only offers 2 services — the proxy and the VPN. The proxy claims to offer fast access to 400+ sites and services (by rerouting only your traffic to those specific sites), but doesn’t provide any online privacy or the option to change your IP address. The VPN encrypt...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    G
    Guy B
    10.0/10
    I'm happy with Smart DNS Proxy since 2016

    I have used Smart DNS Proxy since 2016 on my Firestick (UK Prime) from Malaysia. It allows me to acces... s all UK content, including BBC iPlayer, NowTV, ITVx, Britbox, 4, 5, and PrimeVideo and Disney+ (US). I had to give up Disney+ access when I got NowTV(UK) due to the Region setting. I had no trouble accessing Netflix USA until I stopped watching Netflix on my tv and just used the tab when I travel. I found their Customer Service to be ok. They certainly helped me set up my router settings when I first signed on with them. After 2 bi-annual subscriptions, I went all in and got the Lifetime subscription in 2020. I didn't know SmartDNS was acquired by another company till recent when I found out that they are now based in Turkey. They were based in Mauritius or was it Seychelles up to then.More

    Latest negative user review
    N
    Nareskar
    2.0/10
    It is horrible experience to work with Smart DNS Proxy VPN

    I have been using this Smart DNS Proxy from Malaysia to unblock Indian streaming content for the last ... two years. I found it was the cheapest VPN and worked reasonably well to unblock content for the first two years of my work. But for the last two months, this has become horrible to work. Most of the DNS servers in Asia don't work at all. If it starts to work after a couple of minutes it stops. The speed of the internet through this DNS is very slow and repeated stoppages make streaming a nightmare. Complaining to customer care yields no results. They give a lot of tasks, after doing all those with no improvement in results. This company is doing nothing to maintain its servers. People should stay away from buying this VPN.More

    Pricing

    ExpressVPN Smart DNS Proxy
    Starting Price $6.67/month $2.48/month
    Price (On Renewal) $116.95 per year
    (subject to change)
    $48.14 per year
    (subject to change)
    Money-Back Guarantee (Days) 30 days 30 days
    Number of devices per license 8 5
    Router Setup (for Unlimited Devices) Easy to set up and use, with its native router firmware and app Manual installation

    Smart DNS Proxy VPN is more affordable in the long run — it even offers a lifetime plan. If you choose the long-term subscription, you get a 58% discount. This means that you can get it for as little as $2.48/month, which is a good deal if you’re looking to secure your connection on a budget.

    ExpressVPN costs more but offers great value for its price. With VPNs, you typically get what you pay for, and that was the case here. ExpressVPN is faster, more secure, and more reliable, so I believe it’s worth the extra cost.

    It also offers good deals and discounts. I paid only $6.67/month for the long-term plan and got 3 months of the service for free.

    Overall, it’s difficult to compare these two services on price alone because you get two very different services for a different cost, so I’m calling this a draw.

    Winner - draw
    /
    Smart DNS Proxy is more affordable, so it’s a decent budget choice. But, if you’ve got the extra cash to spare, ExpressVPN’s higher cost will net you faster speeds, better security, and more reliability.

    Best VPN by Category

    Best VPN Overall

    ExpressVPN is the best overall due to its extensive global server network, fast speeds, and superior streaming capabilities. Smart DNS Proxy has a small server network, and it doesn’t work well for gaming and torrenting.

    Best VPN for Torrents

    Every ExpressVPN server supports torrenting at fast speeds while also keeping you safe behind top security and a kill switch. Smart DNS Pro VPN is less secure and struggles with fast downloading, even on its torrenting-optimized servers.

    Best VPN for Windows

    ExpressVPN provides a user-friendly, fast, and secure Windows app with a strict no-logging policy. It’s a lot more intuitive than Smart DNS Proxy’s app, and installation went without a hitch.

    Best VPN for Android

    ExpressVPN is the top choice for Android due to its smooth and secure performance. The app is user-friendly, featuring essential tools like a kill switch and the battery-efficient Lightway protocol. Its fast and reliable service on mobile devices makes it ideal for Android users.

    Best VPN for Mac

    ExpressVPN works seamlessly with macOS, providing the same level of protection and functionality as other platforms. Smart DNS Proxy’s VPN and proxy service support all Mac devices, but it lacks some essential features, such as a kill switch.

    Best VPN for iOS

    ExpressVPN excels in this category as it is optimized for Apple hardware, which delivers high speeds. It supports iOS 12 and newer, whereas Smart DNS Proxy is only compatible with iOS 14 and up. Smart DNS Proxy VPN also works well with iOS, but it lacks features such as a kill switch.

    Best VPN for USA

    ExpressVPN is more dependable for streaming and browsing US websites. It has servers in 24 US locations, making it easy to find a nearby server for HD access to popular American streaming platforms like Netflix US, Hulu, ESPN, and Max.

    The Bottom Line

    ExpressVPN is the top choice in our comparison. While both VPNs secure your connection, ExpressVPN stands out with its wide range of server locations, excellent customer service, and compatibility with more streaming platforms. It is also notable in that it works fairly reliably in China, which is uncommon for VPNs.

    You can try ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days to see if it suits your needs. If you're not satisfied, getting a refund is easy and straightforward.

    FAQ

    Is ExpressVPN better than Smart DNS Proxy?

    Yes, ExpressVPN is generally superior to Smart DNS Proxy. It offers servers in more countries, maintains fast speeds, and is effective in China. ExpressVPN is also suitable for gaming and supports torrenting on all its servers. Additionally, it enhances privacy with RAM-only servers that automatically delete your data upon rebooting.

    Is ExpressVPN faster than Smart DNS Proxy?

    Yes, ExpressVPN is faster than Smart DNS Proxy. Because your VPN is your computer's primary connection to the Internet, it's crucial to choose a service that doesn't slow your speed by more than 20%. If fast speeds are a priority for you, I recommend ExpressVPN. It's one of the fastest services available, offers unlimited bandwidth, and maintains high speeds even when connecting to servers across the globe.

    Do ExpressVPN or Smart DNS Proxy offer any deals?

    Both ExpressVPN and Smart DNS Proxy offer deals on occasion. You can check out the current coupons and discounts here. However, ExpressVPN has the best deals. Right now, you can get a 48% discount and up to 3 months for free with a new subscription.

    Which is better Between ExpressVPN, Smart DNS Proxy, and NordVPN?

    ExpressVPN is the overall better VPN. It offers a vast server network, higher speeds, more user-friendly apps, and a strict no-logs policy that multiple independent audits have verified. NordVPN is also a strong option, with excellent speeds and robust security and privacy features. Similar to Smart DNS Proxy, it offers a built-in smart DNS service.

    On the other hand, Smart DNS Proxy falls short when compared to these two giants. It lacks advanced security features and supports only a limited number of devices. It’s not as fast as either of them, and it’s far less reliable for streaming.

    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.
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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.

    About the Author

    Doris was a tech writer and a cybersecurity researcher for vpnMentor. She is enthusiastic about educating people about their rights to online freedom and provides actionable ways to protect their data.