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Surfshark vs Smart DNS Proxy 2022

After comparing these VPNs, we have a winner!

Rated: 9.6/10
%s User Reviews
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Rated: 8.1/10
%s User Reviews
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Rating

Features 9.6/10
Pricing 9.4/10
Ease of Use 10.0/10
Reliability & Support 9.6/10
Features 8.1/10
Pricing 9.0/10
Ease of Use 8.0/10
Reliability & Support 8.2/10

Reviews

Review by our expert
Author Image Kate Richards
Kate Richards

Managing Editor

9.4/10

With VPNs, you tend to get what you pay for. So when I saw Surfshark’s super low prices (you can get it for just $2.49/month), I was a bit skeptical about its rave reviews. To find out if it actually lives up to these claims, I tested every single aspect of Surfshark, including speeds, security features, unblocking abilities, network reliability, and device compatibility. I also took a cl...

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Latest positive user review
A
Anonymously
10.0/10
Five star vpn

Best I've ever used. All good, no complaints at all. I had a couple of questions when I first started ... using it, reached out to customer service. They were quick to respond, friendly, and helpful. I'm looking forward to them making the Surfshark Search feature a separate app.More

Latest negative user review
R
Russell Greene
2.0/10
Doesn't work when you need it and support is useless

I'm currently in a hotel. Apparently, the app doesn't always work in hotels, when I want it most. Then... , the support page won't load (no problem with other websites so it's not on my end). Finally, use my phone and get "Zach". Request another agent if you get him. I told him I'm on my phone but want Surfshark to work on my laptop but he still sends pdf guides to my phone instead of emailing me or walking me through the process of using OpenVPN (which is another issue altogether). Then he said he emailed me but nothing. I did get one email from a "Manny" as a follow-up but nothing from Zach. Then, using FB messenger, the person there said Manny's email is for Zach. It was not. So, in addition to not getting the support I needed (still can't use the VPN I paid for), I have been openly lied to by Zach and whoever runs their FB. No more follow-ups from them. In short, spend a few extra bucks for a better company.More

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Review by our expert
Author Image Ivana Sarandeska
Ivana Sarandeska

Cybersecurity Researcher

7.4/10

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 give you 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 encr...

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Latest positive user review
A
Anonymously
10.0/10
Used for at least 3 years without any issues

Mainly used to access geo-blocked streaming services with DNS. All main UK streaming services work fla... wlessly on my Samsung TVs, IoS, Android, and Windows devices. No issues with Amazon Prime, Netflix, etc. Good value for what I use. Never had reason to use customer services.More

Latest negative user review
A
Anonymously
4.0/10
BBC iPlayer no longer working

The only reason I subscribed to Smart DNS Proxy was to access UK TV streaming services like BBC iPlaye... r, ITV Hub, etc. Geo unlocking for sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc. has never worked - well at least since I joined 9 months ago. It's recently all gone bad! Started by completely blocking access to my local version of Netflix, despite Netflix being unselected on their configuration page. Now it has stopped working for all UK streaming sites, and their support says I will have to change the DNS on my router. Unfortunately, as the router is supplied by my ISP, this is not possible, as the interface page does not allow this manipulation. My advice - Avoid!More

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Pricing

Starting price $2.49/month
Money Back Guarantee (Days) 30 Days
Number of devices per license Unlimited devices
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Starting price $2.48/month
Money Back Guarantee (Days) 30 Days
Number of devices per license 5 devices
See Plans

The Bottom Line

Author Image Kate Richards
Kate Richards

Managing Editor

Final Verdict — A User-Friendly and All-Round Safe, Reliable VPN I 100% recommend Surfshark. Of all its competitors, it has the best value and provides you with everything a top VPN should: multiple advanced security features, reliable network and speeds, consistent unblocking abilities, and a strong commitment to user privacy and security. I was really impressed with Surfshark’s customer support and its level of transparency while reading over its privacy policy, as well. In addition, one of its greatest selling points is that you can connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, making its comparably lower price point even more worth it. However, if you want a VPN with an incredibly reliable network with more global coverage, ExpressVPN is a better choice. I would also recommend CyberGhost if you’re looking for an easy-to-use VPN designed for streaming and torrenting. If you're not convinced if Surfshark's for you, you can check

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Time to decide which one is best for you

Go with Surfshark
Go with Smart DNS Proxy
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