VPN services and DNS solutions have one big thing in common: they can both help you to hide your real IP address and show the world a fake one that hides your identity and makes your browsing anonymous. Aside from this similarity, they are very different services. So what makes one better than the other and, ultimately, which one should you choose?
What’s The Difference Between VPN Services And DNS Solutions?
A DNS based solution hides your IP address by redirecting internet packets. Like a VPN service, it requires you to connect to a server located in a specific place, usually one in the country where the websites you’re trying to access are located. For example, if you’re in the United States and you want to watch Canadian television streaming online, you’ll need a DNS server or a VPN server in Canada.
However, a VPN service works by creating a tunnel between your computer and its servers, encrypting all your data as it travels back and forth and changing your IP address at the server. A DNS, on the other hand, intercepts your data when it’s traveling to specific sites that are region restricted and temporarily shows that site a different IP that will make the service work.
Which Should I Choose: DNS or VPN?
A DNS is usually quicker than a VPN, but it does nothing at all to encrypt and protect your data. A DNS can be used with many devices that are not able to naturally support VPN protocols, but you’ll be using those devices unprotected. Plus there are ways to get around these VPN restrictions, such as to use your VPN directly through your router. A DNS uses fewer resources and doesn’t require as much power from your computer because it’s not working to encrypt all your data before sending it out into the internet realm, but your IP address will sometimes be visible when you’re connected to the sites you’ve used it to access.
In essence, your choice depends on the security you would like to have. If you want to be secure and anonymous while browsing the internet, you will need a VPN. If you just want to be able to access Netflix outside the United States, you may not care so much about these needs. However, if you really can’t make up your mind, you can always use both of them together, doubling the ease of use and freedom of the internet you enjoy. To help you get started protecting your data with a VPN service, we asked our experts to take a considered look at the available VPN solutions and compile their top five choices for you below:
| Rank | Provider Name | Starting Price | Money Back Guarantee |
Visit Provider Site |
 |
ExpressVPN | $6.67/month | 30 Days |  |
| 2 | IPVanish | $10.00/month | 7 Days | |
| 3 | Hidemyass | $11.52/month | 30 Days | |
| 4 | VyprVPN | $10.00/month | 7 Days | |
| 5 | StrongVPN | $21/ 3 months | 7 Days | |
