Security is important, but if you are mainly interested in a practical solution to access websites and media that are blocked in your region, a SmartDNS is a good solution. Unlike a VPN, a SmartDNS service doesn’t provide protection for your data. However, the fact that there is no encryption involved means that there is practically no drop in internet speed. SmartDNS setups use dynamic DNS server addresses that are constantly changing and their impact on bandwidth is minimal. SmartDNS is ideal for users who prefer speed over security and if you are looking for a high quality provider, Unblock-Us may be the right option for you.
While it is possible to get free DNS addresses online, changing your DNS manually can be a hassle. In many cases, free DNS IP addresses would not work and they may be associated to malicious websites. Furthermore, many websites and streaming services like Hulu and Netflix can usually detect and block these DNS addresses. This is why it is important to choose a service that is really effective and reliable. Unblock-Us is designed to make things easy for users and in this review we’ll take a look at what you can expect from this provider. They also offer a VPN service, but we’ll focus on their SmartDNS solution as this is their area of expertise.
Getting Started
When you use a SmartDNS service like Unblock-Us you get new DNS addresses, but you will not need to change them ever again. The all-in-one servers will change the backend DNS addresses dynamically, which will allow you to access most locations without requiring additional changes. The majority of SmartDNS providers work through their website, once the DNS servers are manually set up on your device. Software clients may be available but they are only used to set up the DNS and to turn the service on and off. Once Unlock-Us is setup you can access the website and choose a region for the streaming service you want to use or browse through the options available.
Unblock-Us has to be configured manually on each device. Alternatively, you can setup your internet router once to support all your devices. There is a software client for Windows but other platforms have to be configured manually. While manual set up is slightly more complicated than installing custom software, the website offers simple guides for all other platforms supported such as Mac OS X, Android, and iOS, Changing your DNS servers is easy and the guides will take you through every part of the process.
The only issue is that unless you have the Windows software, you would have to manually remove the DNS change if you want to return to the original DNS provided by your ISP. While most likely you wouldn’t want to disable the SmartDNS service, if you want to go back to the DNS you had, it is a hassle to have to do it manually. The lack of software for other platforms apart from Windows may be a downside but on the other hand, it means that you won’t need to worry about additional software that may affect the speed and performance of your computer if you already have many applications running.
Security and Speed
Speed is the main reason to choose a SmartDNS over a VPN and Unlock-Us has proved to be one of the best solutions of its kind. The speed loss is practically non-existent when you use the service, which allows you to enjoy a seamless experience with streaming applications. Changing your DNS servers doesn’t redirect your traffic through a secure tunnel and doesn’t involve encryption. It only makes websites and online services believe that you are connecting from a different location.
As a result, the speed loss when using a SmartDNS is minimal and you are able to unlock the geo-restricted content that you want to watch. However, it is important to keep in mind that with a SmartDNS your anonymity and security are not protected. Your data is not encrypted and your IP address is not hidden. In order to get a high level of protection for your data and remain anonymous when you are online, you will need to get a VPN, which would also allow you to get access to content blocked in your country.
Features
The first thing to highlight about Unblock-Us is that it is designed to offer an easy to use experience. With the help of the tutorial videos you will be able to set up the service on any device within a few minutes. The videos take you through every step of the process and allow you to understand how to change your DNS server and how to start using the service. They are short and contain the right amount information needed, without being overwhelming. If your device doesn’t support DNS changes you will have the option of setting up the SmartDNS address directly on all your network router, which will enable the service on all the devices connected.
Setting up Unlock-Us on your router is a practical solution that helps you to avoid having to configure the service individually on each device. Plus, you will find guides for a wide variety of router brands on the website. After setting up your DNS, you can check the Unlock-Us website for a complete list of all the channels and streaming services that you can access. There are hundreds of options available including music platforms such as Pandora and Spotify and popular services like Hulu, Netflix, HBO Go, BBC iPlayer and Amazon Instant Video. You can find the best entertainment in the category you prefer.
Accessing your favourite entertainment services is simple and you can enjoy many different options. There is a good selection of channels for children and an impressive sports category that features some of the most popular events in the world. The service gives you practical information that allows you to choose the right option to watch the content you want. You can also check what services require a paid subscription and what devices are supported. This will help you to manage the service effectively as you won’t waste time trying to access services that are not compatible or that involve additional charges. You can use as many devices as you want with the same SmartDNS account. However, you can’t share DNS servers across internet connections in different locations.
Plans
To enjoy freedom to access the content that you want, regardless of your location, you can subscribe to Unlock-Us SmartDNS service for $4.99 per month. To get a better deal and long-term service, the best option is to set up a subscription for one year, which will reduce the monthly price to just $4.16. There is a 7-dat trial that allows you to find out if the service works for you without committing to a full subscription. Since SmartDNS doesn’t change your IP address and the purpose of the service is to help you to access websites and applications that are usually blocked in your country, you won’t find a list of servers locations. However, the channels section shows you what services are supported.
Customer Support
As previously mentioned, the website features useful and comprehensive step-by-step tutorials. You will also find a detailed FAQ section where you will find answers to questions from other users or post your own query. You can also contact the support team via email and get a swift response to your questions. Unlock-Us stands out for its commitment to provide the best experience for their customers and they share the feedback and rating from their customers on their site.
Conclusion
Unblock-Us is a useful alternative for users who are focused on finding a fast and effective solution to unblock streaming services and top online entertainment. There is practically no loss of speed when you use SmartDNS due to the fact that encryption is not applied. Additionally, the level of compatibility and the versatility that Unblock-Us offers for streamers is impressive. There are options in almost any category you may want and accessing great TV series, sports events and movies is really simple. Customer support is another area in which the quality of Unblock-Us is showcased. If you value your privacy and want to ensure that your data is secure, your best option is a good VPN that has little impact on your internet speed. However, if you are looking for the convenience of a SmartDNS, Unblock-Us would be a great option.
