Best SmartyDNS Alternatives in 2026
The top SmartyDNS alternatives are CyberGhost VPN, Hotspot Shield and Surfshark: 15 VPNs for smart TVs our editors would look at instead of SmartyDNS, in our ranking order.
SmartyDNS: Pairs an Android TV VPN app with Smart DNS setup for a range of TVs and media devices. Where it falls short: smart DNS does not encrypt traffic.
Switching from SmartyDNS? For most vpns for smart tvs buyers the best SmartyDNS alternative is CyberGhost VPN, built for established VPN users prioritizing streaming. On a budget, ExpressVPN starts at $2.99/mo. Hotspot Shield has a free plan, which SmartyDNS does not. NordVPN offers the most simultaneous devices (10 devices).
Why People Look for a SmartyDNS Alternative
- Smart DNS does not encrypt traffic
- Requires public IP validation when the IP changes
- Monthly plan starts at $7.95, with no free plan
- No free plan — 4 of the alternatives below have it
- Simultaneous devices: 5 devices — up to 10 devices with NordVPN
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallCyberGhost VPN8.2
Established VPN users prioritizing streaming
Visit CyberGhost VPN - Lowest priceExpressVPN7.9
Paid plans from $2.99/mo
Visit ExpressVPN - Best free optionHotspot Shield8.1
Has a free plan (SmartyDNS has none)
Visit Hotspot Shield - Most simultaneous devicesNordVPN7.9
10 devices
Visit NordVPN
All 15 SmartyDNS Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forEstablished VPN users prioritizing streaming
- Better than SmartyDNS:
- Simultaneous devices: 7 devices vs 5 devices
- Editor score 8.2 vs 7.9
A streaming-oriented VPN with broad server reach, but no verified native Smart TV app.
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit CyberGhost -
Best forStreaming households wanting a free starting option
- Better than SmartyDNS:
- Free plan
- Editor score 8.1 vs 7.9
A flexible VPN with streaming features, though its listed apps focus on desktop and mobile.
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit Hotspot Shield -
Best forHouseholds connecting many devices
- Better than SmartyDNS:
- Editor score 8.0 vs 7.9
A multi-device VPN with streaming support, but no verified native Smart TV app.
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit Surfshark -
Best forStreamers seeking broad server choice
- Better than SmartyDNS:
- Simultaneous devices: 10 devices vs 5 devices
Broad server choice and streaming support, but TV installation fit needs checking.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit NordVPN -
Best forStreaming users who value audited privacy
- Better than SmartyDNS:
- Simultaneous devices: 10 devices vs 5 devices
A privacy-focused VPN with streaming guides, but no verified Smart TV app support here.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit ExpressVPN -
Best forFree VPN users with a compatible TV setup
- Better than SmartyDNS:
- Free plan
- Simultaneous devices: 10 devices vs 5 devices
A capable free VPN, but smart-TV suitability depends on a compatible setup.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Proton VPN -
Best forHouseholds connecting many devices
A flexible VPN for many devices, though Smart TV compatibility needs checking.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit site -
Best forBudget-conscious users wanting a flexible VPN
- Better than SmartyDNS:
- Free plan
A flexible, low-cost VPN with streaming support and unlimited connections, but limited TV-specific detail.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Windscribe -
Best forUsers wanting streaming servers and a long trial
- Better than SmartyDNS:
- Simultaneous devices: 10 devices vs 5 devices
A streaming-focused VPN, but its listed platforms do not establish Smart TV support.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Avast -
Best forUsers seeking streaming servers and unlimited connections
A streaming-focused VPN with broad device support, but no verified Smart TV app details.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Namecheap -
Best forUsers wanting streaming plus optional security tools
- Better than SmartyDNS:
- Simultaneous devices: 10 devices vs 5 devices
Streaming support and leak protections, but smart-TV setup is not established here.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit PureVPN -
Best forPrivacy-focused users who do not need a TV app
A privacy-first VPN with simple pricing, but a less direct fit for Smart TVs.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Mullvad -
Best forSmart TV households wanting broad device support
A TV-focused VPN and Smart DNS bundle with Android TV and router setup options.
- Smart DNS
- Router support
- Native TV app
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Unlocator -
Best forRouter-based whole-home streaming access
A fit for whole-home streaming access, with VPN apps as a secondary option.
7.9/10★★★★☆Try Smart DNS Proxy -
Best forUsers seeking an audited VPN with TV clients
- Better than SmartyDNS:
- Free plan
- Simultaneous devices: 10 devices vs 5 devices
A privacy-focused VPN with TV clients, streaming servers, and a restricted-speed free plan.
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit hide.me
SmartyDNS Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to SmartyDNS?
CyberGhost VPN: #1 in our VPNs for Smart TVs ranking, with an editor score of 8.2 out of 10. A streaming-oriented VPN with broad server reach, but no verified native Smart TV app.
Is there a free alternative to SmartyDNS?
Yes. Hotspot Shield, Proton VPN, Windscribe and hide.me have a free plan or a free tier.
What is the cheapest paid alternative to SmartyDNS?
Of the alternatives here that publish a price, ExpressVPN starts lowest, at $2.99/mo.
Why do people look for SmartyDNS alternatives?
Smart DNS does not encrypt traffic; Requires public IP validation when the IP changes; Monthly plan starts at $7.95, with no free plan.
Which SmartyDNS alternative has the most simultaneous devices?
NordVPN, with 10 devices.
How do I switch from SmartyDNS?
Export your data from SmartyDNS (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel SmartyDNS.
How to Switch from SmartyDNS
- Export your data from SmartyDNS (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel SmartyDNS.
SmartyDNS vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Simultaneous devices | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | SmartyDNS | No | $49.95/yr | 5 devices | 7.9 |
| 1 | CyberGhost VPN | No | 7 devices | 8.2 | |
| 2 | Hotspot Shield | Yes | $6.99/mo | 5 devices | 8.1 |
| 3 | Surfshark | No | 8.0 | ||
| 4 | NordVPN | No | 10 devices | 7.9 | |
| 5 | ExpressVPN | No | $2.99/mo | 10 devices | 7.9 |
| 6 | Proton VPN | Yes | 10 devices | 7.9 | |
| 7 | Private Internet Access | No | $3.99/mo | 7.9 | |
| 8 | Windscribe | Yes | $69/yr | 7.9 | |
| 9 | Avast SecureLine VPN | No | 10 devices | 7.9 | |
| 10 | FastVPN | No | 7.9 | ||
| 11 | PureVPN | No | $57.95/yr | 10 devices | 7.9 |
| 12 | Mullvad VPN | No | €5/mo | 5 devices | 7.9 |
| 13 | Unlocator | No | 5 devices | 7.9 | |
| 14 | Smart DNS Proxy | No | 7.9 | ||
| 15 | hide.me | Yes | 10 devices | 7.7 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update