Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Proton VPN and Smart DNS Proxy offer affordable VPN services outside the 14-Eyes Alliance. However, Proton VPN surpasses Smart DNS Proxy in performance with an extensive network of 2,970 servers in 68 countries and a strict no-logging policy, while Smart DNS Proxy retains certain user activity records and only hosts 38 servers across 24 countries. Smart DNS Proxy edges out Proton VPN in China due to current firewall policies. Considering user privacy, reliability, and server reach, Proton VPN emerges as the superior option.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: Proton VPN vs Smart DNS Proxy
| VPN Company | Proton VPN | Smart DNS Proxy |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Switzerland | Turkey |
| Cheapest Price | $4.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $2.48/mo |
| Monthly Price | $9.99 | $5.90 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | No |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-128, AES-256, and 2048-bit |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, PPTP, and SSTP |
| Servers | 2,970 | 38 |
| Servers Countries | 68 | 24 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 devices | 5 devices |
| Works in China? | No | Likely |
| Smart DNS | No | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | No |
| Third Party Audit | Securitum | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | 24/7 Email |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Netflix |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Tie
Searching for a VPN that marries cost-effectiveness with reliable performance? Both Proton VPN and Smart DNS Proxy are priced affordably. Proton VPN costs $4.99/mo for its 24-month plan; while Smart DNS Proxy cheapest 24-month plan starts at $2.48/mo. These VPNs exemplify the possibility of obtaining superior online security and privacy without a significant financial outlay. Both services highlight that accessing top-tier VPN features can indeed be budget-friendly
Jurisdiction: Tie
Proton VPN and Smart DNS Proxy both offer the distinct advantage of operating outside the 14-Eye Alliance, with Proton VPN based in the privacy-conscious environment of Switzerland and Smart DNS Proxy in the non-alliance territory of Turkey. Their non-14-Eyes bases ensure a higher degree of privacy from global surveillance networks.
The Impact of the 14-Eye Alliance on VPN Services
Originating from the Five-Eyes and expanding to Nine-Eyes, the 14-Eyes Alliance encompasses a broad group of countries, including powerhouses like the US, UK, and various European nations. VPN providers in these countries might face legal pressures to hand over user information, contradicting their no-logs claims. By choosing a VPN service like Proton VPN or Smart DNS Proxy, both located outside these surveillance-intensive areas, users gain an extra layer of security against potential government interceptions and data monitoring, making them a preferred choice for users who value their digital privacy and security.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Proton VPN Better
The server fleet size of Proton VPN and Smart DNS Proxy is a critical aspect where these two VPN providers diverge significantly. Proton VPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 2,970 servers in 68 countries worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In contrast, Smart DNS Proxy maintains a more modest server presence, with only 38 servers across 24 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from Smart DNS Proxy, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The vast server network of Proton VPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
No Logging Policy: Proton VPN Better
The privacy policies of Proton VPN and Smart DNS Proxy present a clear dichotomy. Proton VPN stands out by not only maintaining a strict no-logging policy but also reinforcing this commitment through regular audits conducted by Deloitte. These audits serve as validation of Proton VPN’s dedication to preserving user privacy.
In contrast, Smart DNS Proxy, despite offering a range of features and being headquartered in Turkey, does not adhere to a no-logging policy. This implies that it might retain certain records of user activities, a matter of considerable concern for individuals who prioritize anonymity and data security.
For users who prioritize robust privacy standards and seek external verification of security claims, these distinctions may prove pivotal in selecting the most suitable VPN service.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
Both Proton VPN and Smart DNS Proxy reassures its users with a lengthy money-back guarantee, allowing ample time to test their services thoroughly. These guarantees are more than just policies; they are strong indicators of the confidence that both services have in the quality they offer. This assurance provides users with a risk-free opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse features of each VPN. From the vast server network of Proton VPN to the advanced security protocols of Smart DNS Proxy – you have the liberty to thoroughly evaluate each service before deciding on a long-term investment.
Performance in China: Smart DNS Proxy Better
Proton VPN faces challenges operating reliably in China due to its stringent online restrictions. In contrast, Smart DNS Proxy currently demonstrates a higher likelihood of functioning effectively within China. However, given the dynamic nature of China’s firewall policies, this advantage may not be sustainable in the long term. Users requiring consistent VPN access in China should consider these changing variables when choosing between Proton VPN and Smart DNS Proxy.
Bottomline
In conclusion, the comparison between Proton VPN and Smart DNS Proxy illustrates a disparity in quality and privacy standards, favoring Proton VPN due to its superior server network and strict no-logs policy. However, Smart DNS Proxy’s potential functionality in regions such as China and budget-friendly options may cater to a specific user base, underlining the need for individual evaluation based on specific user requirements and priorities.
About Proton VPN & Smart DNS Proxy
Smart DNS Proxy
Smart DNS Proxy, a service provided by Global Stealth Inc., has been operational since 2013. While specific details about the founders are not widely publicized, the service is security features and supports a wide range of devices and platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and various smart TVs. The company is headquartered in the Turkey.
To learn more, read our Smart DNS Proxy review.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a virtual private network service operated by Proton AG, a Swiss company renowned for their secure email service – Proton Mail.
Proton VPN and Proton Mail share the same management team, offices, and technical resources, and are operated from Switzerland. The VPN service currently has 2,970 servers in 68 countries. Although ProtonVPN owns and operates some of its servers, the majority are operated by ASNs such as Datacamp Limited. The service is available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as ChromeOS and can be used on smartphones, personal computers, and even installed on a wireless router.
Proton VPN is one of the most secure VPN services available in the market. It utilizes OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols with AES-256 encryption. In addition to this, Proton VPN has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Securitum, a European security auditing company. In October 2022, Proton VPN released their Stealth Protocol that disguises VPN traffic as HTTPS traffic.
To learn more, read our Proton VPN review.