SmartDNS recommendations?

[gimmesomemo]

Has anyone got any smart dns recommendations?
Im currently using NordVPN’s smart dns, as I already had a 3 year plan going for a while.

It works fine, but one thing I’m not a fan of is there is no control over which services/locations.

I remember I was using something years ago where you could choose the location for each service.

Main reason it’s an issue is because with NordVPN it has Netflix on US (which I don’t really want, as it slows it down a little, and I only very occasionally need it on US). Can’t disable Disney+ routing to US (again not needed and slows it down). I only have it on to use iPlayer and AllFour from Germany.

it would be fine if Appletv didn’t clear the custom DNS if you go back to automatic, but we’ll it does ?

 

[Audit13]

There is no DNS service I know of that allows for split tunnelling which is easily accomplished using a VPN on am Android box. Unfortunately, the Apple tv can't run a VPN app.

 

[gimmesomemo]

There is no DNS service I know of that allows for split tunnelling which is easily accomplished using a VPN on am Android box. Unfortunately, the Apple tv can't run a VPN app.

I used to use the native nordvpn on my old nvidia shield, and it was convenient sure, but even with all location settings off android would still leak my location and it would be very sketchy, sometimes working sometimes not, sometimes pooping out mid stream. Have found smart dns way more reliable.

when things don’t work out it’s easy enough to AirPlay from my Mac with a VPN on, just less convenient..

I’m sure I had a smart dns around 6-7 years ago which from the website dashboard allowed to pick/choose services and which locations to use.. Just looking for a recommendation on something like that if anyone knows of one.

 

[Audit13]

I used to use the native nordvpn on my old nvidia shield, and it was convenient sure, but even with all location settings off android would still leak my location and it would be very sketchy, sometimes working sometimes not, sometimes pooping out mid stream. Have found smart dns way more reliable.

when things don’t work out it’s easy enough to AirPlay from my Mac with a VPN on, just less convenient..

I’m sure I had a smart dns around 6-7 years ago which from the website dashboard allowed to pick/choose services and which locations to use.. Just looking for a recommendation on something like that if anyone knows of one.

The dashboard allowed each app to use a different DNS?

 

[gimmesomemo]

The dashboard allowed each app to use a different DNS?

yea basically, well more like configuring what the dns does..?
Just did a bit of Googling and found something similar with StrongVPN. No experience with them but i might just give it a go for a month.

“The best part is that you have a large selection of channels; for each channel, you may choose a country/location (if available), and you may see on which devices StrongDNS works. For example, you may unblock Netflix from one of the many locations listed but only from your browser.”

The best Smart DNS services from top VPN providers

Need to access your favorite content on Netflix or other geo-restricted channels? This article lists the best Smart DNS services offered by top VPN providers.

vladtalks.tech

 

[Audit13]

yea basically.
Just did a bit of Googling and found something similar with StrongVPN. No experience with them but i might just give it a go for a month.

“The best part is that you have a large selection of channels; for each channel, you may choose a country/location (if available), and you may see on which devices StrongDNS works. For example, you may unblock Netflix from one of the many locations listed but only from your browser.”

The best Smart DNS services from top VPN providers

Need to access your favorite content on Netflix or other geo-restricted channels? This article lists the best Smart DNS services offered by top VPN providers.

vladtalks.tech

I'm really surprised that this is possible.

If you want the data to be encrypted, a DNS service is not for you since it does not encrypt anything.

 

[StuBFrost]

Streamlocator router. Excellent bit of kit.

 

[gimmesomemo]

Oh wow, that looks really cool ? Will do a bit of research, thanks

 

[Audit13]

Streamlocator router appears to be the same as other as routers running smartDNS.

 

[Soondae]

I have used numerous DNS services including StrongVPN's. Since I have moved to Southeast Asia I have found that the Australian company GETFLIX works best for my needs. I also don't want USA Netflix, I use the local (Thai) version. What is nice about GETFLIX is that you can select various regions for many different APPS, as far as Netflix is concerned you can switch all countries OFF or you can select a particular countries Netflix you care to use. I like it as I can toggle NFL Gamepass to U.S. version or the INTN'L version dependent on my subscription that season. Also it is great to use with MLB.TV in order to get around Blackouts.

If you wait for Thanksgiving GETFLIX always offers a 70% off deal on Black Friday when you purchase 2 years. Last year that was $35 for two years so it ended up costing me only $17 a year and they also provide VPN servers.

 

[Audit13]

I have used numerous DNS services including StrongVPN's. Since I have moved to Southeast Asia I have found that the Australian company GETFLIX works best for my needs. I also don't want USA Netflix, I use the local (Thai) version. What is nice about GETFLIX is that you can select various regions for many different APPS, as far as Netflix is concerned you can switch all countries OFF or you can select a particular countries Netflix you care to use. I like it as I can toggle NFL Gamepass to U.S. version or the INTN'L version dependent on my subscription that season. Also it is great to use with MLB.TV in order to get around Blackouts.

If you wait for Thanksgiving GETFLIX always offers a 70% off deal on Black Friday when you purchase 2 years. Last year that was $35 for two years so it ended up costing me only $17 a year and they also provide VPN servers.

Can I use Getflix to set specific apps to connect to specific DNS servers on the Apple TV so I can basically "set and forget"? I would like only the Apple tv traffic to go through Getflix while the rest of my devices do not.

 

[faffing]

yes, though all traffic on your apple tv will be through Getflix's DNS system

has no impact on any other devices

 

[Audit13]

yes, though all traffic on your apple tv will be through Getflix's DNS system

has no impact on any other devices

Will all apps go through the same DNS server? I have some apps that are for Canada, USA, and UK.

 

[stiwi]

This can be accomplished using www.controld.com , sign up for free 30 days trial. You can unblock services you want in countries you want, you can redirect custom websites and unblock services which are not predefined by using custom rules. I think some of you will be surprised what can be achieved via DNS (split tunneling, blocking ads, unblocking geo services etc.)

 

[Audit13]

This can be accomplished using www.controld.com , sign up for free 30 days trial. You can unblock services you want in countries you want, you can redirect custom websites and unblock services which are not predefined by using custom rules. I think some of you will be surprised what can be achieved via DNS (split tunneling, blocking ads, unblocking geo services etc.)

All this can be done on the Apple tv? This would be great it could.

 

[stiwi]

All this can be done on the Apple tv? This would be great it could.

Yes, you can set their DNS on the Apple TV or on the router level for the whole network. You can even create a different profile for the whole network (e.g. whole network goes to Netflix UK & Disney+ UK) and different for the Apple TV (Netflix US & Disney+ US). Possibilities are really fantastic.

 

[Audit13]

Yes, you can set their DNS on the Apple TV or on the router level for the whole network. You can even create a different profile for the whole network (e.g. whole network goes to Netflix UK & Disney+ UK) and different for the Apple TV (Netflix US & Disney+ US).

So I could set Netflix to access Canadian content and Hulu to access USA content automatically by entering the DNS settings into my Apple TV? I'll have to look into this service.

 

[stiwi]

So I could set Netflix to access Canadian content and Hulu to access USA content automatically by entering the DNS settings into my Apple TV? I'll have to look into this service.

Yes, if Hulu doesn't work great on any of their standard US servers, just switch it to Res Dallas or Res Chicago. You can also ask for help on Reddit if required:

r/ControlD

Managed DNS with superpowers. Block unwanted content, bypass censorship and be more productive. THIS IS NOT A GEO-UNBLOCKING SERVICE. If you need to report an issue, contact us via the website, or post on the Feedback portal (linked below).

www.reddit.com

They also have Res Canada if normal servers not working properly. Res stands for "residential" so these IPs are usually never blocked but the performance may vary.

In addition to all that their DNS is anycast, meaning it will connect to their closest servers unlike most Smart DNS which just hands you out bunch of servers. ControlD is a product by Windscribe VPN owners.

See example below:

 

[Soondae]

So I could set Netflix to access Canadian content and Hulu to access USA content automatically by entering the DNS settings into my Apple TV? I'll have to look into this service.

Yes Getflix will allow you to do this using their region configuration page but you have to access it from the dashboard on their website, not directly from the Apple TV.

 

[Audit13]

Yes Getflix will allow you to do this using their region configuration page but you have to access it from the dashboard on their website, not directly from the Apple TV.

I decided to go with smartDNSproxy. Price was good and works for USA streaming which is most important for me.