Best SmartDNS for Mac OS X

As a Mac user I’m very pleased with the wide range of options when it comes to Smart DNS services.  I enjoy watching channels in other countries using SmartDNS from my Macbook running Mac OS X Yosemite and iPad / iPhone running iOS 8.  It’s easier to use SmartDNS compared to VPN since there is no install required.  Simply change your DNS settings and enjoy content in other areas of the world.  You can use AirPlay to mirror streams to your TV.

You will find that SmartDNS is simple to use on just about every OS including Mac, Linux, and Windows.  As long as you know how to change your DNS settings all the services listed below will work very well on your MacBook or iMac.  Here’s a quick guide to customizing the DNS settings in Mac OS X.

Follow these steps to change your DNS settings on Mac:

• Go to System Preferences
• Click on the Network icon
• Select the network from the left panel
• Click on Advanced button
• Click on the DNS tab
• Add or remove the DNS server addresses

When you sign up for SmartDNS most providers will send the DNS settings in your welcome email.  Some provide a list of DNS servers in the customer area of their site.  In general you will want to choose the DNS server closest to your current location.  You can enter a primary and secondary DNS address.  The secondary address is only used if the primary DNS server fails.

5 Best SmartDNS for Mac OS X

Rank	Provider	Price	Rating	Visit
1		$3.12 37% Off	9.8 Read Review
2		$3.54 28% Off	9.6 Read Review
3		$3.33 33% Off	9.4 Read Review
4		$3.25 35% Off	9.4 Read Review
5		$3.24 35% Off	9.3 Read Review

OverPlay is a great choice for SmartDNS.   Those who want a secure connection can subscribe to their VPN service.  SmartDNS is perfect for unblocking restricted content.  VPN is a better option for those who want online privacy protection.  Signing up for the VPN service lets you use their SmartDNS for free.

You can purchase Smart DNS as a stand alone service or subscribe to their VPN and receive Smart DNS access for free.  I have been a VPN member for a long time and can speak to the quality of their service.  They offer VPN servers in many countries plus Smart DNS that covers more Netflix regions than most.  They have a generous channel selection and well illustrated guides with fully documented step-by-step instructions.  Their tutorials contain tips and useful information to make it easy for you to use their services.  They support a wide range of devices including Windows, Mac, mobile phones, tablets, game consoles, streaming devices, Smart TVs,  and a nice selection of routers.

With Overplay’s JetSwitch, you have even more control over your virtual location.  You can easily toggle their SmartDNS on and off with the touch of a button and set regional preferences for individual channels.  This will let you view streaming content from multiple regions at the same time.  For example you could watch a movie on Netflix US and access BBC iPlayer in the UK.

Overplay offers a fast and reliable service at a price that’s hard to beat.  They support a large selection of channels and host VPN servers in countries across the world.  Combining VPN and SmartDNS will help you enjoy privacy protection and unblock channels that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Unlocator has a very large number of channels that it unblocks including multiple Netflix regions.  They support many types of devices including routers, game consoles, set-top boxes, computers, mobile devices, and Smart TVs.  Additionally, they have step-by-step setup guides for all of the devices that they support.  These guides have useful tips that make their service more user friendly.

Unlocator has opened their API for third-party app development.  Currently, apps exist for Mac, Android and iOS devices.  These apps will let you change your region.  They will also monitor your IP address and update their service with any changes.

Their SmartDNS is sold in a stand-alone package which includes a Smart VPN account so that you can access their service from almost anywhere.   Smart VPN allows you to use their service in places like wifi hotspots, hotels, and other locations where it would normally not be accessible.

Unlocator offers a solid service at an excellent price.  They have one of the larger content libraries with access to multiple regions of Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Viaplay, and others.  They make it easy to get started and have tips to help you along the way.  They provide users with a Smart VPN account to extend the usability of their service to you mobile device.

SmartyDNS unblocks channels in the US, UK, Germany, and Poland.  They cover the US and UK Netflix regions.  SmartyDNS supports most devices including computers, gaming systems, set-top boxes, mobile devices and routers.  They have well illustrated step-by-step setup guides for most devices with tips for using and installing their service incorporated into them.

SmartyDNS has a Windows client that will automatically configure your DNS for their service.  They have a setup guide to show you how to install their client software as well as a video to help with the process.  Their software has a connection screen where you can fine tune it to fit your preferences.  It will allow you to easily configure how the software will start, sign-in, and connect with just a few mouse clicks.  It also has an information screen where you can open support tickets and an notification screen where you can install updates.

SmartyDNS provides a large number of channels including most of the popular ones in the US and UK.  They support most devices and have well documented guides to make the service easier to configure and use.  They have an excellent Windows client which allows you to fine tune it to your personal preferences.

CactusVPN supports channels in the US, UK, Germany, and Poland. They unblock multiple Netflix regions including the US and UK.  CatusVPN has excellent step-by-step setup guides.  They also have some helpful FAQs to make their service easier to use.

CactusVPN has a Windows client that will let you install and run both their SmartDNS and VPN services on your computer.  They have a very nice manual that walks you through how to install and use their software.  Just select a few check-boxes and the software will run at start-up, sign in automatically and reconnect automatically if connection is dropped.  They also have client software for Mac OSX and an app for iOS devices.

CactusVPN has a large number of channels including most of the popular ones in the US and UK.  It supports most devices and they have well designed step-by-step guides to make their service easier for you to use.  They have an excellent Windows client which allows you to fine tune it to your personal tastes.

HideIPVPN supports channels in the US, UK, and Poland.  They unblock Netflix in the US and the UK.  They support many devices including computers, gaming systems, set-top boxes, mobile devices, and routers.  They have good step-by-step setup guides for the devices they support.

HideIPVPN has a Windows client that will let you install and run their VPN and SmartDNS services.  Their client lets you Enable/Disable the SmartDNS, select your DNS server, and set your Netflix region.  They also have a client for Mac.

HideIPVPN has a large number of channels including most of the popular ones in the US and UK.  They support most devices and provide good step-by-step guides to make it easier to configure and use their service.  They have nice client software for Windows and Mac.  HideIPVPN offers SmartDNS as a stand-alone service or bundled with VPN.

You can view our list of top 10 SmartDNS services for more options. I think you’ll be happy with any of the selections listed above. I chose them over other leading Smart DNS providers based on the number of channels they support, software for Mac, reliability, and price. These services will help you unblock Netflix along with other popular channels like Hulu, Amazon, BBC iPlayer, and hundreds more. Sign up for a free trial and give them a try. Follow us on Twitter @SmartDNSFan for the latest deals.