Microsoft has been in the computer OS business for a long time. It was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen on April 4, 1975, to develop software for the Altair 8800 microcomputer. It rose to prominence with the personal computer operating system market through a deal with IBM to bundle MS-DOS with their new PCs in the mid-1980s. They then ported their MS-DOS OS to a new graphical interface which they branded as Microsoft Windows. Windows has become one of its best known products since then. Recently, they were estimated to have about a 90% market share in the OS space if all Windows versions were considered. So how do you choose the best SmartDNS for Windows?
As you might think, this means that most providers in the SmartDNS arena offer some support for their services though Microsoft Windows, as it is one of the most highly used operating systems in the world. A greater number of people are interested in services like SmartDNS as more and more content becomes available. This was evidenced when HBO recently launched their new service and debuted one of the most popular shows: “The Game of Thrones” on it.
As a long time Windows user, I’m very comfortable making changes to the network settings in popular OS versions. That may not be the case for everyone so we made sure to select Smart DNS services with easy to use client software or automated setup to help you get started. While you can find some nice step-by-step setup guides, most companies do not offer custom Windows client software. This leaves you to manually configure the DNS settings on your PC. In a moment we’ll recommend five providers that make configuring and managing SmartDNS on your Windows PC a breeze.
So, how do you go about choosing the best service for Windows from all of these choices? Here are the criteria we chose to determine the best SmartDNS for Windows:
1. Ease of Use
a. Do they have Windows client software to automate their configuration process to use their service.
b. Do they make it easy to register and update your IP address.
2. Value
a. Number of channels unblocked and countries supported.
b. Varieties of devices that their service supports.
c. The quality their guides they they provide. Are they easy for the user to understand and follow and do they have guides for all the devices they support?
d. The price of stand-alone vs bundled VPN.
e. Number of simultaneous connections for one account.
f. Reliability in airports, hotels and other places on mobile devices like iphone.
3. Other unique features that they offer like region switching.
Best SmartDNS for Windows
| Rank | Provider | Price | Rating | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | $4.16 17% Off | 9.9 Read Review |  |
| 2 |  | $3.12 37% Off | 9.8 Read Review | |
| 3 |  | $3.94 20% Off | 9.7 Read Review | |
| 4 |  | $4.16 16% Off | 9.5 Read Review | |
| 5 |  | $3.33 33% Off | 9.4 Read Review | |
Unblock Us earns top honors in our list of the best SmartDNS for Windows. They have one of the largest channel selections along with easy to use setup guides. Their tutorials contain tips and useful information, well illustrated step-by-step instructions, and many include videos. They support a wide range of devices including Windows, Mac, game consoles, Smart TVs, media players, mobile phones, tablets and even routers.
| Channels | Netflix Regions | Discount | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180+ | 21 | $4.16/mo. | 7 Days |
Unblock Us offers a Windows client along with mobile apps for iOS and Android that automate the set up process. This is especially useful for those who might not have as much technical knowledge. If you use the app, you will not need to enter the DNS servers for these devices. It will also monitor your registered IP address and automatically inform their system of changes.
They offer a stand alone service which includes SmartDNS access through your registered IP address. Additionally, members receive a Smart VPN logon which allows you to use their service on mobile devices in places that are usually blocked. Since you will have a separate password for their VPN, it allows you to have two simultaneous connections if one is a mobile device. It also makes their service available almost anywhere. As you can see in the above table, they unblock a large number of channels and Netflix regions. They also have a feature which allows you to switch Netflix regions on the fly.
Unblock-Us is hands down our favorite Smart DNS. They offer exceptional support with extra features at a great price. The speed of their service makes it ideal for streaming live sporting events. Unblock Us will help you access Netflix content in many different regions around the world. They have one of the largest content libraries with channels in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Australia, and many other countries. This gives you access to the movies, TV series, and original content that would otherwise be restricted.
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.
| Channels | Netflix Regions | VPN Countries | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 110+ | 20 | 48 | $3.25/mo. |
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.
UnoTelly unblocks a very large number of channels which gives you access to a variety of content including multiple Netflix regions. They support many devices including computers, mobile devices, gaming systems, set-top boxes, and routers. Their setup and channel pages are well designed and they have a large collection of instructional guides to help you get started.
| Channels | Netflix Regions | Discount | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300+ | 20 | $3.94/mo. | 8 Days |
UnoTelly has a client called UnoHelper which automates your SmartDNS setup on Windows. It then minimizes to the tray so you can easily check your SmartDNS status. UnoHelper automatically updates changes to your IP with their service. They also offer a mobile app for Android devices.
UnoTelly provides a reliable service at a good price. They offer SmartDNS packaged in a stand-alone version and bundled with VPN. They support a variety of channels across the globe. Members can switch Netflix regions using the Dynamo feature. It will also let you toggle the service on and off for some channels.
Blockless gives you access to a moderate number of channels including Netflix in many different countries through their region switcher. Blockless has support for a large number of different streaming media devices including computers, set-top boxes, Smart TVs, game consoles, Smart phones, tablets, Blu-Ray players, and routers. Their device setup guides are articles that can be accessed through their support menu. These articles have graphically illustrated step-by-step guides for all of their supported devices. Many also have tips to troubleshoot the setups and some include videos.
| Channels | Netflix Regions | Discount | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60+ | 21 | $4.16/mo. | 7 Days |
Blockless has an extension to help you use their service if you use Google Chrome web browser. They also have a Windows client and an app for Android devices. These will allow you to check your account status, see if your IP is synced, check if Blockless DNS is properly setup, change your region, and automatically sync your IP. They provide a Smart VPN log-in which lets you use their service in areas where if might otherwise not work like wifi hotspots. It also lets you have two connections if one is a mobile device. They also have an ad-blocker called Smart Guard.
Blockless gives you access to a moderate library of channels. They have an extension for the Google Chrome browser and a client for Windows and an app for Android devices. They support a very large number of devices and have excellent guides to help you configure them. You can have up to two connections if one is a mobile device. They give you all this for a reasonable price which makes them a good value.
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.
| Channels | Netflix Regions | Discount | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| 135+ | 2 | $3.33/mo. | 14 Days |
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.
You can view our list of the 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, extensive libraries, reliability and price. These services will help you unblock access to Netflix along with other popular channels like Hulu, Amazon, HBO NOW, and BBC iPlayer. Sign up for a free trial and give them a try. Follow us on Twitter @SmartDNSFan for the latest deals.
