DNS or VPN, what are the differences?
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Ad Code Here
If you have ever looked for a way to protect your data when connecting to a public Wifi, or a way to access content normally blocked in your area, you probably already have a vague idea of what a DNS is, and what a VPN is. Although these two technologies can sometimes have quite similar functions, you should know that they are not (at all) the same thing.
What is a DNS?
Let's start with DNS, which you use every day without knowing it. A DNS or Domain Name System is a kind of giant address book of the Internet. For example, when you type the domain name of a website on the browser bar, it is the DNS that takes care of finding the address corresponding to the site you want to open.
When you go online, your smartphone or computer uses a default DNS, usually provided by your operator. This is convenient, but the problem is that it allows the operator to track what you do.
And that's where the services that some developers call "Smart DNS" come in. When you don't trust your operator, you can use these Smart DNS (provided the Smart DNS provider is trustworthy) as an alternative to protect your history.
Sometimes, Smart DNS are actually bundled with VPN subscriptions. This is the case with Surfshark or NordVPN subscriptions. The latter explains that a Smart DNS can also help you access content blocked in your region.
What about VPNs?
VPNs could be considered a more complete protection of your data, but always on condition that you use a trustworthy app. We've already published an FAQ on the subject, but in essence, VPN protects all of your traffic (except for leaks) by encrypting data. It allows you to change your IP address, which brings you closer to online anonymity.
Genrerating Link.... 15 seconds.
Your Link is Ready.