NordVPN SmartPlay

A VPN with built-in Smart DNS. Stream safe, stream fast, stream smart.

What is SmartPlay?

SmartPlay is a NordVPN feature that helps you securely access all kinds of content. It’s implemented in our apps seamlessly, so there’s nothing to set up, update, or activate — all you need to do is connect to the right VPN server. Once you do, you get to enjoy the benefits of smart DNS while shielded by VPN encryption.

The best of both worlds — a VPN with smart DNS

Connecting to NordVPN enables smart DNS.

All that is possible because SmartPlay combines the best security features of a VPN with smart DNS technology. A smart DNS works by switching your DNS servers when you try to access unavailable content, but this only bypasses DNS blocking. Smart DNS services are unable to get past IP blocks, nor do they shield your online activities while you use them.

Enter our SmartPlay feature. In addition to changing DNS servers, NordVPN also cloaks your IP and encrypts your internet connection, letting you visit your favorite streaming sites from home in privacy and security — on your laptop, phone, tablet, or Smart TV.

And the best part? It’s all automatic — you get all the benefits of smart DNS the moment you connect to NordVPN.

When should you use NordVPN with SmartPlay?

People stay safe online with NordVPN on all devices.

To access content away from home
Watch movies and TV shows shielded by next-gen encryption – even when abroad.
To stream safely with no extra steps
With NordVPN, smart DNS benefits are available without any special setup.
To enjoy security and privacy online
NordVPN makes your online traffic impenetrable to prying eyes.

To access content away from home

Watch movies and TV shows shielded by next-gen encryption – even when abroad.

To stream safely with no extra steps

With NordVPN, smart DNS benefits are available without any special setup.

To enjoy security and privacy online

NordVPN makes your online traffic impenetrable to prying eyes.

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To protect yourself from online hazards
Our Threat Protection feature blocks malware, ads, and more so you can stream in peace.
To stay safe on public Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is vulnerable to hackers — NordVPN protects you while you stream.
To avoid traffic throttling by your ISP
NordVPN makes it hard for ISPs to shape your connection based on your activities.

To protect yourself from online hazards

Our Threat Protection feature blocks malware, ads, and more so you can stream in peace.

To stay safe on public Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is vulnerable to hackers — NordVPN protects you while you stream.

To avoid traffic throttling by your ISP

NordVPN makes it hard for ISPs to shape your connection based on your activities.

With NordVPN, you get speed and security.

Stay safe or stream fast? Think smart.

With NordVPN, you don’t need to choose between speed and security. Our optimized network and lightning-fast NordLynx technology offer the ultimate streaming experience.

5500 ultra-fast VPN servers worldwide
Revolutionary NordLynx protocol
No bandwidth limits to slow you down

Access your favorite content securely in 3 simple steps

Here’s how you can start using NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature.

Download

Choose a VPN plan and download the NordVPN app for your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Connect

Pick a server in a country of your preference. Or just click Quick Connect and let our smart algorithm do the picking.

Enjoy

Enjoy secure access to streaming services. You don’t need to do anything else — SmartPlay works automatically.

Please visit the NordVPN Help Center or contact our friendly customer support if you experience any issues with SmartPlay.

Stream smartly and safely

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Frequently asked questions

Should I use Smart DNS?

Smart DNS technology is perfectly safe to use and very handy. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t cloak your IP address or encrypt your connection, meaning that it can’t bypass IP blocks or protect you online. For that reason, we highly recommend using our SmartPlay feature — a tool that safely combines the best features of SmartDNS and a VPN.

Is Smart DNS Legal?

Yes, smart DNS services themselves are perfectly legal — as long as they’re not used for committing crimes. Criminal activities are still against the law, with or without smart DNS.

Does Smart DNS slow down your internet connection?

Smart DNS won’t slow down your connection, although in rare cases you might experience increased latency due to your new DNS server’s location. Using a VPN together with smart DNS would normally affect your connection speed, since all your data needs to be encrypted and decrypted, but you won’t even notice the speed drop with NordVPN’s SmartPlay. Our advanced network architecture, ultra-fast NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard®), and 5500 high-tech servers around the world make NordVPN the fastest VPN service on the market.

Are there any free smart DNS services?

You may be able to find websites offering free smart DNS services on the internet, but be careful — some allegedly free services have very steep hidden costs. Without a VPN, your DNS provider can see many of your online activities, and may be tempted to sell your data to pay for server upkeep.

Instead, we recommend getting a smart DNS service bundled with a trusted VPN for increased privacy and security. For example, with NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature, you essentially get smart DNS free of charge with your VPN subscription.

Please note that NordVPN service should never be used to bypass copyright regulations. NordVPN does not promote, condone, or endorse the use of the service for such purposes. For more details, please read the NordVPN Terms of Service.