Smart DNS vs VPN for Netflix

ShortWarning · 1 Jun 2015 at 10:17

I've finally signed up to Netflix (I have no idea why it's taken this long).

I want to use the American Netflix so I'm looking at one of the above services.

Now, I'm not really worried about my privacy so am I right in thinking that I don't really need a VPN and a smart DNS service will suffice?

Is there an elegant way of dealing with the random IP changes (I'm on BT infinity) or is it just a matter of changing my registered IP address when it stops working? (I will be using with through my PS4 mostly and the HH5 is not compatible with no-ip as far as I'm aware).

Are there any recommendations for the best service to use?

Thanks a lot.

xGBHxPegasus · 1 Jun 2015 at 10:21

Check unlocator.com, I use it when watching hockey and they have blackouts or the annoying "one of our afflicates have rights to broadcast this so go watch with them".

You change your DNS settings on the device (in my case xbox 360) and reboot and your done. Think you can select your region for netflix too.

Costs about £4 a month but works without any hassle.

Spacedeck · 1 Jun 2015 at 10:31

I use a service called Unblock-US. They are good, get the job done and mine works perfectly fine. I'm also using the PS4 to watch Netflix. Changing between regions is super easy to do with Unblock-US.

As mentioned above, all it requires if changing your DNS settings.

ShortWarning · 1 Jun 2015 at 19:31

I'm trialling unblock-US and it's working well. Is there any reason I should change back to the default DNS IP's when I'm not watching netflix (not just on PS4 but on anything I might be using to watch Netflix)?

Spacedeck · 1 Jun 2015 at 20:47

I only change if I see the connection performing worse. My PS4 is always using the DNS settings though.

emmalopez · 5 Jun 2015 at 13:16

VPN is easy to use

xGBHxPegasus · 5 Jun 2015 at 14:03

emmalopez said:
VPN is easy to use

Care to elaborate?

ShortWarning · 8 Jun 2015 at 10:06

emmalopez said:
VPN is easy to use

It's more expensive though and I'm not sure I need a VPN for anything.

Unblock-US is working fine for me.

Spacedeck · 8 Jun 2015 at 11:44

ShortWarning said:
It's more expensive though and I'm not sure I need a VPN for anything.

Unblock-US is working fine for me.

Just a little tip when paying for Unblock-US. You should be able to select your payment currency. That will be either USD or CAD. You should choose CAD as it works out cheaper.

If you have already signed up using USD, cancel your sub (it will still run until the end date) and then once it's expired. Sign up again but select CAD for your payment.

Current check shows: USD payment at 4.99 = 3.27 GBP

and CAD (Canadian dollar) for 4.99 = 2.63 GBP.

ShortWarning · 9 Jun 2015 at 09:32

Spacedeck said:
Just a little tip when paying for Unblock-US. You should be able to select your payment currency. That will be either USD or CAD. You should choose CAD as it works out cheaper.

If you have already signed up using USD, cancel your sub (it will still run until the end date) and then once it's expired. Sign up again but select CAD for your payment.

Current check shows: USD payment at 4.99 = 3.27 GBP

and CAD (Canadian dollar) for 4.99 = 2.63 GBP.

My free trial has literally just run out this morning. Thanks for the tip!

Spacedeck · 9 Jun 2015 at 10:32

Glad I can help.

Another place I find really useful is http://www.moreflicks.com/. If you ever have a specific film you'd like to watch, just search for it and if it's on Netflix, you can find out which region.