Unlocator

Unlocator combines two different technologies into a single subscription: Smart DNS for fast, unencrypted geo-unblocking and a full VPN with 256-bit encryption for privacy. This hybrid approach lets users choose which tool to activate for each need. When you want to stream Netflix at full speed, you use the Smart DNS component. When you want privacy on public Wi-Fi or to hide from your ISP, you activate the VPN. Both run under one account, so you're not paying for multiple subscriptions or maintaining separate logins. The company markets this as "Unlocator Hybrid," but the real advantage is flexibility: users get the speed of Smart DNS when they need it and the privacy of a VPN when that matters more.

Smart DNS is the core service. Unlocator maintains SmartDNS server locations that support over 50 platforms and devices, including TVs, streaming boxes, gaming consoles, routers, and smartphones. Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and numerous international streaming services are supported. The setup process mirrors Smart DNS Proxy's approach: you configure your device or router to use Unlocator's DNS servers instead of your ISP's default, and geo-blocking is bypassed for supported services. Video streams at full speed because traffic isn't passing through a proxy, only the DNS lookups are redirected. A 4K Netflix stream works without noticeable slowdown.

The VPN component uses WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols with 256-bit encryption. This encrypts all your traffic, hiding your activity from your ISP, network administrator, or the Wi-Fi network you're on. You can run the VPN on up to 10 simultaneous household devices under one account, which is more generous than most competitors' per-connection limits. The VPN encrypts everything, so while it provides privacy, it's inherently slower than the unencrypted Smart DNS approach. Unlocator positions the VPN as an addition for privacy-focused users, not as the primary tool for streaming.

Unlocator supports an extensive device roster: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire tablets, smart TVs from major manufacturers, Roku devices, Apple TV, Chromecast, and most home routers. The company maintains setup guides for each platform. Some devices can use both Smart DNS and the VPN simultaneously, while others default to one or the other. For instance, a streaming device like a Roku typically uses Smart DNS because the Roku OS doesn't support traditional VPN protocols cleanly. A laptop runs either or both depending on your preference and the software you install.

The service offers a 7-day free trial with no credit card required, and a 30-day money-back guarantee for paid subscriptions. This low barrier to entry lets you test the service on your specific devices and streaming platforms before committing. After the trial, Unlocator offers multiple subscription lengths: monthly, 6-month, yearly, and 2-year plans. The pricing structure discounts longer commitments; the 2-year plan is typically the best value per month. Exact prices vary by region and promotional offers, so checking their signup page directly is necessary for current rates.

The interface is designed for simplicity. Once you've configured your router with Unlocator's DNS servers, all devices on your network automatically use the Smart DNS service. Nothing else is required; there's no button to click or app to open each time. For devices using the VPN, Unlocator provides clients for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Opening the app and clicking "connect" switches on the VPN. Disconnecting is equally simple. The apps are lightweight and don't consume excessive battery on mobile devices.

Unlocator's Trustpilot rating sits at 4.7 out of 5 stars, based on hundreds of user reviews. Common praise includes reliable access to blocked services, responsive customer support, and speeds comparable to direct access when using the Smart DNS component. Users report that streaming services rarely block Unlocator's servers, possibly because the company actively maintains their infrastructure and updates blocking-evasion techniques. Some users note occasional server downtime or slower-than-expected speeds during peak hours, but these complaints are outweighed by positive feedback on core functionality.

Video playback quality depends on which component you're using. Smart DNS streams at your full connection speed since traffic isn't encrypted or proxied. A 4K Netflix stream, live sports broadcasts, and YouTube in high resolution all work reliably. The VPN component introduces latency and encryption overhead, so video may be limited to 1080p or 720p depending on your internet speed, the VPN server load, and the streaming service's bitrate requirements. Most users don't notice this difference in normal viewing; 1080p on a TV looks excellent. The VPN speed is still faster than many competitors because Unlocator uses modern WireGuard protocol alongside older OpenVPN, and WireGuard is significantly faster for streaming.

Unlocator maintains a no-log policy, so they don't record which websites you visit or what services you stream. Like other privacy-focused services, they retain technical logs necessary for infrastructure operation, such as server access logs, but not user activity. This applies to both the Smart DNS and VPN components. Your activity remains private from Unlocator, though streaming services still see requests originating from Unlocator's server locations and may log your access on their end.

Advertising is absent from the service. Unlocator doesn't inject ads into streams, display ads on a customer dashboard, or monetize through advertising. The sole revenue model is subscription fees. Your Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming experiences are clean; you see only ads those services themselves include. The website contains marketing, but it's not intrusive. This contrasts with some free or freemium proxies that heavily monetize through ads.

The company doesn't publicly disclose whether they throttle free trial users or deprioritize them, but user reports suggest the free trial receives full-speed access. This is appropriate for a company trying to convert trial users to paid subscriptions; offering a slow trial experience would discourage conversion. Once you're a paid subscriber, all tiers seem to receive equal priority, unlike some services that reserve faster speeds for premium plans.

Country availability is solid with servers in major regions. Unlocator focuses on regions where streaming is popular: North America, Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia. If you want access to a service only available in a small or less-developed country, Unlocator might not have a server there. However, for access to mainstream platforms (Netflix US, BBC iPlayer UK, Hulu), the coverage is comprehensive. Most popular services have multiple server options, so if one server faces detection, you can manually switch to another.

Compared to standalone Smart DNS services, Unlocator offers the added privacy of a built-in VPN without requiring a separate subscription. Compared to standalone VPN services, Unlocator's Smart DNS component offers faster streaming for users who prioritize speed. The hybrid model suits users who want flexibility: use Smart DNS when speed matters, use VPN when privacy matters, all under one account. The trade-off is that you're bundling two services you might not always use, so the cost is higher than a pure Smart DNS service like Smart DNS Proxy.

Support is available via email and live chat, though specific response time SLAs aren't published. User reports suggest responses within 24 hours for common issues. The knowledge base covers setup problems and service questions. Given the 7-day free trial with no credit card required and the 30-day money-back guarantee, the financial risk of testing the service is minimal. You can evaluate whether Unlocator's combination of Smart DNS speed and VPN privacy meets your needs before the paid subscription becomes binding.

Unlocator suits users who want both geo-unblocking and privacy in a single service, families setting up one account across multiple household devices, and anyone who values the simplicity of Smart DNS for streaming but occasionally needs a VPN for other activities. It doesn't suit users in extremely restrictive countries where even Smart DNS and VPN bypass attempts are detected and blocked, or users who need simultaneous connections across more than 10 devices, or users who want only one technology without paying for the other. For most users in countries with moderate restrictions, Unlocator's dual approach provides flexibility and solid performance at a reasonable price.