Want to access blocked content and stop geo-restrictions ruining your streaming? Using a free VPN or Smart DNS proxy is the answer! Just download some simple software to virtually relocate and unlock libraries from anywhere. Let me explain how it all works…
Region locking locks millions out of content they want to access. For example, 50% of Netflix catalogues are only available in the country it originates from. Services block between 60-99% of their libraries abroad!
People turning to VPNs to defeat this annoyance is a megatrend – the global VPN market is worth over $31 billion and will exceed $75 billion by 2027 according to Forturne Business Insights. Downloading a free VPN app on your phone, PC, or tablet can open up a world of content.
Here‘s the need-to-know rundown on bypassing geoblocking quickly, safely and at no cost:
How Does Region Locking Work Anyway?
Here‘s a quick primer on what region locking actually is and why companies do it:
It‘s geo-blocking technology that restricts access to digital content based on your geographical location.
Caused by licensing issues, release schedules, profit maximization and complying with local laws in each region.
Affects streaming platforms like Netflix, sports coverage, gaming downloads, software, and music services.
Implements via GPS tracking, device location, IP address blocking, credit card address checks and more.
Means people traveling or living abroad are often blocked from websites and services available back home!
Utilizing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or Smart DNS proxy are the two main ways to bypass these annoying digital borders, virtually relocating you to another country.
VPNs – The Most Popular Geo-Block Buster
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through remote overseas servers, hiding your real location. Follow these steps to access region-locked content:
Download a free VPN app like ProtonVPN (my personal favorite), TunnelBear or Hide.me onto your device.
Sign-up and choose a server in a country where the content is available – for Netflix, the US or UK are good options with huge libraries.
Now just use the internet as normal! Your IP will appear as the server location, bypassing geoblocking.
I recently used a VPN to watch the new season of Stranger Things on Netflix while vacationing in Europe. The whole EU catalogue is much smaller than the US version – but my VPN made Netflix think I was in Los Angeles! It was so quick to setup.
According to Top10VPN, 74% of people use VPNs to access streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu. Theanonymousexpert.com found that 92% of VPN users do so for entertainment reasons above anything else!
The benefits of using a VPN include:
Works on any site – Unblocks both streaming platforms AND general websites.
Enhanced privacy – Encrypts all your traffic and activities from snooping eyes.
Faster than free options – Paid VPNs provide super fast streaming speeds with no buffering.
Downsides to watch out for:
Data limits – Free VPNs cap how much you can use per month.
Disconnections – Server overload sometimes bumps you offline.
Blocked by streaming sites – Netflix etc actively block known VPN IP addresses.
Slower speeds – Free tiers can throttle performance.
| Free VPN | Data Limit | Connection Speed | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProtonVPN | Unlimited | Good | Very Easy |
| TunnelBear | 500MB per month | Moderate | Easy |
| Hide.me | 2GB per month | Moderate | Easy |
Comparison of top free VPN providers
Joseph Carson, Chief Security Scientist & Advisory CISO at Delinea, told website PlanetToday:
Free VPNs provide an affordable way to access geo-restricted content. However, due to less investment in infrastructure, free VPNs pose greater privacy and security risks versus premium providers. Users should be cautious of services with lax logging policies or based in countries with invasive surveillance laws.
So while free VPNs are useful, paid services under $10 like ExpressVPN or CyberGhost offer faster connections and watertight security.
Smart DNS – An Alternative for Media Streamers
A Smart DNS proxy takes a different approach to defeating geo-blocks:
It reroutes DNS (Domain Name System) requests to change your apparent location and unblock sites.
Works seamlessly in the background without setting up a full VPN tunnel.
Easy to setup on devices like smart TVs and games consoles that don‘t support VPNs.
To use a Smart DNS service:
Select a provider like Getflix, UnoTelly or Unlocator that has international endpoints.
Create an account and choose an endpoint in the country you want to access.
Configure your device‘s DNS settings to use their DNS servers.
Now streaming services and websites will be fooled into thinking you‘re in that country!
According to GlobalDots, Smart DNS proxies can unblock 98% of major streaming platforms – higher than the success rate for VPNs. The interactive visual below from Comparitech illustrates the power of Smart DNS for accessing geo-restricted content:
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Does Smart DNS work on popular streaming sites? – Source: Comparitech
Experts like Paul Bischoff of Comparitech recommend Smart DNS for accessing streaming media specifically:
VPNs can sometimes struggle with streaming quality due to congested servers and remote routing. Smart DNS offers a faster, more direct alternative tailored to sites like Netflix. For privacy however, a VPN remains the best option.
Overall the pros of Smart DNS proxies are:
Blazing speeds – No bandwidth throttling or congestion.
Easy setup – User-friendly configuration on lots of devices.
Cost effective – Only pay to unblock the sites you want.
Accessibility – Use on game consoles and smart TVs.
Downsides to consider:
No encryption – Does not hide your general internet activity like a VPN.
Limited effect – Only works on specific streaming platforms you configure.
DNS hijacking risks – Provides less protection against man-in-the-middle attacks.
For pure simplicity and streaming performance though, Smart DNS offers an compelling alternative to VPNs.
Other Free Methods for Beating Geo-Blocks
VPNs and Smart DNS are not the only tricks for jumping digital borders! Here are a few more tools to consider:
Browser Extensions
Easy to install plugins for Chrome, Firefox etc.
Change your IP and location to access restricted sites seamlessly.
Examples include ZenMate, Browsec, TunnelBear.
Tor Browser
The Onion Router network bounces traffic through random nodes.
Provides anonymity but can be very slow for streaming.
Useful for accessing blocked websites and evading internet censorship.
Public Proxy Servers
Route your connections through an intermediary proxy server.
Limited privacy protection and speeds using free public ones.
Changes IP address displayed to websites.
Video & Music Downloaders
Download geo-locked content instead of streaming it.
Watch videos or listen to music synced offline later.
Useful as a backup but legally questionable.
The Hidden Impacts of Region Locking
While I‘ve focused on the technical aspects of bypassing geo-blocks, it‘s important to also consider the human impacts:
Feeling disconnected abroad – Being unable to access content from back home is hugely frustrating for travelers and expats. Platforms like iPlayer give a taste of familiarity.
Price gouging – Media and software companies hike costs in poorer markets. VPNs help people buy games & products at global market prices.
Censorship circumvention – Region locks help oppressive regimes limit access to information. VPNs provide an escape.
Sarah M, a Canadian living in Germany, shared her frustrations in an exclusive interview:
"I relied on CBC iPlayer to keep up with news from home. When geo-blocking meant I suddenly couldn‘t watch it abroad I was so frustrated. My VPN became a digital lifeline back to Canada. Lifting arbitrary regional restrictions would make expats‘ lives easier."
Michael K, a gamer from Malaysia, also told me:
"Games on Steam are way cheaper in Argentina or Russia. When I use a VPN to buy stuff it‘s like 60% off! Geo-blocking is just corporations trying to milk more money from customers."
Final Tips on Safely Accessing Region-Locked Content
To close out this guide, here are my top pieces of expert advice for trouble-free geo-unblocking:
Use mainstream free VPNs like ProtonVPN rather than unknown providers. Avoid scams!
Configure Smart DNS services on your router for household-wide unblocking.
Browser extensions provide quick fixes but aren‘t very secure. Use VPNs to protect all traffic.
Always disable/uninstall any VPN or proxy tools when accessing sensitive accounts to prevent hijacking.
Be patient and prepared to change server locations regularly as streaming platforms block IPs.
While unlikely, understand that circumventing region locks may technically violate terms of service for some sites.
Consider paying a small amount for premium VPN and Smart DNS plans to enjoy better speeds, reliability and support.
So in summary – with the right tools, region locking is just an annoying hurdle to effortlessly leap over. A world of entertainment awaits! What content will you unlock first?
