Mac OS X Smart DNS Services Compared
Mac OS X is the primary operating system used on Apple Mac computers, having been pre-installed on all new models for over a decade. In fact, it is currently the second most utilised operating system in the world, after Microsoft Windows, and allows users to run programs, browse the internet and more.
As a result, Apple Mac owners are able to access streaming media websites like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and Hulu Plus, providing them with the ability to watch TV shows and films on their computer. However, most of these services utilise automatic region detection, finding a customer's location via their internet settings.
With no ability to switch regions manually, other regions' content libraries are off-limits. Moreover, some video on demand services can only be accessed from certain parts of the world. Fortunately, Mac OS X is compatible with Smart DNS technology, which offers a way around these problems, expanding the range of content available.
Best Smart DNS Services to use on Mac OS X
» View the Step-by-Step Smart DNS Setup Tutorial for Mac OS X
- Amazon Fire TV,
- Android,
- Apple TV,
- Boxee,
- Chromebook,
- Chromecast,
- Google TV,
- iOS,
- Kindle Fire,
- LG Smart TV,
- Linux,
- Mac OS X,
- NOW TV Box,
- Panasonic Smart TV,
- Philips Smart TV,
- PS 4,
- PS3,
- Roku,
- Samsung Smart TV,
- Sharp Smart TV,
- Sony Smart TV,
- Toshiba Smart TV,
- WDTV,
- Wii,
- Wii U,
- Windows,
- Windows 10,
- Windows Phone 8,
- Xbox 360,
- Xbox One,
- 1 Month: $4.90
- 3 Months: $12.90
- 12 Months: $39.90
- 24 Months: $49.90
- Life Time: $150
- Android,
- Android TV,
- Apple TV,
- Boxee,
- Chromecast,
- iOS,
- Mac OS X,
- NOW TV Box,
- PS 4,
- PS3,
- PS4,
- Raspberry Pi,
- Roku,
- Windows,
- Xbox 360,
- Xbox One,
Offers VPN and SmartDNS Plans
31 Days Money Back Guarantee
7 Day Trial
- 7 Day Trial: $0.99
- 1 Month: $10.95
- 6 Months: $8.33/Mo
- Offers VPN & SmartDNS Plans combined!
- Amazon Fire TV,
- Android,
- Apple TV,
- Boxee,
- Chromecast,
- Google TV,
- iOS,
- Kindle Fire,
- LG Smart TV,
- Mac OS X,
- Nexus Player,
- NOW TV Box,
- Panasonic Smart TV,
- Philips Smart TV,
- PS 4,
- PS3,
- Roku,
- Samsung Smart TV,
- Sharp Smart TV,
- Sonos,
- Sony Smart TV,
- Toshiba Smart TV,
- WDTV,
- Wii,
- Wii U,
- Windows,
- Windows 10,
- Windows Phone 8,
- Xbox 360,
- Xbox One,
30 Days Moneyback Guarantee
- 1 Month: $4.95/Mo
- 6 Months: $4.58/Mo
- 12 Months: $4.16/Mo
- 24 Months: $3.29/Mo
- Amazon Fire TV,
- Amazon Fire TV Stick,
- Android,
- Android TV,
- Apple TV,
- Boxee,
- Chromebook,
- Chromecast,
- iOS,
- Linux,
- Mac OS X,
- NOW TV Box,
- PS 4,
- PS Vita,
- PS3,
- Roku,
- Samsung Smart TV,
- Windows,
- Xbox 360,
- Xbox One,
- 1 Month: $4.86
- 3 Months: $11.86
- 12 Months: $34.96
- Amazon Fire TV,
- Android,
- Apple TV,
- Chromebook,
- iOS,
- LG TV,
- Linux Ubuntu,
- Mac OS X,
- NOW TV Box,
- PS3,
- PS4,
- Roku,
- Samsung Smart TV,
- Sony Android TV,
- Windows,
- Xbox 360,
- Xbox One,
- 1 Month: $4.89
- 3 Months: $12.59
- 12 Months: $38.49
- 24 Months: $66.49
- Android,
- Apple TV,
- iOS,
- Linux,
- Mac OS X,
- PS3,
- PS4,
- Roku,
- Smart TV,
- Windows,
- Xbox 360,
- Xbox One,
7 Day Trial
- 1 Month: $6.99
- 3 Months: $5.99/Mo
- 12 Months: $4.99/Mo
Smart DNS
Essentially, Smart DNS technology has been designed to disguise a user's true location and make it appear as if they are somewhere else. This process involves redirecting part of their internet connection, feeding it through a proxy server in a different region. As a result, automatic region detection methods can be circumvented.
For example, if a Netflix customer in the UK connects to a server in the US, that customer's internet connection will seem as if it is also originating from the US. When Netflix subsequently tries to detect the user's region, it will load up its American content library, believing the user is in the United States.
Smart DNS is compatible with just about any modern internet-enabled device. It also causes no slowdown, making it perfect for use with video on demand services. The customer's local IP address is not changed and DNS re-routing only affects visits to supported websites, so other activity does not go through the Smart DNS server.
Step-By-Step Smart DNS Setup
After signing up with a suitable Smart DNS provider, you will be given a set of numbers, known as DNS settings, which should be adjusted on the device(s) you want to use the service on. In order to do this using Mac OS X, simply follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Note: Only the DNS settings for your chosen Smart DNS service should be used, in order to avoid conflicts. For this reason, all existing settings should be removed from the list of DNS servers. It may be sensible to keep a note of your current DNS settings, as you may wish to stop using Smart DNS and revert back to them in the future.
- Open up the 'System Preferences' menu and select 'Network'.
- Choose either 'Wi-Fi' or 'Ethernet', depending on how your Apple Mac is connected to the internet.
- Press the 'Advanced...' button and then click on the 'DNS' tab along the top.
- In the 'DNS Servers' field, enter the DNS settings given to you by your Smart DNS provider. It is important to make sure all other DNS servers are removed from the list.
- Click on the 'OK' button to complete this section of the setup process.
Upon completing the above steps, it is crucial that you restart your device before continuing. Once you have done so, you are ready to advance on to the final stage of the setup process.
IP Address Entry
In order to utilise Smart DNS, your IP address needs to be added to your provider's database. With many services, this can be done by logging in to your client area and following an activation link. Yet, with others, the address will need to be entered manually.
If your Smart DNS provider requires this type of manual entry, you will need to locate your IP address. This can be achieved using Mac OS X by doing the following:
- Go to 'System Preferences' and click on 'Network'.
- Select either 'Wi-Fi' or 'Ethernet', depending on your connection.
- Click on the 'TCP/IP' tab and take a note of the number written next to 'IP Address'.
- Go to your Smart DNS service's website and follow their instructions for registering the address with them.
You are now ready to utilise Smart DNS technology with your Mac. In order to change your region settings, simply log in to your Smart DNS account through a web browser and follow the on-screen instructions. Next time you connect to a service like Netflix, you should be able to access content from the region you opted for.