The Difference Between VPN and Encrypted DNS

Are you confused between VPNs and encrypted DNS? While both tools enhance your online security, they are not the same. In this blog post, we will take a look at what each technology does, highlight their key differences, and show you how to use them effectively.

What is a VPN?

A VPN protects your internet traffic with a secure, encrypted connection. When you connect to a VPN server, your data goes through a private tunnel that hides your online activities from outsiders, including hackers, governments, and even your own ISP. 

Moreover, a VPN replaces your IP address with one of its own, which makes you appear to be browsing from a different country. This way, you can improve your privacy, get around online censorship, and access region-locked content and services.

What is Encrypted DNS?

Encrypted DNS boosts your online security by making it harder for others to track the websites you visit. Typically, when you access a website, your DNS request—a query that converts a domain name into an IP address—is sent in plain text. 

Encrypted DNS encrypts these requests, rendering them unreadable to anyone outside, like cybercriminals or surveillance agencies. By securing your DNS queries, you can hide your browsing habits and protect yourself from certain cyber attacks.

Related Read: Smart DNS vs. VPN vs. DNS

VPN vs Encrypted DNS: Key Differences

In the comparison table below, we have highlighted the main differences between VPNs and encrypted DNS below to help you choose the right tool for your online security needs.

Attribute	Encrypted DNS	VPN
Main Function	Encrypts DNS queries to improve security and privacy.	Enhancing online privacy, security, and freedom.
Privacy	Does not hide your IP address, visibility of queries can still be an issue.	Replaces your IP address, providing a higher level of privacy from websites, ISPs, and governments.
Security	Encrypts DNS queries to prevent snooping on your DNS requests only.	Encrypts all data traffic, providing comprehensive protection against interception and snooping.
Cost	Often free or very low cost.	Generally costs more due to the extensive features and infrastructure required.
Speed	Minimal impact on internet speed, focuses only on DNS queries.	Can slow down internet speed due to encryption overhead and routing through a VPN server.
Ease of Use	May require some technical knowledge for setup, especially if manually configuring DNS settings.	Typically user-friendly with dedicated apps and easy configuration options for multiple devices.
Reliability	Generally reliable for DNS queries but does not impact other aspects of internet connectivity.	High reliability with multiple servers worldwide, though susceptible to occasional outages or temporary blocks by certain networks or countries.

How to Use a VPN

Setting up a VPN is a straightforward process that takes your online security and privacy to the next level. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Choose a Reliable VPN Provider: Research and select a VPN service that suits your needs, focusing on factors like no-log policies, server locations, and user reviews. 

2. Download and Install the VPN: After subscribing to a VPN service, get the app or software for your device (most VPN providers cover all major platforms). 

3. Configure Settings: Adjust your VPN settings for optimal performance and security, such as enabling the kill switch, choosing a protocol, etc.

4. Connect to a VPN Server: Open the VPN app, sign in, and connect to a server in a specific country or region, depending on your needs.

5. Verify Your Connection: Check if your VPN is working correctly by visiting our IP lookup tool. If your IP address has changed, you are good to go!

6. Start Browsing: With your VPN active, all your internet traffic is encrypted, allowing you to browse, stream, and download with extra privacy and security.

How to Use Encrypted DNS

Configuring encrypted DNS is an effective method to secure your DNS queries from prying eyes. Here is how you can go about it:

1. Choose an Encrypted DNS Service: Select a DNS service that offers encryption, such as DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT). 

2. Configure Your Device’s DNS Settings: Depending on your device, you can change the DNS settings to use the encrypted DNS servers.

3. Input the DNS Server Addresses: Enter the addresses of the encrypted DNS servers provided by your chosen DNS service.

4. Verify Your Configuration: Use your DNS provider’s tools or third-party diagnostic methods to confirm that your DNS queries are encrypted.

5. Start Browsing: Once you have configured encrypted DNS, your DNS queries are secure, reducing the risk of interception and manipulation.

Do VPNs Encrypt DNS?

Yes, most VPNs encrypt DNS queries as part of their overall functionality. When you connect to a VPN, all your internet traffic (including DNS request) is routed through an encrypted tunnel. This prevents your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or other third parties from intercepting or monitoring your DNS queries.

However, the extent of DNS encryption depends on the VPN provider. Reputable VPNs use their own private DNS servers to enhance security and minimize data exposure. On the other hand, some VPNs might still rely on third-party DNS servers, which could introduce vulnerabilities. 

Can I Use Encrypted DNS as VPN?

No. While encrypted DNS protects your DNS queries by encrypting them, it does not secure your entire internet connection or hide your IP address. This means your actual location and online activities, apart from DNS queries, remain visible to others.

VPNs, on the other hand, provide security and privacy by encrypting all your internet traffic and masking your IP address. Encrypted DNS is a valuable tool for enhancing security, but it is not a substitute for the broader protection and anonymity offered by a VPN.

Related Read: Encrypted DNS Traffic – All You Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Is encrypted DNS slower?

Encrypted DNS may add a small delay to DNS queries because of the encryption process. However, the difference in speed is usually negligible for most users.

Does VPN protect against DNS spoofing?

Yes, a VPN prevents DNS spoofing by encrypting DNS queries and routing them through secure servers, blocking unauthorized attempts to manipulate or redirect the queries.