Difference Between VPN and Encrypted DNS: Which Should You Use?
A VPN encrypts all internet traffic and hides your IP address. Encrypted DNS secures DNS queries, preventing third parties from tracking browsing activity.
Understanding VPN and Encrypted DNS
Both Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and encrypted Domain Name System (DNS) enhance online privacy but serve different functions.
A VPN encrypts all internet traffic and hides your IP address.
Encrypted DNS secures DNS queries, preventing third parties from tracking browsing activity.
What is DNS?
DNS is a fundamental component of the internet that translates human-friendly domain names into machine-friendly IP addresses. The DNS protocol operates at the application layer to perform this translation efficiently. This system allows users to access websites and online services without needing to remember complex numerical IP addresses.
How Does DNS Work?
DNS lookups encrypt DNS requests to prevent ISPs from seeing the content of these lookups, thereby bypassing DNS-based domain blocks and maintaining user privacy in online activities.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how DNS works:
- DNS Request Initiation: When you type a domain name into your web browser, your device sends a DNS request to a DNS server to resolve the domain name into an IP address.
- DNS Server Lookup: The DNS server checks its database to see if it has a record of the domain name and its corresponding IP address.
- Response from DNS Server: If the DNS server has the record, it returns the IP address to your device, enabling it to connect to the desired website or online service.
- Recursive Query: If the DNS server doesn’t have the record, it forwards the request to another DNS server, which continues the process until the IP address is found.
DNS servers are crucial for accessing online content. They can be configured to use different DNS protocols, such as DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT), to encrypt DNS requests and improve privacy.
What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure tunnel between a device and the internet. It encrypts all outgoing and incoming data, preventing ISPs, hackers, and governments from accessing and monitoring activity. VPNs assign a new IP address to mask real locations.
Unlike encrypted DNS, which only secures DNS traffic, VPNs cover all internet traffic, providing a higher level of privacy and protection. This tool helps bypass geographic restrictions, avoid ISP throttling, and secure connections on public networks.
How VPNs Work and Their Benefits
A VPN creates a secure and encrypted connection to the internet through:
- Secure Connection Establishment: When you connect to a VPN, your device establishes a secure connection to a VPN server using encryption protocols like WireGuard.
- IP Address Assignment: The VPN server assigns your device a new IP address, which is used to access the internet instead of your original IP address.
- Encrypted Internet Traffic: All internet traffic from your device is routed through the VPN server, which encrypts the data, protecting it from interception or eavesdropping.
- IP Address Masking: The VPN server masks your IP address, making it difficult for websites and online services to track your location or identity.
The benefits of using a VPN include:
- Enhanced Privacy and Security: VPNs improve online privacy and security by encrypting internet traffic and masking IP addresses.
- Protection Against Cyber Threats: VPNs protect against cyber threats and hacking by securing data transmissions.
- Access to Geo-Restricted Content: VPNs allow access to geo-restricted content and services by masking your IP address.
- Bypass Censorship: VPNs enable users to bypass internet censorship and restrictions.
- Improved Internet Speed: In some cases, VPNs can improve internet speed and performance by avoiding ISP throttling.
What is Encrypted DNS?
DNS translates domain names into IP addresses.
Traditional DNS requests are unencrypted, allowing ISPs and attackers to monitor browsing activity. DNS encryption secures these queries using DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT). This prevents unauthorized access but does not encrypt broader internet traffic or hide IP addresses. Traditional DNS services help resolve website addresses but do not provide privacy, unlike VPNs that offer encryption and improved online security. Switching to an encrypted DNS service is crucial in modern internet security to protect against vulnerabilities identified in the early stages of DNS development.
VPN vs. Encrypted DNS: Key Differences
| Feature | VPN | Encrypted DNS |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption Scope | Entire internet traffic | DNS queries only |
| IP Masking | Yes | No |
| Bypass Geo-Blocks | Yes | No |
| ISP Throttling Protection | Yes | No |
| Security on Public Wi-Fi | Yes | No |
| Speed Impact | May reduce speed | Minimal impact |
| Best Use Case | Privacy, security, accessing restricted content | Enhancing privacy without affecting speed |
Choosing the Right Option
For complete privacy and security, a VPN offers the best solution by encrypting all traffic and hiding IP addresses. For users seeking improved privacy without changing IP addresses or experiencing speed reductions, encrypted DNS provides an effective alternative.
When to Use a VPN:
- Accessing geo-restricted content
- Protecting data on public Wi-Fi
- Preventing ISP throttling
When to Use Encrypted DNS:
- Preventing DNS query tracking
- Improving privacy without speed reduction
- Enhancing DNS security without additional software
Encrypted DNS specifically secures DNS traffic. protecting DNS queries. It does not cover overall internet traffic or provide the same level of privacy and protection as VPNs.
Choosing the Right VPN Provider
Selecting the right VPN provider is crucial for ensuring a secure and private internet connection. Here are some factors to consider:
- Strong Encryption Protocols: Look for a VPN provider that offers robust encryption protocols, such as AES-256, and secure connection protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard.
- Server Locations: Check the VPN provider’s server locations and ensure they have servers in the regions you need.
- No-Logging Policy: Consider the VPN provider’s logging policy and ensure they do not log your internet activity or share your data with third parties.
- Speed and Performance: Evaluate the VPN provider’s speed and performance, ensuring they offer fast and reliable connections.
- User-Friendly VPN App: Look for a VPN provider that offers a user-friendly VPN app and an easy-to-use interface.
- Customer Support: Consider the VPN provider’s customer support and ensure they offer 24/7 support and a comprehensive knowledge base.
By considering these factors, you can choose a reliable VPN provider that meets your needs and provides you with a secure and private internet connection.
How Tailscale can help
Tailscale is built on the Wireguard protocol. Security auditors and independent cryptographers have reviewed this protocol and you can learn the technical details in their whitepaper.
Tailscale is the VPN alternative that has added additional components such as NAT traversal and access control policies. This implementation is different from the standard Wireguard use case because Tailscale constructs a mesh network topology so you can securely connect any device anywhere you have stable internet access.
