Can you bypass geoblocks without a VPN?

If you stream content online, you probably already know that geo-blocking can be a frustrating limitation. And while you can bypass geoblocks with a VPN, that’s not the only option you have. There are many other ways to access geo-restricted content, so you don’t have to invest in a VPN.

What is geo-blocking?

Geo-blocking is a technology that prevents you from viewing certain online content based on your geographical location. This location can be determined using your device’s IP address. Since VPN hides your IP address, it thus allows you to bypass geo-blocking. But you don’t have to pay for a VPN service if you simply need to access content that is blocked in your region.

How to access geo-restricted content without a VPN

How exactly can you bypass geoblocks without using a VPN? Here are three easy ways.

1. Use SmartDNS

SmartDNS is a great option for those just looking to bypass geoblocks without additional security features. This technology works by diverting your DNS queries through a remote server. It does not hide your IP address nor encrypt all your internet traffic like a VPN.

Instead, SmartDNS hides your DNS address and makes it possible to access any available content depending on the location. Moreover, SmartDNS generally provides a faster internet connection than a VPN.

You can use SmartDNS via a VPN provider, as many offer SmartDNS as an added benefit. However, VPN and SmartDNS cannot be used at the same time, as the two protocols interfere with each other. Alternatively, you can use the SmartDNS provider which does not offer VPN above. This may be cheaper overall, but make sure the SmartDNS provider you choose is legitimate and thoroughly reviewed before you sign up.

2. Use the Tor Browser

You may have heard of Tor Browser before. This is a type of Internet browser that prioritizes anonymity and security, and more than 2 million people use it daily. Tor hides your IP address whenever you use it to access the Internet, which in turn hides your geographic location.

This makes Tor Browser an ideal choice for bypassing geoblocks. Tor is free to download and use, and is available for Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux. Moreover, Tor redirects your internet traffic through three remote servers, making it difficult for cybercriminals to access your sensitive data.

However, Tor Browser can be very slow because of this. It takes some time for traffic to pass through three separate servers, so you may experience loading issues and video buffering at certain points. If you are not focused on additional security, and just want to access geo-restricted content with a faster connection speed, then SmartDNS may be a more suitable option for you.

3. Use a proxy server

Before VPNs became popular, proxy servers were the most common means by which individuals could hide their IP addresses. Proxy servers act as an intermediary between you and the Internet and send your traffic through a remote server so that your ISP cannot determine your geographic location. This is why proxy servers can provide you with a way to access geo-restricted content without having to pay a dime.

But that’s not all agents do. Today, proxy servers can act as a firewall, providing you with an extra layer of protection while browsing the web. But using a proxy can lead to slower connection speeds depending on how many people are using the server at any given moment. It’s also worth being careful about which proxy server you choose to use, as some are less secure than others.

You can consider using a private proxy server to increase your security levels and connection speeds, but these usually come with a fee. Check out what we think are the best proxy sites out there if you need a little help finding the perfect one for you.

Geo-blocking is frustrating, but it’s easy to get around

While you may think of geo-blocking as a limiting factor to your online experience, it can be quickly and easily bypassed without the need to use a VPN. So, if you’re looking to get access to some of your favorite TV shows and movies, but can’t get past the geo-restrictions, try one of the above solutions to open up a whole new world of entertainment.

But don’t ignore VPNs either: at least they provide extra layers of security and privacy.