VPN vs Private DNS: what's the difference?

People often treat VPNs and private DNS as the same thing. They're related, but they protect different parts of your connection. Understanding the difference helps you decide what you actually need.

First, what is DNS?

DNS (Domain Name System) is the internet's phone book. When you type a website name like example.co.za, your device asks a DNS server, "What's the address for this site?" and gets back the numbers it needs to connect.

By default, those DNS requests usually go to your internet provider's DNS server and are sent without encryption. That means they can be seen by the networks along the way, and they reveal which sites you're looking up, even if the pages themselves are encrypted.

What private DNS does

• Encrypts your DNS lookups, so networks between you and the DNS server can't easily read which sites you ask for.
• Can block known tracker and malicious domains, depending on how the service is set up, which cuts down on some advertising and tracking.
• Is quick and light. It works at the device level without rerouting all your traffic.

What a VPN does

• Encrypts all your traffic between your device and the VPN server, not just DNS lookups.
• Replaces your public IP address with the VPN server's, as far as websites can see.
• Protects you on untrusted networks like public Wi-Fi.

Side by side

• Encrypts DNS lookups: Private DNS yes. VPN yes (when the VPN handles DNS).
• Encrypts all other traffic: Private DNS no. VPN yes.
• Hides your IP address from websites: Private DNS no. VPN yes.
• Can block known trackers: Private DNS often. VPN depends on the provider.
• Everyday overhead: Private DNS very low. VPN small.

Which one do you need?

If your main goal is cutting down on trackers and keeping your lookups private on your own network, private DNS is a simple place to start. If you use public Wi-Fi, travel, or want your traffic and IP address protected as well, you'll want a VPN. Many people use both, because they cover different gaps.