Is StreamLocator a VPN?

In short, no, StreamLocator is not a VPN. This includes the StreamLocator Hub (router) and the StreamLocator App/DNS service.

StreamLocator uses a combination of Smart DNS, a transparent DNS proxy, and domain- and IP-based smart routing, making it more similar to a DNS-based service.

What's the difference between a VPN and a DNS service?

A VPN service connects you to a proxy server in a different country and passes on all of your data through that server to the receiving end. This is a good idea from a privacy perspective, but it is by far the worst solution for streaming content, as it often slows your connection and causes buffering when you try to watch your favourite show or movie. VPNs are also not available on Roku devices or on game consoles such as Xbox or PlayStation.

A DNS service, on the other hand, connects you to a proxy server and only forwards the data the receiving server (for example, the Hulu or HBO servers) requires to stream the content; all other data is unaffected. 

This makes DNS services much faster and more reliable for content streaming than VPNs, and they are always the first choice for streaming geo-blocked content because they are much harder to detect. 

Why is the StreamLocator Hub special?

The StreamLocator Hub combines the ease of use of VPNs with the speed and reliability of DNS services, delivering a single package that requires no additional software or complex setup to start watching all the content you've been missing.

The StreamLocator Hub is a plug-and-play solution that connects to your existing ISP router and creates a special new Wi-Fi network. You can then connect any device, such as your Smart TV, Fire TV Stick, phone, or game console, to that new network and launch the streaming service you want to use. It's that simple!