I have used Smart DNS Proxy since 2016 on my Firestick (UK Prime) from Malaysia. It allows me to access all UK content, including BBC iPlayer, NowTV, ITVx, Britbox, 4, 5, and PrimeVideo and Disney+ (US). I had to give up Disney+ access when I got NowTV(UK) due to the Region setting. I had no trouble accessing Netflix USA until I stopped watching Netflix on my tv and just used the tab when I travel. I found their Customer Service to be ok. They certainly helped me set up my router settings when I first signed on with them. After 2 bi-annual subscriptions, I went all in and got the Lifetime subscription in 2020. I didn't know SmartDNS was acquired by another company till recent when I found out that they are now based in Turkey. They were based in Mauritius or was it Seychelles up to then.
I think I get good value for money, service works well and I dont see much hit on performance if any. I predominantly use Linux and got good support from SmartDNS when an update to OpenVPN caused a problem at my end.. I also use android and windows clients without issue and use the proxy on a Chromebook. I am a little dubious of the reviewers technical knowledge though since she claims the proxy has no security - proxies are typically NOT encrypted, that is why there are VPNs. Further, IIRC SmartDNS's website does or used to explicitly state that the proxy only fudges the geolocation that sites like iplayer does and the rest of the traffic is just passed through. That mechanism works fine for me.
I used SmartDNS proxy for 2 years on my Roku Express via my Router DNS settings. I was VERY easy to set up, just takes 5 minutes!, as long as you are familiar with logging into your router admin settings (fortunately I had experience with accessing my router settings) If you are not familiar with accessing your router settings, then it might be time to invite your techie son/daughter, nephew/niece around for tea! The author of this article states :"Anyone can monitor or track what you do online, which could get you into trouble if you’re viewing content that’s blocked in your country." Well, watching blocked content won"t get you into any trouble, firstly your ISP can't know exactly what you are viewing online, secondly it will be the concern of the media content providers, not the ISP's. The media content providers at best could try to prevent you from watching their content, but that is about it! In summary SmartDNS proxy worked well for me, with only one exception The Roku Channel, for that you do need to use a VPN.