Best DNS Filtering Solutions in 2024

Perimeter 81 DNS Filtering emerges as a robust cybersecurity solution, particularly suitable for businesses of all sizes. Its focus on ensuring safe and secure internet access for employees is a crucial aspect for maintaining a secure network environment. Here’s an overview of why Perimeter 81 DNS Filtering is a commendable choice:

1. Website Access Control: The solution allows businesses to prevent employees from accessing dangerous or suspicious websites. By filtering both domains and IP addresses, companies can exert comprehensive control over internet access, enhancing network security.

2. Easy Setup: Perimeter 81 DNS Filtering is designed for ease of setup, enabling businesses to quickly implement safe browsing protocols without requiring extensive technical expertise.

3. Blacklisting and Whitelisting Capabilities: The ability to blacklist harmful sites and whitelist approved ones provides businesses with flexible control over web access, ensuring that employees only visit safe, work-related sites.

4. Category-Based Website Blocking: The service offers the functionality to block websites based on categories such as social networks, shopping, adult content, and gambling. This feature helps businesses ensure that employees are not accessing non-work-related or harmful sites during work hours.

5. Malware Protection via DNS Filtering: By blocking access to dangerous sites, Perimeter 81 also contributes to malware protection, reducing the risk of network intrusions by malicious software.

6. Competitive Pricing: At a starting price of $12 per month per user, Perimeter 81 offers DNS Filtering as part of its package, making it a cost-effective solution for enhancing network security.

7. Money-Back Guarantee: The company provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, offering peace of mind and a risk-free opportunity for businesses to evaluate the service.

8. Pros:

   • Effective in preventing access to unsafe and inappropriate websites.
   • User-friendly setup and management.
   • Flexible website control through blacklisting and whitelisting.
   • Category-based blocking for comprehensive content control.
   • Enhances overall network security with integrated malware protection.
   • Affordable pricing, offering good value for the range of features provided.

9. Cons:

   • While versatile, it may be more suitable for business use than for individual or home users.
   • Businesses with very specific or advanced filtering needs might require additional customization.

In conclusion, Perimeter 81 DNS Filtering is an excellent solution for businesses seeking to enhance their cybersecurity posture. Its comprehensive features, ease of use, and competitive pricing make it a valuable tool for protecting corporate networks from a wide range of online threats. The solution’s focus on both malware protection and content control, combined with its flexible website access management, positions it as a strong contender in the DNS filtering market.

Cloudflare Gateway is a prominent DNS filtering solution known for its robust security features and performance optimization. It’s particularly suitable for businesses seeking comprehensive protection against online threats without sacrificing network performance. Here’s a detailed look at why Cloudflare Gateway is a strong choice for DNS filtering:

1. Non-Compromising Performance: Cloudflare Gateway operates efficiently in the background, ensuring security without affecting the network’s performance.

2. User-Friendly Interface: The tool is designed for ease of use, allowing users to filter websites through various categories and manage network security without needing extensive technical knowledge.

3. File Transfer Controls: It offers the functionality to control file downloads and uploads, a critical feature for preventing unwanted software and malware from entering the network.

4. Policy-Based Protection: Cloudflare Gateway enables policy-based protection, simplifying the management of network security. Once a policy is set, the tool autonomously enforces these settings, reducing the need for continuous manual oversight.

5. Versatile Blocking Options: The solution allows for blocking sites via DNS, URL, or IP address, providing flexibility in how access restrictions are implemented. Users can create custom lists and whitelists, ensuring precise control over network access.

6. App, Malware, and Domain Blocking: Cloudflare Gateway offers comprehensive protection capabilities, including the ability to block apps, malware, and website domains, thereby providing a complete security solution for business networks.

7. Pros:

   • Efficiently works in the background without hindering network performance.
   • Easy to set up and manage, suitable for users with varying technical expertise.
   • Offers comprehensive controls over file transfers and internet access.
   • Policy-based protection simplifies security management.
   • Provides versatile options for website and domain blocking.

8. Cons:

   • The Business plan, priced at $200 per month, may be expensive for some businesses.
   • No money-back guarantee, which could be a concern for businesses seeking trial-based assurance.
   • The free plan is available for testing, but with limited features compared to the Business plan.

In conclusion, Cloudflare Gateway stands out as a comprehensive and effective DNS filtering solution, ideal for businesses that prioritize both security and performance. Its array of features, including policy-based protection and versatile blocking capabilities, make it a powerful tool for safeguarding business networks. While the cost of the Business plan and the lack of a money-back guarantee may be considerations for some, the availability of a free plan offers a risk-free way to evaluate the service before committing to a paid subscription.

DNSFilter emerges as an effective and budget-friendly DNS filtering solution, particularly suitable for businesses, schools, and organizations of various sizes. Its cloud-based architecture ensures that network performance remains unaffected while providing comprehensive security. Here’s an in-depth look at why DNSFilter is a strong choice for DNS filtering:

1. Robust Protection Against Malicious Sites: DNSFilter offers edge-to-edge protection against harmful websites and malware, ensuring a secure browsing environment.

2. Cloud-Based Operation: Being cloud-based, DNSFilter operates remotely, minimizing any impact on local network performance and offering flexibility in deployment.

3. Suitable for Diverse Organizations: The tool is versatile enough to cater to businesses, educational institutions, and various other organizations, providing a safe internet experience.

4. AI-Driven Threat Detection: DNSFilter employs AI technology for effective detection and neutralization of potential online threats, enhancing its reliability in safeguarding networks.

5. Customizable Access Control: Administrators have the flexibility to create custom lists of blocked sites or implement policy-based protection, providing tailored security measures as per organizational needs.

6. Category-Based Blocking: The solution allows for blocking sites by categories, such as adult content, streaming services, or messaging platforms, facilitating broad-spectrum control over internet access.

7. Global Server Presence: With over 30 servers spread across 6 continents, DNSFilter claims a 100% uptime, offering consistent protection anytime, anywhere.

8. User-Friendly Interface: Its interface is designed for ease of use, making it accessible even to those with limited technical expertise.

9. Quick Setup Process: Setting up DNSFilter is a straightforward process, often taking less than 15 minutes, ensuring that organizations can quickly benefit from its protection.

10. Affordable Pricing: Starting at just $0.9 per month per user, DNSFilter is an economical choice. The Pro and Enterprise plans expand protection to mobile devices and offer per-user policies.

11. 14-Day Free Trial: Offering a 14-day free trial, DNSFilter allows organizations to test its capabilities without any financial commitment.

12. Pros:

    • Offers comprehensive protection against a wide range of online threats.
    • Cloud-based solution ensures minimal impact on network performance.
    • AI-driven threat detection for enhanced security.
    • User-friendly and quick to set up.
    • Highly affordable with various pricing plans to suit different needs.
    • Global server network ensures consistent uptime and protection.

13. Cons:

    • More advanced features and mobile device protection are limited to higher-tier plans.
    • May not offer the same level of customization as some higher-priced competitors.

In conclusion, DNSFilter is an excellent DNS filtering solution for those seeking a balance between affordability, ease of use, and comprehensive online protection. Its AI-driven approach, global server presence, and user-friendly interface make it a highly accessible and effective tool for a wide range of organizations. The tiered pricing structure and free trial offer make it a flexible option to suit various requirements and budgets.

Webroot stands out as a DNS filtering solution known for its simplicity, effectiveness, and cloud-based architecture. It’s especially popular for its user-friendly setup and strong blocking capabilities, making it an attractive option for businesses seeking to enhance their online security. Here’s why Webroot is considered a good DNS filtering solution:

1. Exceptional Blocking Capabilities: Webroot offers robust policy-based rules for blocking malware and hazardous websites, ensuring a high level of network security.

2. Cloud-Based Solution: Being cloud-based, Webroot operates without impacting system performance, maintaining network efficiency while providing security.

3. Versatile Policy Enforcement: The solution allows for the enforcement of website blocks in various ways, including the use of over 80 pre-built policies that can be applied to URLs, DNS, IP addresses, specific devices, and groups of employees.

4. Future-Ready with IPv6 Support: Webroot supports IPv6, the new generation of the internet protocol, showcasing its readiness for future technological advancements.

5. Scalability: The cloud-based nature of Webroot makes it highly scalable, enabling protection for employees even outside the workspace, such as on public Wi-Fi networks.

6. Global Server Network: With servers in 16 locations worldwide, Webroot offers improved performance and stability, particularly beneficial for international businesses.

7. Google Cloud Platform Integration: The use of the Google Cloud Platform enhances Webroot’s stability and overall protection capabilities.

8. Pros:

   • Easy to set up and use, suitable for users with varying levels of technical expertise.
   • Policy-based blocking offers comprehensive control over network security.
   • Cloud-based operation ensures minimal impact on network performance.
   • Supports IPv6, indicating forward-thinking and adaptability.
   • Scalable solution, applicable to both in-office and remote work environments.

9. Cons:

   • Pricing information is not readily available on the website, requiring potential users to inquire for details.
   • While offering a good number of servers, its network may not be as extensive as some other competitors.

In conclusion, Webroot is a reliable and user-friendly DNS filtering solution that offers robust protection against online threats. Its combination of cloud-based scalability, policy-based security enforcement, and future-ready technology makes it an excellent choice for businesses looking to secure their networks efficiently. While the lack of upfront pricing information might require some additional steps for interested users, the availability of a free trial offers a risk-free way to evaluate the service.

SafeDNS presents itself as an affordable and effective DNS filtering solution, especially appealing to budget-conscious businesses and organizations. It offers a comprehensive set of features that ensure both workplace and public Wi-Fi hotspot security. Here’s a breakdown of why SafeDNS stands out as a good choice for DNS filtering:

1. Smart AI and Machine Learning: SafeDNS incorporates advanced AI and machine learning technology for smooth and automatic workflow. This feature enables the system to automatically detect and block malware and dangerous sites, providing a high level of proactive protection.

2. Flexible Categorization: While its AI provides efficient automatic filtering, SafeDNS also allows for manual categorization, with more than 60 categories available. This flexibility lets administrators tailor the filtering to specific needs, blocking various site types like adult content, gambling, shopping, and social media.

3. Content-Specific Blocking: A unique feature of SafeDNS is its ability to block specific content types on websites, such as banners, videos, pop-ups, and ads. This granular control over web content enhances the user experience and increases network security.

4. Extensive Website Database: With millions of websites in its database, SafeDNS offers comprehensive coverage of the internet, ensuring that most, if not all, harmful sites are known and can be blocked effectively.

5. Affordable Pricing: Starting at $150 per year for up to 10 users and scaling up to $600 per year for up to 50 users, SafeDNS provides an economical solution for DNS filtering.

6. Money-Back Guarantee: The 15-day money-back guarantee allows businesses to try SafeDNS risk-free, ensuring it meets their needs before committing to the investment.

7. Pros:

   • Advanced AI and machine learning for automatic and effective threat detection.
   • Offers both automatic and manual categorization for flexible filtering.
   • Ability to block specific types of web content.
   • Comprehensive database for extensive internet coverage.
   • Very affordable, making it accessible to small and medium-sized businesses.
   • Money-back guarantee provides an opportunity to evaluate the service without financial risk.

8. Cons:

   • May lack some of the advanced features of more expensive DNS filtering solutions.
   • The user interface and management tools may not be as sophisticated as higher-priced alternatives.

In conclusion, SafeDNS is an excellent DNS filtering solution for businesses looking for an effective yet budget-friendly option. Its combination of smart AI, extensive categorization, content-specific blocking, and affordability make it a practical choice for enhancing online security. While it might not offer the breadth of features found in more expensive solutions, its value proposition is strong, particularly for small to medium-sized organizations. The money-back guarantee further adds to its appeal, allowing businesses to test its capabilities confidently.

Cisco Umbrella stands out as a DNS filtering solution known for its extensive capabilities and flexibility. While it may not be the most standout option in the market, its features and functionality make it a solid choice for various organizational needs. Here’s why Cisco Umbrella is a commendable DNS filtering solution:

1. Large Website Database: Cisco Umbrella boasts a huge database of millions of websites, categorized into nearly 90 categories. This extensive database enables easier categorization and more effective blocking of inappropriate or dangerous sites.

2. Policy-Based and Custom Blocking: The solution allows for policy-based blocking, enabling administrators to set and enforce network access rules. It also offers the flexibility to create custom policies for specific users, enhancing control over internet usage.

3. Flexible Access Control: In educational or workplace settings, Cisco Umbrella can block or allow access to specific sites, like Google services, based on user roles. For example, schools can restrict student access to YouTube while allowing teachers to use it for educational purposes.

4. Cloud-Based Solution: Being cloud-based, Cisco Umbrella simplifies setup and deployment. This cloud infrastructure also means the solution is scalable and can adapt to the changing needs of the organization.

5. User-Friendly Web Interface: The web-based user interface is straightforward, making it easy for administrators to manage the solution and enforce policies.

6. Support for Bulk Uploads: Cisco Umbrella supports bulk uploads, a feature that significantly streamlines the process of implementing policies and restrictions across the organization.

7. Pros:

   • Offers a vast database for comprehensive website filtering.
   • Provides policy-based and customizable user-specific blocking.
   • Flexible in controlling access to a wide range of web content.
   • Cloud-based for easy setup and scalability.
   • User-friendly interface simplifies management.
   • Bulk upload feature for efficient policy implementation.

8. Cons:

   • Pricing information is not directly available on the website, requiring potential users to request a quote.
   • May not offer certain advanced features available in other high-end DNS filtering solutions.

In conclusion, Cisco Umbrella is a highly adaptable, customizable, and capable DNS filtering solution, suitable for businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations seeking to manage and secure their online environments effectively. Its combination of a vast website database, policy flexibility, and ease of use make it a practical choice for those needing robust internet filtering capabilities. While the lack of upfront pricing information might be a minor inconvenience, the option for a free trial provides an opportunity to evaluate the service before committing.

CleanBrowsing stands out as a particularly effective DNS filtering solution for home use, especially for families looking to create a safe and secure online environment. Its focus on blocking inappropriate content and protecting against online threats makes it a suitable choice for households, especially those with children. Here’s an overview of why CleanBrowsing is a good home DNS filtering solution:

1. Efficient Content Blocking: CleanBrowsing efficiently blocks access to adult content, gambling sites, and other malicious websites. This feature is crucial for parents who want to ensure a safe online experience for their children.

2. Malware and Ransomware Protection: In addition to content filtering, CleanBrowsing offers protection against malware and ransomware, adding an extra layer of security to your home network.

3. Easy Setup with No Software Download: The solution is based on DNS, which means it doesn’t require any software download. Setting it up is as simple as changing your network’s DNS settings to CleanBrowsing’s servers.

4. Free Plan Availability: CleanBrowsing offers a free plan that covers basic needs like blocking adult sites and preventing ransomware and phishing attempts, making it an accessible option for many households.

5. Affordable Paid Plans: The cheapest paid plan is priced at $59.99 per year and covers up to 25 devices. This plan includes advanced features such as more than 19 custom filters, the ability to create device profiles, and network activity visibility.

6. Pros:

   • Effective at blocking inappropriate and harmful content.
   • Provides essential cybersecurity protections against malware.
   • Simple and straightforward to set up.
   • Free plan available for basic protection needs.
   • Affordable paid plan with advanced features and greater device coverage.

7. Cons:

   • The free plan may be limited in features for more advanced users.
   • While affordable, the paid plan is an additional cost for households to consider.

In conclusion, CleanBrowsing is an excellent DNS filtering solution for home users, particularly for families seeking to safeguard their online environment. Its blend of content filtering, malware protection, ease of use, and affordable pricing makes it a practical and accessible choice for maintaining a secure and family-friendly internet experience. The availability of both free and paid plans offers flexibility to cater to different needs and preferences.

Sophos Home is a comprehensive DNS filtering solution tailored for home use, offering a range of features that make it suitable for family-oriented internet security. Its combination of malware protection, parental controls, and unique security features positions it as a strong contender in the home DNS filtering market. Here’s why Sophos Home is a good choice:

1. Variety of Plans Including a Free Option: Sophos Home offers several plans, including a perpetually free version, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

2. Supports Windows and macOS: The solution is compatible with both Windows and macOS, covering the majority of home computer systems.

3. Effective Threat Blocking: In testing, Sophos Home has demonstrated impressive performance in blocking malicious sites, ransomware, and phishing attempts, providing robust online protection.

4. Virus Protection and AI Integration: Apart from DNS filtering, Sophos Home protects against viruses and employs AI technology to automatically neutralize potential threats, enhancing overall security.

5. Keystroke Encryption: A unique feature of Sophos Home is its ability to encrypt keystrokes. This helps prevent hackers from capturing sensitive information like passwords, adding an extra layer of security.

6. Parental Control Features: The tool includes parental control options to filter out adult and gambling content, ensuring a safe online environment for children.

7. User-Friendly with Money-Back Guarantee: Sophos Home is user-friendly and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, even for its paid plans, providing peace of mind for new users.

8. Affordable Paid Plan: The paid version of Sophos Home is reasonably priced at around $40 per year, offering support for more devices and advanced features not available in the free plan.

9. Pros:

   • Free version available for basic protection needs.
   • Effective at blocking a wide range of online threats.
   • Unique security features like keystroke encryption.
   • Parental controls for a family-friendly internet experience.
   • Affordable pricing for the paid plan with additional features.

10. Cons:

    • Installation is required, unlike some cloud-based solutions.
    • Limited to Windows and macOS, excluding other operating systems.
    • Advanced features are limited to the paid plan.

In conclusion, Sophos Home is an excellent DNS filtering solution for families looking for a balance between comprehensive online protection and ease of use. Its range of security features, including parental controls and keystroke encryption, make it particularly suitable for home users. The availability of both a free and a reasonably priced paid plan ensures that Sophos Home can cater to a variety of needs and budgets.

ESET Parental Control is a specialized DNS filtering solution designed with a focus on family safety, particularly for households with children. Known for its robust antivirus software, ESET brings its expertise to parental controls, offering a comprehensive solution for managing children’s online activities. Here’s why ESET Parental Control is a good choice for home DNS filtering:

1. Multi-Platform Support: Unlike many other DNS filtering solutions, ESET Parental Control supports both mobile platforms and computers. This is crucial for families, as children often access the internet on various devices.

2. Content Blocking: The tool automatically blocks access to adult content and gambling sites, ensuring that children are protected from inappropriate material online.

3. Screen Time Management: ESET Parental Control includes features to limit screen time, which is important for children’s physical and mental health.

4. Online Activity Tracking: The ability to track children’s online behavior gives parents insights into potential risks or inappropriate activities, enabling them to take necessary actions for their children’s safety.

5. Location Tracking: A standout feature is the ability to track the phone’s location, which adds an extra layer of security by allowing parents to know where their children are at all times.

6. Affordable Pricing: Priced at around $50 per year, which breaks down to approximately $4 per month, ESET Parental Control is an affordable solution for comprehensive online safety for children.

7. 30-Day Free Trial: The availability of a 30-day free trial allows parents to test the service before committing financially, ensuring it meets their specific needs.

8. Pros:

   • Offers broad device support, covering both computers and mobile devices.
   • Automatically filters inappropriate content and manages screen time.
   • Enables parents to monitor online behavior and track location for safety.
   • Reasonably priced, making it accessible for most families.
   • Comes with a risk-free 30-day trial period.

9. Cons:

   • Advanced features are available only in the paid version.
   • May not be as comprehensive in filtering capabilities as some dedicated DNS filtering solutions.

In conclusion, ESET Parental Control is an effective and affordable solution for families looking to protect their children online. Its blend of content filtering, screen time management, activity tracking, and location services makes it a valuable tool for ensuring children’s online safety. The multi-platform support and user-friendly pricing, coupled with a free trial offer, make ESET Parental Control an attractive option for parents seeking a reliable and easy-to-use parental control solution.

Net Nanny is a renowned home DNS filtering solution, known for its simplicity and effectiveness in protecting family networks from various online threats. Focused on creating a safe online environment for children, Net Nanny offers a range of features that make it a popular choice among parents. Here’s an overview of why Net Nanny is a good home DNS filtering solution:

1. AI-Driven Protection: Net Nanny utilizes reliable AI technology to protect against malware, suspicious, and dangerous websites. Its automated system efficiently blocks inappropriate content without needing constant manual intervention.

2. Broad Device Support: Unlike some DNS filtering solutions, Net Nanny supports a wide range of devices, including Kindle, Windows, iOS, macOS, and Android, making it versatile for families with diverse technology ecosystems.

3. Effective Content Blocking: In testing, Net Nanny has proven to be effective in blocking suspicious sites and adult content, ensuring a safe browsing experience for children.

4. Screen Time Management: The tool includes features to limit screen time, helping parents manage their children’s digital consumption and promote healthier habits.

5. Whitelist and Monitoring Options: Parents can whitelist specific sites for unrestricted access or choose to monitor their child’s online activities. This flexibility allows for tailored protection based on trust levels and individual family needs.

6. Flexible Website Blocking: Net Nanny allows blocking websites not only by URL but also by IP and DNS, offering comprehensive control over network access.

7. Pros:

   • AI-driven content filtering for efficient and automatic protection.
   • Supports a wide range of devices, catering to various user needs.
   • Effective in blocking a variety of online threats and inappropriate content.
   • Includes screen time management features.
   • Offers both whitelist options and activity monitoring for customized control.

8. Cons:

   • Requires downloading an application, unlike cloud-based solutions.
   • The free version is not available; pricing starts at $39.99 per year for one desktop.

9. Pricing: Net Nanny’s best value plan is priced at $54.99 per year, covering 5 devices. This plan offers a comprehensive solution for families needing protection across multiple devices.

In conclusion, Net Nanny is a solid choice for families seeking an effective and user-friendly home DNS filtering solution. Its combination of AI-driven protection, broad device support, and flexible content control features make it a practical tool for safeguarding children’s online experiences. While it lacks a free version and requires software installation, its performance and range of features justify the investment for families prioritizing online safety.