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Head-to-head · DNS Filtering Services

AdGuard DNS vs Control D

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score AdGuard DNS #1 in DNS Filtering Services 9.4/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 1 of 7 features Visit AdGuard DNS
Control D #3 in DNS Filtering Services 9.2/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 1 of 7 features Visit Control D

AdGuard DNS leads on 0 checks, Control D on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAdGuard DNS · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialboth

AdGuard DNS scores higher on our rubric for dns filtering services: 9.4 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

AdGuard DNS is the better fit for broad consumer and family DNS protection. Control D is the better fit for power users wanting flexible DNS policies.

  • AdGuard DNS fits best

    Broad consumer and family DNS protection

  • Control D fits best

    Power users wanting flexible DNS policies

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature AdGuard DNS 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Control D 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.2
Ranking #1 in DNS Filtering Services #3 in DNS Filtering Services
Best for Broad consumer and family DNS protection Power users wanting flexible DNS policies
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — $2/device/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 30 days 14 days
Free trial length 30 days 14 days · no card needed
Deployment Cloud, Browser extension Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Email, Docs Email, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features AdGuard DNS 1/7 · Control D 1/7
Malware blocking Not checked yet Not checked yet
Ad blocking Not checked yet Not checked yet
Adult content filtering Not checked yet Not checked yet
Per-device policies Not checked yet Not checked yet
Activity logs Not checked yet Not checked yet
Analytics dashboard Not checked yet Not checked yet
Custom blocklists ✓ ✓
Our review
Pros
  • Free Starter plan includes filtering, controls, schedules, logs, and encrypted DNS.
  • Supports computers, mobile devices, routers, smart TVs, consoles, and IoT devices.
  • REST API, custom rules, and multiple encrypted DNS protocols support advanced setups.
  • Custom rules support block, bypass, redirect, and wildcard actions
  • Schedules, profiles, Safe Search, and analytics support detailed control
  • DoH, DoT, DoQ, DoH3, and router deployment broaden compatibility
Cons
  • Paid plan prices are not shown here.
  • Advanced controls may exceed the needs of simple ad blocking.
  • Enterprise administration is reserved for the Enterprise offering.
  • Some advanced features require paid plans
  • Traffic redirection is limited to the Full Control plan
  • Personal and SMB pricing uses different plan structures
Our verdict

AdGuard DNS is a DNS resolver and network-level filtering service for individuals, families, organizations, and connected devices. It blocks ads, trackers, phishing, malware, and adult content at the DNS level, while adding parental…

Read the review →

Control D is a cloud-based DNS filtering and security platform for individuals, families, businesses, and organizations. It blocks malware, phishing, ads, trackers, unwanted content, and selected services at the DNS level. Users can create…

Read the review →
  1. AdGuard DNSDNS Filtering Services 9.4Free plan · 30-day trial
  2. Control DDNS Filtering Services 9.2Free plan · 14-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • AdGuard DNS — where it wins

    • Free Starter plan includes filtering, controls, schedules, logs, and encrypted DNS.
    • Supports computers, mobile devices, routers, smart TVs, consoles, and IoT devices.
    • REST API, custom rules, and multiple encrypted DNS protocols support advanced setups.

    Where it doesn't

    • Paid plan prices are not shown here.
    • Advanced controls may exceed the needs of simple ad blocking.
    • Enterprise administration is reserved for the Enterprise offering.

  • Control D — where it wins

    • Custom rules support block, bypass, redirect, and wildcard actions
    • Schedules, profiles, Safe Search, and analytics support detailed control
    • DoH, DoT, DoQ, DoH3, and router deployment broaden compatibility

    Where it doesn't

    • Some advanced features require paid plans
    • Traffic redirection is limited to the Full Control plan
    • Personal and SMB pricing uses different plan structures
  • AdGuard DNS9.4/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    Broad DNS protection with strong family controls, encrypted protocols, and wide device coverage.

    Visit AdGuard DNSFull verdict →
  • Control D9.2/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    A flexible DNS platform with detailed policies, schedules, analytics, and router deployment.

    Visit Control DFull verdict →

More comparisons

All DNS filtering services comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update