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Head-to-head · DNS Filtering Software

AdGuard DNS vs DNSFilter

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score AdGuard DNS #1 in DNS Filtering Software 9.4/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit AdGuard DNS
DNSFilter #4 in DNS Filtering Software 8.9/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit DNSFilter

AdGuard DNS leads on 1 check, DNSFilter on 0, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAdGuard DNS · 9.4/10
  • Free planonly AdGuard DNS
  • Free trialboth

AdGuard DNS scores higher on our rubric for dns filtering software: 9.4 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.

AdGuard DNS offers free plan; DNSFilter doesn't.

AdGuard DNS is the better fit for broad DNS filtering across home and business devices. DNSFilter is the better fit for low-cost managed filtering for organizations.

  • AdGuard DNS fits best

    Broad DNS filtering across home and business devices

  • DNSFilter fits best

    Low-cost managed filtering for organizations

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 ↗ DNSFilter 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.9
Ranking #1 in DNS Filtering Software #4 in DNS Filtering Software
Best for Broad DNS filtering across home and business devices Low-cost managed filtering for organizations
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price — $1/unit/mo
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial 30 days 14 days
Free trial length 30 days 14 days
Deployment Cloud, Browser extension Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Support Email, Docs Email, Live chat, Phone, Tickets, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features AdGuard DNS 0/4 · DNSFilter 0/4
Category filtering Not checked yet Not checked yet
Custom domain policies Not checked yet Not checked yet
Roaming protection Not checked yet Not checked yet
Activity reports Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Deployment modes Not checked yet Not checked yet
Device limit 20 devices Not checked yet
Encrypted DNS support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Free Starter plan with a 30-day free trial
  • Encrypted DNS protocols plus custom rules and blocklists
  • Schedules, detailed query logs, and REST API automation
  • DNS-layer protection with malware, phishing, and botnet blocking
  • Roaming protection for Windows and macOS devices
  • Reporting, exports, schedules, and AppAware application blocking
Cons
  • Filtering operates at the DNS level rather than as full endpoint control
  • Enterprise administration is aimed at organizational deployments
  • Device setup varies across computers, routers, TVs, consoles, and IoT devices
  • No free plan is available
  • Core and Plus rates shown are based on annual billing
  • Enterprise requires custom pricing
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 while supporting custom blocklists, user…

Read the review →

DNSFilter is a cloud-based internet filtering and protective DNS service for businesses, schools, managed service providers, and public Wi-Fi operators. It applies DNS policies to block malicious domains, unwanted content, and applications…

Read the review →
  1. AdGuard DNSDNS Filtering Software 9.4Free plan · 30-day trial
  2. DNSFilterDNS Filtering Software 8.914-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • AdGuard DNS — where it wins

    • Free Starter plan with a 30-day free trial
    • Encrypted DNS protocols plus custom rules and blocklists
    • Schedules, detailed query logs, and REST API automation

    Where it doesn't

    • Filtering operates at the DNS level rather than as full endpoint control
    • Enterprise administration is aimed at organizational deployments
    • Device setup varies across computers, routers, TVs, consoles, and IoT devices

  • DNSFilter — where it wins

    • DNS-layer protection with malware, phishing, and botnet blocking
    • Roaming protection for Windows and macOS devices
    • Reporting, exports, schedules, and AppAware application blocking

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan is available
    • Core and Plus rates shown are based on annual billing
    • Enterprise requires custom pricing

More comparisons

All DNS filtering software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update