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Head-to-head · Internet Filtering Software

AdGuard DNS vs Safe Surfer

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score AdGuard DNS #12 in Internet Filtering Software 8.1/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 3 of 3 features Visit AdGuard DNS
Safe Surfer #30 in Internet Filtering Software 6.3/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Safe Surfer

AdGuard DNS leads on 1 check, Safe Surfer on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 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 · 8.1/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialboth

AdGuard DNS scores higher on our rubric for internet filtering software: 8.1 against 6.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #12 and #30.

AdGuard DNS leads on device limit: 20 devices versus 5 devices.

AdGuard DNS is the better fit for broad, free DNS filtering across many platforms. Safe Surfer is the better fit for families needing detailed controls and alerts.

  • AdGuard DNS fits best

    Broad, free DNS filtering across many platforms

  • Safe Surfer fits best

    Families needing detailed controls and alerts

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Side by side

Feature AdGuard DNS 8.1/10 Visit ↗ Safe Surfer 6.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.1 6.3
Ranking #12 in Internet Filtering Software #30 in Internet Filtering Software
Best for Broad, free DNS filtering across many platforms Families needing detailed controls and alerts
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 30 days 7 days
Free trial length 30 days 7 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, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features AdGuard DNS 3/3 · Safe Surfer 3/3
Custom blocklists ✓ ✓
Safe search controls ✓ ✓
Filtering schedules ✓ ✓
Specs
Device limit 20 devices (best) 5 devices
Activity reports Advanced Advanced
Platform support Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, and game consoles Android, iOS/iPadOS, Windows, macOS, Wi-Fi/network routers
Our review
Pros
  • Free DNS filtering with malware, phishing, parental, and SafeSearch controls
  • Supports encrypted DNS protocols, schedules, logs, and custom blocklists
  • Works across computers, mobile devices, routers, TVs, consoles, and IoT devices
  • Blocks 50+ categories with custom website and domain rules
  • Offers schedules, timers, history, alerts, and remote management
  • Supports web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, routers, and DNS
Cons
  • DNS-level filtering is not a replacement for full device-side content controls
  • Centralized administration is associated with the Enterprise plan
  • Supporting many device types may require configuration across each network or device
  • Paid plans include up to five devices
  • Some monitoring and nudity detection features depend on supported devices
  • Filtering depends on supported browsers, search engines, and platforms
Our verdict

AdGuard DNS is a DNS resolver and network-level internet filtering service for individuals, families, organizations, and connected devices. It blocks ads, trackers, phishing, malware, and adult content while supporting custom rules,…

Read the review →

Safe Surfer is internet-filtering and parental-control software for individuals, families, schools, and organizations. It combines category blocking with custom allowlists and blocklists, SafeSearch controls, YouTube filtering, screen-time…

Read the review →
  1. AdGuard DNSInternet Filtering Software 8.1Free plan · 30-day trial
  2. Safe SurferInternet Filtering Software 6.3Free plan · 7-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • AdGuard DNS — where it wins

    • Free DNS filtering with malware, phishing, parental, and SafeSearch controls
    • Supports encrypted DNS protocols, schedules, logs, and custom blocklists
    • Works across computers, mobile devices, routers, TVs, consoles, and IoT devices

    Where it doesn't

    • DNS-level filtering is not a replacement for full device-side content controls
    • Centralized administration is associated with the Enterprise plan
    • Supporting many device types may require configuration across each network or device

  • Safe Surfer — where it wins

    • Blocks 50+ categories with custom website and domain rules
    • Offers schedules, timers, history, alerts, and remote management
    • Supports web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, routers, and DNS

    Where it doesn't

    • Paid plans include up to five devices
    • Some monitoring and nudity detection features depend on supported devices
    • Filtering depends on supported browsers, search engines, and platforms

All internet filtering software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update