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Head-to-head · Internet Filtering Software

Cisco Umbrella vs AdGuard

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Cisco Umbrella #2 in Internet Filtering Software 9.1/10 Pricing on request · 14-day trial Free trial✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Cisco Umbrella
AdGuard #8 in Internet Filtering Software 8.5/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit AdGuard

Cisco Umbrella leads on 0 checks, AdGuard on 1, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreCisco Umbrella · 9.1/10
  • Free planonly AdGuard
  • Free trialboth
  • Most featuresCisco Umbrella · 3 of 3

Cisco Umbrella scores higher on our rubric for internet filtering software: 9.1 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.

AdGuard offers free plan; Cisco Umbrella doesn't.

Cisco Umbrella is the better fit for mature enterprise network filtering. AdGuard is the better fit for ad and tracker blocking on personal devices.

  • Cisco Umbrella fits best

    Mature enterprise network filtering

  • AdGuard fits best

    Ad and tracker blocking on personal devices

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 Cisco Umbrella 9.1/10 Visit ↗ AdGuard 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.5
Ranking #2 in Internet Filtering Software #8 in Internet Filtering Software
Best for Mature enterprise network filtering Ad and tracker blocking on personal devices
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Pricing on request · 14-day trial —
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial 14 days 14 days
Free trial length 14 days 14 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension
Support Tickets, Phone, Docs Email, Community, Docs · 24/7
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Cisco Umbrella 3/3 · AdGuard 0/3
Custom blocklists ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Safe search controls ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Filtering schedules ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Device limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Activity reports Advanced Not checked yet
Platform support Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, iOS, Android, DNS networks, Cisco network devices Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • DNS and category filtering with custom allow and block lists
  • Identity, device, network, schedule, and application-based policies
  • Cisco integrations, reporting APIs, and log exports
  • Blocks ads, trackers, spyware, pop-ups, and phishing sites
  • Works across Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and browsers
  • Adds custom rules, DNS protection, logs, parental controls, and SafeSearch
Cons
  • No free plan for smaller teams evaluating long term
  • Pricing requires contacting sales
  • Planned end-of-sale and end-of-life transition
  • Personal licenses cover up to 3 devices
  • Family licenses cover up to 9 devices
  • Its focus is narrower for internet-filtering administration
Our verdict

Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-delivered DNS and web security service for organizations that need to control internet access across users, devices, and networks. It combines DNS-layer blocking for malware, phishing, botnets, ransomware, and…

Read the review →

AdGuard is an ad-blocking and privacy-protection product family for individuals using browsers, computers, and mobile devices. It blocks advertisements in browsers and apps, along with trackers, spyware, adware, pop-ups, banners, video…

Read the review →
  1. Cisco UmbrellaInternet Filtering Software 9.1Pricing on request · 14-day trial
  2. AdGuardInternet Filtering Software 8.5Free plan · 14-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Cisco Umbrella — where it wins

    • DNS and category filtering with custom allow and block lists
    • Identity, device, network, schedule, and application-based policies
    • Cisco integrations, reporting APIs, and log exports

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan for smaller teams evaluating long term
    • Pricing requires contacting sales
    • Planned end-of-sale and end-of-life transition
  • AdGuard — where it wins

    • Blocks ads, trackers, spyware, pop-ups, and phishing sites
    • Works across Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and browsers
    • Adds custom rules, DNS protection, logs, parental controls, and SafeSearch

    Where it doesn't

    • Personal licenses cover up to 3 devices
    • Family licenses cover up to 9 devices
    • Its focus is narrower for internet-filtering administration
  • Cisco Umbrella9.1/10 · Pricing on request · 14-day trial

    A mature enterprise filter with broad controls, integrations, and contact-sales pricing.

    Visit Cisco UmbrellaFull verdict →
  • AdGuard8.5/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    A broad personal ad blocker with desktop, mobile, DNS, and privacy controls.

    Visit AdGuardFull verdict →

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update