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Head-to-head · Internet Filtering Software

CleanBrowsing vs Safe Surfer

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score CleanBrowsing #29 in Internet Filtering Software 6.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit CleanBrowsing
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

CleanBrowsing 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 scoreCleanBrowsing · 6.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Safe Surfer

CleanBrowsing scores higher on our rubric for internet filtering software: 6.4 against 6.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #29 and #30.

CleanBrowsing leads on device limit: 25 devices versus 5 devices.

CleanBrowsing is the better fit for managed family and small-team DNS filtering. Safe Surfer is the better fit for families needing detailed controls and alerts.

  • CleanBrowsing fits best

    Managed family and small-team DNS filtering

  • Safe Surfer fits best

    Families needing detailed controls and alerts

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Side by side

Feature CleanBrowsing 6.4/10 Visit ↗ Safe Surfer 6.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 6.4 6.3
Ranking #29 in Internet Filtering Software #30 in Internet Filtering Software
Best for Managed family and small-team DNS filtering Families needing detailed controls and alerts
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $75/yr —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — 7 days
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Support Email, Docs Email, Live chat, Docs
Integrations 6 integrations 7 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features CleanBrowsing 3/3 · Safe Surfer 3/3
Custom blocklists ✓ ✓
Safe search controls ✓ ✓
Filtering schedules ✓ ✓
Specs
Device limit 25 devices (best) 5 devices
Activity reports Advanced Advanced
Platform support Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, ChromeOS, browsers, routers, API Android, iOS/iPadOS, Windows, macOS, Wi-Fi/network routers
Our review
Pros
  • Custom allow and block lists with grouped device profiles
  • SafeSearch, schedules, logs, and encrypted DNS support
  • Works across major operating systems, routers, and network 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
  • Basic plans cap devices, profiles, and custom domain lists
  • API access is limited to the Pro 100 plan
  • Self-service plans do not include a trial
  • 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

CleanBrowsing is a DNS-based internet filtering service for families, schools, businesses, public Wi-Fi providers, and other organizations. It applies predefined content and platform filters to domain requests, while paid plans add…

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. CleanBrowsingInternet Filtering Software 6.4Free plan
  2. Safe SurferInternet Filtering Software 6.3Free plan · 7-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • CleanBrowsing — where it wins

    • Custom allow and block lists with grouped device profiles
    • SafeSearch, schedules, logs, and encrypted DNS support
    • Works across major operating systems, routers, and network devices

    Where it doesn't

    • Basic plans cap devices, profiles, and custom domain lists
    • API access is limited to the Pro 100 plan
    • Self-service plans do not include a trial

  • 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