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Head-to-head · DNS Filtering Services

Control D vs CleanBrowsing

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score 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
CleanBrowsing #8 in DNS Filtering Services 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 7 features Visit CleanBrowsing

Control D leads on 0 checks, CleanBrowsing 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 scoreControl D · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Control D

Control D scores higher on our rubric for dns filtering services: 9.2 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.

Control D is the better fit for power users wanting flexible DNS policies. CleanBrowsing is the better fit for families managing up to 25 devices.

  • Control D fits best

    Power users wanting flexible DNS policies

  • CleanBrowsing fits best

    Families managing up to 25 devices

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Side by side

Feature Control D 9.2/10 Visit ↗ CleanBrowsing 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.7
Ranking #3 in DNS Filtering Services #8 in DNS Filtering Services
Best for Power users wanting flexible DNS policies Families managing up to 25 devices
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $2/device/mo $75/yr
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 14 days —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Email, Community, Docs Email, Docs
Integrations 20 integrations 6 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Control D 1/7 · CleanBrowsing 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
  • 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
  • Profiles, custom lists, SafeSearch, schedules, and activity logging
  • Encrypted DNS through DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS, and DNSCrypt
  • Supports major operating systems, routers, browsers, and API access
Cons
  • Some advanced features require paid plans
  • Traffic redirection is limited to the Full Control plan
  • Personal and SMB pricing uses different plan structures
  • Paid self-service plans do not include a trial
  • Basic plans limit coverage to 25 devices and 3 profiles
  • API access is limited to the Pro 100 plan
Our verdict

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 →

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 supporting custom…

Read the review →
  1. Control DDNS Filtering Services 9.2Free plan · 14-day trial
  2. CleanBrowsingDNS Filtering Services 8.7Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • 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

  • CleanBrowsing — where it wins

    • Profiles, custom lists, SafeSearch, schedules, and activity logging
    • Encrypted DNS through DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS, and DNSCrypt
    • Supports major operating systems, routers, browsers, and API access

    Where it doesn't

    • Paid self-service plans do not include a trial
    • Basic plans limit coverage to 25 devices and 3 profiles
    • API access is limited to the Pro 100 plan
  • 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 →
  • CleanBrowsing8.7/10 · Free plan

    A flexible DNS filter with family-focused controls, encrypted DNS, schedules, and broad device coverage.

    Visit CleanBrowsingFull 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