Head-to-head · Internet Filtering Software
Control D vs Safe Surfer
Control D leads on 0 checks, Safe Surfer on 0, and 4 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 scoreControl D · 8.3/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialboth
Control D scores higher on our rubric for internet filtering software: 8.3 against 6.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #10 and #30.
Control D is the better fit for flexible filtering with low-cost paid controls. Safe Surfer is the better fit for families needing detailed controls and alerts.
- Control D fits best
Flexible filtering with low-cost paid controls
- Safe Surfer fits best
Families needing detailed controls and alerts
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Side by side
| Feature | Control D 8.3/10 Visit ↗ | Safe Surfer 6.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.3 | 6.3 |
| Ranking | #10 in Internet Filtering Software | #30 in Internet Filtering Software |
| Best for | Flexible filtering with low-cost paid controls | Families needing detailed controls and alerts |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $2/device/mo | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 14 days | 7 days |
| Free trial length | 14 days · no card needed | 7 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Email, Live chat, Docs |
| Integrations | 20 integrations | 7 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Control D 3/3 · Safe Surfer 3/3 | ||
| Custom blocklists | ✓ | ✓ |
| Safe search controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| Filtering schedules | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Device limit | Not checked yet | 5 devices |
| Activity reports | Advanced | Advanced |
| Platform support | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, browsers, routers | Android, iOS/iPadOS, Windows, macOS, Wi-Fi/network routers |
| Our review | ||
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| 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 apply… 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 → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Control D — where it wins
- Free DNS filtering with encrypted protocols and no account requirement
- Custom rules, profiles, schedules, Safe Search, and analytics
- Supports endpoints, browsers, routers, APIs, and self-hosted deployment
Where it doesn't
- Traffic redirection and proxy locations require the Full Control plan
- Personal and SMB pricing use different plan structures
- Some advanced controls require paid plans
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
- Control D8.3/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial
A low-cost DNS filtering platform with detailed controls, analytics, and broad platform support.
Visit Control DFull verdict → - Safe Surfer6.3/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial
A broad family-filtering toolkit with schedules, alerts, monitoring, and remote controls.
Visit Safe SurferFull verdict →
All internet filtering software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update