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Head-to-head · DNS Filtering Software

DNSFilter vs CleanBrowsing

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score DNSFilter #4 in DNS Filtering Software 8.9/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit DNSFilter
CleanBrowsing #7 in DNS Filtering Software 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit CleanBrowsing

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

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreDNSFilter · 8.9/10
  • Free planonly CleanBrowsing
  • Free trialonly DNSFilter

DNSFilter scores higher on our rubric for dns filtering software: 8.9 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #7.

CleanBrowsing offers free plan; DNSFilter doesn't.

DNSFilter is the better fit for low-cost managed filtering for organizations. CleanBrowsing is the better fit for families and small networks needing profiles.

  • DNSFilter fits best

    Low-cost managed filtering for organizations

  • CleanBrowsing fits best

    Families and small networks needing profiles

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Side by side

Feature DNSFilter 8.9/10 Visit ↗ CleanBrowsing 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.5
Ranking #4 in DNS Filtering Software #7 in DNS Filtering Software
Best for Low-cost managed filtering for organizations Families and small networks needing profiles
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $1/unit/mo $75/yr
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial 14 days —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Email, Live chat, Phone, Tickets, Docs Email, Docs
Integrations 3,000+ integrations 6 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features DNSFilter 0/4 · CleanBrowsing 0/4
Category filtering Not checked yet Not checked yet
Custom domain policies Not checked yet Not checked yet
Roaming protection Not checked yet Not checked yet
Activity reports Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Deployment modes Not checked yet Not checked yet
Device limit Not checked yet 25 devices
Encrypted DNS support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • DNS-layer protection with malware, phishing, and botnet blocking
  • Roaming protection for Windows and macOS devices
  • Reporting, exports, schedules, and AppAware application blocking
  • Profiles group device policies by user or network need
  • Encrypted DNS supports DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS, and DNSCrypt
  • Works across major operating systems, routers, and network devices
Cons
  • No free plan is available
  • Core and Plus rates shown are based on annual billing
  • Enterprise requires custom pricing
  • Free public filters provide less dashboard customization than paid plans
  • Basic plans cap devices at 25 and profiles at 3
  • Self-service plans do not include a trial
Our verdict

DNSFilter is a cloud-based internet filtering and protective DNS service for businesses, schools, managed service providers, and public Wi-Fi operators. It applies DNS policies to block malicious domains, unwanted content, and applications…

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 custom allow and block…

Read the review →
  1. DNSFilterDNS Filtering Software 8.914-day trial
  2. CleanBrowsingDNS Filtering Software 8.5Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • DNSFilter — where it wins

    • DNS-layer protection with malware, phishing, and botnet blocking
    • Roaming protection for Windows and macOS devices
    • Reporting, exports, schedules, and AppAware application blocking

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan is available
    • Core and Plus rates shown are based on annual billing
    • Enterprise requires custom pricing

  • CleanBrowsing — where it wins

    • Profiles group device policies by user or network need
    • Encrypted DNS supports DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS, and DNSCrypt
    • Works across major operating systems, routers, and network devices

    Where it doesn't

    • Free public filters provide less dashboard customization than paid plans
    • Basic plans cap devices at 25 and profiles at 3
    • Self-service plans do not include a trial

More comparisons

All DNS filtering software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update