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Head-to-head · Internet Filtering Software

DNSFilter vs Safe Surfer

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score DNSFilter #11 in Internet Filtering Software 8.2/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 3 of 3 features Visit DNSFilter
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

DNSFilter leads on 0 checks, Safe Surfer 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 scoreDNSFilter · 8.2/10
  • Free planonly Safe Surfer
  • Free trialboth

DNSFilter scores higher on our rubric for internet filtering software: 8.2 against 6.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #11 and #30.

Safe Surfer offers free plan; DNSFilter doesn't.

DNSFilter is the better fit for affordable managed filtering with strong reporting. Safe Surfer is the better fit for families needing detailed controls and alerts.

  • DNSFilter fits best

    Affordable managed filtering with strong reporting

  • Safe Surfer fits best

    Families needing detailed controls and alerts

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Side by side

Feature DNSFilter 8.2/10 Visit ↗ Safe Surfer 6.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.2 6.3
Ranking #11 in Internet Filtering Software #30 in Internet Filtering Software
Best for Affordable managed filtering with strong reporting Families needing detailed controls and alerts
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $1/unit/mo —
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial 14 days 7 days
Free trial length 14 days 7 days
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Support Email, Live chat, Phone, Tickets, Docs Email, Live chat, Docs
Integrations 3,000+ integrations 7 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features DNSFilter 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, iOS, Android, Chrome, and network/router/DHCP/firewall deployments Android, iOS/iPadOS, Windows, macOS, Wi-Fi/network routers
Our review
Pros
  • DNS-layer filtering blocks malicious domains, unwanted content, and applications.
  • Reports, query logs, dashboards, exports, and schedules support oversight.
  • Works across web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, networks, and DNS Relay.
  • 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
  • There is no free plan.
  • The Enterprise tier uses custom pricing.
  • Core and Plus rates shown apply to annual billing.
  • 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

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…

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. DNSFilterInternet Filtering Software 8.214-day trial
  2. Safe SurferInternet Filtering Software 6.3Free plan · 7-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • DNSFilter — where it wins

    • DNS-layer filtering blocks malicious domains, unwanted content, and applications.
    • Reports, query logs, dashboards, exports, and schedules support oversight.
    • Works across web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, networks, and DNS Relay.

    Where it doesn't

    • There is no free plan.
    • The Enterprise tier uses custom pricing.
    • Core and Plus rates shown apply to annual billing.

  • 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
  • DNSFilter8.2/10 · 14-day trial

    Affordable managed filtering with threat protection, reporting, and broad deployment options.

    Visit DNSFilterFull 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