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Head-to-head · DNS Filtering Software

DNSFilter vs SafeDNS

  • 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
SafeDNS #8 in DNS Filtering Software 8.4/10 15-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit SafeDNS

DNSFilter leads on 0 checks, SafeDNS on 0, and 1 is 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 trialboth

DNSFilter scores higher on our rubric for dns filtering software: 8.9 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #8.

DNSFilter is the better fit for low-cost managed filtering for organizations. SafeDNS is the better fit for families and organizations wanting detailed controls.

  • DNSFilter fits best

    Low-cost managed filtering for organizations

  • SafeDNS fits best

    Families and organizations wanting detailed controls

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature DNSFilter 8.9/10 Visit ↗ SafeDNS 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.4
Ranking #4 in DNS Filtering Software #8 in DNS Filtering Software
Best for Low-cost managed filtering for organizations Families and organizations wanting detailed controls
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $1/unit/mo $25.95/yr
Free plan — —
Free trial 14 days 15 days
Free trial length 14 days 15 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, Phone, Live chat, Docs · 24/7
Compliance SOC 2, 2FA GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, ISO 27001
Integrations 3,000+ integrations 6 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features DNSFilter 0/4 · SafeDNS 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 Not checked yet
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
  • Filters across 66 content categories with custom allowlists and denylists
  • Adds AppBlocker, schedules, per-user policies, and Safe Search
  • Supports routers, roaming clients, OpenWRT, and major desktop and mobile platforms
Cons
  • No free plan is available
  • Core and Plus rates shown are based on annual billing
  • Enterprise requires custom pricing
  • No free plan is available
  • Advanced business controls are distributed across higher paid tiers
  • Deployment requires choosing among router, DNS, or agent-based approaches
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 →

SafeDNS is a cloud-based DNS security and internet-filtering service for households, schools, small and midsize businesses, enterprises, managed service providers, internet service providers, and Wi-Fi providers. It filters traffic at the…

Read the review →
  1. DNSFilterDNS Filtering Software 8.914-day trial
  2. SafeDNSDNS Filtering Software 8.415-day trial

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

  • SafeDNS — where it wins

    • Filters across 66 content categories with custom allowlists and denylists
    • Adds AppBlocker, schedules, per-user policies, and Safe Search
    • Supports routers, roaming clients, OpenWRT, and major desktop and mobile platforms

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan is available
    • Advanced business controls are distributed across higher paid tiers
    • Deployment requires choosing among router, DNS, or agent-based approaches
  • DNSFilter8.9/10 · 14-day trial

    Managed DNS filtering with roaming protection, reporting, and identity integrations.

    Visit DNSFilterFull verdict →
  • SafeDNS8.4/10 · 15-day trial

    Detailed DNS controls for households and organizations, with paid plans for broader management.

    Visit SafeDNSFull verdict →

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