Best AdGuard DNS Alternatives in 2026
The top AdGuard DNS alternatives are Cloudflare Gateway, Cisco Umbrella and Pi-hole: 15 internet filtering software our editors would look at instead of AdGuard DNS, in our ranking order.
AdGuard DNS: Broad DNS filtering with strong device coverage and a capable free plan. Where it falls short: DNS-level filtering is not a replacement for full device-side content controls.
Switching from AdGuard DNS? For most internet filtering software buyers the best AdGuard DNS alternative is Cloudflare Gateway, built for organizations needing filtering beyond DNS. On a budget, Control D starts at $2/device/mo.
Why People Look for an AdGuard DNS Alternative
- DNS-level filtering is not a replacement for full device-side content controls
- Centralized administration is associated with the Enterprise plan
- Supporting many device types may require configuration across each network or device
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallCloudflare Gateway9.2
Organizations needing filtering beyond DNS
Visit Cloudflare Gateway - Lowest priceControl D8.3
Paid plans from $2/device/mo
Visit Control D - Best free optionCloudflare Gateway9.2
Has a free plan
Visit Cloudflare Gateway
All 15 AdGuard DNS Alternatives, Ranked
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.
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Best forOrganizations needing filtering beyond DNS
- Better than AdGuard DNS:
- Editor score 9.2 vs 8.1
A broad filtering gateway with strong policy controls and basic reporting.
- Filtering schedules
- Safe search controls
- Custom blocklists
9.2/10★★★★★Visit Cloudflare -
Best forMature enterprise network filtering
- Better than AdGuard DNS:
- Editor score 9.1 vs 8.1
A mature enterprise filter with broad controls, integrations, and contact-sales pricing.
- Filtering schedules
- Safe search controls
- Custom blocklists
9.1/10★★★★★Visit Cisco Umbrella -
Best forFree self-hosted network ad and content blocking
- Better than AdGuard DNS:
- Editor score 9.0 vs 8.1
Free, open-source network blocking for self-hosted administrators.
- Custom blocklists
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit Pi-hole -
Best forApple- and education-focused device management
- Better than AdGuard DNS:
- Editor score 8.9 vs 8.1
Education-focused filtering with Apple management integrations and threat prevention.
- Filtering schedules
- Safe search controls
- Custom blocklists
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit Jamf -
Best forThreat-focused DNS protection
- Better than AdGuard DNS:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 8.1
Centralized DNS protection with content controls, reporting and off-network coverage.
- Safe search controls
- Custom blocklists
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit CIRA -
Best forCheck Point security environments
- Better than AdGuard DNS:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 8.1
A policy-rich web filter for organizations built around Check Point gateways.
- Safe search controls
- Custom blocklists
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit Check Point -
Best forSecure web gateway and content inspection
- Better than AdGuard DNS:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 8.1
An enterprise gateway for deep web filtering, inspection, policy control, and data protection.
- Filtering schedules
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit Fortra -
Best forAd and tracker blocking on personal devices
- Better than AdGuard DNS:
- Editor score 8.5 vs 8.1
A broad personal ad blocker with desktop, mobile, DNS, and privacy controls.
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit AdGuard -
Best forBasic DNS filtering for Windows networks
- Better than AdGuard DNS:
- Editor score 8.4 vs 8.1
A focused DNS filtering service for WatchGuard networks and supported Windows devices.
- Safe search controls
- Custom blocklists
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit WatchGuard -
Best forFlexible filtering with low-cost paid controls
- Better than AdGuard DNS:
- Editor score 8.3 vs 8.1
A low-cost DNS filtering platform with detailed controls, analytics, and broad platform support.
- Filtering schedules
- Safe search controls
- Custom blocklists
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit Control D -
Best forAffordable managed filtering with strong reporting
- Better than AdGuard DNS:
- Editor score 8.2 vs 8.1
Affordable managed filtering with threat protection, reporting, and broad deployment options.
- Filtering schedules
- Safe search controls
- Custom blocklists
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit DNSFilter -
Best forSchools filtering managed and BYOD traffic
A broad K-12 filtering stack spanning managed devices, BYOD, IoT, and off-network use.
- Filtering schedules
- Safe search controls
- Custom blocklists
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit Lightspeed -
Best forRoaming DNS protection for Windows devices
Windows-focused DNS protection with agent, network, roaming, and reporting controls.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Webroot -
Best forSchools needing AI-service and BYOD controls
Flexible school filtering with strong AI, BYOD, and reporting controls.
- Filtering schedules
- Safe search controls
- Custom blocklists
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Securly -
Best forLow-cost category filtering with roaming support
A broad DNS filtering service with low-cost annual plans and roaming support.
- Filtering schedules
- Safe search controls
- Custom blocklists
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit SafeDNS
AdGuard DNS Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to AdGuard DNS?
Cloudflare Gateway: #1 in our Internet Filtering Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.2 out of 10. A broad filtering gateway with strong policy controls and basic reporting.
Is there a free alternative to AdGuard DNS?
Yes. Cloudflare Gateway, Pi-hole, AdGuard and Control D have a free plan or a free tier.
Why do people look for AdGuard DNS alternatives?
DNS-level filtering is not a replacement for full device-side content controls; Centralized administration is associated with the Enterprise plan; Supporting many device types may require configuration across each network or device.
How do I switch from AdGuard DNS?
Export your data from AdGuard DNS (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel AdGuard DNS.
How to Switch from AdGuard DNS
- Export your data from AdGuard DNS (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel AdGuard DNS.
AdGuard DNS vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Custom blocklists | Safe search controls | Filtering schedules | Activity reports | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | AdGuard DNS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 8.1 | |
| 1 | Cloudflare Gateway | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 9.2 | |
| 2 | Cisco Umbrella | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 9.1 | |
| 3 | Pi-hole | Yes | Free | Yes | Advanced | 9.0 | ||
| 4 | Jamf Safe Internet | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 8.9 | |
| 5 | CIRA DNS Firewall | No | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 8.8 | ||
| 6 | Check Point URL Filtering | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 8.7 | |||
| 7 | Fortra Secure Web Gateway | Yes | Advanced | 8.6 | ||||
| 8 | AdGuard | Yes | 8.5 | |||||
| 9 | WatchGuard DNSWatch | No | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 8.4 | ||
| 10 | Control D | Yes | $2/device/mo | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 8.3 |
| 11 | DNSFilter | No | $1/unit/mo | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 8.2 |
| 12 | Lightspeed Filter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 8.0 | ||
| 13 | Webroot DNS Protection | No | 7.9 | |||||
| 14 | Securly Filter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 7.8 | ||
| 15 | SafeDNS | No | $25.95/yr | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 7.7 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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