Cisco Umbrella review
A mature enterprise filter with broad controls, integrations, and contact-sales pricing.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-delivered DNS and web security service for organizations that need to control internet access across users, devices, and networks. It combines DNS-layer blocking for malware, phishing, botnets, ransomware, and other threats with category-based filtering, application controls, SafeSearch enforcement, custom domain lists, and policy-based access rules. Support spans web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, network DNS forwarding, a web console, and a reporting API, making it suited to mature IT environments rather than casual household filtering.
Its strongest fit is the Cisco ecosystem. Umbrella integrates with Cisco Secure Client, Cisco Meraki MR and MX, Cisco SD-WAN, Cisco ISR, Cisco Wireless LAN Controller, Cisco ASA, Cisco Secure Firewall, and Cisco Catalyst Routing and Switching. Administrators can apply policies by network, device, user, or identity, then review activity through reporting, Activity Search, log exports, and APIs. Customizable block pages, bypass options, bulk-uploaded domain lists, and time/day schedules for Secure Internet Gateway rule-based policies add operational control. The published features support both on-network DNS forwarding and off-network protection through client software.
The plan structure covers four levels. DNS Essentials includes DNS-layer threat blocking, domain and category filtering, roaming DNS protection, real-time activity search, and API access. DNS Advantage adds expanded threat intelligence and investigation capabilities. SIG Essentials adds a secure web gateway, cloud application visibility, and firewall and web access controls, while SIG Advantage adds cloud application controls, data loss prevention, and advanced firewall capabilities. Cisco offers a 14-day free trial, but there is no free plan and pricing requires contacting sales. Cisco also states that Umbrella is entering a planned end-of-sale and end-of-life transition as it evolves to Cisco Secure Access. Choose it for Cisco-centered enterprise filtering and layered policy control; consider alternatives if transparent self-service pricing or a long-term standalone product direction is the priority.
Cisco Umbrella pros and cons
- Where it wins
- DNS and category filtering with custom allow and block lists
- Identity, device, network, schedule, and application-based policies
- Cisco integrations, reporting APIs, and log exports
- Where it doesn't
- No free plan for smaller teams evaluating long term
- Pricing requires contacting sales
- Planned end-of-sale and end-of-life transition
Cisco Umbrella fact sheet, pricing and score →
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