CleanBrowsing review
A flexible DNS filter with useful controls, but higher device tiers become costly.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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 paid plans add dashboard controls, custom allow and block rules, profiles, reporting, and device policies. The service supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chromebook devices, routers, browsers, and an API, making it a fit for households and small teams that need centrally managed filtering across multiple devices.
Pricing follows a freemium model. Free public filters are available, while the paid Basic plan costs $8.99 per month or $75 per year for up to 25 devices, 3 profiles, 100 allowed domains, and 500 blocked domains. Pro 50 costs $15 per month or $150 per year and raises capacity to 50 devices, 5 profiles, 250 allowed domains, and 1,000 blocked domains. Pro 100 costs $30 per month or $300 per year for up to 100 devices, 10 profiles, API access, 500 allowed domains, and 1,500 blocked domains. The annual Basic tier is the stated entry point for paid plans.
Its strongest area is policy control across varied environments. Profiles let administrators group device policies, while SafeSearch enforcement, time-based schedules, activity logging, dashboard visibility, and encrypted DNS through DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS, and DNSCrypt cover common family and small-team requirements. Integrations with routers and network devices, Mosyle MDM, NordVPN, and ProtonVPN extend its network fit. CleanBrowsing suits buyers who want DNS-level controls and customizable policies without deploying a broader security platform. Organizations needing more than 100 devices, or API access below Pro 100, should consider whether the plan limits and rising costs fit their needs.
CleanBrowsing pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Custom allow and block lists with grouped device profiles
- SafeSearch, schedules, logs, and encrypted DNS support
- Works across major operating systems, routers, and network devices
- Where it doesn't
- Basic plans cap devices, profiles, and custom domain lists
- API access is limited to the Pro 100 plan
- Self-service plans do not include a trial
CleanBrowsing fact sheet, pricing and score →
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