ClearDNS
ClearDNS: A family-focused DNS filter with detailed analytics and live traffic views. Ranked #48 of 65 in Internet Filtering Software by our editors (4.5/10); pricing: 1-day trial; best for family DNS analytics and live traffic views.
At a glance
- Editor score4.5 / 10
- Pricing1-day trial
- Best forFamily DNS analytics and live traffic views
- Free planNo
- Paid from$5.99/user/mo
- Custom blocklistsYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Live traffic maps and per-device activity views
- 13 filtering categories with custom allow/block lists
- Encrypted DNS plus SafeSearch across major search services
Where it doesn't
- No perpetual free plan
- Scheduling and integrations are not verified
- Paid plans are priced per user per month
Our verdict on ClearDNS
ClearDNS is a DNS-layer internet filtering service for families, teams, and organizations. It blocks ads, trackers, malware, phishing, adult content, gambling, piracy, and other unwanted categories across connected devices. Administrators can configure 13 filtering categories, create custom allow and block lists, enforce SafeSearch on Google, YouTube, Bing, and DuckDuckGo, and share family policies through QR codes or links. The service supports web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Wi-Fi, and mobile data networks, with a device limit of 5.
Pricing is organized around monitoring depth. Essential costs $5.99 per user per month and includes the core filtering controls, Smart SafeSearch, family sharing, and DoH and DoT support. Analyze costs $9.99 per user per month and adds 90-day log keeping, historical analytics, trend analysis, and detailed reporting. Stream costs $10.99 per user per month and adds instant logs, a live traffic map, real-time traffic visualization, and per-device activity views. Full costs $14.99 per user per month and combines the analytics and live monitoring features. The published offer also shows a free 24-hour trial with no payment details required.
ClearDNS fits buyers who want policy-based filtering with visibility into browsing activity, particularly families that value historical reports or live traffic views. Its encrypted DNS options use DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS, while the account model operates without requiring a conventional name, email, username, or password account. Buyers who need scheduling or integrations should consider a different fit, since those capabilities are not verified here. Choose Essential for filtering controls, Analyze for historical insight, Stream for live monitoring, or Full when both reporting modes matter.
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ClearDNS pricing
All 4 ClearDNS plans and prices →
ClearDNS fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $5.99/user/mo |
| Device limit | 5 devices |
| Custom blocklists | Yes |
| Safe search controls | Yes |
| Filtering schedules | Not verified |
| Activity reports | Advanced |
| Platform support | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Wi-Fi, and mobile data networks |
| Free trial | 1 days · no card needed |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | 1-day trial (source) |
| Website | cleardns.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to ClearDNS
- Cloudflare GatewayA broad filtering gateway with strong policy controls and basic reporting.9.2
- Cisco UmbrellaA mature enterprise filter with broad controls, integrations, and contact-sales pricing.9.1
- Pi-holeFree, open-source network blocking for self-hosted administrators.9.0
See all ClearDNS alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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