FilterDNS review

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

FilterDNS is a self-hosted DNS filtering service for individuals, technical teams, and organizations that want to operate their own filtering infrastructure. It is designed to block ads, trackers, malware, phishing domains, and other unwanted traffic through per-profile configuration. A web-based administration interface manages linked devices by IP address, filtering rules, query logs, statistics, and temporary pauses. FilterDNS is open-source software under the MIT License and can be deployed with Docker Compose across web, API, and self-hosted environments.

Its main strength is control over DNS behavior and profile structure. Administrators can combine custom allow and deny rules with predefined blocking presets and established Hagezi, StevenBlack, and OISD blocklists. Support for DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS, and legacy DNS gives it room to fit different network setups, while linked-device management helps separate configurations by device or use case. The published feature set suits users who value configurable filtering without depending on a hosted plan. The trade-off is a narrower management layer: activity reporting is basic, and the product does not provide SafeSearch or scheduling controls.

FilterDNS fits buyers who are comfortable operating self-hosted software and want straightforward DNS filtering with open-source control. It is less suitable for households or managed environments that need timed policies, verified SafeSearch enforcement, or deeper activity reporting. Temporary filtering pauses are available, but they do not replace scheduled policies. Choose FilterDNS when custom DNS rules, multiple protocols, and blocklist-based filtering matter most; choose an alternative when broader supervision and reporting workflows are central requirements.

FilterDNS pros and cons

• Where it wins
  • Per-profile rules support different devices and use cases
  • Supports DoH, DoT, legacy DNS, and custom allow or deny rules
  • Uses Hagezi, StevenBlack, and OISD blocklists
• Where it doesn't
  • No verified SafeSearch controls
  • No scheduling features for timed filtering
  • Reporting is limited to basic logs and statistics

FilterDNS fact sheet, pricing and score →

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update