Best NxFilter Alternatives in 2026
The top NxFilter alternatives are Cloudflare Gateway, Cisco Umbrella and Pi-hole: 15 internet filtering software our editors would look at instead of NxFilter, in our ranking order.
NxFilter: A self-hosted DNS filter with broad policy controls and optional categorization licenses. Where it falls short: domain-categorization database licenses are separate from the freeware..
Switching from NxFilter? For most internet filtering software buyers the best NxFilter alternative is Cloudflare Gateway, built for organizations needing filtering beyond DNS. On a budget, Control D starts at $2/device/mo. AdGuard DNS offers the most device limit (20 devices).
Why People Look for a NxFilter Alternative
- Domain-categorization database licenses are separate from the freeware
- Self-hosted deployment requires managing the network service environment
- NxFilter is proprietary rather than open source
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 - Most device limitAdGuard DNS8.1
20 devices
Visit AdGuard DNS
All 15 NxFilter 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 NxFilter:
- Editor score 9.2 vs 6.0
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 NxFilter:
- Editor score 9.1 vs 6.0
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 NxFilter:
- Editor score 9.0 vs 6.0
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 NxFilter:
- Editor score 8.9 vs 6.0
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 NxFilter:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 6.0
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 NxFilter:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 6.0
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 NxFilter:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 6.0
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 NxFilter:
- Editor score 8.5 vs 6.0
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 NxFilter:
- Editor score 8.4 vs 6.0
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 NxFilter:
- Editor score 8.3 vs 6.0
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 NxFilter:
- Editor score 8.2 vs 6.0
Affordable managed filtering with threat protection, reporting, and broad deployment options.
- Filtering schedules
- Safe search controls
- Custom blocklists
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit DNSFilter -
Best forBroad, free DNS filtering across many platforms
- Better than NxFilter:
- Editor score 8.1 vs 6.0
Broad DNS filtering with strong device coverage and a capable free plan.
- Filtering schedules
- Safe search controls
- Custom blocklists
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit AdGuard DNS -
Best forSchools filtering managed and BYOD traffic
- Better than NxFilter:
- Editor score 8.0 vs 6.0
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
- Better than NxFilter:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 6.0
Windows-focused DNS protection with agent, network, roaming, and reporting controls.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Webroot -
Best forSchools needing AI-service and BYOD controls
- Better than NxFilter:
- Editor score 7.8 vs 6.0
Flexible school filtering with strong AI, BYOD, and reporting controls.
- Filtering schedules
- Safe search controls
- Custom blocklists
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Securly
NxFilter Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to NxFilter?
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 NxFilter?
Yes. Cloudflare Gateway, Pi-hole, AdGuard, Control D and AdGuard DNS have a free plan or a free tier.
Why do people look for NxFilter alternatives?
Domain-categorization database licenses are separate from the freeware; Self-hosted deployment requires managing the network service environment; NxFilter is proprietary rather than open source.
Which NxFilter alternative has the most device limit?
AdGuard DNS, with 20 devices.
How do I switch from NxFilter?
Export your data from NxFilter (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 NxFilter.
How to Switch from NxFilter
- Export your data from NxFilter (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 NxFilter.
NxFilter vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Custom blocklists | Safe search controls | Filtering schedules | Activity reports | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | NxFilter | Yes | $57/unit/yr | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 6.0 |
| 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 | AdGuard DNS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 8.1 | |
| 13 | Lightspeed Filter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 8.0 | ||
| 14 | Webroot DNS Protection | No | 7.9 | |||||
| 15 | Securly Filter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 7.8 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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