NxFilter review
A self-hosted DNS filter with broad policy controls and optional categorization licenses.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
NxFilter is self-hosted DNS filtering software from Jahastech for organizations and homes that need network-level control over website access. It is positioned for enterprises, schools, hospitals, ISPs, branch offices, managed service providers, and home users. Filtering can be based on website categories, keywords, custom classifications, and imported blocklists. Administrators can also apply policies to users and groups, enforce SafeSearch, schedule blocking, manage screen time, log DNS requests, and produce daily, weekly, and user reports.
The pricing structure separates the NxFilter software from its optional domain-categorization databases. NxFilter itself is freeware and includes a 30-day free trial. Jahaslist Annual costs $57 per 50 users when billed annually and includes a local database, dynamic classification, an annual Jahaslist domain-categorization license, and a free clustering license. Cloudlist Annual costs $142.5 per 50 users annually and adds a cloud database alongside dynamic classification and a Cloudlist domain-categorization license. These paid plans are database licenses rather than charges for the NxFilter software itself.
Its ecosystem fit is centered on network administration. NxFilter supports web, Windows, Linux, and self-hosted environments, with category specifications also covering Docker, pfSense, iOS, Android, and macOS through DNS-over-HTTPS. Integrations include Active Directory, 802.1X Wi-Fi, Syslog, DNS-over-HTTPS, and DHCP. The result is a broad set of controls for administrators managing users, devices, roaming connections, and network services. Choose NxFilter when self-hosting and detailed DNS policies are priorities; consider another option if you need a hosted filtering service or open-source software.
NxFilter pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free software includes category filtering, schedules, reports, and SafeSearch.
- Supports custom blocklists, user policies, authentication, and Active Directory.
- Adds roaming DNS-over-HTTPS filtering and an integrated DHCP server.
- Where it doesn't
- 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.
NxFilter fact sheet, pricing and score →
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