Best WatchGuard DNSWatch Alternatives in 2026
The top WatchGuard DNSWatch alternatives are Cloudflare Gateway, Cisco Umbrella and Pi-hole: 15 internet filtering software our editors would look at instead of WatchGuard DNSWatch, in our ranking order.
WatchGuard DNSWatch: A focused DNS filtering service for WatchGuard networks and supported Windows devices. Where it falls short: built primarily around WatchGuard-protected networks and firebox appliances.
Switching from WatchGuard DNSWatch? For most internet filtering software buyers the best WatchGuard DNSWatch 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 WatchGuard DNSWatch Alternative
- Built primarily around WatchGuard-protected networks and Firebox appliances
- Windows endpoint protection supports specific Windows versions
- Pricing requires a sales conversation rather than a public plan comparison
- No free plan — 5 of the alternatives below have it
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 (WatchGuard DNSWatch has none)
Visit Cloudflare Gateway - Most device limitAdGuard DNS8.1
20 devices
Visit AdGuard DNS
All 15 WatchGuard DNSWatch 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 WatchGuard DNSWatch:
- Free plan
- Editor score 9.2 vs 8.4
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 WatchGuard DNSWatch:
- Editor score 9.1 vs 8.4
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 WatchGuard DNSWatch:
- Free plan
- Editor score 9.0 vs 8.4
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 WatchGuard DNSWatch:
- Editor score 8.9 vs 8.4
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 WatchGuard DNSWatch:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 8.4
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 WatchGuard DNSWatch:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 8.4
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 WatchGuard DNSWatch:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 8.4
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 WatchGuard DNSWatch:
- Free plan
- Editor score 8.5 vs 8.4
A broad personal ad blocker with desktop, mobile, DNS, and privacy controls.
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit AdGuard -
Best forFlexible filtering with low-cost paid controls
- Better than WatchGuard DNSWatch:
- Free plan
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
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 WatchGuard DNSWatch:
- Free plan
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
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
Windows-focused DNS protection with agent, network, roaming, and reporting controls.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Webroot -
Best forSchools needing AI-service and BYOD controls
Flexible school filtering with strong AI, BYOD, and reporting controls.
- Filtering schedules
- Safe search controls
- Custom blocklists
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Securly -
Best forLow-cost category filtering with roaming support
A broad DNS filtering service with low-cost annual plans and roaming support.
- Filtering schedules
- Safe search controls
- Custom blocklists
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit SafeDNS
WatchGuard DNSWatch Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to WatchGuard DNSWatch?
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 WatchGuard DNSWatch?
Yes. Cloudflare Gateway, Pi-hole, AdGuard, Control D and AdGuard DNS have a free plan or a free tier.
Why do people look for WatchGuard DNSWatch alternatives?
Built primarily around WatchGuard-protected networks and Firebox appliances; Windows endpoint protection supports specific Windows versions; Pricing requires a sales conversation rather than a public plan comparison.
Which WatchGuard DNSWatch alternative has the most device limit?
AdGuard DNS, with 20 devices.
How do I switch from WatchGuard DNSWatch?
Export your data from WatchGuard DNSWatch (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 WatchGuard DNSWatch.
How to Switch from WatchGuard DNSWatch
- Export your data from WatchGuard DNSWatch (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 WatchGuard DNSWatch.
WatchGuard DNSWatch vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Custom blocklists | Safe search controls | Filtering schedules | Activity reports | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | WatchGuard DNSWatch | No | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 8.4 | ||
| 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 | Control D | Yes | $2/device/mo | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 8.3 |
| 10 | DNSFilter | No | $1/unit/mo | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 8.2 |
| 11 | AdGuard DNS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 8.1 | |
| 12 | Lightspeed Filter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 8.0 | ||
| 13 | Webroot DNS Protection | No | 7.9 | |||||
| 14 | Securly Filter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 7.8 | ||
| 15 | SafeDNS | No | $25.95/yr | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 7.7 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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