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ClearDNS
cleardns.com
What it is
ClearDNS is a DNS filtering service that blocks ads, trackers, malware, phishing, cryptojacking, and other unwanted content at network level. It works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, across Wi-Fi and mobile data networks. Thirteen filtering categories can be configured independently, with custom allow and block lists and SafeSearch enforcement. DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS provide encrypted DNS connections. Setup can use a unique link or QR code without a conventional account, email address, or password. ClearDNS says it runs on Cloudflare’s edge network across more than 335 locations. Family policies allow unlimited users, with up to five devices per user. Essential and Stream keep no DNS query history; Analyze and Full retain history for up to 90 days. Stream and Full add instant logs and a live traffic map. Plans are Essential at $5.99 a month, Analyze at $9.99 a month, Stream at $10.99 a month, and Full at $14.99 a month. A one-day trial is listed.
Spec sheet
- Product
- ClearDNS is a DNS filtering service that blocks ads, trackers, malware, and unwanted content at the network level.Read 9 Oct 2026 · cleardns.com
- Platforms
- The FAQ lists iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, and Linux, with support for Wi-Fi and mobile data networks.Read 9 Oct 2026 · cleardns.com
- Support
- The site lists [email protected] for questions.Read 9 Oct 2026 · cleardns.com
- Headquarters
- Dover, DelawareRead 28 Sep 2026 · cleardns.com
- Maker
- The site identifies the company as ClearDNS, LLC.Read 9 Oct 2026 · cleardns.com
- Encrypted DNS
- ClearDNS supports DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS for encrypted DNS connections.Read 9 Oct 2026 · cleardns.com
- Family use
- A policy can have unlimited users, with up to five devices per user, and members can enroll through a QR code or shareable link.Read 9 Oct 2026 · cleardns.com
- Filtering
- It offers 13 independently configurable filtering categories, custom allow and block lists, and SafeSearch enforcement.Read 9 Oct 2026 · cleardns.com
- History retention
- Essential and Stream keep no DNS query history, while Analyze and Full include history for up to 90 days.Read 9 Oct 2026 · cleardns.com
- Identity
- The service can be configured without a conventional account, email address, or password, using a unique link or QR code.Read 9 Oct 2026 · cleardns.com
- Infrastructure
- ClearDNS says it runs on Cloudflare’s edge network across more than 335 locations.Read 9 Oct 2026 · cleardns.com
- Limitation
- Some first-party ads, including YouTube video ads served from youtube.com, may still appear because they share a domain with content.Read 9 Oct 2026 · cleardns.com
- Live monitoring
- Instant Logs and the Live Traffic Map are available in Stream and Full; the map shows current DNS activity.Read 9 Oct 2026 · cleardns.com
- Threat protection
- Its DNS-level protection blocks malware, phishing, and cryptojacking.Read 9 Oct 2026 · cleardns.com
Plans and prices
Essential $5.99 a month 5 devices per user · 13 filtering categories · custom allow/block lists · Smart SafeSearch · family sharing via QR/link · DoH and DoT · additional users 50% off · no query limits or throttling Read 9 Oct 2026 · cleardns.com
Analyze $9.99 a month 5 devices per user · 90-day log keeping · historical analytics · trend analysis · detailed reporting · additional users 50% off · no query limits or throttling Read 9 Oct 2026 · cleardns.com
Stream $10.99 a month 5 devices per user · instant logs · live traffic map · real-time traffic visualization · per-device activity view · additional users 50% off · no query limits or throttling Read 9 Oct 2026 · cleardns.com
Full $14.99 a month 5 devices per user · 90-day log keeping · instant logs · live traffic map · full analytics and reporting · additional users 50% off · no query limits or throttling Read 9 Oct 2026 · cleardns.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Thirteen independently configurable filtering categories
- Custom allow and block lists
- Encrypted DNS through DoH and DoT
- QR-code setup without conventional account credentials
- Live logs and traffic map on Stream and Full
Limits
- No free plan
- Five devices per user
- Some first-party ads may still appear
- History retention varies by plan
Who it suits
It suits individuals and families managing filtering across desktop and mobile devices, including people who want custom rules or activity visibility. Each user can have up to five devices.
Verdict
ClearDNS combines network-level blocking, encrypted DNS, family sharing, and plan-dependent activity reporting across major operating systems. The five-device-per-user limit and possible domain-sharing ad exceptions are important when selecting a plan.
Where Specifiction places it
- Internet Filtering Software#11 of 658.5
