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DNSFilter

dnsfilter.com

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Spec score 9.1 #4 of 65 in Internet Filtering Software

What it is

DNSFilter provides protective DNS and content filtering for organizations managing threats and workplace internet use. It categorizes billions of domains with Webshrinker machine-learning categorization, while AppAware can block more than 100 risky applications. DNSFilter says its real-time threat categorization can identify threats 10 days faster than other threat feeds. Deployments include network configuration, a DNS relay, and roaming clients for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Chrome. Listed controls include DNS encryption such as DNS-over-TLS, custom blocklists, safe search, filtering schedules, and advanced activity reports. Active Directory Sync Tool supports up to 500,000 users and applies policies by user or group. Integrations include Microsoft Entra, Active Directory, Zapier, API access, and an MCP Connector. Data Export supports Amazon S3 and Splunk, with Microsoft Sentinel also named. API access is included in all plans, with rate limits but no overall usage cap. Pricing starts at $1/mo (annual), with a 14-day trial and no free plan.

Spec sheet

What it does
DNSFilter provides AI-powered DNS content filtering and threat blocking for phishing, malware and unwanted content.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Product
DNSFilter provides protective DNS and content filtering for organizations, including threat protection and controls for workplace internet use.Read 3 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Audience
The company says the service is designed primarily for professional environments and offers separate programs for MSPs and qualified educational institutions.Read 3 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Deployment
Deployments include network configuration, a DNS relay, and roaming clients for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Chrome.Read 3 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
API
All plans include API access for exporting DNS data and automating integrations.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Integrations
Integrations include Microsoft Entra, Active Directory, Zapier, ConnectWise, HaloPSA, Datto Autotask, Syncro, Pulseway PSA and Kaseya.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.dnsfilter.com
Support
DNSFilter describes responsive email support and extensive knowledge-base documentation; premium support add-ons include prioritized handling, enhanced response targets, and Zoom consultations.Read 3 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Headquarters
The company lists Washington, District of Columbia as headquarters.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Founded
DNSFilter says it was founded in October 2015 by Ken Carnesi and Brian Gillis.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Acquisition
DNSFilter announced its acquisition of Zorus on April 7, 2025, adding endpoint filtering and user-behavior analytics capabilities.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
API limits
API access is included in all plans; DNSFilter says it has no overall usage caps but applies rate limits.Read 3 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
AppAware
AppAware lets administrators block applications and the domains behind them with one action.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Application controls
AppAware supports blocking more than 100 risky applications.Read 3 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Company legal name
Crunchbase lists the legal entity as DNSFilter, Inc.Read 15 Oct 2026 · crunchbase.com
Company size
LinkedIn lists DNSFilter as having 51–200 employees.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Content categories
Administrators can choose from 36 categories and more than 400 SaaS applications for policy control.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Content filtering
DNSFilter categorizes billions of domains using Webshrinker machine-learning categorization.Read 3 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
CyberSight
CyberSight provides user behavior analytics, shadow-IT visibility and AI usage reporting.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Directory integration
DNSFilter says its Active Directory Sync Tool supports up to 500,000 users and applies policies at user or group level.Read 3 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
DNS filtering
The service blocks malicious or unwanted domains at the DNS layer before they load.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Documentation
The Help Center covers filtering policies, network forwarding, roaming clients, relay, identities, reporting, MSP administration, SSO, 2FA and PSA integrations.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.dnsfilter.com
Encryption
The pricing page lists DNS encryption, including DNS-over-TLS.Read 3 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Funding
DNSFilter states it raised a $15 million Series A extension from Insight Partners in 2023.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Licence
The terms grant customers a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable licence to use downloadable software with the service; the product is not offered as open-source software.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Limit: DoH support
A Trustpilot reviewer says DNSFilter lacks DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-HTTPS/3 support, offering DNS-over-TLS instead.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
Limit: IP filtering
A TrustRadius reviewer says DNSFilter lacks IP-layer filtering available in some competing products.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustradius.com
Limit: policy granularity
Reviewers report that broad preset categories can require manual allow-listing and that more granular group controls would help.Read 15 Oct 2026 · gartner.com
Limit: roaming client
Software Advice reviewers report difficulty recovering a roaming client after it stops working and request remote uninstall.Read 15 Oct 2026 · softwareadvice.com
Linux requirements
Relay minimum requirements are a 64-bit two-core CPU and 2 GB RAM.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.dnsfilter.com
Network
DNSFilter operates a dual Anycast network that resolves queries at a nearby global point of presence.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
News: OEM program
On July 8, 2026 DNSFilter announced an OEM program with an SDK for embedding its DNS threat protection and privacy encryption.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Praise: performance
Gartner reviewers praise fast DNS performance, quick updates, granular controls and easy deployment.Read 15 Oct 2026 · gartner.com
Praise: support
G2 reviewers describe support as responsive, professional and quick to provide useful answers.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Praise: usability
Reviewers repeatedly praise the simple interface, easy deployment, clear policy controls and straightforward management.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustradius.com
Rating on Apple App Store
4.6 out of 5 from 870 ratingsRead 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Rating on Capterra
4.7 out of 5 from 86 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.co.uk
Rating on G2
4.6 out of 5 from 272 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Rating on Gartner Peer Insights
4.3 out of 5 from 13 ratingsRead 15 Oct 2026 · gartner.com
Rating on GetApp
4.8 out of 5 from 88 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Rating on Google Play
3.2 out of 5 from 51 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Rating on Software Advice
4.8 out of 5 from 88 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · softwareadvice.com
Rating on Trustpilot
3.0 out of 5 from 3 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
Remote protection
Roaming Clients enforce policies on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and Chrome devices away from the office.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Reporting
The platform provides dashboards, query logs, scheduled reports, CSV query-log export and SIEM streaming.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
SDK
The OEM program includes a developer SDK for embedding DNS threat protection and privacy capabilities.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Security assurance
The company's About page displays an AICPA SOC 2 certification badge.Read 3 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Security compliance
DNSFilter identifies AICPA SOC 2 certification and provides guidance for HIPAA, PCI-DSS, NIST 800-53 and similar regulated environments.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Self-hosted relay
The DNS Relay can run on Linux and other operating systems as a Docker container or standalone binary.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.dnsfilter.com
SIEM export
Data Export supports Amazon S3 and Splunk, and the pricing page also names Microsoft Sentinel as a SIEM example.Read 3 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Threat detection
Its AI models classify newly registered and zero-day domains in real time and claim detection up to 10 days before other threat feeds.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Windows requirements
The Windows Roaming Client requires Windows 10 or later on x64 and .NET Framework 4.8.1 or later; it does not support Windows Server, domain controllers, shared desktops or Windows 365 Cloud PC.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.dnsfilter.com

Plans and prices

Core $1 a month $1.00/license annually; $1.15/license monthly $240/year minimum · $23/month minimum Read 15 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Plus $2.25 a month $2.25/license annually; $2.50/license monthly $750/year minimum · $62.50/month minimum Read 15 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com
Enterprise Priced on request Request pricing Custom enterprise pricing Read 15 Oct 2026 · dnsfilter.com

Every DNSFilter plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Filtering covers billions of categorized domains
  • AppAware blocks more than 100 risky applications
  • Deploys across networks, clients, and major platforms
  • Directory sync supports up to 500,000 users
  • API access included in all plans

Limits

  • No free plan
  • API requests are rate-limited
  • Core retains query logs for nine days
  • Premium support is an add-on

Who it suits

DNSFilter suits professional environments needing organization-wide DNS protection, content controls, roaming clients, and directory policies. Separate programs are listed for MSPs and qualified educational institutions.

Verdict

DNSFilter combines protective DNS, content policies, application controls, reporting, and broad deployment options. Review plan minimums, retention periods, rate limits, and support add-ons before selecting it.

Where Specifiction places it

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