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SPECIFICTION
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OpenDNS FamilyShield

opendns.com

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Spec score 7.6 #28 of 60 in DNS Filtering Services

What it is

OpenDNS FamilyShield is a free DNS service for home networks, preconfigured to block adult content. Its parental controls are intended to protect devices throughout the home, and the service includes protection against malicious phishing. Settings can apply to laptops, smartphones, tablets, DVRs, game consoles, TVs, and other devices connected to the home network. Setup involves configuring devices to use the FamilyShield DNS nameservers, with the guide recommending a home router so connected devices can use the settings. The listed nameservers are 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123. A setup link checks whether DNS configuration is working. FamilyShield requires no sign-up and is listed for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. OpenDNS provides support forums and documentation, including deployment walkthroughs and API guides. The plan is listed at free. Use is subject to the OpenDNS Terms of Service and Cisco Online Privacy Statement.

Spec sheet

Support
OpenDNS offers support forums and documentation with deployment walkthroughs and API guides.Read 8 Oct 2026 · opendns.com
Company history
OpenDNS says it was founded in 2006 and was acquired by Cisco in 2015.Read 8 Oct 2026 · opendns.com
Content filtering
Family Shield is preconfigured to block adult content.Read 8 Oct 2026 · opendns.com
Device coverage
OpenDNS settings can apply to devices connected to the home network, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, DVRs, game consoles, and TVs.Read 8 Oct 2026 · opendns.com
FamilyShield DNS
The FamilyShield nameservers are 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123.Read 8 Oct 2026 · opendns.com
Parental controls
OpenDNS says its parental controls protect every device in the home.Read 8 Oct 2026 · opendns.com
Phishing protection
The home service includes built-in protection against malicious phishing.Read 8 Oct 2026 · opendns.com
Setup
Setup involves configuring devices to use OpenDNS DNS nameservers, and the guide recommends setting it up on a home router.Read 8 Oct 2026 · opendns.com
Setup verification
The setup guide provides a link to test whether the DNS settings are configured.Read 8 Oct 2026 · opendns.com
Terms and privacy
Using Family Shield constitutes agreement to the OpenDNS Terms of Service and Cisco Online Privacy Statement.Read 8 Oct 2026 · opendns.com
Who it is for
OpenDNS describes its consumer products as designed to provide safer, faster, and more reliable internet at home.Read 8 Oct 2026 · opendns.com

Plans and prices

OpenDNS Family Shield Free Preconfigured to block adult content · no sign-up required Read 8 Oct 2026 · opendns.com

Every OpenDNS FamilyShield plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free plan with no sign-up required
  • Blocks adult content by default
  • Protects against malicious phishing
  • Covers many home-network device types
  • Available on major desktop and mobile platforms

Limits

  • Requires manual DNS configuration
  • No custom domain policies
  • Use is subject to stated terms and privacy statement

Who it suits

FamilyShield suits households wanting adult-content filtering and phishing protection applied across home-network devices. It fits users comfortable changing DNS settings on devices or a router.

Verdict

OpenDNS FamilyShield provides free, preconfigured DNS filtering for home networks, with adult-content blocking and phishing protection. Its router-oriented setup can extend coverage across connected household devices.

Where Specifiction places it

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