CleanBrowsing vs DNSFilter
CleanBrowsing
cleanbrowsing.orgDNSFilter
dnsfilter.comSide by side
| Figure | CleanBrowsing | DNSFilter |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $6.25/mo | $1/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 7 | 3 |
| Spec score · DNS Filtering Services | 8.0 (#12) | 9.0 (#5) |
| Spec score · Internet Filtering Software | 8.1 (#17) | 9.1 (#4) |
| Spec score · DNS Filtering Software | 8.0 (#9) | 9.0 (#3) |
| Headquarters | Fully remote; no physical office or headquarters | The company lists Washington, District of Columbia as headquarters. |
| Integrations | Official integration guides cover Mosyle, Google Workspace Chrome, Microsoft Intune, Active Directory, the REST API, NordVPN, and ProtonVPN. | Integrations include Microsoft Entra, Active Directory, Zapier, ConnectWise, HaloPSA, Datto Autotask, Syncro, Pulseway PSA and Kaseya. |
| Network | CleanBrowsing operates an anycast network with more than 50 data centers and uses a proprietary machine-learning platform to discover and classify new domains. | DNSFilter operates a dual Anycast network that resolves queries at a nearby global point of presence. |
| Support | Support is provided by email at [email protected], with a typical response time of within 8 hours. | DNSFilter describes responsive email support and extensive knowledge-base documentation; premium support add-ons include prioritized handling, enhanced response targets, and Zoom consultations. |
| What it does | CleanBrowsing is a DNS-based content-filtering service that limits explicit content and categories such as gambling, torrents, gaming, and social media. | DNSFilter provides AI-powered DNS content filtering and threat blocking for phishing, malware and unwanted content. |
Plans
CleanBrowsing
- Basic$8.99 a month
- Pro 50$15 a month
- Pro 100$30 a month
- Basic$75 a year
- Pro 50$150 a year
- Pro 100$300 a year
- CustomPriced on request
In their own words
CleanBrowsing
CleanBrowsing is a DNS-based content-filtering service for restricting access to explicit material and categories such as gambling, torrents, gaming, and social media. Its resolver filters fully qualified domain names, and its anycast network has more than 50 data centers. The service uses a proprietary machine-learning platform to find and classify new domains. DNSCrypt, DNS-over-TLS, and DNS-over-HTTPS are supported by default, while DNSSEC is enforced and validated. Free public filters do not log personally identifiable information tied to DNS requests; paid customers can choose their logging level. Paid plans add custom domain rules, TLD blocking, device profiles with different filtering rules, and an option to block all internet access. Activity logging supports searches by domain, profile, and day. Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, and devices can also be configured manually with DNS settings. Listed platforms include Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, Windows, and API. There is a free plan; paid pricing is listed from $75/yr, while monthly plans start at $8.99 a month. Self-service plans do not include a trial.
DNSFilter
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.