CleanBrowsing vs RethinkDNS
CleanBrowsing
cleanbrowsing.org
RethinkDNS
rethinkdns.comSide by side
| Figure | CleanBrowsing | RethinkDNS |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $6.25/mo | $1.75/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 7 | 2 |
| Spec score · DNS Filtering Services | 8.0 (#12) | 7.9 (#18) |
| Spec score · DNS Filtering Software | 8.0 (#9) | 7.9 (#13) |
| Encrypted DNS | DNSCrypt, DNS-over-TLS, and DNS-over-HTTPS are supported by default, and DNSSEC is enforced and validated. | RethinkDNS says its resolver responds over TLS, and its site describes DNS over HTTPS and DNS over TLS support. |
| Integrations | Official integration guides cover Mosyle, Google Workspace Chrome, Microsoft Intune, Active Directory, the REST API, NordVPN, and ProtonVPN. | The app supports WireGuard, SOCKS5 and HTTP proxies, and Orbot; it can also automate start and stop actions with apps such as Tasker. |
| Privacy | Free public filters do not log personally identifiable information tied to DNS requests, while paid customers can choose their logging level. | The privacy policy says the Android app does not collect, sell, license, or share data, and that the F-Droid build has no trackers, ads, spyware, or loggers. |
| Support | Support is provided by email at [email protected], with a typical response time of within 8 hours. | The FAQ directs users to email, Telegram, or Matrix for support questions. |
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
RethinkDNS
- Rethink DNS + Firewall appFree
- Rethink Proxy Network (RPN)$1.75 a month
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.
RethinkDNS
RethinkDNS has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.