CleanBrowsing vs SafeDNS
CleanBrowsing
cleanbrowsing.orgSafeDNS
safedns.comSide by side
| Figure | CleanBrowsing | SafeDNS |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $6.25/mo | $1.20/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 | 5 |
| Spec score · DNS Filtering Services | 8.0 (#12) | 8.0 (#15) |
| Spec score · Internet Filtering Software | 8.1 (#17) | 8.1 (#20) |
| Spec score · DNS Filtering Software | 8.0 (#9) | 8.0 (#11) |
| Headquarters | Fully remote; no physical office or headquarters | Herndon, Virginia, United States |
| Integrations | Official integration guides cover Mosyle, Google Workspace Chrome, Microsoft Intune, Active Directory, the REST API, NordVPN, and ProtonVPN. | The Pro plan includes SafeDNS roaming clients and Active Directory integration, while Pro + includes SIEM integration that sends query logs and security event data to an Amazon S3 bucket every 10 minutes. |
| 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. | SafeDNS says its global Anycast network uses TIER IV nodes and distributes requests based on client location. |
| Support | Support is provided by email at [email protected], with a typical response time of within 8 hours. | The site advertises 24/7 support; Pro + priority phone support lists a 2 minute SLA response. |
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
SafeDNS
- Basic$1.20 a month
- Pro$2 a month
- Pro +$2.60 a month
- Safe Home$25.95 a year
- Safe Family$35.95 a year
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.
SafeDNS
SafeDNS filters internet access at the DNS layer using AI-powered domain categorization and malicious-resource detection. Its ProtectiveDNS service is described as blocking malicious domains and DNS attacks in real time. The business offering lists 66 web-filtering categories, including phishing and malware protection. AppBlocker can deny access to service-related domains, with over 80 apps grouped into 11 categories. Users can set filtering schedules and safe-search controls, create custom blocklists, and review daily, weekly, and monthly usage statistics. SafeDNS supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, web, API, and SDK access. Business plans include features such as roaming clients and Active Directory integration, while Pro + adds SIEM integration that sends query logs and security event data to an Amazon S3 bucket every 10 minutes. Safe Home costs $25.95 a year; Safe Family costs $35.95 a year. Business plans start at $1.20 per user per month and have minimum user counts. A 15-day trial is available, but there is no free plan. SafeDNS lists households, businesses, schools, nonprofits, and service providers among its audiences.