ClearDNS vs DNSFilter
ClearDNS
cleardns.comDNSFilter
dnsfilter.comSide by side
| Figure | ClearDNS | DNSFilter |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $5.99/mo | $1/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 3 |
| Spec score · Internet Filtering Software | 8.5 (#11) | 9.1 (#4) |
| Headquarters | Dover, Delaware | The company lists Washington, District of Columbia as headquarters. |
| Product | ClearDNS is a DNS filtering service that blocks ads, trackers, malware, and unwanted content at the network level. | DNSFilter provides protective DNS and content filtering for organizations, including threat protection and controls for workplace internet use. |
| Support | The site lists [email protected] for questions. | DNSFilter describes responsive email support and extensive knowledge-base documentation; premium support add-ons include prioritized handling, enhanced response targets, and Zoom consultations. |
Plans
ClearDNS
- Essential$5.99 a month
- Analyze$9.99 a month
- Stream$10.99 a month
- Full$14.99 a month
In their own words
ClearDNS
ClearDNS is a DNS filtering service that blocks ads, trackers, malware, phishing, cryptojacking, and other unwanted content at network level. It works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, across Wi-Fi and mobile data networks. Thirteen filtering categories can be configured independently, with custom allow and block lists and SafeSearch enforcement. DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS provide encrypted DNS connections. Setup can use a unique link or QR code without a conventional account, email address, or password. ClearDNS says it runs on Cloudflare’s edge network across more than 335 locations. Family policies allow unlimited users, with up to five devices per user. Essential and Stream keep no DNS query history; Analyze and Full retain history for up to 90 days. Stream and Full add instant logs and a live traffic map. Plans are Essential at $5.99 a month, Analyze at $9.99 a month, Stream at $10.99 a month, and Full at $14.99 a month. A one-day trial is listed.
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.