ClearDNS vs FilterDNS

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.

FilterDNS is a self-hosted DNS filtering service for blocking ads, trackers, and malware. It supports DNS over HTTPS on port 443, DNS over TLS on port 853, and legacy DNS on port 53. Users can create separate profiles for different devices or use cases, with custom domain allow and deny rules and preset rule sets such as gaming and social media. Preconfigured blocklists include Hagezi, StevenBlack, and OISD. Query logs and statistics let users review DNS requests; logging is enabled by default in the documented configuration. Filtering can be paused for 5, 15, 30, or 60 minutes, and maintenance mode allows DNS only for approved domains. The project documents API endpoints for profiles, logs, statistics, rules, presets, devices, and administration. Its Docker Compose quick start uses PostgreSQL and a SvelteKit web UI available locally at http://localhost:8080. DoH and DoT require a wildcard TLS certificate for the service domain. FilterDNS is MIT-licensed and free to self-host.