Control D vs DNSFilter
Control D
controld.comDNSFilter
dnsfilter.comSide by side
| Figure | Control D | DNSFilter |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $2/mo | $1/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 3 |
| Spec score · Internet Filtering Software | 9.1 (#3) | 9.1 (#4) |
| Spec score · DNS Filtering Services | 9.1 (#3) | 9.0 (#5) |
| Spec score · DNS Filtering Software | 9.0 (#2) | 9.0 (#3) |
| API | The public API uses dashboard-created bearer tokens with read or write scopes and optional source-IP restrictions. | All plans include API access for exporting DNS data and automating integrations. |
| Content filtering | Administrators can choose from 20 content categories and add custom allow or block rules. | DNSFilter categorizes billions of domains using Webshrinker machine-learning categorization. |
| Founded | 2021 | DNSFilter says it was founded in October 2015 by Ken Carnesi and Brian Gillis. |
| Headquarters | Toronto, Canada | The company lists Washington, District of Columbia as headquarters. |
| Integrations | Documented integrations include Asus Merlin, DD-WRT, Firewalla, OpenWRT, pfSense, OPNsense, Ubiquiti, Synology, major operating systems, browsers, RMM tools and Tailscale. | Integrations include Microsoft Entra, Active Directory, Zapier, ConnectWise, HaloPSA, Datto Autotask, Syncro, Pulseway PSA and Kaseya. |
| Product | Control D is a customizable DNS filtering and traffic redirection platform that can block or redirect domains, services, and browsing activity. | DNSFilter provides protective DNS and content filtering for organizations, including threat protection and controls for workplace internet use. |
| Rating on Apple App Store | 4.0 out of 5 from 46 ratings | 4.6 out of 5 from 870 ratings |
| Rating on G2 | 4.6 out of 5 from 5 reviews | 4.6 out of 5 from 272 reviews |
| Rating on Google Play | 4.4 out of 5 from 300 reviews | 3.2 out of 5 from 51 reviews |
| Rating on Trustpilot | 3.9 out of 5 from 48 reviews | 3.0 out of 5 from 3 reviews |
| Support | The pricing comparison lists email and community support, an AI assistant, and live engineer sessions for some plans. | 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 | Control D is a DNS filtering and traffic-redirection service that blocks threats and unwanted content and can route domains through proxies. | DNSFilter provides AI-powered DNS content filtering and threat blocking for phishing, malware and unwanted content. |
Plans
Control D
- SMB$2 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
- MSP / ChannelPriced on request
- School / Non-profitPriced on request
In their own words
Control D
Control D is a configurable DNS filtering and traffic redirection service for controlling access to domains, services and browsing activity. Its filtering includes 20 content categories, custom rules and more than 1,000 premade services that users can block or allow. Malware protection uses threat intelligence feeds and machine learning, with selectable aggressiveness levels. DNS connections support DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS, DNS-over-QUIC and DNS-over-HTTPS/3, as well as IPv4 and IPv6. Listed integrations cover Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, browsers, routers, RMM tools and Tailscale. API access includes generating and invalidating tokens. Raw query logs are retained for 30 days and lower-resolution analytics for up to one year; customers can choose analytics storage in New York, Amsterdam or Sydney. A free plan is available. The SMB plan costs $2 a month, billed per endpoint, and includes self-serve deployment and real-time analytics. Control D was founded in Toronto in 2021.
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.