Control D vs OpenDNS FamilyShield
Control D
controld.comOpenDNS FamilyShield
opendns.comSide by side
| Figure | Control D | OpenDNS FamilyShield |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $2/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| 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 | 1 |
| Spec score · DNS Filtering Services | 9.1 (#3) | 7.6 (#28) |
| Spec score · DNS Filtering Software | 9.0 (#2) | 7.6 (#19) |
| Content filtering | Administrators can choose from 20 content categories and add custom allow or block rules. | Family Shield is preconfigured to block adult content. |
| Support | The pricing comparison lists email and community support, an AI assistant, and live engineer sessions for some plans. | OpenDNS offers support forums and documentation with deployment walkthroughs and API guides. |
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.
OpenDNS FamilyShield
OpenDNS FamilyShield is a free DNS service for home networks, preconfigured to block adult content. Its parental controls are intended to protect devices throughout the home, and the service includes protection against malicious phishing. Settings can apply to laptops, smartphones, tablets, DVRs, game consoles, TVs, and other devices connected to the home network. Setup involves configuring devices to use the FamilyShield DNS nameservers, with the guide recommending a home router so connected devices can use the settings. The listed nameservers are 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123. A setup link checks whether DNS configuration is working. FamilyShield requires no sign-up and is listed for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. OpenDNS provides support forums and documentation, including deployment walkthroughs and API guides. The plan is listed at free. Use is subject to the OpenDNS Terms of Service and Cisco Online Privacy Statement.