Control D vs SafeDNS

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.

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.