DNSFilter vs SafeDNS
DNSFilter
dnsfilter.comSafeDNS
safedns.comSide by side
| Figure | DNSFilter | SafeDNS |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $1/mo | $1.20/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 | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 5 |
| Spec score · Internet Filtering Software | 9.1 (#4) | 8.1 (#20) |
| Spec score · DNS Filtering Services | 9.0 (#5) | 8.0 (#15) |
| Spec score · DNS Filtering Software | 9.0 (#3) | 8.0 (#11) |
| Audience | The company says the service is designed primarily for professional environments and offers separate programs for MSPs and qualified educational institutions. | SafeDNS describes its service for home users, enterprises, SMBs, MSPs, education, nonprofits, ISPs, WiFi, and telecom providers. |
| Encryption | The pricing page lists DNS encryption, including DNS-over-TLS. | The Pro plan includes a DoH policy that encrypts DNS queries over HTTPS. |
| Founded | DNSFilter says it was founded in October 2015 by Ken Carnesi and Brian Gillis. | 2010 |
| Headquarters | The company lists Washington, District of Columbia as headquarters. | Herndon, Virginia, United States |
| Integrations | Integrations include Microsoft Entra, Active Directory, Zapier, ConnectWise, HaloPSA, Datto Autotask, Syncro, Pulseway PSA and Kaseya. | The Pro plan includes SafeDNS roaming clients and Active Directory integration, while Pro + includes SIEM integration that sends query logs and security event data to an Amazon S3 bucket every 10 minutes. |
| Network | DNSFilter operates a dual Anycast network that resolves queries at a nearby global point of presence. | SafeDNS says its global Anycast network uses TIER IV nodes and distributes requests based on client location. |
| Product | DNSFilter provides protective DNS and content filtering for organizations, including threat protection and controls for workplace internet use. | SafeDNS filters internet access at the DNS layer using AI powered domain categorization and malicious resource detection. |
| Reporting | The platform provides dashboards, query logs, scheduled reports, CSV query-log export and SIEM streaming. | The service offers daily, weekly, and monthly general and detailed internet usage statistics. |
| Support | DNSFilter describes responsive email support and extensive knowledge-base documentation; premium support add-ons include prioritized handling, enhanced response targets, and Zoom consultations. | The site advertises 24/7 support; Pro + priority phone support lists a 2 minute SLA response. |
Plans
SafeDNS
- Basic$1.20 a month
- Pro$2 a month
- Pro +$2.60 a month
- Safe Home$25.95 a year
- Safe Family$35.95 a year
In their own words
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.
SafeDNS
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.