FilterDNS vs Senso.cloud

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.

Senso.cloud combines classroom, network, safeguarding and asset management in a platform designed for schools, districts, students, teachers and IT teams. It also offers employee device monitoring for businesses. Depending on the modules selected, teams can monitor activity, view live screens, filter web content and manage devices. Safeguarding features include logging and blocking, raising concerns, and monitoring Microsoft Teams chat for inappropriate messages and images. Class Instructor integrates with Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom and ClassLink, with sync support for Azure AD, Teams and Google Classroom. The platform runs on Microsoft Azure, where each organization has its own tenancy. Senso says its cloud can scale from a room with 30 machines to deployments involving tens of thousands of machines. Modules are independently designed and interchangeable, and granular permissions let organizations assign tools and data access by role. Supported platforms include Windows, Chrome OS, macOS and iOS. The macOS client is being released in stages; the first release lacks a background service at the logon screen. Listed plans start at £1.00 per user or device per year, depending on the module. There is no free plan, and trials are offered at Senso's discretion.