NextDNS vs OpenDNS FamilyShield

NextDNS filters internet traffic to block security threats, ads, and trackers, and offers controls for supervising children's access across devices and networks. Its listed threat protections include malware, phishing, cryptojacking, DNS rebinding, lookalike domains, typosquatting, domain generation algorithms, and newly registered domains. Parental controls include category blocking, SafeSearch, YouTube Restricted Mode, and blocks for specific sites, apps, and games, plus scheduled Recreation Time. DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS provide encrypted DNS connections. Users can disable logging or choose retention from one hour to two years and select storage in the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, or Switzerland. The free plan costs nothing and includes 300,000 queries per month; after the limit, it continues answering as a non-blocking DNS service. Pro costs £1.79 a month. Business and Education each cost £17.90 a month, for every 50 employees or 250 students respectively. Free and Pro list community support; Business and Education list email support.

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.