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Best DNS Filtering Software in 2026
For applying rules to domain access, DNS filtering software can be compared by the policies it supports and where those policies apply. Compared on category filtering, custom domain policies, deployment modes, and roaming protection, the entries offer several ways to assess fit for your devices or network. Activity reports, encrypted DNS support, and device limits add practical considerations, while free-plan availability and paid-from pricing help with cost comparisons. AdGuard DNS, NextDNS, and Quad9 are among the options shown. Weigh these details against the controls and coverage your setup requires.
- 28 apps
- Research read 23 Sept 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
AdGuard DNS
Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+5Choose AdGuard DNS for device-level DNS filtering, family controls, and request analytics, with a free Starter plan available.
- 2
Control D
Free plan Open source AndroidAPIExtension+6Control D combines DNS filtering, threat protection, and traffic controls across a wide range of integrations.
- 3
NextDNS
Free plan Open source AndroidAPIExtension+6NextDNS combines threat and tracker filtering with configurable family controls and log settings. The free plan has a monthly query cap, while paid plans offer unlimited queries at their listed rates.
- 4
- 5
Blocky
Free plan APILinuxMac+1Blocky offers network-level DNS filtering with configurable policies, logging, and monitoring integrations.
- 6
CleanBrowsing
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4CleanBrowsing offers DNS filtering with encrypted DNS options, public filters, and paid controls for custom rules and profiles.
- 7
Comodo Secure DNS
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3Comodo Secure DNS combines threat blocking, category filtering, and reporting with controls for different users and locations.
- 8
DNSFilter
Free plan AndroidAPIExtension+6Choose DNSFilter if your organization needs protective DNS, content filtering, and deployment across networks or roaming devices.
- 9
NxFilter
Free plan AndroidAPILinux+4NxFilter combines network DNS controls with user policies, reporting, and options for roaming devices.
- 10
OpenDNS FamilyShield
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3FamilyShield offers a no-cost, preconfigured DNS option for home filtering and phishing protection. Its reach depends on configuring DNS for the devices or router you want covered.
- 11
Pi-hole
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1Pi-hole combines network-wide blocking with filtering controls, query reporting, and API access.
- 12
Quad9
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2Quad9 focuses on blocking malicious domains while supporting encrypted DNS and DNSSEC validation. It is not a content-filtering service and does not offer custom domain policies.
- 13
Technitium DNS Server
Free plan APILinuxMac+3Technitium DNS Server offers extensive self-hosted DNS, authentication, and network management capabilities at no cost. Raspberry Pi arm6 users should note the platform limitation.
- 14
RethinkDNS
Free plan AndroidWebRethinkDNS combines DNS filtering with Android firewall controls and connection reporting. Its blocking is not universal, and RPN is a separate paid offering.
- 15
RAV Endpoint Protection
Free plan WindowsRAV Endpoint Protection pairs free, ongoing scanning and real-time protection with ransomware, identity, and privacy features.
- 16
SafeDNS
Free trial AndroidAPIiPhone+5SafeDNS offers DNS filtering for both households and organizations, with different controls and integrations by plan.
- 17
CloudVeil
Paid AndroidAPIiPhone+3CloudVeil combines broad category filtering with device configurations, custom domains, and roaming protection. Readers should weigh its mobile-policy limitation and stated data-collection practices.
- 18
ScoutDNS
Free trial APIMacWeb+1ScoutDNS offers several deployment choices, identity-based policies, and DNS activity reporting for organizational use.
- 19
Smart DNS Proxy
Free trial AndroidiPhoneLinux+3Choose Smart DNS Proxy if you want a DNS proxy service with setup guidance for a broad range of devices and streaming examples.
- 20
WebTitan Cloud
Free trial APIExtensionMac+2WebTitan Cloud focuses on centralized DNS policy enforcement, threat filtering, and activity reporting. Its trial allows evaluation, but ongoing pricing requires a request and there is no free plan.
- 21
GoGuardian DNS
Paid AndroidiPhoneMac+2Choose GoGuardian DNS if your school or district needs group-based filtering across a mixed-device network and wants DNS management within GoGuardian Admin.
- 22
Webroot DNS Protection
Free trial MacWebWindowsWebroot DNS Protection combines DNS filtering, policy controls, and reporting for endpoints and networks. Buyers should note the Windows-only agent and the stated requirements for DNS Leak Prevention.
- 23
Cisco Umbrella
Paid AndroidiPhoneMac+2 - 24
Akamai Secure Internet Access Enterprise
Paid AndroidiPhoneMac+2 - 25
BlueCat Edge
Paid
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price