DNSFilter
DNS security solutions
Secure web gateways
Network security software
Web security software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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$23 per month
Free Trial
Free version unavailable
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What is DNSFilter
DNSFilter is a cloud-delivered DNS security and web filtering service that blocks access to malicious or inappropriate domains by enforcing policy at the DNS layer. It is used by IT and security teams to protect users on corporate networks and roaming devices, and to apply acceptable-use controls without deploying a full proxy. The product typically combines threat-domain blocking, category-based filtering, and reporting, with deployment options for networks and endpoints.
DNS-layer threat blocking
The service prevents connections to known malicious domains by resolving DNS queries to a block page or safe response. This approach reduces exposure to phishing, malware command-and-control, and other domain-based threats before a web session is established. DNS-layer controls can also provide coverage for applications that do not use a traditional web proxy.
Policy-based web filtering
DNSFilter supports category-based allow/deny policies that can be applied by network, user group, or location depending on deployment. This enables acceptable-use enforcement and basic web access control without requiring inline SSL inspection. It is commonly used for schools, MSPs, and mid-market enterprises that need straightforward controls and reporting.
Cloud-managed deployment model
As a cloud-managed service, DNSFilter can be deployed across multiple sites without operating DNS infrastructure appliances. Centralized administration supports consistent policy and reporting across locations and remote users. This model can be simpler to roll out than platforms that focus on full DDI (DNS/DHCP/IPAM) management.
Limited beyond DNS controls
Because enforcement occurs at DNS resolution, the product cannot inspect full URLs, page content, or file payloads in the way an inline secure web gateway can. It also cannot apply controls when users access resources by IP address or when DNS is bypassed. Organizations needing deep web inspection typically require additional gateway or endpoint capabilities.
Not a DDI platform
DNSFilter focuses on protective DNS and filtering rather than authoritative DNS, DHCP, and IP address management. Enterprises looking to consolidate internal DNS operations, automate IPAM workflows, or manage complex hybrid DNS architectures may need a dedicated DDI solution. This can lead to parallel tooling for operational DNS versus security DNS.
Efficacy depends on telemetry
DNS security quality depends on the vendor’s threat intelligence, categorization accuracy, and update cadence. False positives can disrupt business applications, while false negatives can allow access to newly registered or fast-flux domains. Teams should validate reporting detail, override workflows, and integration options for incident response.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $1.00 per license/month (billed annually) or $1.15 per license/month (billed monthly). Minimum spend: $240/year (annual) or $23/month (monthly). | Real-time threat detection, content filtering, malicious domain protection, scheduled reporting. Report retention: 30 days. Query log retention: 3 days. Includes email & chat support. Start 14-day free trial. |
| Pro | $2.10 per license/month (billed annually) or $2.30 per license/month (billed monthly). Minimum spend: $630/year (annual) or $57.50/month (monthly). | Everything in Basic plus AppAware, Windows & macOS Roaming Clients, Active Directory support, Zapier integration, API access. Report retention: 60 days. Query log retention: 6 days. Start 14-day free trial. |
| Enterprise | $2.70 per license/month (billed annually) or $3.00 per license/month (billed monthly). Minimum spend: $1,080/year (annual) or $100/month (monthly). | Everything in Pro plus iOS & Android Roaming Clients, 90-day report retention, 9-day query log retention, additional add-ons and premium support options (case prioritization, enhanced SLA, Zoom consultations). Contact sales/book a demo for Enterprise. |
Additional notes: Data Export add-on $0.25/user/month. Education pricing: starts at $4 per year per student/staff with a minimum of 125 users (education-specific minimums apply). MSP pricing: starts at $150/month (partner program). Free trials are 14 days and provide access to all generally available capabilities.
Seller details
DNSFilter, Inc.
Washington, DC, USA
2015
Private
https://www.dnsfilter.com/
https://x.com/dnsfilter
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dnsfilter/
