SafeDNS web content filtering service
DNS security solutions
Network security software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
Take the quiz to check if SafeDNS web content filtering service and its alternatives fit your requirements.
$25.95 per year
Free Trial
Free version unavailable
Small
Medium
Large
- Education and training
- Accommodation and food services
- Construction
What is SafeDNS web content filtering service
SafeDNS is a cloud-based DNS filtering service that blocks access to malicious and inappropriate web content by enforcing policy at the DNS layer. It is used by organizations and managed service providers to apply web access controls across offices, remote users, and guest networks without deploying full web proxy infrastructure. The service typically combines category-based filtering with threat-domain blocking and reporting for policy enforcement and investigation.
DNS-layer policy enforcement
SafeDNS enforces web access policies through DNS resolution, which makes it applicable to many device types and operating systems. This approach can reduce the need for endpoint agents or inline network appliances for basic web filtering use cases. It also supports use cases where users are off-network, as long as DNS traffic is directed to the service.
Category-based web filtering
The product focuses on URL/category controls that help organizations implement acceptable-use policies and reduce exposure to risky content. Category filtering is useful for schools, SMBs, and distributed environments where consistent policy is needed across locations. This capability aligns with common requirements in the DNS security segment beyond pure DNS hosting.
Centralized reporting and logs
SafeDNS provides centralized visibility into DNS queries and blocked requests, supporting audits and troubleshooting. Reporting helps administrators identify policy violations and potential malware-related lookups. Centralized logs can also support integration into broader security monitoring workflows, depending on available export options.
Limited beyond DNS controls
DNS filtering cannot inspect full URLs, page content, or encrypted web sessions in the way an inline secure web gateway can. As a result, it may not prevent threats delivered after a domain is allowed (for example, malicious paths on otherwise permitted domains). Organizations often pair DNS filtering with endpoint or gateway controls for deeper inspection.
Depends on DNS enforcement
Effectiveness relies on ensuring all devices use the intended DNS resolvers and cannot bypass them. Environments with unmanaged devices, roaming users, or alternative DNS-over-HTTPS configurations may require additional controls to prevent circumvention. Network configuration and policy enforcement become critical for consistent protection.
DDI feature depth may vary
Compared with full DDI platforms, DNS filtering services typically offer less depth in authoritative DNS, DHCP, and IP address management capabilities. If an organization needs integrated enterprise DNS management, IPAM workflows, and complex DNS architectures, it may require additional tooling. SafeDNS is primarily positioned for filtering and security policy rather than end-to-end DDI.
Plan & Pricing
Business (per user / month)
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $0.90 per user/month | Phishing & malware protection, 66 web-filtering categories, Safe Search (Google/Bing/etc.), Denylists/Allowlists/Namelists, Policy per group — minimum 15 users. No credit card required for trial. |
| Pro (Most popular) | $1.50 per user/month | Everything in Basic, plus AppBlocker, Schedule, SafeDNS roaming clients & AD integration, Custom blockpage, Allowlist-only mode, Policy per user, DoH policy — minimum 25 users. No credit card required for trial. |
| Pro + | $2.20 per user/month | Everything in Pro, plus Personal manager, Priority phone support (SLA: 2 min), SIEM (Amazon S3) integration — minimum 35 users. No credit card required for trial. |
Education & Nonprofit (flat)
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Education & Nonprofit | $400 per year | Covers up to 100 users per campus (more than 100: $4 per additional user). Includes malware/ransomware/phishing protection, Forced SafeSearch, CIPA & IWF compliance, DoH policy. |
Home (annual / 2-year)
| Plan | Price (per year) | Price (per 2 years) | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Home | $25.95 per year | $51.90 per 2 years (-23%) | Unlimited number of users, Wi‑Fi router filtering support, Internet usage statistics, 24/7 support. |
| Safe Family | $35.95 per year | $71.90 per 2 years (-23%) | Unlimited users, Wi‑Fi router filtering & NAT DNS, Agent support, Detailed usage stats, Internet schedule, AppBlocker, 24/7 support. |
WiFi & Hotspots (usage-based) Pricing model: Pay-as-you-go Free tier/trial: 15-day free trial available (no credit card required). Example costs: $4 per access point/month (one AP covers up to 20 users; 4 AP minimum). Discount options: Site shows annual/monthly toggles; reseller/partner tiered discounts available (contact sales).
