List of the Top 15 Free DNS Filtering Platforms in 2025

Control D is a versatile DNS filtering and traffic redirection service that utilizes advanced Secure DNS protocols such as DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS, and DNS-over-QUIC, while also accommodating traditional DNS. With Control D, users can effectively eliminate harmful threats, restrict various types of undesirable content across the network—including advertisements, trackers, IoT data, adult material, social media, and more—while also redirecting traffic through transparent proxies and monitoring network activities and usage patterns at a client-specific level. Consider it your own personalized Authoritative DNS resolver for the entire Internet, providing you with detailed control over which domains are allowed to be resolved, redirected, or blocked. This capability not only enhances security but also empowers users to tailor their online experience according to their preferences.

SafeDNS is dedicated to fostering a more secure and protected internet space for small to medium-sized businesses, large corporations, internet service providers, managed service providers, original equipment manufacturers, and educational institutions. Our reach spans across the globe, enhancing online safety for millions of individuals across more than 60 nations. With extensive expertise in cybersecurity and DNS filtering, we provide state-of-the-art solutions that ensure your online safety. Our advanced technologies are designed to shield you from threats such as malware, phishing scams, and unsuitable content, among other risks. Currently, SafeDNS supports over 4,000 organizations and individual users worldwide, demonstrating our commitment to a safer digital landscape for all. As we continue to innovate, our goal is to expand our services and enhance protection for even more users in the future.

Cloudflare serves as the backbone of your infrastructure, applications, teams, and software ecosystem. It offers protection and guarantees the security and reliability of your external-facing assets, including websites, APIs, applications, and various web services. Additionally, Cloudflare secures your internal resources, encompassing applications within firewalls, teams, and devices, thereby ensuring comprehensive protection. This platform also facilitates the development of applications that can scale globally. The reliability, security, and performance of your websites, APIs, and other channels are crucial for engaging effectively with customers and suppliers in an increasingly digital world. As such, Cloudflare for Infrastructure presents an all-encompassing solution for anything connected to the Internet. Your internal teams can confidently depend on applications and devices behind the firewall to enhance their workflows. As remote work continues to surge, the pressure on many organizations' VPNs and hardware solutions is becoming more pronounced, necessitating robust and reliable solutions to manage these demands.

Finding data to illustrate the indifference some have towards malware can be quite challenging. While individuals might not know the specifics, there is a general consensus on the significant danger it poses. FlashStart effectively mitigates risks from botnets, ransomware, malware, and various other threats through premium, global protection channels. Users can also implement content filtering to restrict access to any web material deemed inappropriate. Such sites can pose risks that are either dangerous, distracting, or unwholesome. The Pro+ version comes with a secure app that can be downloaded easily. Centralized FlashStart protection safeguards all devices whether at home, in a cafe, or elsewhere, without requiring a router. The system is designed to tailor the filter to suit personal preferences. Rather than being a bulky appliance, it operates as a lightweight application compatible with existing end-user IT systems. This setup ensures a swift performance with latency under 5ms, enhancing user experience. Ultimately, the goal is to provide a seamless and secure browsing experience for everyone.

NextDNS provides extensive protection against a variety of security threats by efficiently blocking ads and trackers on websites and apps, all while ensuring a safe and monitored internet experience for children across all devices and networks. You have the ability to evaluate your security requirements and personalize your protection by enabling more than ten distinct safety features. By integrating trustworthy threat intelligence feeds that encompass millions of malicious domains and are continually updated, you can significantly fortify your defense strategies. Our system surpasses conventional tracking methods by analyzing DNS queries and responses in real time, which facilitates the rapid detection and prevention of harmful activities. Since there is often a narrow timeframe of just hours between the registration of a domain and its potential use in an attack, our sophisticated threat intelligence framework is specifically designed to identify harmful domains more effectively than conventional security measures. Furthermore, by utilizing the most popular ad and tracker blocklists that feature millions of constantly updated domains, you can successfully eliminate ads and trackers from both websites and applications, including the most advanced ones. In summary, NextDNS equips users with the necessary tools to create a customized and safer browsing environment that meets their individual security needs, thereby enhancing overall online experience.

AdGuard DNS provides a straightforward solution that effectively protects every device on your network from advertisements, tracking, and various online dangers. Its unlimited scalability makes it suitable for organizations of all sizes, from small startups to large corporations, accommodating both on-site and remote employees. This service not only blocks phishing websites and harmful content but also safeguards your devices against unauthorized tracking and profiling, thereby fostering a safer online experience for all users. With the capability to configure custom filters containing up to 50,000 unique rules, you have the flexibility to block certain sites or allow access to specific categories tailored to your requirements. There is no necessity to purchase additional hardware or spend excessive time on complex setups, as AdGuard DNS seamlessly integrates with your current IT infrastructure to boost both security and performance. This domain name service efficiently processes 3.4 million queries every second, ensuring rapid responses for all users. An easy-to-use dashboard allows you to monitor statistics and modify filters at your convenience. Additionally, you can try the service without any commitment for 30 days to assess how well it aligns with your requirements and expectations.

Cisco Umbrella provides strong protection against a variety of online dangers such as malware, phishing attacks, and ransomware. OpenDNS is a suite of consumer-focused tools designed to improve your internet experience by making it faster, safer, and more reliable. By leveraging an extensive network of global data centers and strategic peering relationships, we enhance internet routing, leading to significantly quicker access times. Families can utilize filtering options and preset protections to guard against inappropriate content and other hazards. This service simplifies the process of implementing parental controls and content filtering across every device in the home. Setting up OpenDNS is both quick and straightforward, requiring no advanced technical skills. Our easy-to-follow guides and thorough knowledge base make the installation process efficient and user-friendly. The system is adept at blocking over 7 million harmful domains and IP addresses while maintaining high performance standards. Moreover, it detects more than 60,000 new malicious destinations such as domains, IPs, and URLs on a daily basis. With the capability to process over 620 billion DNS queries each day, our global network serves as a trusted defender against online threats. This robust level of security not only enhances online safety but also instills peace of mind for users navigating the digital landscape. Ultimately, OpenDNS stands out as an indispensable tool for anyone committed to improving their internet security.

You can choose to run Pi-hole in a container or install it directly on a compatible operating system with the help of our straightforward automated installer. This installer makes the setup process easier by guiding you through a series of questions before automatically completing the installation for you. Once the installation is finished, you need to adjust your router's DHCP settings so that all devices use Pi-hole as their DNS server, or alternatively, you can configure each device individually to connect to Pi-hole. To further improve your setup, think about integrating Pi-hole with a VPN, which facilitates ad-blocking on mobile devices and helps save valuable bandwidth on limited data plans. By implementing ad-blocking at the network level with Pi-hole instead of relying on browser extensions or installing separate software on each device, your entire network can enjoy better protection. This method allows you to block ads from a variety of sources, including mobile apps and smart TVs, regardless of the operating system or hardware in use. Since ads are prevented from downloading in the first place, you’ll experience a noticeable boost in network performance, leading to a faster and more efficient online browsing experience. Additionally, this cohesive approach to ad-blocking can greatly minimize distractions and improve overall user satisfaction for all devices connected to your network. Ultimately, using Pi-hole streamlines your internet experience, making it more pleasant and efficient for everyone involved.

Quad9 provides a free service that replaces the typical DNS settings offered by your Internet Service Provider or corporate network. Each time your device performs an online action that involves DNS—something that happens frequently—Quad9 successfully prevents access to dangerous domain names by leveraging a regularly updated threat database. This proactive approach safeguards your computers, smartphones, and IoT devices from various threats, including malware, phishing schemes, spyware, and botnets, while also boosting system performance and protecting your privacy. The Quad9 DNS service is overseen by the Quad9 Foundation, headquartered in Switzerland, which is committed to promoting a safer and more resilient Internet for all users. Additionally, when you use Quad9, your IP address remains unrecorded in their systems, providing an extra layer of privacy. This dedication to user security and anonymity not only makes Quad9 a strong option for individuals but also for organizations seeking enhanced online protection. Ultimately, Quad9 stands out as a reliable choice for those who prioritize both safety and privacy in their internet experience.

Artica Tech offers a robust yet user-friendly solution primarily tailored for large multinational corporations. Starting at an affordable price point of 99 EUR, Artica Proxy boasts an extensive network of over 62,000 servers. This solution acts as a comprehensive system that functions as a full appliance. It is advisable to avoid deploying Artica on an existing production server to ensure optimal performance. To acquire Artica, one option is through the Artica Proxy CDROM ISO. Both the Community and Enterprise versions of Artica are classified as "Open Source software," allowing users to access and view the source code under the GPL3 license. Furthermore, all documentation, screenshots, and the Artica Proxy itself are protected under copyright by Artica Tech SARL, established in 2014. This openness fosters a collaborative environment for users looking to enhance their network management capabilities.

DeCloudUs is a highly customizable DNS service designed to prioritize user privacy while enhancing online security by effectively blocking ads, trackers, malware, phishing attempts, and harmful websites. Users have the flexibility to create multiple DNS profiles, enabling them to implement specific filtering rules and parental controls that align with their individual needs. The service incorporates encrypted DNS protocols such as DNSCrypt, DNS over TLS (DoT), and DNS over HTTPS (DoH), which guarantees that DNS queries are transmitted securely and privately. By operating on a self-hosted infrastructure, DeCloudUs eliminates reliance on third-party cloud services and maintains a strict zero-logs policy, thereby safeguarding user information. Subscription plans offer access to a diverse range of DNS servers, each equipped with distinct filtering capabilities tailored to different user preferences. Additionally, DeCloudUs is compatible with all devices, making it a perfect solution for entire home networks and delivering comprehensive protection against various online dangers. Consequently, this service allows users to experience a safer browsing environment across all their platforms and devices, ensuring peace of mind while navigating the internet.

RethinkDNS is a pioneering open-source application designed to enhance online security and privacy for Android users. It combines a DNS resolver, a firewall, and a VPN client into a single, cohesive tool, enabling users to effectively eliminate ads, trackers, malware, and spyware from all their applications. With support for over 190 blocklists, including those used by top ad blockers like uBlock Origin, the app significantly improves user experience. By utilizing DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT) for encrypting DNS queries, RethinkDNS ensures that internet connections remain secure and private. Additionally, it boasts a customizable firewall, allowing users to control internet access on a per-application basis, complemented by an integrated WireGuard VPN client to safeguard outgoing traffic. RethinkDNS is readily accessible for download on both the Google Play Store and F-Droid, with the goal of transforming Android devices into tools that align with individual user preferences and requirements. This innovative approach not only enhances the user experience but also serves to address the increasing demand for more substantial control over personal digital privacy. By empowering users, RethinkDNS promotes a more tailored and secure online environment that is reflective of today's digital landscape.

NxFilter serves as a free and highly efficient DNS filtering solution designed to maintain optimal performance and reduce latency across your network. It boasts an array of advanced features, including integration with Active Directory, support for DNS over HTTPS, management of screen time, data limitations, user-specific reporting, filtering for remote users, and the capability to cluster for improved performance. This flexible tool is suitable for diverse environments, such as businesses, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, non-profit organizations, and family safety applications, enabling customized filtering policies tailored to different user groups. By caching DNS responses from upstream servers, NxFilter not only cuts down on DNS traffic but also enhances overall network efficiency significantly. The software supports various user authentication methods, particularly through Active Directory, and incorporates keyword filtering to block inappropriate search terms. Renowned for its reliability, NxFilter can operate for prolonged periods without the necessity for restarts, making it an adaptable solution that effectively caters to thousands of users. Furthermore, its intuitive interface and extensive support documentation facilitate a straightforward implementation process. Users can also benefit from regular updates, ensuring that they have access to the latest features and security enhancements.

personalDNSfilter is a Java-based proxy that acts as a DNS filter, intercepting domain name resolutions and rerouting blocked domains to the loopback address. It supports secure DNS protocols including DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT), making it operable on any Java-compatible device. This application is crafted for optimal memory efficiency, allowing it to process millions of domain filters while consuming only a small amount of RAM. Particularly for Android devices running version 4.2 and above, personalDNSfilter proves to be an effective tool for preventing ads, malware, and tracking services without requiring root access. The application can easily connect to any upstream DNS server, enabling local filtering without relying on external queries. Users benefit from built-in ad host filter lists and can add more lists according to their preferences. Furthermore, personalDNSfilter can be implemented on a single device or configured as a centralized DNS server to facilitate network-wide filtering, enhancing online privacy and security. This adaptability ensures that users have powerful tools at their disposal to tailor their internet experience. The software’s design emphasizes user control and flexibility, making it a top choice for those aiming to protect their digital footprint.

A modern approach to DNS-based content control and security enables individuals to effectively oversee what is accessible on the internet. This innovative solution proves especially advantageous for households and functions as a powerful asset for organizations as well. CleanBrowsing offers a DNS filtering system that is crafted to create a secure browsing environment by blocking unexpected content. It achieves this by intercepting domain requests and restricting access to sites based on your chosen filtering settings. For example, the free family filter successfully blocks pornographic, inappropriate, and adult content while still allowing safe access to widely used platforms such as Google, YouTube, Bing, and DuckDuckGo. The service provides three distinct filtering options aimed at a diverse global audience—these include the Security, Adult, and Family filters. The Family filter not only restricts adult and inappropriate material but also enforces Safe Search protocols on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yandex. Conversely, the Security filter is specifically designed to minimize the risk of encountering harmful websites, contributing to a more secure online experience overall. By employing these various tools, users can cultivate a personalized internet space that reflects their unique preferences and values, ultimately enhancing their online safety and satisfaction.