List of the Top 14 Free Web Content Filtering Software 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.

Kasm Workspaces enables you to access your work environment seamlessly through your web browser, regardless of the device or location you are in. This innovative platform is transforming the delivery of digital workspaces for organizations by utilizing open-source, web-native container streaming technology, which allows for a contemporary approach to Desktop as a Service, application streaming, and secure browser isolation. Beyond just a service, Kasm functions as a versatile platform equipped with a powerful API that can be tailored to suit your specific requirements, accommodating any scale of operation. Workspaces can be implemented wherever necessary, whether on-premise—including in Air-Gapped Networks—within cloud environments (both public and private), or through a hybrid approach that combines elements of both. Additionally, Kasm's flexibility ensures that it can adapt to the evolving needs of modern businesses.

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.

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.

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.

Haltdos guarantees complete high availability for your website and web services through its advanced Web Application Firewall, application DDoS mitigation, Bot Protection, SSL offloading, and Load Balancing solutions, all deployed across both public and private cloud environments. It continuously monitors, identifies, and autonomously addresses a variety of cyber threats, including the OWASP top 10 vulnerabilities and Zero-day attacks, effectively eliminating the need for human involvement in the mitigation process. This proactive approach not only enhances security but also ensures that your online operations remain seamless and uninterrupted.

Trend Micro Check offers robust protection against scams, phishing attempts, malware, and dangerous links using its sophisticated detection capabilities. This comprehensive mobile app and browser extension enables users to swiftly evaluate the safety of websites or links, automatically blocking access to any that pose potential threats. Furthermore, it works to identify and remove risks from your browsing history, ensuring that you don't accidentally revisit unsafe sites. With a top-notch database, it provides extensive protection against a wide range of scams while effectively eliminating disruptive pop-up ads and banners. The application also prevents third-party trackers from surveilling your online behavior and sends alerts prior to completing any transactions with questionable entities. Users can conveniently share texts, screenshots, or links for immediate scam detection, making the process seamless. By utilizing Trend Micro Check, you can successfully avoid scams, false information, and other online dangers. It is compatible with various platforms, including iOS, Android, Chrome, Safari, and Edge, and can also be used via WhatsApp and Messenger. Enjoy a secure, ad-free browsing experience that not only enhances your online security but also provides peace of mind while you navigate the web. With its user-friendly interface, it's easier than ever to protect yourself online.

Conventional packet filters are slowly losing relevance as the trend shifts towards Next-Generation Firewalls, even among open-source solutions. Among these, OPNsense emerges as a prominent choice, offering features such as intrusion detection, application management, web filtering, and antivirus protection. Every network, regardless of scale, faces threats; even devices in domestic settings, like smartwatches and washing machines, are vulnerable and require strong security protocols. Firewalls are essential components of a holistic security approach, providing protection against both traditional and novel threats. To ensure a firewall's effectiveness, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of its features, make sure it is user-friendly, and position it strategically within the network. OPNsense meets these vital criteria through various functionalities, making it a formidable solution. This book is designed to be an essential resource for those interested in grasping, installing, and configuring an OPNsense firewall efficiently. By delving into the complexities of OPNsense, users can significantly enhance their digital security posture. Additionally, the insights provided will empower individuals to navigate the evolving landscape of cybersecurity with confidence.

Chrome Enterprise offers a secure and flexible browser environment for businesses, delivering advanced management tools and security features to protect sensitive data. From Zero Trust policies to seamless cloud management and integrations, Chrome Enterprise simplifies managing your company’s browsing environment. Whether for a distributed team or BYOD models, it ensures smooth access to business-critical applications while safeguarding against data breaches. With a strong focus on scalability, Chrome Enterprise adapts to your organization’s needs, offering the security and control that enterprises require for both traditional and hybrid work setups.

ActiveFence stands out as a prominent provider of Trust and Safety solutions for digital platforms, safeguarding more than three billion users every day from harmful content and actions. The company has earned the trust of various Trust and Safety teams, helping them shield their users from online threats such as child exploitation, misinformation, hate speech, fraud, and terrorism. With a robust platform featuring comprehensive capabilities, including AI-powered detection of harmful content, ActiveFence is committed to creating a safer online environment. Additionally, ActiveFence supports online platforms in over 100 languages, ensuring that individuals can engage and flourish in a secure digital landscape, regardless of their linguistic background. This widespread reach emphasizes the importance of safety in the diverse global online community.

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.

Canopy distinguishes itself as the only digital parenting app that can recognize and restrict access to pornography across the entire internet. It also alerts parents immediately if any sexting is detected, allowing them to have vital conversations with their children about online behavior. With Canopy, parents can feel assured regarding their children's safety while they explore digital spaces. The platform utilizes advanced technology, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning to effectively identify and remove explicit content from websites and even from their child's smartphone camera. Protecting around two million devices worldwide, Canopy is instrumental in ensuring child safety in many educational institutions and aids US law enforcement in addressing digital crimes against minors. In addition to its content filtering capabilities, the app enables parents to manage screen time and monitor their child's movements after school or when leaving home. Canopy also offers families a robust array of resources aimed at helping them thrive in a digitally driven world, ensuring that parents have peace of mind and that children enjoy a safer online experience. Furthermore, the app fosters an open dialogue between parents and children about internet safety, which is crucial in today’s technology-centric society.

Blocksi provides AI-driven YouTube and web filtering solutions specifically designed for K-12 educators and students. This forward-thinking classroom screen monitoring technology is revolutionizing education in the 21st century. With 24/7 safety measures for students and schools, it offers peace of mind through sophisticated early threat detection systems. More than 500 school districts, alongside over 3 million users, depend on Blocksi for efficient management of various student devices, cultivating an engaging and secure educational atmosphere. By employing Blocksi, teachers can empower, oversee, and safeguard their students with an all-encompassing solution that includes AI-based threat detection, adaptive content filtering, and a tailored classroom management system for K-12 settings. This proactive strategy enables educational institutions to anticipate student needs without the burden of continuous block list modifications. Schools can effortlessly control internet filtering on both school-owned devices and in bring-your-own-device (BYOD) scenarios by accessing over 90 filtering categories and implementing regular, DNS, and time-based policies compatible with multiple operating systems. Consequently, educational institutions can foster a safer, more productive learning environment for everyone involved, ensuring that students can focus on their education without unnecessary distractions.

The Comodo Security Operations Center (CSOC) provides 24/7 security management delivered by certified experts using state-of-the-art technology. The dedicated team at CSOC is tasked with detecting and assessing threats, sending alerts as needed to engage clients in troubleshooting and mitigation efforts. By utilizing Comodo cWatch CSOC, your internal IT team can significantly boost its capacity to protect applications with advanced security solutions that are easy to implement, fully managed, and require minimal upfront investments. This service is designed to simplify the complex and lengthy process of investigating security incidents while reducing the financial strain of maintaining an in-house security team. With real-time monitoring of web traffic and proactive threat detection, our security experts can quickly notify organizations and take necessary actions when an attack occurs. The ongoing vigilance of the Comodo CSOC team, who are highly skilled in application security monitoring and management, guarantees that organizations can function with increased confidence. This holistic strategy not only fortifies your assets but also enables your team to concentrate on essential business activities without being sidetracked by security issues. Ultimately, the peace of mind provided by CSOC allows organizations to thrive in a secure environment.