CleanBrowsing

A DNS filtering service that blocks malware, phishing and adult content at the network level.

FreemiumProprietaryWeb

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About CleanBrowsing

CleanBrowsing is a hosted DNS resolver that filters requests before a site loads. It blocks malware, command-and-control, phishing and botnet domains, blocks adult and obscene sites, and enforces Safe Search where available.

Because it works at the DNS level, you point a router or device at its servers rather than installing software on each machine. It is aimed at families, schools, businesses and public Wi-Fi networks, with free family filters and paid plans.

Strengths

  • Blocks malware, phishing and botnet domains
  • Adult content blocking and enforced Safe Search
  • Works network-wide by changing DNS settings
  • No contracts required

Limitations

  • DNS queries are sent to a third-party service
  • DNS filtering can be bypassed by changing a device's DNS settings

Details

Pricing
FreemiumFree family filters, with paid plans for more control.
License
Proprietary
Developer
CleanBrowsing
Platforms
Web
How it runs
Hosted service
Works offline
No
Best suited for
Families and schools that want network-wide content filtering without installing software
Last verified
Added
Provenance
Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.

Alternatives to CleanBrowsing

Compare all

Software that can replace CleanBrowsing for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.

  • OpenDNS Home

    A public DNS service from Cisco with phishing protection and optional content filtering for home networks.

    OpenDNS Home from Cisco is free with phishing protection and parental content filtering, with setup guides for home users but queries go to a US company.

  • NextDNS

    Cloud DNS filtering with per-device profiles and detailed logs.

    NextDNS adds granular blocklists, per-device profiles and detailed analytics, with a free tier limited by a monthly query allowance.

  • Control D

    Customisable DNS filtering service with per-device profiles.

    Control D adds per-device profiles, very granular per-service rules and apps for every major platform, with most features on a paid plan.

  • AdGuard DNS

    Public filtering DNS resolver with encrypted transports.

    AdGuard DNS adds ad blocking and DNS-over-QUIC support, with custom rules and statistics requiring a paid account beyond a small free tier.

  • Safe Surfer

    A parental-control DNS filtering service that blocks harmful content on phones, computers and home routers.

    Safe Surfer is a paid parental-control service adding mobile apps, screen time schedules and browsing history, which the service can also see.

  • Cloudflare 1.1.1.1

    Fast public DNS resolver with a filtered option for families.

    Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 offers a free Families option for content filtering on a large global network, with fewer filtering options than dedicated services.

  • CIRA Canadian Shield

    A free protective DNS service from Canada's domain registry that blocks malware, phishing and scams.

    CIRA Canadian Shield is a free not-for-profit Canadian service with optional adult content filtering and apps, built primarily for Canadian users.

  • Quad9

    Free public DNS resolver that blocks known malicious domains.

    Quad9 is a free Swiss non-profit resolver that blocks malicious domains but does not filter adult content or advertising.

CleanBrowsing as an alternative

Listings that name CleanBrowsing as an alternative.

  • DNS4EU

    A free public DNS resolver hosted in the EU that blocks malware, phishing and ransomware domains.

    CleanBrowsing adds adult content blocking and enforced Safe Search on a freemium basis, aimed at families and schools.

  • NxFilter

    A self-hosted DNS filter with per-user policies, reports and Active Directory integration.

    FreeProprietarySelf-hosted

    CleanBrowsing is a hosted service for families and schools that blocks adult content and malware by changing DNS settings, instead of running your own server.

Similar software

Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.

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