DNSFilter
Provides industry-leading DNS threat protection and content filtering.. [Paid]
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What is DNSFilter?
DNSFilter is a cloud-based, AI-driven content filtering and threat protection service that filters Domain Name System (DNS) requests made on your network through its servers to match against threat feeds and account policy settings. If a request goes to a malicious or blocked domain, the user is diverted, cutting off unwanted activity at the root before the request reaches the blocked domain. It protects all devices on your network—from servers and computers to printers and tablets—because DNS is essential for establishing most network connections.
Key features include real-time threat detection that stops attacks 10 days faster than other threat feeds, AppAware for one-click application blocking of over 100 risky applications, Roaming Clients for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Chromebook devices for protection anywhere, Malicious Domain Protection using machine learning to stop zero-day threats, Dual Anycast Network for speed and stability, Insights Reporting dashboard for network activity and security reports, Universal Lists for block/allow domains, DNSSEC protection, Active Directory integration, Zapier integration, API access, and support for 20 languages with multilingual block pages.
DNSFilter is designed for enterprise and SMB businesses, managed service providers (MSPs), educational institutions, government organizations, non-profits, healthcare facilities, hotels offering public Wi-Fi, retail stores, and hybrid workplaces. It serves organizations ranging from single roaming devices to multinational corporations with offices globally, helping them block malware, phishing, botnets, cryptomining, unwanted content, and enforce compliance policies like CIPA for schools.
DNSFilter pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
DNSFilter offers three main plans with annual pricing discounts: Basic at $1.00-$1.15 per license ($240/year minimum, $23/month minimum) including real-time threat detection, content filtering, malicious domain protection, and scheduled reporting; Pro at $2.10-$2.30 per license ($630/year minimum, $57.50/month minimum) including everything in Basic plus AppAware, Windows & macOS Roaming Clients, Active Directory Support, Zapier Integration, and API Access; Enterprise at $2.70-$3.00 per license ($1,080/year minimum, $100/month minimum) including everything in Pro plus iOS and Android Roaming Clients, 90-day report retention, and 9-day query log retention. Education pricing starts at $4 per year per student/staff member with 125 user minimum. MSP pricing starts at $150/month with discounted pricing, multi-tenancy, and white labeling. Wi-Fi access points have a $20/month minimum. Data Export add-on costs $0.25/user/month. 14-day free trial available for all plans.
DNSFilter pros
- Stops threats 10 days faster than competing threat feeds using machine learning
- Deploy in minutes with no complex firewall or gateway setup required
- World's fastest DNS resolver with Dual Anycast network for speed and stability
- Protects all devices including servers, computers, printers, and tablets
- Roaming Clients available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Chromebook
- Appaware blocks over 100 risky applications with one-click application blocking
- Real-time domain categorization completes in 5-15 seconds using AI
- Support for 20 of the world's most-spoken languages on block pages
- Up to 15,000 domains can be added to block and allow lists with CSV import
- Direct no-cost PSA integrations with six major PSA platforms for MSPs
- 90-day report retention and 9-day query log retention on Enterprise plan
- DNS encryption and DNS-over-TLS included for secure DNS queries
- Works with US and UK governmental organizations for threat prevention
- Human-connected chat support instead of chatbots for customer service
- 14-day free trial with access to all generally available capabilities
DNSFilter cons
- No true free tier - only 14-day free trial with paid plans required after
- Monthly minimum spend requirements: $23 Basic, $57.50 Pro, $100 Enterprise
- Home users not specifically targeted - designed primarily for professional environments
- Data Export add-on costs extra at $0.25/user/month across all plans
- Premium Support add-ons required for enhanced SLA and Zoom consultations
- iOS and Android roaming clients only available on Enterprise plan
- API access has rate limits in place to maintain stability
- Education plan requires minimum 125 users at $4 per user per year
Frequently asked questions about DNSFilter
How easy is DNSFilter to configure?
It is very simple to set up. All that is necessary is forwarding your DNS to DNSFilter. That usually takes place on your router, firewall, or Domain Controller. Deployment can be done in minutes with no headaches, protecting an entire network in about a minute.
Are there any pricing minimums for DNSFilter?
Yes, there is a minimum spend for each plan type. Basic has a minimum spend of $23/month, Pro has a minimum of $57.50/month, Enterprise has a minimum of $100/month, Wi-Fi access points are a minimum of $20/month, and Education has a minimum spend of $500/year.
How long is the free trial?
Free trials are 14 days and provide access to all generally available capabilities. You can start your free trial today, or request a demo walkthrough or assistance from the DNSFilter team.
Is there a plan for home users?
DNSFilter is designed primarily for professional environments. Many home users prefer the ease of use and great effectiveness of DNSFilter and choose to use it over others. Home users are welcome on any of the available plans due to affordable pricing with high value.
What is the MSP pricing?
MSP (Managed Service Provider) pricing starts at $150/month and tiered plans are available. By joining the partner program, MSP partners benefit from discounted pricing, multi-tenancy, white labeling, other specially designed capabilities, and easy administration. Monthly minimum spend is required.
Do you offer education pricing?
Yes, education customers have advanced capabilities including the use of mobile roaming clients supporting both iOS and Android. For qualified education institutions, education-friendly pricing starts at $4 per year for each student and staff member with a minimum of 125 users.
Are there any usage limits with the API access included in my plan?
Your plan includes API access for most standard integrations. DNSFilter doesn't set overall usage caps, but rate limits are in place to maintain stability. They recommend keeping an eye on API usage and reaching out if you expect to need more capacity.
How does Malicious Domain Protection work?
DNSFilter uses next-gen machine learning to learn with every inbound DNS query. It leverages machine learning techniques to discover threats before third-party feeds, providing heuristic blocking that catches threats up to 7 days faster than competitors. It stops new and potentially zero-day threats before they have a chance to resolve.
What roaming clients are available?
DNSFilter offers Roaming Clients for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Chromebook devices. Windows and macOS clients are included in the Pro plan, while iOS and Android roaming clients are only available on the Enterprise plan. These keep users protected from threats and unwanted content no matter where they connect.
What threat categories does DNSFilter block?
DNSFilter uses a multi-pronged approach to blocking threats including Malware, Phishing, Botnets, and Cryptomining. It also works with US and UK governmental organizations to prevent dangerous activity such as Terrorism, Child Pornography (all customers have Internet Watch Foundation and Project Arachnid filtering active), Child Exploitation, and Hate Speech.