An effective internet filtering solution helps manage and monitor internet access, ensuring a safer and curated online experience for everyone.
Businesses use internet filtering software to reduce distractions at work and protect against web-based threats like malware or phishing. Schools also need robust filtering software to shield students from adult content and other harmful pages.
Because threats exist on entire websites, individual web pages, and even within ads or hidden links, relying on basic settings is not sufficient for internet safety. This is especially important for parents who want to keep their kids online activities under control.
The market offers many options, so finding the best internet filter can be overwhelming. This article aims to simplify your search by comparing seven top contenders. We've broken them down into suitable platforms for both business and personal use, offering you a range of options suited to your specific situation.
Best Internet Filtering Software for Businesses
1. Control D
Control D deploys advanced internet content filtering methods to ensure that your workplace can navigate the entire internet with peace of mind. Whether you want to restrict access to specific content categories, block harmful websites, or prevent workers from accessing pornography, Control D offers a versatile set of tools to help you accomplish these goals with just a few clicks.
One of Control D’s biggest strengths is its easy-to-use interface, which streamlines everything from blocking entire websites to setting time limits. The software delivers a seamless experience across multiple devices, including Android and iOS devices.
Its range of features and straightforward setup process make it our #1 choice.
Superior Malware Protection
Independent tests show that Control D has an industry-leading malware filter with a 99.97% block rate, outperforming giants like Google and Cloudflare. With Control D, you can effortlessly block access to malicious sites and enable remote workers to stay out of harm's way.
Granular Filtering & Customization
Control D allows you to block entire content categories or get granular and block specific apps, websites, and platforms. With nearly 1,000 Filters and Services to choose from, you can tailor your DNS settings exactly to your liking.
This approach combines DNS filtering and web filtering to ensure full network protection.
Third-Party Blocklists
Control D comes pre-packaged with 15 third-party blocklists from renowned names like Hagezi and OSID. If these don't suffice, you can import your own bespoke blocklist, which is made available exclusively to you as a Filter.
Advanced Geo-Custom Rules
Enforce location-based rules that allow you to block, redirect, or bypass DNS queries based on the IP's origin or destination in a specific ASN or country.
Typical use cases are blocking traffic originating from high-risk countries like Russia or China, or redirecting queries resolving to an ASN to a proxy location.
Traffic Redirection
Mask your IP address by redirecting traffic through a DNS server in one of 100+ proxy locations across 60+ countries. This feature lets you set a default fallback location – ensuring your IP address appears to originate from a specific country – while setting a separate location for specific Services and domains.
For instance, set your default location to U.S. while directing DNS traffic for Facebook and Instagram through Canada.
Multi-Tenancy
Control D's Multi-Tenancy features allow you to easily manage end-user devices and networks across your entire organization. You can utilize Sub-Organizations to differentiate between teams, departments, and clients for tailored DNS settings and management.
Ad & Tracker Blocking
When you make DNS requests to domains, third-party domains that host ads and trackers are also requested. By blocking these from resolving, you can:
- Protect users from ads displaying inappropriate content or leading to malicious domains
- Maintain user privacy by preventing unwanted data collection on browsing habits
Dual-Stack Ready & Modern Protocol Support
Control D fully supports dual-stack IPv4/IPv6 networks, as well as all modern DNS protocols such as DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT).
Comprehensive Analytics & Monitoring
Utilize analytics features for insights into real-time or historical query log data. You can see a summary of your usage patterns and general trends or information on exact DNS queries and metadata.
You can also stream query log data to your preferred SIEM tool for real-time alerting and unified data analysis.
Cross-Platform Compatability
Control D is compatible with all Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices, as well as the most commonly used browsers and routers. Additionally, Single Sign-On (Okta) and Active Directory integration allows for centralized management of user identities and access rights. Check out all our integrations.
Full API Access
Integrate Control D's functionality into custom software, allowing you to automate and script various actions without accessing the Control D dashboard. Typical use cases include:
- View, create, and modify Profiles
- View, create, and modify Endpoints
- View and modify authorized IP lists
Transparent Pricing
Instead of traditional tiered plans, Control D offers transparent, affordable pricing where a distinction is made between organization types:
- Enterprises – $2/Endpoint/month
- MSPs – $1/Endpoint/month
- Schools & Non-Profits – receive a further discounted rate
Summary
Pros:
- Comprehensive internet filtering with malware protection, ad-blocking, and tracker-blocking
- Advanced customization capabilities for businesses and individual users
- Multi-Tenancy for seamless DNS protection and management across an entire organization
- Real-time updates and analytics for monitoring network activity
- Transparent, affordable pricing with no hidden fees
Cons
- Does not offer URL filtering
2. WebTitan
WebTitan is a web filtering solution that focuses on corporate, educational, and large-scale environments. This secure web gateway aims to provide advanced internet content filtering to safeguard users from web based threats, such as phishing, malware, and online pornography. By inspecting traffic in real time, WebTitan can block access to malicious web sites, specific websites containing explicit content, and suspicious ads or links that might lure unsuspecting users.
WebTitan’s robust content filtering features are complemented by its compatibility with various devices. Administrators can protect multiple devices on the network and scale the coverage to thousands of endpoints if needed. Because it integrates well with search engines, WebTitan can also modify search results to omit harmful or age-inappropriate pages.
While the platform is undoubtedly strong, there are a few prevalent issues:
- Complex Initial Setup
- Some users mention that the onboarding and configuration process requires a deeper level of technical know-how to fine-tune settings and ensure everything runs smoothly.
- Learning Curve for Non-IT Professionals
- The interface and features may seem too advanced or complex for smaller teams. People without IT backgrounds sometimes find the dashboard overwhelming.
- Cost vs. Feature Set
- Smaller organizations or those looking for basic blocking and reporting capabilities sometimes say the cost doesn’t align with their simpler requirements.
In short, if you seek a high-performing web content filter with an emphasis on content filtering technology and network security, WebTitan is worth checking out.
3. WebRoot
WebRoot is best known for its antivirus and security software, but it also offers reliable internet filtering software solutions. Its filtering software extends beyond just blocking inappropriate content, incorporating robust virus and malware protection.
One of WebRoot’s strong points is how it uses cloud-based intelligence to stay updated against the latest risks, ensuring that even newly created malicious sites are caught quickly.
Installation is generally straightforward, and the system’s low impact on resources means you won’t experience major slowdowns. WebRoot employs a web content filter that automatically sorts sites into categories, helping you decide which ones to block. Like most internet filters, it also includes url filtering to identify known bad actors.
If you need advanced features such as location tracking, detailed activity log analysis, or in-depth social media monitoring, however, you may find WebRoot’s offerings somewhat limited compared to more specialized software. Still, if you want a blend of internet safety features and top-tier malware defense in one place, WebRoot can provide the basic protection you require.
It’s also worth noting that WebRoot occasionally releases free versions or trial options, letting you test the waters before committing to a subscription.
4. Cisco Umbrella
For those seeking enterprise-grade filter internet content capabilities, Cisco Umbrella is a popular choice, often deployed by organizations that require robust network security and content filtering technology. Positioned as a secure web gateway, Cisco Umbrella provides a cloud-based platform that checks domain requests against a vast database of known malicious or inappropriate sites.
By controlling DNS (Domain Name System) queries, it can block access to dangerous or restricted web sites before a connection is even established, creating a strong line of defense.
Cisco Umbrella offers advanced internet content filtering that can categorize websites into groups like adult content, malware, phishing, or online pornography. Administrators can then decide which categories to allow or block, giving them a high degree of customization.
One of the strongest selling points is the granular reporting and real time alerts that inform IT teams or parents of attempted visits to blocked pages. This level of insight can help refine policies and reduce false positives over time. If you need router level or network-wide protection, Cisco Umbrella delivers, as it secures connections at the domain level for all devices behind that router.
For those wanting top-tier filtering, unlimited devices coverage under a corporate plan, or advanced app blocking, Cisco Umbrella stands as an excellent choice.
Best Internet Filtering Software for Households
1. Net Nanny
Net Nanny is one of the most recognizable names in parental control software. Many families rely on it to block websites, manage screen time, and filter out inappropriate content. One reason for its popularity is its intuitive design, which helps parents quickly establish parental controls without needing advanced technical skills.
Once installed on a child's device, Net Nanny can block access to specific web pages or entire websites that feature adult content, violent material, or other restricted categories. It also excels at managing social media, allowing you to stay updated on your child’s activities on popular platforms.
Part of Net Nanny’s strength lies in its advanced content filtering approach, which analyzes not only website categories but also the text and images found on individual pages. Parents can configure custom rules to restrict access to certain types of sites during homework hours, helping curb distractions and misuse.
Some of Net Nanny’s premium plans provide extra capabilities like usage reports, so you can gain insights into daily or weekly online patterns. However, its free versions are limited, so if you need advanced tools like location tracking, router level filtering, or more comprehensive network security, you may find yourself looking at different tiers or even other alternatives.
Still, for straightforward parental control app features and user-friendly design, Net Nanny remains a strong contender.
2. Qustodian
Qustodian aims to shield children from harmful or inappropriate content while giving parents the tools to manage screen time and app blocking. One of its best qualities is its broad compatibility, covering computers, mobile devices, and gaming consoles in some configurations.
Upon setting up Qustodian, you can choose what categories you want to filter—from adult content to social media, online pornography, and beyond. Qustodian also performs social media monitoring, giving you visibility into social media apps usage.
In terms of insights, Qustodian delivers a detailed activity log, offering a snapshot of web content viewed, attempts to visit blocked sites, and search results. However, depending on your plan, you might find that some advanced features or unlimited devices coverage come at a higher cost.
While Qustodian provides basic protection out of the box, you may need to upgrade to access features like location tracking or additional network security tools. Still, for families interested in a flexible, easy-to-manage web content filter, Qustodian is worth considering.
3. Norton Family
Norton Family zeroes in on internet content management, providing robust controls to block websites, limit screen time, and keep children from viewing inappropriate content.
At its core, Norton Family is designed to make internet safety straightforward for households, whether you need a parental control app for young kids or a more advanced solution for teens.
One standout feature is its detailed activity log, which tracks visited web pages, search results, and overall app usage.
With Norton Family, it’s also possible to restrict access to social media platforms, certain types of explicit content, and other online channels that may pose risks to younger users. If you have older children, you can gradually loosen these restrictions, allowing them more freedom while still maintaining oversight.
Installation is seamless across multiple devices, from android devices and iOS devices to PCs, making it easy for parents to have a unified dashboard for every child's device. Norton Family also supports real time alerts, so you are immediately informed of blocked attempts or questionable browsing.
If you want an extra layer of security, Norton offers integrated antivirus and malware protection, effectively creating a secure web gateway that protects your household against web based threats.
While Norton Family may not be the least expensive option and doesn’t always provide free versions, its strength lies in blending a web filtering software approach with a strong emphasis on overall network security. For many parents, this combination can be the ideal balance of basic protection and advanced oversight.
How to Choose the Right Internet Filtering Software
Selecting the best internet filtering software for your needs depends on several factors, starting with the size of your organization or household.
First, consider the tech powering the solution. This refers to how the software identifies and blocks harmful or explicit content across websites and social media apps. Some solutions use url filtering to check if a website is on a blocklist, while others scan web content for certain keywords or suspicious behavior.
Next, check for user management capabilities. A strong app should let you supervise multiple users, including those in business and personal environments. You might also look for detailed activity log features, which show search results, visited pages, and even attempts to block apps or bypass restrictions.
Many products offer real time alerts to inform you of any blocked attempt, attempted visit to online pornography, or other suspicious activity. In addition, solutions that provide browser extensions for popular search engines make it simpler to filter internet content.
Some even operate at the router level, extending protection to unlimited devices connected to your network. Finally, it’s wise to consider network security benefits, like virus scanning or a secure web gateway, that offer an added layer of security software protection for all your devices.
When considering different internet filters available today one must weigh up their ability to keep pace with ever-changing cyber risks—prioritizing regular updates along with sophisticated filtering mechanisms—as these attributes significantly contribute towards sustaining a strong defensive stance against potential threats ensuring continued safety of everyone involved during their time spent on the Internet.
Families with kids online often prioritize easy-to-use parental controls, location tracking, time limits, and app usage reports. By contrast, businesses require solutions that focus more heavily on network security, scanning for web based threats, and offering seamless deployment across unlimited devices or multiple devices.
Another important consideration is compatibility. Make sure the software supports Android devices, iOS devices, or any specialized platforms you need to protect, like gaming consoles. If you want to secure the entire internet usage in your home, look for solutions with router-level installation.
For parents in particular, having a detailed activity log of your child’s online behavior can be immensely helpful. It not only shows where they have been but also how frequently they’re visiting certain web pages.
Also, consider whether the product offers real time alerts when someone tries to visit restricted sites. This immediate feedback can be vital in preventing accidental exposure to online pornography or inappropriate content.
Lastly, always verify if there are free versions or trial options before committing. Testing a service firsthand is the best way to see if it meets your specific requirements for a web content filter or best internet filter experience.
Types of Internet Filters
A variety of internet filters are on the market, each presenting unique levels of security and features. Understanding these varieties is crucial for choosing an option that best addresses your requirements.
Web filters operated via browsers involve third-party add-ons to facilitate content filtering straight from web browsers. These tools can prevent entry to unsuitable websites and sieve through material based on established classifications.
Filters operating at the client level are installed on individual computers, where administrators can control them. They provide enhanced regulation over how the internet is used on particular devices, enabling organizations to tailor configurations and meticulously oversee usage. Control D's business offerings function in the same manner.
Filtering across networks happens either at the transport or application layers and influences all individuals governed by certain network guidelines.
Summary
Simply put, internet filtering software is a critical component for safeguarding businesses and families against web-based threats.
Selecting an appropriate internet filtering software depends on specific goals and requirements, but all have one common purpose: to promote a safe, more secure web.
Modern iterations of filtering software boast sophisticated capabilities like geofencing, instantaneous notifications, and content scrutiny powered by artificial intelligence—offering defensive layers.
