The main difference between Control D and DefensX is their focus and functionality. Control D is a DNS-based filtering and privacy service that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains. DefensX is a cybersecurity platform that provides web filtering, threat protection, and secure browsing for enterprises. Control D emphasizes user control and customization, while DefensX prioritizes enterprise security.
We take a deep dive into both platforms, analyzing them against the following criteria:
- Plans
- Pricing
- General Features
- Clients, Applications, and Integrations
- Analytics & Reporting
- Support
Let’s dive in.
Plans
DefensX offers three tiered plans:
- Core – a secure DNS filter
- Core+ – integrates secure browsing
- Premium – includes zero-trust functionality
In place of the traditional tiered plan model, Control D opts for an easier onboarding experience by offering the same service and features to everyone. The only differentiation is between organization types, as this affects pricing.
This approach has three main benefits:
- You qualify for Control D’s full suite of features upon signing up
- You are eligible for feature releases and upgrades going forward at no extra cost
- Peace of mind knowing you experience the full functionality of Control D at all times.
Pricing
DefensX does not openly share details about its pricing structure; you must book a demo with its sales team to discuss costs. However, you can purchase DefensX from Pax8 or other MSP partners.
On the other hand, Control D offers a simple pricing model depending on organization type:
- Enterprise – $2/Endpoint/month
- MSP – $1/Endpoint/month
- School/Non-Profit – qualify for a further discounted rate
General Features
Advanced Malware Protection
Both platforms offer malware protection by blocking known malware sites, but Control D utilizes AI machine learning to accurately identify and block malicious domains and IPs in real time.
This proactive defense is ideal for protecting against new or unknown domains – particularly if they are associated with a blocked IP address.
Blockable Services
Both Control D and DefensX allow you to block categories of domains from resolving – e.g., Adult Content, Social Media, Gambling, etc. – but what sets Control D apart is the ability to block Services.
Services are specific tools, platforms, applications, vendors, websites, and groups of websites that you can individually block, redirect, or bypass. Here’s how it works in action.
Suppose you wanted to block all social media platforms except Reddit and X. It’s a 2-step process that takes a couple of clicks.
- Toggle on the Social Media Filter
- Toggle on bypass for Reddit and X in the Services tab
Just like that, you’ve blocked all social platforms except Reddit and X without needing to set up Custom Rules, blocklists, or allowlists.
Control D offers 1,000+ Services to give you granular control over what websites and platforms are resolved on your network and Endpoints. This allows you to tailor your browsing experience to specific organization, department, or user needs, ensuring only approved Services are resolved.
Advanced Geo-Custom Rules
A feature unique to Control D is Geo-Custom Rules. They work similarly to regular Custom Rules but leverage geo-location data.
This feature allows you to block, bypass, and redirect DNS queries made from (or resolve to) IP addresses (not) in a particular country or ASN.
This feature is not available with DefensX.
Traffic Redirection
Traffic Redirection is a handy feature that spoofs your IP address without the need for a VPN. It enables you to redirect DNS traffic through a proxy server in one of 100+ locations in 60+ countries, giving you precise control over where you access web pages or Services from.
DefensX does not offer this feature.
Remote Browser Isolation
DefensX users on the Premium plan get access to its Remote Browser Isolation (RBI) feature. RBI is a remote browser in the cloud that serves as a middleman between your native browser and the web page or service you’re accessing, preventing malicious code, phishing attempts, and ransomware from reaching your device.
This feature is not yet available with Control D.
Password & Credential Protection
DefensX provides password and credential protection by analyzing whether you’re accessing a risky or uncategorized web page. DefensX will block the password field to avoid credential exposure if it's your first time visiting that URL.
While Control D does not provide explicit password and credential-protecting features, it does block phishing, malicious, and risky domains from resolving on your network or end-user device entirely, thus preventing you from accidentally entering your credentials on fraudulent domains.
Secure Browser
Core+ users can utilize DefensX’s Secure Browser, and Premium users qualify for their Zero-Trust Secure Web Browser, which helps protect against browser-based threats.
Control D does not explicitly offer this feature, but since it operates at the DNS layer, it safeguards all DNS activity across devices and the entire network, including traffic from web browsers.
File Protection
DefensX allows users on the Core+ and Premium plans to restrict file downloads to whitelisted domains.
This feature is not available with Control D.
Blocks Ads & Trackers
Both Control D and DefensX have ad-blocking capabilities, but Control D takes it a step further by also blocking trackers.
Trackers gather data points on your browsing habits and preferences to deliver targeted ads, analyze behavior, or monitor engagement, which is seen as an invasion of privacy.
Control D offers three block modes:
- Relaxed – Only blocks very common ads and tracking domains
- Balanced – Blocks more domains than the Relaxed mode but still allows for some ads and trackers to load
- Strict – Blocks all known ad and tracking domains
Clients, Applications, and Integrations
Linux Support
Control D supports all device types, including Linux. This is not the case with DefensX.
Check out all our integrations.
Router/Network Support
Control D can be deployed on a network or router, allowing you to protect all connected devices from a single point. This can make DNS management easy, particularly for a business with an on-site location.
Although DefensX can be deployed on a network, the preferred method for full protection involves installing an agent client on all devices.
Full API Access
Control D provides full API access for all users. This allows you to automate or script various actions for your account. Typical use cases include:
- Automating profile management
- Bulk Endpoint configurations
- IP authorization
- Data retrieval
- Automating Custom Rules
DefensX also offers full API access but is limited to Core+ and Premium users.
Analytics and Reporting
SIEM Log Streaming
Control D allows you to stream query log data to an SIEM tool for real-time threat alerts and unified data analysis. This is available for all users, regardless of organization type.
While DefensX offers this feature, it’s reserved for users on the Core+ or Premium plan.
Scheduled Reporting
Control D offers daily, weekly, or monthly scheduled reports that provide insights on:
- Queries – Total number of queries served, blocked, and redirected.
- Top Blocked – Most frequently blocked Filters, Services, and domains
- Top Resolved – Most frequently resolved domains
- Traffic Flow – Source and destination countries, plus destination networks
Again, while DefensX also provides a scheduled reporting feature, it is reserved for Core+ and Premium users.
Data Storage Regions
Control D provides three data storage regions – NA, EU, and ANZ – and also gives you the option to select a custom storage region for an additional cost. DefensX does not offer this feature.
Support
Community Support
Control D offers community support, with an active user base on Reddit and Discord. There’s also a Suggest a Feature service where you can propose new functionality and improvements or vote on existing suggestions to help fast-track the development process.
Chat Support
Both solutions offer chat support, but DefensX’s chat functionality is effectively a ticket system.
On the other hand, Control D’s chat support is provided by Barry, a smart chatbot built to handle a variety of queries.
Barry uses advanced machine learning to tap into Control D's extensive knowledge base and team expertise, delivering fast and precise answers. Whether you need help setting up or troubleshooting technical issues, Barry can address 99% of queries in seconds.
If Barry can’t answer your question, he can easily escalate your query to a human support team member, ensuring you get the assistance you need.
👉 Learn more about Barry’s genesis and capabilities
What's more, engineers are on hand to resolve any technical issues via Zoom or email.
Final thoughts
DefensX is a reliable solution for MSPs with basic filtering and web protection needs. But as we’ve explored in this comparison, Control D can match and outshine it with advanced functionality, granular customization, and cross-platform support at a cost-effective price point.
Try Control D for free today or book a demo to learn how Control D can keep you and your business safe online.
