Free network-wide vs per-device
ArmorDNS vs CleanBrowsing
CleanBrowsing offers a solid free family DNS filter. ArmorDNS starts where their free tier ends — per-device rules, real-time visibility, and coverage that follows each device onto cellular and hotel Wi-Fi.
| ArmorDNS | CleanBrowsing | |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | No — 7-day trial, then $5/mo | Yes — network-wide filter, three preset profiles (Family, Adult, Security) |
| Paid pricing | $5/mo · $50/yr — one household, up to 25 devices | Paid tier from ~$59.99/yr for one location, ~$119.99/yr for family |
| Per-device filtering rules | Yes — each device has its own filter settings | Filter profiles apply per location (IP), not per device |
| Managed vs unmanaged devices | Yes — lock down kids, let teens customize their own filters | One profile per network; no per-device split |
| Ad and tracker blocking | 625K+ ad and tracker domains — always on | Available on paid tier (Custom profile) |
| Real-time query log | Yes — every query, blocked or allowed, per device | Query log on paid tier |
| SafeSearch enforcement | One toggle per device — enforces Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, YouTube | Enforced on family free tier (Google, Bing, YouTube) |
| Works over cellular | Yes — Private DNS is set on the device, follows the device anywhere | Free tier is IP-locked; DoH/DoT profiles work on cellular on paid tier |
| Shared account access | Invite a spouse or trusted ally as a shared admin | Not a documented feature |
| Custom allowlists / blocklists | Yes — one click from the dashboard | Available on paid tier |
| Schedule mode | Allow during homework, block during bedtime — per device | Not a documented feature |
| Free trial | 7 days, no credit card | Free tier is ongoing at the network level |
CleanBrowsing pricing and features from their public website; check cleanbrowsing.org for the current offer. ArmorDNS is not affiliated with CleanBrowsing.
Which one fits your household
Stick with CleanBrowsing free if
Everyone in the house needs the same rules, you don't need a dashboard, and the kids are all young enough that one blanket network-level filter covers them. It works, it's free, it's a fine start.
Upgrade to ArmorDNS if
You want different rules for different family members, a real-time dashboard that shows what actually happened, one-click overrides when a legitimate site gets blocked, SafeSearch enforced on YouTube (not just Google), and coverage that follows each device off the home network. All for $5/mo, one flat family price.
7-day trial · no credit card · cancel anytime