Free DNS alternative
ArmorDNS vs free family DNS filters
Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 for Families, OpenDNS FamilyShield, and NextDNS’s free tier all block porn and malware for free. That’s enough for a lot of households. Here’s where it isn’t.
| ArmorDNS | Free family DNS | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $5 / month · $50 / year (25 devices) | Free |
| Per-device filtering rules | Yes — each device has its own settings | No — one policy applies to the whole network |
| Custom allow/blocklists | Yes — one click from the dashboard | No (paid tiers on some services) |
| Real-time query log | Yes — see every request as it happens | No (paid tiers on some services) |
| Optional SafeSearch | Toggle per device — enforces Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, YouTube | Varies; often not enforceable |
| Schedule mode | Allow during homework, block during bedtime | No |
| Managed vs unmanaged devices | Yes — lock down kids, let teens customize | No |
| Pause filtering | Per device, auto-resume in 15 min / 1 hr / 4 hr | No |
| Support | Direct email support | Community forums |
Free-tier features change; check each provider’s current offer. ArmorDNS is not affiliated with Cloudflare, Cisco (OpenDNS), or NextDNS.
When free is enough
Point your router at 1.1.1.1 for Families and you get Cloudflare's family filter for free. If everyone in the house needs the same rules, you don't need a dashboard, and you don't need per-device or scheduled filtering — free will serve you well. That is a real answer, and I'll tell it to you.
When ArmorDNS pays for itself
- You want the 9-year-old and the 16-year-old on different rules.
- A legitimate site got blocked and you want a one-click override — not a support ticket.
- You want to see, right now, what your kid’s tablet just tried to load.
- You want gaming and social blocked during homework and allowed after 4pm — automatically.
- You want SafeSearch enforced on YouTube, not just on Google.
7-day trial · no credit card · cancel anytime