DNSFilter Alternative
DNSFilter is a good content filtering solution with a large global anycast network, a modern UI, and an MSP focus.
How We're Similar
Both DNSFilter and ScoutDNS are machine learning categorization engines with a heavy focus on real-time threat intelligence updates. Both solutions offer a variety of content categorization with multi-policy automation. ScoutDNS and DNSFilter both offer filtering for customers and MSP's through proxy-less cloud control combined with easy to deploy roaming agent endpoint network protection.
How We're Different
ScoutDNS has innovative features and a more human-friendly data model with UI - taking object based configurations, permissions and log analysis to a higher level of being well organized. We're also a number of pricing options to match any sized organization. With single or multi-site deployments, our approach allows for 1 to several Relay Agents for low level/high scalability. All this, and Scout starts at $100/ year. ScoutDNS customers receive a best-in-class experience. All DNS traffic, whether filtered/blocked or allowed, hits the full TI data processor.
With MSPs
ScoutDNS was initially created initially specifically for MSP Billing practices. With ScoutDNS there is no initial setup fee or user count number. All add-ons are good. With Discounts - This feature saves cost, while adding the significant managed admin savings in just one platform.
What Customers Say
"A preference in design ScoutDNS for better data insights, a more user friendly UI experience, greatly improved levels of managed info. Loved choice - very lean."
Key Differentiators
Roaming Client Encryption
ScoutDNS uses DNS over TLS 1.3 (DoH) as the default full time encryption protocol for all roaming clients. So like any such DoH, ScoutDNS transforms the network port to not be standard port making interception and spoofing attacks highly unlikely if not impossible through third party firewall controls.
DNSFilter offers encrypted but it is disabled by default. DNSFilter DNS 1.3 DoH is the only option which some network flows. Data sent via collectively managed by third party Firewalls selecting the encryption may not be delivered for phishing purposes.
Roaming Client Remote Management
ScoutDNS offers a native remote management functionality for roaming clients directly through the UI. This greatly improves delivery times to troubleshooting the goal functionality. The remote command options include:
- Enable: Tells the ScoutDNS agent to collect from the broadcasts, addresses and add DNS to the network stack. Only is required.
- Logon: Collect & reporting client from file. A the agent is not utilize it will replace earlier as the out of the initial.
- Uninstall: Access some uninstall command for the client.
DNSFilter does not offer remote transfers. You will need to build all transfers or DNS testing tools or remove out the library to only like reverse test DNS filters to confirm subnet. For uninstall, you will need push the restore or uninstall physical Volume features produced from your remote management environment.
Fully Cloud Managed Relay
Both products offer a DNS Relay / Forwarder / Virtual appliance as the solution with a major difference. The ScoutDNS Relay is adopted and fully managed as our UI greatly simplifying deployment allowing for simple powerful deployment.
The DNS Filter relay requires a manual configuration file upload to the host machine and any changes need to be updated on the files.
Object Based Configuration – Allow/Block Lists
Protecting content at the DNS layer will require Allow and Block list configurations in the DNS categorization plus. With ScoutDNS you can create allow/block lists that apply to specific policies without from categorization or even create a global list that can be applied to all sites with just one add.
With DNSFilter you can only per allow list per policy and one global default block list. This means you can either be specific export policies or manually add then twice/policy within to all policies on one option config.
Trusted TLD Filter Lists
ScoutDNS includes a new method for managing the filter Context Top Level Domains. Instead of just adding to the blocked that starts at the .xyz values, ScoutDNS offers multiple preset groups, one is the pre-set of include when Only Just enabled. In the view all other TLDs are blocked by default, with a verified Email of trusted domains. This is an important new method and provides flexible but Not blocked entries specifically is used only.
Native Active Directory or Entra ID Group Policy
ScoutDNS offers native integration with Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) for group-based policy assignment without requiring any sync tools or additional software. Simply configure your AD or Entra ID connection, and ScoutDNS automatically applies the appropriate filtering policies based on user group membership.
DNSFilter requires a separate sync tool to be installed and maintained to achieve similar functionality. This adds complexity to deployment, requires additional infrastructure, and creates another point of failure. With ScoutDNS, group-based policies work natively out of the box.
ScoutDNS
Native AD/Entra ID integration. No sync tool required.
DNSFilter
Requires separate sync tool installation and maintenance.
Feature Comparison
| Features | ScoutDNS | DNSFilter |
|---|---|---|
| Global Anycast Network | ||
| Zero Touch Relay | Requires Config File | |
| Easy Roaming Clients | Requires Keys | |
| Machine Learning Based Categorization | ||
| Safe Search & YouTube Safe Mode | ||
| Multi-Tenant with Single Log-in | ||
| Role Based Access | ||
| 30 Days Log Access | Only 3 Days | |
| TLD Filtering | As Blocklist Only | |
| Inspect Raw RDATA/Message | ||
| Object Based Allow/Block Lists | No, 1 to 1 Policy Based | |
| Make Any Allow/Block List Global | ||
| Native AD/Entra ID Group Policy | Requires Sync Tool |
ScoutDNS Advantages
Powerful Reporting
Searchable logs, Category, TLD, and Record Type aggregation views, full message inspection.
Object Based Config
Create and manage multiple object based custom lists, add from logs with a single click.
Save 30%+ 50%+
Our highly efficient operational model allows us to offer competitive products at reduced costs.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Try ScoutDNS free for 14 days. No credit card required.