DNSFilter vs. DefensX

Protect every connection, not just your browser

DefensX is a newer name in the protective DNS space, but it takes a browser-first approach to security that leaves large portions of your network unprotected. DNSFilter, on the other hand, delivers true device-wide protection at the DNS layer, no browser extensions required.

With our AI-powered domain classification engine and privately owned global anycast network, DNSFilter secures every DNS query from every device, app, and user, all while being easy to deploy and transparently priced.

Features

DNSFilter

DefensX

Stable & Global Network

LAN Proxy/Virtual Appliance

Desktop Roaming Clients

Mobile Roaming Clients

Whitelabel Available

Domain Categorization

SIEM & SOAR Integration

One-Click Application Blocking

Multi-Tenancy (MSP)

Captive Portal Account

Azure / Active Directory Integration

Protection Only Happens Inside the Browser

If your security tool is designed primarily for the browser, most apps and services on a device go unmonitored. Things like email clients, background processes, mobile apps, or IoT devices. That means huge portions of your network can slip through unfiltered.

Easily Bypassed by Users

Browser-based filtering depends on users sticking to the managed browser and using the correct extension. Users can simply switch to an unprotected browser or open an incognito window to bypass the protection entirely.

Relies on the Browser Ecosystem and Device Consistency

If your protection depends on a particular browser, extension and version, you’re at the mercy of updates, user devices, unsupported browsers and platform inconsistencies. In a world of BYOD, mobile devices, multiple browsers and unmanaged endpoints, keeping the browser-only model effective becomes a big challenge.

Proprietary Domain Classification and Threat Detection

DNSFilter’s edge comes from its in-house intelligence engine. DNSFilter performs real-time domain classification and identifies malicious domains 10 days faster than third-party threat feeds.

Our AI models continuously scan and categorize domains across the internet, providing up-to-date protection against phishing, malware, and command-and-control activity.

DefensX uses third-party data feeds and its threat intelligence pipeline is not owned or publicly detailed. That makes response threat update speed and coverage harder to assess.

DNSFilter advantage: We use our in-house classification intelligence pulse third-party feeds. We own our detection systems, ensuring faster and more accurate threat blocking.

Policy Management Complexity

In DefensX you manage multiple policy types (Web Policies, Credentials Policies, File Policies, ADWare Policy) grouped under “Policy Groups.” Each policy group can be linked to people and devices; and people and devices can belong to multiple groups. This structure demands careful orchestration to avoid overlaps or conflicts.

When policies become too layered IT staff may struggle to quickly answer “Will domain X be blocked for user Y on device Z?”

DNSFilter advantage: policies are a single, unified rule set that applies across your network or user groups rather than stacking multiple policy-types over the same users/devices.

Performance and Reliability Built from the Ground Up

DNSFilter owns and operates its own redundant dual anycast network, spanning across the globe. With backbone operator peering agreements and Internet Exchange memberships, we deliver low-latency DNS resolution and built-in redundancy.

DefensX also provides anycast DNS servers (publicly listing default IP pairs), but details about its network size, ownership, or redundancy are not disclosed. Without clear transparency on infrastructure, it’s difficult to verify performance consistency or failover resilience.

DNSFilter advantage: Full control and ownership of our network ensures faster resolution times, greater reliability, and enhanced security.

Transparent Pricing, Direct Support, and Partner Ecosystem

DNSFilter publishes clear pricing for all plans on our pricing page, allows direct purchase, and maintains a vibrant partner ecosystem, no hidden tiers or forced demos. Our plans scale from small businesses to global enterprises and MSPs, with consistent feature sets and billing options.

DefensX does not list pricing publicly. Instead, customers must request a quote or purchase through a partner.

DNSFilter advantage: Transparent pricing and purchasing options that work with your preferences.

Reporting, Analytics, and Integrations

DNSFilter gives you real-time visibility into DNS activity across your organization. You can view allowed, blocked, and suspicious requests, generate scheduled reports, and integrate with SIEM tools via Data Export.

DefensX offers similar reporting in higher-tier plans but does not publicly define its default log retention or export capabilities.

DNSFilter advantage: Immediate visibility and analytics.

Who Each Solution is Best For

DNSFilter is ideal for:

IT administrators who need fast, organization-wide DNS security
MSPs managing multiple client environments
Enterprises seeking scalable, low-maintenance web protection
SMBs looking for simple, transparent pricing and rapid deployment

DefensX is better suited for:

MSPs that want to resell an integrated browser-security suite
Organizations prioritizing remote browser isolation or zero-trust access

For most companies, DNSFilter offers broader protection, easier management, and a more predictable cost structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the biggest difference between DNSFilter and DefensX?

DNSFilter’s Roaming Client protects every DNS query from every remote device; apps, browsers, and background services alike. DefensX’s remote solution does include full DNS security but only protecting web browser traffic, meaning other traffic can slip through unmonitored.

Does DNSFilter own its data and infrastructure?

Yes. DNSFilter owns both its AI-driven domain classification engine and its dual anycast global network, giving us full control over speed, reliability, and security.

Can DefensX match DNSFilter’s coverage?

Not fully. DefensX’s browser-first model limits coverage to a single application, the web browser. DNSFilter’s network-layer protection is universal.

How do their pricing models differ?

DNSFilter publishes its pricing. No surprises or required demos. DefensX requires a quote via reseller.

Ready to Protect Every Click?

DefensX may secure browser sessions, but DNSFilter safeguards your entire network. With our AI-powered domain intelligence, transparent pricing, and privately operated anycast network, you’ll get the most comprehensive DNS-layer protection available.

Start your 14-day free trial today and see why thousands of organizations trust DNSFilter to keep their users safe — everywhere they connect.

DNS Filtration that just works

I haven't found anything I don't like about DNSFilter. I've never had issues with it or needed to troubleshoot it. It just works and it listens to me. Customer support is extremely responsive, gives quick and concise answers with little to no time wasted.

Does what the product claims; good value for the price

We use the product for handling business URL filtering. The DNS look ups are fast and the management of allow/deny lists is pretty easy. Reporting is useful. There are some cool features for granular management at an individual machine level. The price is quite reasonable for what it does. It's pretty much set and forget.

Its raining malware but I wont reach for my Umbrella, but DNS Filter instead

The ease of use and overall ability to block applications, limit search engines, block a number of threat types and add good sites to a whitelist or block a known bad site in a blacklist. Reporting is also the BEST I have seen as it is so easy to find good and bad blocks...allowing you to easily and daily to monitor and update lists as needed.

DNSFilter - A Fast, Easy, And Reliable DNS Filtering Solution

Setup and deployment were super easy. Support has been excellent. Overall, the product is a nice addition to our security stack, blocking threats at the DNS level.

DNSFilter Is A No Brainer. It Cost Less Than Its Competitors And Easy To Setup.

DNSFilter is easy to setup and configure. I was up and running in a day. It works on all OS platforms and doesn't interfere with our end users doing their jobs.

Compliance Level DNS Filtering

Provides client level installation for DNS filtering when outside of the building. Complements EndPoint and Firewall web filtering by processing all DNS requests through an active filter to help stop malware distribution. We can distribute the product uniquely using RMM to each customer and management and controls are customer unique.

Great platform, even greater customer support

It is incredibly easy to get started. The interface is very user-friendly. If you have any issues, the customer support chat is handy. You get connected to an actual human, not just a chatbot.

Fast to deploy, protect an entire network in a minute

Good web filtering for all our locations, we also deployed the roaming client to cover our users when they are outside the company network. It is also our first level of defense if there is a threat as the domain might be blocked before our EPP / EDR detect something.

Easy-to-use DNS security solution

I love how DNSFilter is constantly being updated with new features and security updates. This gives me peace of mind knowing that my business is always protected from the latest online threats.

Finally, a DNS filter that actually works!

DNSFilter has proven to be one of the easiest solutions to implement. The intuitive interface makes on-going administration a breeze. We're happy to know our internet security stack is protected and the accurate categorization of traffic has not interfered with approved business functions.

DNSFilter vs. DefensX

Protect every connection, not just your browser

DNSFilter vs. DefensX

Why a Browser-First DNS Security Falls Short