Web filters for families

These tools help you block adult content, malware, and other harmful sites before they ever load. We recommend starting with a free DNS filter, then adding a paid parental-control app if you want deeper monitoring.

🌐 Free Filters (DNS)

CleanBrowsing

Top Pick

Blocks adult content, malware, phishing, and VPN bypass sites.

Primary: 185.228.168.168

Alt: 185.228.169.168

Setup Guide →

Cloudflare Family

Fastest

Blocks malware and adult content using Cloudflare’s fast global network.

Primary: 1.1.1.3

Alt: 1.0.0.3

Setup Guide →

OpenDNS Family

Classic

Cisco-owned service. Pre-configured to block adult content automatically.

Primary: 208.67.222.123

Alt: 208.67.220.123

Setup Guide →

📱 Paid Parental Apps

DNS filtering blocks websites, but it can’t see inside apps like TikTok or Instagram. These tools add app-level monitoring, alerts, and screen-time controls.

Bark

AI-powered monitoring for texts, social media, and YouTube. Sends alerts for bullying, self-harm, or explicit content.

✓ Monitors 30+ platforms
✓ Alerts with context

Try Bark

Qustodio

Balanced suite with web filtering, app blocking, screen-time limits, and location tracking in one dashboard.

✓ Great activity timeline
✓ Cross-platform limits

View Plans

Net Nanny

Uses real-time content analysis to filter out dangerous content inside web pages—not just blocking URL lists.

✓ Dynamic filtering
✓ Screen time controls

Explore Net Nanny

The Simple Strategy

1
Turn on Google SafeSearch and YouTube Restricted Mode on every kid device.
2
Configure a free DNS filter (like CleanBrowsing) on your router so the whole house is protected.
3
Add a paid parental-control app (like Bark) on each kid’s phone for detailed monitoring.
4
Use Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link to control app installs and downtime.