SaferNet
SaferNet is an open source web filtering software that blocks access to websites containing illegal and harmful content. It aims to create a safer internet experience.
web-filtering
content-blocking
open-source
SaferNet: Open Source Web Filtering Software
SaferNet is an open source web filtering software that blocks access to websites containing illegal and harmful content. It aims to create a safer internet experience.
What is SaferNet?
SaferNet is an open source web filtering software designed to block access to websites containing illegal, harmful and inappropriate content. It can be used by schools, businesses, libraries, government agencies and home users to restrict access to pornography, violence, hate speech, hacking, gambling and other objectionable material.
The software uses regularly updated block lists as well as dynamic content analysis to identify unwanted sites and prevent users from accessing them. It supports multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, routers and more. SaferNet enables administrators to customize filtering categories, set up user profiles with different restrictions, view activity reports and override blocks when necessary.
A core focus of SaferNet is empowering users to create a safer internet. In addition to the filtering capabilities, it provides education on online issues and tools for reporting harmful content. The software is designed to balance protection with personal liberty. It is released under an open source license to encourage community participation in developing and auditing the technology.
SaferNet Features
Features
- URL filtering
- Keyword blocking
- Custom block pages
- Whitelisting
- Blacklisting
- HTTPS inspection
- AD blocking
- Time-based filtering
- Reporting
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Open source
Free
Effective web filtering
Easy to configure
Active development
Cons
Limited documentation
Steep learning curve
No mobile app
No cloud management
Official Links
The Best SaferNet Alternatives
Top Security & Privacy and Web Filtering and other similar apps like SaferNet
Here are some alternatives to SaferNet:
Suggest an alternative ❐
1.1.1.1
1.1.1.1 is a free Domain Name System (DNS) resolution service offered by Cloudflare that provides users with fast connection speeds, improved security, and privacy protection. It works by routing DNS queries through Cloudflare's Anycast network of DNS servers instead of using your Internet Service Provider's default DNS servers.Some key benefits...
NextDNS
NextDNS is a customizable DNS service that focuses on improving privacy, security, performance, and parental controls when browsing the internet. Unlike your standard ISP DNS server that just converts domain names to IP addresses, NextDNS acts as a middleman between your device and websites you visit.Some key features of NextDNS...
Cisco Umbrella
Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-native platform that provides the first line of defense against threats on the internet. It works by analyzing domain name requests, IPs, URLs and file hashes against an evolving global network that spans across Cisco security infrastructure, customers, partners and threat intelligence sources.When users make DNS...
Google Public DNS
Google Public DNS is a free Domain Name System (DNS) service offered by Google. It provides alternative DNS server addresses that can be configured in home networking routers, devices, and operating systems.The aim of Google Public DNS is to provide a faster, more reliable, and more secure way for devices...
UncensoredDNS
UncensoredDNS is an open-source Domain Name System (DNS) server designed to circumvent internet censorship and access websites blocked by restrictive governments or internet service providers (ISPs). It works by routing DNS requests through uncensored DNS servers instead of those provided by the ISP.When you try to access a website, your...
NixNet DNS
NixNet DNS is an open source recursive DNS server with a focus on security, privacy, and performance. Some key features include:Support for encrypted DNS protocols like DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT) to prevent eavesdropping and manipulation of DNS data.Built-in anonymization capabilities like DNS proxying and spoofing to hide client IP...
CleanBrowsing
CleanBrowsing is a DNS-based web filtering service that allows blocking unwanted content. It works by rerouting DNS lookups through CleanBrowsing's servers, which contain block lists of websites in categories like ads, trackers, malware, phishing, pornography, proxy & VPNs, etc.CleanBrowsing provides different filtering profiles depending on the intended usage - homes,...
DnsWarden
DnsWarden is a powerful DNS firewall designed to protect organizations against advanced cyber threats that abuse the DNS protocol. It works by analyzing and blocking malicious DNS requests, preventing compromised devices on your network from connecting to dangerous domains that host malware, phishing attacks, botnet C2 servers and other threats.Key...
Yandex.DNS
Yandex.DNS is a free Domain Name System (DNS) recursive resolver service provided by the Russian technology company Yandex. It offers a fast and reliable alternative to using your internet service provider's default DNS servers or public DNS services like Google DNS or Cloudflare.Some key features of Yandex.DNS include:Enhanced performance -...
Quad9
Quad9 is a free, recursive, anycast DNS platform that provides endpoint protection, as well as DNS resolution. Quad9 blocks against known malicious domains to prevent users from accessing phishing, malware, ransomware and other types of malicious sites. The service is operated by the Packet Clearing House, the Global Cyber Alliance,...
OpenNIC
OpenNIC is a non-profit organization that maintains an alternative Domain Name System (DNS) root server network outside the control of ICANN. The OpenNIC DNS allows internet users to voluntarily select an alternative set of root servers for DNS resolution and registration services.Some key benefits and features of the OpenNIC DNS...
Freenom World
Freenom World is a free domain registration service offered by Freenom Inc. It allows users to register domain names for free under several popular TLDs including .tk, .ml, .ga, .cf and .gq. Some key features of Freenom World:Users can search for and register available domain names instantly for freeNo fees...
WebTitan DNS Web Filter
WebTitan DNS Web Filter is a powerful cloud-based DNS filtering solution designed to protect organizations against web-based threats and enable granular control over employee internet usage. It works by filtering domain name system (DNS) requests through a global cloud infrastructure, blocking access to malicious websites and restricting access to unwanted...
DNS.Watch
DNS.Watch is a robust DNS monitoring and analytics platform designed to provide complete visibility into your DNS infrastructure and performance. It goes beyond traditional DNS monitoring to give you deep insights into the configuration, health, and security of your DNS environment.Key features include:Global DNS node monitoring - Monitor resolution times...
Verisign Public DNS
Verisign Public DNS is a free, recursive Domain Name System (DNS) resolution service offered by Verisign, Inc. It provides domain name resolution services for Internet users worldwide. Verisign Public DNS features multiple globally distributed anycast hosted DNS servers to provide greater reliability, improved security protections, faster speeds, and increased scalability...
DNSReactor
DNSReactor is a comprehensive DNS management system aimed primarily at hosting providers, network administrators, and IT professionals. It provides extensive control and automation capabilities for managing DNS servers and zones across virtual, dedicated, and cloud infrastructure.Key features of DNSReactor include:Centralized dashboard for managing all DNS servers and zonesDomain registration and...
DNSX3
DNSX3 is a feature-rich domain name system (DNS) server software developed by ThreatSTOP. It goes beyond traditional DNS servers by incorporating next-generation security, performance, and reliability capabilities.Key features of DNSX3 include:DNS load balancing and global server load balancing (GSLB) to distribute traffic across multiple DNS servers for faster performance and...
