Best Internet Filtering Software in 2025 (Reviewed and Ranked)

#1: Net Nanny

Net Nanny remains a gold standard in internet filtering software for families. Designed with both elegance and power, Net Nanny combines AI-based content filtering with real-time monitoring that sets it apart in 2025. Its ability to scan web pages dynamically—not just by URL or domain—means that it blocks inappropriate content even when it appears in real-time text or image content. It also offers customizable filter levels, time management tools, and alerts for suspicious activity. What gives Net Nanny an edge this year is its expanded support for streaming platforms and gaming content, allowing parents to regulate not just websites, but in-app content on YouTube, TikTok, and Discord. It’s compatible across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, and its user-friendly interface makes it ideal for non-technical users. The performance is smooth, the reports are detailed, and the software receives regular updates, making it a future-proof choice for family protection.

#2: CleanBrowsing

CleanBrowsing delivers an incredibly efficient and fast DNS-based content filtering solution. Unlike traditional software that installs agents on devices, CleanBrowsing works by routing DNS traffic through their secure filtering servers. This makes it incredibly lightweight and nearly impossible for children or end users to bypass without administrator access. CleanBrowsing’s standout feature is its selection of filtering profiles—Family Filter, Adult Filter, and Security Filter—each fine-tuned for specific needs. In 2025, CleanBrowsing introduced AI-enhanced phishing and malware site detection, boosting its relevance in the cybersecurity space. It’s easy to configure on routers, making it a great option for whole-home protection without needing to install apps on every device. It’s especially popular in educational settings, thanks to its ease of deployment and Google SafeSearch enforcement.

#3: Qustodio

Qustodio continues to dominate the parental control market, but in 2025 it’s also making waves in small business and education. While many know it for its intuitive dashboard and device tracking features, Qustodio’s internet filtering is where it shines. It allows for app blocking, social media oversight, and website filtering across more than 30 content categories. The interface gives detailed usage reports, and alerts can be customized to notify parents or administrators instantly. Its compatibility with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and even Chromebook ensures flexibility in modern digital ecosystems. Qustodio also now includes screen time limits for individual apps and YouTube monitoring on all platforms. Whether you want to block adult content, gambling, violence, or even limit gaming hours, Qustodio delivers powerful controls in a sleek package.

#4: OpenDNS (Cisco Umbrella)

For enterprise-level users and advanced home networks, OpenDNS—now Cisco Umbrella—continues to provide unmatched performance in the realm of DNS-based content filtering. Backed by Cisco’s robust cloud infrastructure, Umbrella offers scalable internet filtering services that protect against phishing, malware, botnets, and malicious domains in real time. For IT professionals, its detailed analytics and policy customization tools are invaluable. You can create multiple filtering profiles, apply them across user groups, and track activity with precision. In 2025, Cisco added new AI-driven categorization tools and zero-trust integration capabilities, making it ideal for hybrid and remote workforce security. Though it requires more technical expertise to deploy effectively, its power and flexibility make it a top-tier choice for businesses and institutions.

#5: Bark

Bark has rapidly evolved from a simple monitoring tool into one of the most intelligent filtering and child-safety platforms available today. Its AI-driven scanning system analyzes text, images, and audio across social media, messaging apps, and browsing sessions. While it began as a tool to monitor digital behavior, in 2025 Bark introduced fully-featured internet filtering that’s as responsive as its alert system. Parents receive real-time notifications for threats like cyberbullying, predatory messages, or exposure to adult content. Bark’s filtering engine is cloud-based, meaning it can be updated instantly to recognize new threats. It’s designed for mobile-first environments and integrates well with school-issued Chromebooks and iPads. Bark’s filtering system isn’t just about blocking—it’s about empowering parents with context-rich alerts that encourage healthy digital habits.

#6: SafeDNS

SafeDNS combines enterprise-level filtering with accessibility for families and small businesses. It uses a cloud-based filtering system that can be applied at the network level or per device. Its interface allows administrators to categorize and block millions of websites across more than 60 categories, including adult content, gambling, social media, and time-wasting portals. In 2025, SafeDNS expanded its mobile platform support, now offering Android and iOS apps alongside desktop integration. With built-in SafeSearch enforcement and YouTube restricted mode, it’s an ideal solution for schools. The analytics dashboard provides clear insights into usage patterns and threat attempts. One of the best features is its time schedule management, allowing you to apply rules differently on weekdays versus weekends. For anyone seeking an efficient yet affordable DNS filtering system, SafeDNS is a smart choice.

#7: Mobicip

Mobicip continues to cater to families and school networks by delivering strong filtering performance with an emphasis on mobile usability. It allows parents and administrators to block websites, apps, and even online games across multiple devices from a single dashboard. In 2025, Mobicip revamped its UI and integrated machine learning algorithms to improve content classification and reduce false positives. Parents can now set up time limits per app, lock devices remotely, and monitor YouTube search history and watch time. The filtering engine itself uses AI-backed deep content analysis, which means it doesn’t just block by domain—it scans the actual content on pages. With cloud-based control panels, Mobicip can be accessed from anywhere, making it ideal for families with kids using smartphones and tablets as their primary devices.

#8: FortiGuard Web Filtering

FortiGuard Web Filtering, a core component of Fortinet’s Unified Threat Management suite, is a high-performance solution tailored for businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies. It’s one of the most secure filtering platforms available, and in 2025, it continues to excel in threat intelligence and zero-day protection. FortiGuard blocks malicious websites in real time and enforces compliance with corporate policies through granular control mechanisms. Users can create multiple profiles, restrict access to websites or web categories, and integrate filtering with VPN and endpoint protection tools. Though not as beginner-friendly as consumer platforms, FortiGuard is known for its precision and scale. For enterprises looking to integrate content filtering into a broader cybersecurity strategy, this software is a strategic cornerstone.

#9: Norton Family

Norton Family extends Symantec’s renowned cybersecurity credentials into the world of internet filtering. In 2025, it continues to offer parents comprehensive visibility and control over their children’s digital lives. Norton Family’s filtering system is smart enough to distinguish between educational and entertainment content within the same domain, which means fewer interruptions for legitimate schoolwork. The dashboard gives an overview of search terms, website visits, and screen time. It also allows for setting curfews, pausing the internet, and creating content-based filters across devices. While its Android and Windows support is robust, its iOS integration has been improved significantly in the last year. For parents already using Norton 360 or LifeLock, Norton Family is a natural—and secure—extension of their digital household.

#10: Kaspersky Safe Kids

Kaspersky Safe Kids is an excellent all-around choice for internet filtering, screen-time management, and GPS location tracking. Though Kaspersky has faced scrutiny in some geopolitical circles, its software has remained technically outstanding and privacy-respecting. In 2025, Safe Kids features enhanced AI-based web filtering that adapts to new sites in real time. It includes SafeSearch and restricted YouTube mode by default and lets parents customize blocklists down to specific URLs. Kaspersky’s filtering is particularly good at understanding the intent behind search terms, making it more effective than keyword-based blockers. It’s available on Android, iOS, and Windows, and also integrates well with Kaspersky’s antivirus products. One notable feature is battery-level tracking on mobile devices, which helps parents understand why their kids might go offline. For tech-savvy families who want deep customization, Kaspersky Safe Kids is a powerful tool at a great value.

Choosing the Right Filtering Solution in 2025

As more families, schools, and businesses move toward hybrid work and learning environments, choosing the right internet filtering software has become mission-critical. The best tool for you will depend on your specific needs—whether that’s protecting children from mature content, maintaining employee productivity, complying with industry regulations, or safeguarding network security. DNS-based solutions like CleanBrowsing, SafeDNS, and OpenDNS are ideal for whole-network control without needing app installations. Meanwhile, full-featured parental control platforms like Qustodio, Net Nanny, and Mobicip are better suited for households managing multiple devices. For businesses and schools requiring scalable, policy-driven control with threat intelligence baked in, FortiGuard and Cisco Umbrella offer unmatched power. In 2025, the key innovations are artificial intelligence, cloud integration, and platform compatibility. AI is enabling smarter filtering with fewer false positives. Cloud-based dashboards allow remote management from anywhere, while cross-platform support ensures no device gets left behind. This fusion of safety, convenience, and control is what makes today’s internet filtering tools more essential than ever.

The Future of Online Safety Starts Now

As digital threats evolve and online content becomes more complex, relying on browser-based or router-level filters from a decade ago is no longer sufficient. Modern filtering solutions are intelligent, dynamic, and deeply integrated into the way we use devices today. Whether you’re managing a household of curious kids or running a global team across remote offices, protecting your digital space requires more than just vigilance—it demands the right software. And with the solutions reviewed and ranked here, you’re already one step closer to a safer, smarter, and more focused online experience.