Cleanbrowsing – Manage Screen Time & Quit Digital Addiction [Test & Review]

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Helps to reveal patterns and emotional needs behind your digital toxic habits.

Need Cleanbrowsing because you are struggling to manage screen time or break free from digital addictions (social media, gaming, adult content)?

Procrastinating because you can’t focus or be productive enough to achieve the results you deserve? With endless distractions from our devices, staying on track can feel nearly impossible.

In this Screen Management Tool Series, we explore and test the best free and paid tools for Android, iOS, computers, and phones—including apps, software, extensions, and more—so you can take back control, reclaim your time, and unlock your full potential.

Cleanbrowsing

⭐️ Our Experts Score: 48/100
⭐️ Community Score: 51/100
🥇Rank: 82th/160
🔒 Potential Impact: 4.5/5
💰 Free + premium plans
👍 Best use for: DNS & Network Filtering
📊 Estimated Users: 1M+

Summary

About Cleanbrowsing

CleanBrowsing is a DNS-based web filtering service launched in 2018 by Daniel Cid. It offers customizable content filtering to block adult content, malicious sites, and other unwanted categories, enhancing online safety for families and organizations. By changing DNS settings, users can control internet access and ensure a safer browsing experience.

Cleanbrowsing Functionalities & Features

Certainly! Here is a list of the main functionalities and features of CleanBrowsing, each starting with an emoji:

  • 1. 🔒 Content Filtering: CleanBrowsing offers robust content filtering to block inappropriate and harmful content, ensuring safe browsing for users of all ages.
  • 2. 🌐 DNS Filtering: By using DNS filtering, CleanBrowsing can manage and restrict access to specific websites, enhancing online safety and security.
  • 3. 🛡️ Malware Protection: Protects users from malicious websites and potential malware threats by blocking access to known harmful domains.
  • 4. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Browsing: Provides family-friendly browsing modes that automatically block adult content and other unsuitable material for children.
  • 5. 📊 Activity Reporting: Offers detailed reports on browsing activity, helping parents and administrators monitor and manage internet usage.
  • 6. ⚙️ Customizable Filtering: Allows users to customize filtering settings to suit their specific needs, including whitelisting and blacklisting of domains.
  • 7. 🚫 Ad Blocking: Includes features to block unwanted ads, reducing distractions and enhancing the browsing experience.
  • 8. ⏱️ Time-Based Controls: Enables time-based controls to limit internet access during specific hours, promoting healthier online habits.
  • 9. 🖥️ Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works across various devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
  • 10. 🔄 Automatic Updates: Regularly updates its database to ensure the latest threats and inappropriate content are effectively blocked.

    These features make CleanBrowsing a comprehensive tool for managing internet safety and content accessibility.

  • What Cleanbrowsing can help you with

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  • 1. 🚫 Inappropriate Content Blocking
    Filters explicit online material.
  • 2. 🛡️ Enhanced Online Security
    Protects against malicious sites.
  • 3. ⏰ Time Management
    Limits internet usage hours.
  • 4. 👶 Child Safety
    Ensures child-friendly browsing.
  • 5. 📉 Bandwidth Management
    Reduces unnecessary data usage.
  • 6. 🔍 Search Engine Filtering
    Enforces safe search settings.
  • 7. 🏠 Customizable Family Controls
    Tailors restrictions per user.
  • 8. 🖥️ Device Compatibility
    Works across multiple platforms.
  • The psychology of Cleanbrowsing

    Cleanbrowsing enhances online safety by filtering harmful content, reducing anxiety, and fostering focus. It leverages psychological comfort by creating a controlled digital environment, promoting positive habits, and empowering users to navigate the internet confidently, ensuring a healthier, more productive online experience.

    How to download and install Cleanbrowsing

    Availability

    Windows, Macos, Android, Ios, Router

    Download

    Windows / Macos / Android / Ios / Router: Download Cleanbrowsing

    Or visit£µ£official page.

    Installation

    Download the CleanBrowsing app. Open the installer and follow on-screen instructions. Once installed, launch the app, select your desired filter, and apply settings. Ensure your device’s DNS is set to CleanBrowsing’s IP addresses. Restart your device to activate the new settings for safe browsing.

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    Cleanbrowsing – PRO vs Free: Prices & Plans [2025]

    Paid Functionalities (paywall)

    The pro version of CleanBrowsing offers enhanced web filtering capabilities, ideal for families and organizations seeking robust online safety. Key advantages include customizable filtering options, allowing users to tailor content restrictions according to specific needs. It provides advanced analytics and reporting, offering insights into browsing activity for better monitoring and management.

    Additionally, the pro version supports multiple devices and users, ensuring comprehensive protection across networks. Behind the paywall, users gain access to priority support, ensuring quick resolution of issues, and the ability to create custom block and allow lists for precise control over web access. These features collectively enhance security, privacy, and control over internet usage, making CleanBrowsing Pro a valuable tool for maintaining a safe online environment.

    Plans & Prices

    Free + premium plans | Premium plans include advanced filtering and security. $5.99/month or $59.99/year

    Money-back guarantee?

    Yes, CleanBrowsing offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to request a refund if unsatisfied with the service.

    Test & Review of Cleanbrowsing

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    Pros & Cons

    Pros & Advantages

  • 1. Enhanced privacy protection with robust filtering.
  • 2. User-friendly setup and configuration.
  • 3. Comprehensive content filtering for safe browsing.
  • 4. Real-time threat detection and blocking.
  • 5. Customizable filtering options for different needs.
  • 6. Supports multiple devices and platforms.
  • 7. Reliable uptime and fast performance.
  • 8. Regular updates for improved security.
  • 9. Free tier available for basic use.
  • 10. Strong community support and resources.
  • Cons & Limits

    CleanBrowsing, while effective for filtering content, has several disadvantages. It may inadvertently block legitimate sites, causing frustration. Users often experience slower browsing speeds due to filtering processes. The service can also limit access to educational or research materials.

    Additionally, tech-savvy users might bypass filters, undermining its purpose. Lastly, reliance on CleanBrowsing could reduce awareness and education about safe browsing practices.

    Does Cleanbrowsing actually work?

    How reliable is it?

    One of the most important questions when it comes to screen time management tools or website blockers: how reliable are they?

    As we know, when cravings hit, our brain pushes us to access it, and the trickier it is to do so, the less chance we have of yielding and wasting time. So here comes the question: How easy is it to bypass, avoid, forget, remove, or uninstall Cleanbrowsing?

    Using CleanBrowsing is a great way to enhance your online experience by filtering out unwanted content. It’s quite reliable because it works at the DNS level, making it harder to bypass compared to browser extensions. Once set up on your router or device, it continuously protects every connection, so you’re less likely to forget to use it.

    Additionally, since it’s integrated into your network settings, it’s not easily removed or uninstalled without some technical know-how, which helps prevent accidental removal due to laziness or cravings. Overall, CleanBrowsing offers a sturdy and user-friendly solution to keep your web browsing safe and clean.

    What results can you realistically expect from using Cleanbrowsing?

    Using CleanBrowsing, you can expect a safer and cleaner internet experience. It blocks inappropriate content like adult sites and harmful malware, ensuring a secure environment for your family or workspace.

    Additionally, it enhances privacy by preventing tracking and can improve browsing speeds with optimized DNS servers. Overall, you’ll enjoy more reliable, protected, and streamlined internet access.

    What users & the community think about it

    Here is what the community (app reviews, Reddit, Trustpilot…) thinks about Cleanbrowsing.

    CleanBrowsing is generally well-received in online reviews for its effective content filtering and user-friendly setup, particularly praised by parents and educators for enhancing online safety. Users appreciate its customizable features and reliable performance in blocking inappropriate content. However, some mention occasional over-blocking and limited free plan features. Overall, it is regarded as a valuable tool for maintaining a secure browsing environment.

    Best Cleanbrowsing alternatives compared

    🏆 RANK 🛠️ TOOL 🎯 BEST FOR 📱 AVAILABLE 👥 ~USERS 💲 PRICE ⬇️ DOWNLOAD
    1 NextDNS Advanced DNS filtering for blocking harmful content. Windows macOS Android iOS Linux Router 1M+ Free Download
    2 OpenDNS Network-level web filtering for safer browsing. Windows macOS Router 10M+ Free Download
    3 Pi-hole Network-wide ad and tracker blocker. Linux Raspberry Pi 1M+ Free Download
    4 DNSFilter Cloud-based DNS filtering for blocking harmful content. Windows macOS Android iOS Router 500K+ $5/month (Basic), $10/month (Pro) Download
    5 NetLimiter Controls and monitors internet bandwidth usage. Windows 200K+ $19.95 (Home), $29.95 (Pro) Download
    6 CleanBrowsing Filters unsafe content at the DNS level. Windows macOS Android iOS Router 1M+ Free Download
    7 NetGuard Firewall app that blocks unwanted internet access. Android 2M+ Free Download
    8 Eero Secure Network-level content filtering and security. Router 500K+ $2.99/month, $29.99/year Download
    9 OpenDNS Family Shield Pre-configured web filtering for family-safe browsing. Windows macOS Router 10M+ Free Download
    10 Safe Surfer Blocks inappropriate content on the web. Android iOS 500K+ $4.99/month, $49.99/year Download
    11 InternetOff Disables internet access for focus sessions. Android 50K+ Free Download
    12 Google WiFi Parental Controls Network-level content filtering and time restrictions. Router 10M+ Free Download
    13 TP-Link HomeCare Router-based parental controls and security. Router 1M+ Free Download

    To discover more DNS & Network Filtering tools, check our DNS & Network Filtering ranking:

    Our opinion on Cleanbrowsing

    As a tech and digital addiction expert, we find CleanBrowsing to be a valuable tool for managing screen time and ensuring safe online experiences. Its DNS-based filtering effectively blocks inappropriate content, helping reduce digital distractions and promote healthier usage habits. CleanBrowsing is user-friendly and customizable, making it ideal for families and individuals seeking to regain control over their digital interactions. Overall, it’s a reliable solution for fostering a safer and more balanced online environment.

    To Go Further

    Test your screen habits

    Try our digital habit & screen addiction test:

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    To go further, please check our courseThe Digital Purge.Here is the trailer:

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