Need Opendns 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.
Opendns
⭐️ Our Experts Score: 70/100
⭐️ Community Score: 71/100
🥇Rank: 48th/160
🔒 Potential Impact: 4.5/5
💰 Free + premium plans
👍 Best use for: DNS & Network Filtering
📊 Estimated Users: 10M+
Summary
- About Opendns
- Functionalities & Features
- What Opendns can help you with
- How to use Opendns
- Prices & Plans: Free vs PRO [2025]
- Paid Functionalities (paywall)
- Plans & Prices
- Money-back guarantee?
- Test & Review of Opendns
- Pros & Cons
- Does Opendns actually work?
- User tests & community sentiment
- Comparison with competitors
- Our opinion
- To Go Further
- Test your screen habits
About Opendns
OpenDNS, founded by David Ulevitch in 2006, is a cloud-based service providing DNS resolution to enhance internet speed, security, and reliability. It works by routing user queries through its global network of servers, offering features like phishing protection and content filtering. By replacing default ISP DNS settings with OpenDNS, users experience faster and safer browsing, benefiting from its advanced threat protection and customizable controls.
Opendns Functionalities & Features
Certainly! Here’s a list of OpenDNS’s main functionalities and features, each starting with an emoji:
🌐 Web Content Filtering: OpenDNS allows users to block or allow specific categories of websites, providing control over what content can be accessed on the network.
🔍 Phishing Protection: It offers protection against phishing attacks by blocking access to known phishing sites, enhancing online security.
🚀 Faster Internet Experience: OpenDNS can improve browsing speed and reliability by using a global network of DNS servers.
🔒 Security Threat Protection: It helps protect against malware, botnets, and other security threats by preventing access to malicious domains.
📊 Detailed Usage Reports: OpenDNS provides insights and analytics on internet usage, helping users understand browsing habits and network activity.
🛡️ Customizable Security Settings: Users can customize security settings to suit their needs, including setting up custom block lists and whitelists.
👥 Parental Controls: OpenDNS offers parental control features to help manage and restrict internet access for children.
🔗 DNSCrypt Support: It supports DNSCrypt, which encrypts DNS traffic between the user’s device and OpenDNS servers, enhancing privacy and security.
🔄 Dynamic IP Support: OpenDNS can accommodate users with dynamic IP addresses, ensuring continuous protection and filtering.
📈 Network Statistics: Users can access detailed statistics about DNS requests, providing insights into network performance and security.
These features make OpenDNS a robust solution for enhancing internet security, performance, and control.
What Opendns can help you with

Improving your technology relationship
Certainly! Here are some problems and pain points that OpenDNS can help solve:
Protects against phishing sites.
Blocks inappropriate web content.
Faster DNS resolution times.
Access geo-restricted content easily.
Provides detailed internet usage reports.
Shields devices from malicious software.
Ensures consistent DNS uptime.
Manages kids’ online activities.
The psychology of Opendns
OpenDNS enhances internet security and performance by using DNS to block malicious sites and filter content. Psychologically, it offers users peace of mind and control over their online environment, fostering a safer and more focused digital experience.
How to download and install Opendns
Availability
Windows, Macos, Router
Download
Windows / Macos / Router: Download Opendns
Or visit£µ£official page.
Installation
Download OpenDNS and follow these steps to install: Open Control Panel, navigate to Network and Sharing Center, select your network, click Properties, and choose Internet Protocol Version
Opendns – PRO vs Free: Prices & Plans [2025]
Paid Functionalities (paywall)
The Pro version of OpenDNS offers enhanced web security and performance features beyond the free version. Key advantages include advanced threat protection, which blocks malicious sites and phishing attempts, ensuring safer browsing. It provides customizable web filtering, allowing users to block specific content categories, enhancing control over internet use. The Pro version also offers detailed usage statistics and reports, enabling better monitoring of network activity.
Additionally, it ensures faster internet speeds through optimized DNS routing. These functionalities, behind a paywall, are ideal for businesses and families seeking robust online protection and improved internet management. The Pro version’s comprehensive features make it a valuable investment for enhanced cybersecurity and network efficiency.
Plans & Prices
Free + premium plans |
Money-back guarantee?
OpenDNS does not offer a money-back guarantee, but they provide a free trial for users to test their services.
Test & Review of Opendns
Pros & Cons
Pros & Advantages
Cons & Limits
Using OpenDNS can present several disadvantages: it may lead to privacy concerns as user data could be logged and analyzed. There might be occasional inaccuracies in content filtering, blocking legitimate sites. Users may experience slower browsing speeds due to DNS query rerouting.
Additionally, advanced features often require a paid subscription, and technical setup can be challenging for non-experts. Compatibility issues with certain networks might also arise.
Does Opendns 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 Opendns?
Using OpenDNS can be a great way to enhance your online experience by providing better security, parental controls, and improved browsing speeds. It helps block malicious websites and unwanted content, making the internet safer for everyone. OpenDNS is quite reliable, offering consistent protection and easy setup. However, like any tool, it’s not entirely bypass-proof. Tech-savvy individuals might find ways around it, and there’s always a chance someone might forget to use it or decide to uninstall it out of convenience or habit. To maximize its effectiveness, consider setting it up on your router for network-wide protection, reducing the chances of it being easily removed or forgotten. Overall, OpenDNS is a solid choice to improve your online life!
What results can you realistically expect from using Opendns?
Using OpenDNS Web, you can expect enhanced online security by blocking malicious and phishing sites. Enjoy improved content filtering to restrict inappropriate or unwanted content, making browsing safer for families and businesses. You might also experience faster DNS resolution, leading to quicker website load times.
Additionally, OpenDNS offers customizable settings, allowing you to tailor your internet experience to fit your specific needs. Overall, it provides a safer and more controlled browsing environment.
What users & the community think about it
Here is what the community (app reviews, Reddit, Trustpilot…) thinks about Opendns.
OpenDNS is widely praised for enhancing internet security and improving browsing speed. Users appreciate its effective phishing protection and customizable filtering options. The community values its reliability and ease of use, particularly for parental controls. However, some users mention occasional connectivity issues. Overall, OpenDNS is regarded as a robust tool for safer and more efficient internet use.
Best Opendns 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 Opendns
As a tech and digital addiction expert, we highly recommend OpenDNS for managing online activities. It effectively filters unwanted content, enhances security, and allows you to set browsing restrictions across your home or workspace. This helps reduce distractions and supports healthier screen habits by limiting access to harmful or time-wasting sites. Plus, it’s easy to set up and works seamlessly with most devices. OpenDNS is a reliable tool for anyone looking to take control of their digital environment and promote better online behavior.
To Go Further
Test your screen habits
Try our digital habit & screen addiction test:
Quit any toxic screen habit
To go further, please check our courseThe Digital Purge.Here is the trailer: