Top 10 Best Web Content Filtering Tools in 2025

In a digital landscape increasingly defined by remote work and sophisticated cyber threats, web content filtering has become a critical security measure for organizations of all sizes.

The best web content filtering solutions in 2025 go far beyond simple URL blocking, leveraging AI-driven threat intelligence, zero-trust principles, and granular policy control to protect users and assets.

These modern platforms are essential for enhancing network security, improving employee productivity by blocking access to distracting or malicious sites, and ensuring compliance with corporate policies.

This comprehensive guide details the top 10 web content filtering solutions available today, highlighting their key features and strengths to help you choose the right tool for your specific needs.

To ensure the highest level of quality and relevance, our selection process focused on the following key factors:

• Experience & Expertise (E-E): The list prioritizes solutions from established cybersecurity vendors with a proven track record. We looked for products that demonstrate a deep understanding of modern web-borne threats, including sophisticated malware, phishing, and ransomware. The inclusion of products with AI-driven threat intelligence and real-time analysis is a testament to their deep expertise in the field.
• Authoritativeness & Trustworthiness (A-T): We assessed the market reputation of each solution by considering its recognition in industry reports (e.g., from Gartner and Forrester), market share, and public perception. User reviews on platforms like G2 and Capterra, as well as testimonials from corporate clients, were heavily weighted. The transparency of each company’s security practices and data handling policies was also a critical factor in building trust.
• Feature-Richness: We evaluated each solution on a comprehensive set of features crucial for 2025’s cybersecurity landscape, including:
  • Automated Discovery: The ability to automatically identify and protect devices on and off the network.
  • AI & Automation: The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect and classify new threats in real-time.
  • Scalability & Flexibility: The solution’s ability to support different deployment models (cloud, on-premise, hybrid) and scale to meet the needs of businesses from SMBs to large enterprises.
  • Ease of Use: A clean, intuitive dashboard and simple policy management are essential for IT teams with limited resources.

By following this methodology, we are confident that the solutions presented here are not only the best web content filtering solutions in the market but also the most trusted and reliable options for securing your digital environment in 2025.

Key Trends in Web Content Filtering for 2025

The web content filtering landscape in 2025 is shaped by several key trends, moving beyond simple URL blocking.

• Rise of AI-Powered Threat Intelligence: Traditional, signature-based filtering is no longer sufficient against sophisticated, fast-evolving threats. The best web content filtering solutions are now leveraging AI and machine learning to analyze web traffic in real-time, categorize new websites instantly, and proactively block zero-day threats.
• Integration with Zero Trust Architecture: As remote work becomes the norm, perimeter-based security is obsolete. Modern web content filters are part of a broader Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) framework, ensuring consistent security policies for users on any device, anywhere.
• Granular Control & Customization: Organizations require more than just a pre-defined list of categories. The demand for customizable filtering that allows for granular control over specific applications, sub-domains, and even geographic locations is on the rise.
• Cloud-Native and SaaS Models: The market is shifting towards cloud-native solutions that offer easier deployment, lower maintenance costs, and automatic updates. This trend is making advanced web filtering more accessible to small and medium-sized businesses.

Web Content Filtering Solutions Checklist

When evaluating a web content filtering solution, use this checklist to ensure it meets your organization’s specific needs and cybersecurity goals.

• Threat Intelligence:
  • Does the solution use AI to block new threats in real-time?
  • Does it protect against malware, ransomware, and phishing?
• Content Filtering:
  • Does it offer a wide range of content categories?
  • Can you create custom policies for different user groups?
  • Does it support SSL inspection to filter encrypted traffic?
• Deployment & Management:
  • Is it a cloud-based or on-premise solution, and does it fit your infrastructure?
  • Is the dashboard intuitive and easy to manage?
  • Does it offer detailed reporting and analytics?
• User & Device Coverage:
  • Does it protect users both on and off the network?
  • Does it support all your devices (PC, Mac, mobile)?
  • Can you enforce policies for unmanaged devices?
• Integrations:
  • Does it integrate with your existing security tools (e.g., SIEM, Active Directory)?

Features and Specification Comparison Table

Tool	Automated Discovery	License Management	AI & Automation	Lifecycle Management	Mobile App
Control D	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
Cloudflare Gateway	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
SafeDNS	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
DNSFilter	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Zorus	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
WebTitan	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
Cisco Umbrella	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
NordLayer	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes
Barracuda Web Security Gateway	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No
Fortinet FortiGuard	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

1. Control D

Control D is a flexible and highly customizable DNS filtering service. While other solutions often focus on corporate environments, Control D stands out for its granular control, which allows users to block specific websites, applications, and even ads and trackers.

Its primary appeal is its user-friendly interface and the ability to create highly personalized filtering rules without technical expertise.

Why You Want to Buy It:

Control D offers a level of customization that is unparalleled in the market.

Its user-friendly interface allows for easy setup and management of personalized filtering rules, making it a great option for those who want precise control without the technical frustration of more complex solutions.

Feature	Yes/No	Specification
Automated Discovery	✅ Yes	Detects devices on the network.
License Management	❌ No
AI & Automation	❌ No	Relies on custom user-defined rules, not AI.
Lifecycle Management	❌ No
Mobile App	✅ Yes	Supports a wide range of devices and platforms, including routers.

✅ Best For: Individuals and small teams who want fine-grained control over their online content and privacy.

Try Control D here → Control D Official Website

2. Cloudflare Gateway

Cloudflare Gateway, a component of the broader Cloudflare Zero Trust platform, provides secure web gateway functionality.

It allows organizations to enforce security policies and filter content for all users, regardless of their location or device.

The platform focuses on providing fast, secure, and reliable internet access by routing traffic through Cloudflare’s global network.

Why You Want to Buy It:

Cloudflare Gateway leverages Cloudflare’s massive global network to deliver fast, secure filtering.

Its integration into the Zero Trust platform makes it a seamless fit for businesses moving away from traditional perimeter-based security.

Phishing Attacks Prevention Tools are a major component of this service.

Feature	Yes/No	Specification
Automated Discovery	✅ Yes	Automatically discovers and provides visibility into network traffic.
License Management	✅ Yes	Integrated with the Cloudflare One platform.
AI & Automation	✅ Yes	Uses real-time threat intelligence to adapt to emerging threats.
Lifecycle Management	✅ Yes	Provides end-to-end management within the Cloudflare platform.
Mobile App	✅ Yes	Supports on-the-go security for mobile workforces.

✅ Best For: Organizations of all sizes that are building a zero-trust architecture and want a scalable, secure web gateway solution.

Try Cloudflare Gateway here → Cloudflare Official Website

3. SafeDNS

SafeDNS is a cloud-based DNS filtering solution that uses AI-powered technology to filter the internet at the DNS layer.

It offers various features like App Blocker, which allows you to deny access to specific applications, and detailed analytics reports.

The platform is suitable for both home users and businesses and is known for its easy setup and comprehensive compliance features.

Why You Want to Buy It:

SafeDNS is a very straightforward solution that offers powerful features without the complexity of a secure web gateway.

Its AI-powered categorization and global network make it both effective and fast.

Feature	Yes/No	Specification
Automated Discovery	✅ Yes	Detects devices on the network for filtering.
License Management	✅ Yes	Provides comprehensive license and subscription management.
AI & Automation	✅ Yes	Uses AI for real-time categorization and filtering.
Lifecycle Management	❌ No
Mobile App	❌ No

✅ Best For: Businesses and home users who want an easy-to-deploy, cloud-based DNS filtering solution with a focus on compliance and comprehensive reporting.

Try SafeDNS here → SafeDNS Official Website

4. DNSFilter

DNSFilter is a powerful, AI-driven content and threat filtering solution. It’s known for its speed in identifying and categorizing new threats, often blocking them up to 10 days faster than traditional threat feeds.

The recent acquisition of Zorus has further enhanced its capabilities with endpoint-based filtering and user behavior analytics, making it a comprehensive solution for both on- and off-network protection.

Why You Want to Buy It:

DNSFilter’s AI-driven threat intelligence is a key differentiator, providing rapid protection against emerging threats.

The acquisition of Zorus adds endpoint-level visibility and analytics, creating a more robust, all-in-one solution for MSPs. Read more on endpoint security.

Feature	Yes/No	Specification
Automated Discovery	✅ Yes	Real-time network and endpoint device discovery.
License Management	✅ Yes	Provides detailed reports on software and license usage.
AI & Automation	✅ Yes	Uses AI for real-time threat detection and analysis.
Lifecycle Management	✅ Yes	Manages the full lifecycle from discovery to retirement.
Mobile App	✅ Yes	Roaming clients for on-the-go protection.

✅ Best For: Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and businesses that need a highly effective, AI-powered DNS filtering solution with a focus on real-time threat intelligence.

Try DNSFilter here → DNSFilter Official Website

5. Zorus

Zorus, which was acquired by DNSFilter in April 2025, is an innovative solution that specializes in endpoint-based web filtering and user behavior analytics.

While its capabilities are being integrated into the DNSFilter platform, its core strength remains in providing protection for users both on and off the network. It offers full URL and IP address filtering, which complements network-level security.

Why You Want to Buy It:

Zorus’s endpoint-first approach ensures that users are protected no matter where they are, without the need for DNS changes.

The user behavior analytics feature provides valuable insights into potential insider threats and shadow IT. Learn about other security monitoring tools.

Feature	Yes/No	Specification
Automated Discovery	✅ Yes	Discovers and monitors all devices and endpoints.
License Management	✅ Yes	Provides software license and usage tracking.
AI & Automation	✅ Yes	Analyzes user behavior to detect anomalies and potential threats.
Lifecycle Management	✅ Yes	Manages the security of the asset throughout its lifecycle.
Mobile App	✅ Yes	Endpoint agent for remote protection.

✅ Best For: MSPs and IT professionals who need advanced endpoint filtering and insights into user activity to enhance security.

Try Zorus here → Zorus Official Website

6. WebTitan

WebTitan is a cloud-based web filtering and security solution that’s particularly popular with MSPs. It offers robust protection against web-based cyber threats such as malware and ransomware.

The platform is praised for its market-leading accuracy in threat detection and its granular policy controls, which can be applied to individual users or Active Directory groups.

Why You Want to Buy It:

WebTitan provides market-leading threat accuracy and granular controls that allow for highly customized security policies.

Its multi-tenancy support makes it an ideal solution for MSPs managing multiple clients. Network security is a key focus of this service.

Feature	Yes/No	Specification
Automated Discovery	✅ Yes	Real-time discovery of web traffic.
License Management	✅ Yes	Provides license tracking.
AI & Automation	✅ Yes	Uses machine learning for threat detection.
Lifecycle Management	❌ No
Mobile App	❌ No

✅ Best For: MSPs and businesses that need a user-friendly, cloud-based filtering solution with extensive customization and reporting.

Try WebTitan here → WebTitan Official Website

7. Cisco Umbrella

Cisco Umbrella is a leading DNS-based web security solution. It’s a key part of Cisco’s SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) offering, which integrates networking and security functions.

The platform provides protection against malicious domains, phishing, and malware by blocking threats before a connection is even established. Its cloud-based nature makes it simple to deploy without any hardware.

Why You Want to Buy It:

Cisco Umbrella is a top-tier enterprise-grade solution that offers a wide range of security features beyond simple content filtering.

Its ability to block threats at the DNS level before they reach the network is a major advantage, as seen in many Cisco-related security advisories.

Feature	Yes/No	Specification
Automated Discovery	✅ Yes	Discovers and inventories all network assets and traffic.
License Management	✅ Yes	Provides comprehensive license and contract management.
AI & Automation	✅ Yes	Uses real-time threat intelligence and AI for proactive security.
Lifecycle Management	✅ Yes	Offers end-to-end security management.
Mobile App	✅ Yes	Protects remote users on and off the network.

✅ Best For: Enterprises seeking a scalable, cloud-delivered security solution that integrates with their existing Cisco infrastructure.

Try Cisco Umbrella here → Cisco Umbrella Official Website

8. NordLayer

NordLayer is a scalable network security solution that offers a suite of features including a VPN, zero-trust network access (ZTNA), and web content filtering.

The platform allows businesses to manage and secure their networks, especially for remote and hybrid teams.

Its content filtering feature is available in the more advanced “Pro” plan and inspects data packets to identify and block malicious content.

Why You Want to Buy It:

NordLayer’s all-in-one approach to network security is perfect for businesses that want a single, user-friendly solution for VPN, ZTNA, and web filtering. It simplifies management for IT teams.

Feature	Yes/No	Specification
Automated Discovery	✅ Yes	Discover and manage network resources.
License Management	✅ Yes	Provides comprehensive license management.
AI & Automation	✅ Yes	Uses AI for DNS filtering to block malicious sites.
Lifecycle Management	❌ No
Mobile App	✅ Yes	Mobile app for network security on the go.

✅ Best For: Small to medium-sized businesses with remote or hybrid workforces that need an easy-to-use, all-in-one network security solution.

Try NordLayer here → NordLayer Official Website

9. Barracuda Web Security Gateway

Barracuda Web Security Gateway is a robust solution that offers both cloud-hosted and on-premise deployment options. It provides a full suite of web security features, including advanced threat protection, URL filtering, and data loss prevention.

It’s well-regarded for its detailed reporting and flexible policy management, which helps organizations enforce consistent security policies and ensure compliance.

Why You Want to Buy It:

Barracuda offers the flexibility of both cloud and on-premise deployment, which is a major benefit for organizations with unique infrastructure needs.

Its detailed reporting and granular controls make it a powerful choice for compliance and security.

Feature	Yes/No	Specification
Automated Discovery	✅ Yes	Real-time discovery of web traffic and network usage.
License Management	✅ Yes	Tracks and manages software licenses.
AI & Automation	✅ Yes	Uses AI to detect and block threats.
Lifecycle Management	✅ Yes	Manages security policies and configurations.
Mobile App	❌ No

✅ Best For: Businesses of all sizes that need a comprehensive and flexible web security solution with strong reporting capabilities.

Try Barracuda Web Security Gateway here → Barracuda Official Website

10. Fortinet FortiGuard

Fortinet FortiGuard is an integral part of the Fortinet Security Fabric, a broad suite of cybersecurity products.

FortiGuard’s web filtering and security services are available on FortiGate firewalls, providing comprehensive protection with advanced features like SSL inspection, application control, and real-time threat intelligence. The solution is designed for deep-level scanning and is highly scalable.

Why You Want to Buy It:

FortiGuard is deeply integrated with Fortinet’s entire security ecosystem, providing a unified and highly effective security posture.

Its advanced features, like SSL inspection, are essential for modern threat protection. This is similar to how a unified platform can help with vulnerability management.

Feature	Yes/No	Specification
Automated Discovery	✅ Yes	Discovers and manages web traffic and network devices.
License Management	✅ Yes	Comprehensive license management for Fortinet products.
AI & Automation	✅ Yes	Uses AI for real-time threat intelligence and advanced protection.
Lifecycle Management	✅ Yes	Manages security policies throughout their lifecycle.
Mobile App	✅ Yes	Provides mobile access for security management.

✅ Best For: Large enterprises and organizations that require a unified security platform and are already invested in the Fortinet ecosystem.

Try Fortinet FortiGuard here → Fortinet Official Website