Porn Blocking DNS: 10 Free Services to Use in 2023

There are various ways to try and stop inappropriate online content like pornographic material from being accessible to children. One is to install parental control software. The software can effectively block this type of material up to a point but can be messed with or bypassed. Another option that doesn’t need any software installed on your computer is filtering content through the Domain Name System (DNS).

DNS is a set of online servers that translate standard website names into their corresponding IP address, which the browser needs to show the website (for raymond.cc, it’s 142.4.51.106). It’s like a huge Windows HOSTS file with billions of entries. ISPs generally use their own DNS servers, which will be the default for all devices using your internet connection. However, they are not always that fast, private, or secure.

dns lookup name server

There are many third-party DNS services that can filter out specific website addresses, like ad hosting, malicious content, illegal content, and, of course, adult or pornographic content. Here we show you the best free DNS services that offer adult or pornographic content blocking as standard. All you have to do is add the DNS addresses to your Windows network properties. Instructions are supplied on the specific websites if you don’t know how to do it. IPv6 addresses are also included for more advanced users.

Best Anti-Porn DNS

1. AdGuard DNS – Privacy-focused content filtering

Filter page of AdGuard software.
  • Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Router, Linux.
  • Pricing: Free and paid tiers
  • Developer: AdGuard

This free software is one of the top privacy-oriented DNS servers available on the market. This application resolves DNS requests and helps you to block ads, trackers, and malicious domains. It also provides reliable encryption protocols such as DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS, and DNS-over-QUIC.

Because you don’t need to download anything or make a configuration, this software is ideal for settings where multiple devices or users need protection. Additionally, the application uses a sophisticated system to detect and block websites that may contain inappropriate content, even though they are not explicitly labeled as such. All you need to do is set it up as your DNS server, and it’ll start working immediately. 

Another great feature of AdGuard is that it allows you to customize your experience. For example, you may choose to block certain sites or create custom filters based on specific trigger words and phrases. Whether you’re trying to protect your children or an individual looking to avoid inappropriate content, AdGuard DNS has the features you need to stay safe and secure online.

Download AdGuard DNS

2. Surfshark Trust DNS – VPN-integrated DNS with filtering

Surfshark Trust DNS homepage.
  • Operating System: Android, iOS.
  • Pricing: Free
  • Developer: SurfShark

This software is an excellent blocker for porn sites because it has many powerful features that set it apart from others. 

For example, the application uses a secure DNS server to protect your online activity from prying eyes. This makes it almost impossible for you to get inappropriate ads anywhere you are. The application is incredibly easy to set up and use. 

You can also customize the types of websites you want to block, giving you more control over your online life. This software is exceptionally great for users who aren’t tech-savvy and don’t want to spend a lot of time configuring their settings. The DNS works on multiple devices, so you can rest assured you’re always protected.

Download Surfshark Trust DNS

3. OpenDNS Family Shield – Pre-configured family-friendly DNS

opendns filtered page
  • Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Home routers, Servers.
  • Pricing: Free
  • Developer: OpenDNS

OpenDNS was one of the first to offer free DNS servers with adult content filtering back in 2010. It is possible to create a free account and customize the DNS service with extra filters (such as blocking social networks, P2P, or gambling), domain blocking, and even creating a custom block page. However, it’s not a requirement, and you can just set and forget using the addresses provided.

OpenDNS has two free DNS services, Family Shield and Home. Family Shield is pre-configured to filter out adult content by default and will be enough if that’s all you want. To block even more, such as illegal activity, social networking, or custom domains, create an account and set up custom filtering. This works with both Home and Family Shield. The process looks complicated, but there are many guides on the internet to help.

OpenDNS Family Shield

Preferred DNS Server: 208.67.222.123
Alternate DNS Server: 208.67.220.123

OpenDNS Home (create a free account to set up adult content blocking)

Preferred DNS Server: 208.67.222.222
Alternate DNS Server: 208.67.220.220

Visit OpenDNS FamilyShield

4. CleanBrowsing DNS – Customizable, age-specific content filtering

homepage of cleanbrowsing showing it blocks adult content using filters
  • Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux.
  • Pricing: Paid
  • Developer: CleanBrowsing

CleanBrowsing has quickly established itself as one of the most popular and effective adult content-filtering DNS services. In some effectiveness tests for blocking pornographic content, we’ve seen it score higher than any other DNS service. The basic Security Filter blocks malicious content, while the Adult Filter blocks pornographic and explicit websites.

The full Family Filter adds more protection by blocking proxy and VPN domains and mixed content sites like Reddit. Google, Youtube, and Bing browser searches are set to safe mode. A blocked page simply shows up as a standard page not found error. Extra information is listed on the website for more secure privacy options like DNSCrypt, DNS over HTTPS, and DNS over TLS.

CleanBrowsing DNS Adult Filter

Primary DNS server: 185.228.168.10
Secondary DNS Server: 185.228.169.11

Primary IPv6 DNS server: 2a0d:2a00:1::1
Secondary IPv6 DNS Server:2a0d:2a00:2::1

CleanBrowsing DNS Family Filter

Primary DNS server: 185.228.168.168
Secondary DNS Server: 185.228.169.168

Primary IPv6 DNS server: 2a0d:2a00:1::
Secondary IPv6 DNS Server: 2a0d:2a00:2::

Visit CleanBrowsing DNS

5. Neustar UltraDNS – High-performance, security-focused DNS

neustar ultra dns service for blocking porn
  • Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux.
  • Pricing: Freemium
  • Developer: NeuStar

Neustar UltraDNS allows users to customize their internet experience by quickly resolving queries using an ultrafast, highly reliable global DNS service. 

The platform mitigates threats by preventing access to malicious websites on the internet. Neustar has four levels of DNS; the first is unfiltered, and the second one is called Threat Protection and blocks malware, phishing sites, etc.

The third DNS is Family Secure, which uses Threat Protection and blocks pornography, some gambling sites, violence, and hate. The most filtered DNS is listed as Business Secure but can also be used as a family version. It additionally blocks gaming, adult (presumably different from just pornography), drugs, alcohol, and anonymous Proxies.

Neustar Family Secure

Primary DNS server: 156.154.70.3
Secondary DNS Server: 156.154.71.3

Primary IPv6 DNS server: 2610:a1:1018::3
Secondary IPv6 DNS Server: 2610:a1:1019::3

Neustar Business Secure

Primary DNS server: 156.154.70.4
Secondary DNS Server: 156.154.71.4

Primary IPv6 DNS server: 2610:a1:1018::4
Secondary IPv6 DNS Server: 2610:a1:1019::4

Visit Neustar UltraDNS

6. Quad9 – Security-focused DNS with threat blocking

quad9 open dns recursive service
  • Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Routers.
  • Pricing: Free
  • Developer: Quad9 Foundation

Quad9 is a Swiss-based global public recursive DNS resolver that launched its own DNS service in 2016 to provide its users with a safe and sturdy internet browsing experience.

This is one of the only DNS resolvers equipped with a founding charter prioritizing privacy. Quad9 is dedicated to keeping personal data under the control of the end-user on the internet.

This service is mainly beneficial for blocking malware and phishing, which are common threats on sketchy pornographic websites. It replaces the default DNS configuration, blocking lookups of malicious host names from an up-to-the-minute list of threats.

Primary DNS server: 9.9.9.9
Secondary DNS Server: 149.112.112.112

Primary IPv6 DNS server: 2620:fe::fe
Secondary IPv6 DNS Server: 2620:fe::9

Visit Quad9

7. SafeSurfer – Child-friendly DNS with parental controls

safesurfer stop surfing
  • Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Routers.
  • Pricing: Paid
  • Developer: SafeSurfer

SafeSurfer is a DNS service from New Zealand that appears to be partly run with voluntary donations. In addition to the standard IP addresses you can use below, there are also desktop applications for Windows, Mac, and Linux, as well as mobile applications for Android and iOS.

The SafeSurfer website and DNS servers are not in New Zealand and are entirely hosted in the United States. The DNS itself uses a mixture of Google Cloud and Open DNS servers. While it may not be the fastest DNS resolver outside of the US, using those servers should make it pretty reliable.

Primary DNS server: 104.197.28.121
Secondary DNS Server:  104.155.237.225

Visit SafeSurfer DNS

8. DNS For Family – Family-friendly content filtering DNS

dns for family home page 13 servers online
  • Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Blackberry.
  • Pricing: Free
  • Developer: DNS for Family

This service is from Germany. The website is based there, as are the Cloudflare servers it uses. The DNS speed will obviously be reduced the further you live away from Europe. According to the website, the current list of blocked domains stands at over 2 million, and that list is updated daily.

In addition to adult or pornographic websites, DNS For Family blocks adverts by default, believing they could help link to adult content. DNSCrypt stamps are available on the website for the more advanced or security-conscious user as well as a custom Raspbian image for Raspberry Pi users.

Primary DNS server: 94.130.180.225
Secondary DNS Server: 78.47.64.161

Primary IPv6 DNS server: 2a01:4f8:1c0c:40db::1
Secondary IPv6 DNS Server: 2a01:4f8:1c17:4df8::1

Visit DNS For Family

9. Comodo Secure DNS – Security-enhanced DNS resolution

comodo secure dns service for fast and secure internet
  • Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS.
  • Pricing: Freemium
  • Developer: Comodo

Comodo Secure DNS is a popular domain name resolution service that resolves SecureDNS requests by processing them through a worldwide network of redundant DNS security servers.

The service is completely cloud-based and load balanced, with highly available Anycast DNS infrastructure hosted in over 25 countries. It blocks phishing and malware domains and even brings advanced protection against botnets, cookie stealing, anonymizers, etc.

Comodo Secure DNS Public Server

Primary DNS server: 8.26.56.26
Secondary DNS Server: 8.20.247.20

Comodo Secure Internet Gateway

Primary DNS server: 8.26.56.10
Secondary DNS Server: 8.20.247.10

Visit Comodo Secure DNS

10. Yandex.DNS – Multiple levels of internet protection

yandex dns fast and secure internet
  • Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Routers.
  • Pricing: Free
  • Developer: Yandex DNS

Yandex DNS is a free, Russia-based DNS server that directs your requests to the Yandex DNS server, providing you with greater control over your internet connection.

The service offers three tiers of internet protection, i.e., Basic, Safe, and Family. While the Basic tier works absolutely fine for normal day-to-day use, you might want to try the Family tier, which protects from dangerous and fraudulent websites, blocks websites with adult content, and blocks botnets.

Yandex Family DNS

Primary DNS server: 77.88.8.7
Secondary DNS Server: 77.88.8.3

Visit Yandex DNS

Overview of best porn blocking DNS

DNS SoftwareFree trialBlock specific websitesDNS CustomizationDNSSEC verification
Aduard DNSYesYesYesYes
Surfshark Trust DNSYesYesYesYes
OpenDNS Family ShieldNAYesNoYes
CleanBrowsing DNSYesYesYesYes
Neustar Public DNSNAYesNoYes
Quad9NAYesNoYes
SafeSurferYesYesYesYes
DNS For FamilyYesYesYesYes
Comodo Secure DNSNAYesNoYes
Yandex.DNSNAYesNoYes

How to choose the best DNS for blocking porn?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a porn blocking DNS. Here is a comprehensive guideline to help you make an informed decision.

  • Reputation and trustworthiness – Look for DNS services with a good reputation and a history of providing reliable and secure services. Research reviews, user experiences, and check if the service is recommended by trusted sources.
  • Accuracy and Granularity – Assess the accuracy and granularity of the DNS service’s blocking mechanisms. Does it accurately categorize and block the websites you want to restrict? Can it differentiate between different types of content to provide fine-grained control? Make sure your DNS service addresses these concerns.
  • Customization Options – Consider whether the DNS service allows customization to suit your specific needs. Can you add or remove specific websites from the block list? Is there flexibility in adjusting the level of filtering based on different user profiles?
  • Cost – Consider the pricing structure of the DNS service. Some services may offer free options with limited features, while others have subscription plans with additional benefits. Evaluate the value provided by the service in relation to its cost.
  • Privacy and Security – Evaluate the DNS service’s privacy and security practices. Check if they have a transparent privacy policy, use encryption for DNS queries, and have measures in place to protect your data.

Try Out all of the Above DNS Services Using a Simple Program

We have given you several choices for a family-safe DNS service, but you may want to test a few out or just add a DNS to your system as easily as possible. While changing the default DNS in Windows to test these services is not particularly difficult, typing in addresses and closing/opening the network properties windows is a bit annoying.

A simple program we have mentioned before is called DNS Jumper. With it, you can try out different DNS services with just a few mouse clicks. There is a family-friendly list of presets already built in, but we have created a custom configuration file so you can easily try out all of the options we’ve listed.

dns jumper custom family list

The program is free and portable, just download the zip file and extract to a location of your choice. Run DNSJumper.exe and select from the “Choose a DNS Server” drop down menu. Then click Apply DNS. Once you have settled on a choice of DNS, close the program as DNS Jumper doesn’t need to stay running.

Download DNS Jumper (with custom family DNS list)

Note: An important thing you should know is the DNS settings in Windows will override the settings in your router. For example, if the router is set up to use CleanBrowsing but the computer is using Cloudflare, the computer will use the unfiltered Cloudflare. To prevent the DNS method being bypassed, you will need to create a standard user account for your children so that they cannot change the DNS settings.

Note 2: Something that is slowly being adopted by ISP’s is the use of the transparent DNS proxy. This forces all DNS requests through the ISP’s own DNS servers and ignores any custom settings in the router or on individual devices. If no custom DNS services have any effect when trying them, this may be the cause. Unfortunately, there is very little you can do other than contacting your ISP to find out.

However, there is a workaround if you still want a custom DNS on your PC, and that is using DNS encryption. This method encrypts DNS requests meaning they are not processed by your ISP and a program called Simple DNSCrypt can help you do that. You can only use the DNS services in the predefined lists but the good news is Adguard, CleanBrowsing, OpenDNS, DNS For Family and Nawala are currently included.

Final Thoughts

These were the best free porn blocking DNS servers available in the market right now. Make sure you have gone through the entire list to see how these servers fare when compared based on top features and pricing.

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