CleanBrowsing offers over 23 predefined content filters that let you control exactly what content is allowed on your network. From free community filters to advanced paid categories, this guide explains what each filter blocks and how to choose the right combination for your needs.
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CleanBrowsing provides three free DNS filters that anyone can use immediately -- no account, no signup, no credit card required. Simply point your DNS to the appropriate resolver IPs and your network is protected.
| Filter | DNS IP | What It Blocks |
|---|---|---|
| Security Filter | 185.228.168.9 / 185.228.169.9 | Malware, phishing, cryptomining domains |
| Adult Filter | 185.228.168.10 / 185.228.169.10 | Adult content + all security threats |
| Family Filter | 185.228.168.168 / 185.228.169.168 | Adult content, enforces SafeSearch, blocks mixed content + all security threats |
These filters are powered by the same global Anycast network and Categorify engine that powers paid plans. They support encrypted DNS via DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT). No account is needed, and there are no query limits.
Paid plans unlock 20+ additional content category filters, each of which can be toggled on or off independently through the CleanBrowsing dashboard. This gives you granular control over exactly what is allowed on your network.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Adult Content | Blocks pornography and explicit material |
| Malware / Phishing | Blocks known malicious and phishing domains |
| P2P / Torrents | Blocks peer-to-peer file sharing and torrent sites |
| VPNs & Proxies | Blocks VPN providers and proxy/anonymizer services |
| Gaming | Blocks online gaming platforms and sites |
| Streaming Video | Blocks video streaming services (Netflix, YouTube, etc.) |
| Social Media | Blocks social networking platforms |
| Dating | Blocks dating and matchmaking websites |
| Weapons | Blocks weapons-related content and stores |
| Drugs | Blocks drug-related content and marketplaces |
| Alcohol | Blocks alcohol-related content and sales |
| Gambling | Blocks gambling and betting platforms |
| Essay Mills | Blocks academic cheating and essay writing services |
| AI Chatbots | Blocks AI chatbot platforms (ChatGPT, etc.) |
| Remote Desktop | Blocks remote desktop and access tools |
Additional categories are available, and new ones are added regularly. Some categories may be labeled as BETA while being refined. Each category is managed independently, so you can block gaming without blocking social media, or vice versa.
Beyond predefined category filters, paid plans allow fine-grained control over individual domains. This is where you can override categorization decisions and tailor filtering to your specific needs.
The right filter combination depends on your environment and goals. Here are recommended starting configurations for common use cases:
| Environment | Recommended Filters | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Schools | Adult + VPN + Gaming + Social Media + Essay Mills | Meets CIPA requirements; add AI Chatbots if needed |
| Business | Adult + Malware + Social Media + Streaming | Balance security with productivity; adjust per department |
| Parents (Free) | Family Filter (185.228.168.168) | No account needed; good baseline protection |
| Parents (Paid) | Adult + Gaming + Social Media | More control over what specific categories to block |
Note that some filters may be in BETA as CleanBrowsing continuously refines categorization. Visit the paid filters documentation for the most current list of available categories and their status.