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In 2026, the perimeter is gone. Your customers are in all places, and the “citadel and moat” safety mannequin is out of date.
The simplest approach to safe a hybrid workforce is thru DNS filtering and Safe Entry Service Edge (SASE).
These instruments act as the brand new management aircraft, stopping ransomware command-and-control (C2) callbacks and AI-driven phishing assaults earlier than a connection is even established.
We’ve reviewed the highest 10 options for 2026, making a definitive, randomized checklist that prioritizes real-world velocity, API integration, and false-positive accuracy.
How We Chosen These Options
Our methodology for 2026 focuses on “lively” protection. A static blocklist is now not sufficient. We evaluated these instruments primarily based on:
- Latency: Millisecond response occasions from international edge areas.
- Risk Intelligence: The velocity at which they detect new, AI-generated domains.
- Fashionable Protocols: Assist for DoH (DNS-over-HTTPS) and DoQ (DNS-over-QUIC).
- Acquisitions & Maturity: Factoring in main market shifts, similar to Test Level’s integration of Perimeter 81.
Fast Comparability: Characteristic Availability Matrix
1. Test Level
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In late 2023, Test Level acquired Perimeter 81. The product has been rebranded to Test Level Concord SASE, integrating Perimeter 81’s fast deployment capabilities with Test Level’s legendary “ThreatCloud” intelligence.
Specs
- Deployment: SASE Consumer (Agent), International Cloud Gateway.
- Core Characteristic: Community-as-a-Service (NaaS) + FWaaS.
- Integration: Full Test Level Infinity Platform integration.
Why We Picked It
That is the quickest approach to substitute a legacy VPN. Test Level preserved the “15-minute deployment” magic of Perimeter 81 however supercharged it with enterprise-grade risk prevention.
You get a devoted personal community node that applies firewall guidelines and DNS filtering to all site visitors, no matter the place your customers are.
Finest For: Built-in SASE, Zero Belief, and former Perimeter 81 followers.
Execs & Cons
- Execs: Unifies VPN alternative with DNS safety; extremely straightforward to make use of; backed by Test Level’s large risk intel.
- Cons: Pricing construction has modified post-acquisition; is perhaps overkill if you happen to solely need easy DNS blocking.
2. Cloudflare Gateway
A part of the “Cloudflare One” platform, Gateway replaces your firewall with a cloud-native resolution. It leverages the large 1.1.1.1 community the quickest public DNS resolver—to use safety insurance policies.
Specs
- Deployment: WARP Consumer, DoH.
- Scale: 300+ Cities globally.
- Pricing: Free tier (as much as 50 customers), then per-user.
Why We Picked It
The sheer velocity of Cloudflare’s infrastructure means including this safety layer typically will increase web velocity reasonably than reducing it.
The “Free for 50 customers” tier is an unbeatable worth proposition for startups. Moreover, they’re future-proofing their tech stack with superior cryptography.
Finest For: Pace, Zero Belief Adoption, and International Scale.
Execs & Cons
- Execs: Unbelievable velocity; beneficiant free tier; integrates with Cloudflare Staff; Zero Belief native.
- Cons: Logs retention is brief on decrease tiers; assist is notoriously automated/gradual for non-enterprise plans.
3. WebTitan
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TitanHQ’s WebTitan is the “folks’s selection” for DNS filtering. It strips away the complexity of Cisco and the excessive price ticket of Zscaler, providing a strong, efficient filtering resolution that simply works. It’s significantly robust within the schooling and SMB sectors.
Specs
- Deployment: Cloud or On-Premise Gateway.
- Goal Viewers: MSPs, Faculties, SMBs.
- Core Characteristic: “Non-public Cloud” for MSPs.
Why We Picked It
Flexibility. WebTitan permits MSPs to host the answer in their very own personal cloud, giving them information sovereignty and management that SaaS-only rivals can’t match.
Their API is open and well-documented, making it straightforward to script buyer onboarding.
Finest For: Funds-Aware MSPs and SMBs.
Execs & Cons
- Execs: Very aggressive pricing; glorious buyer assist (you possibly can speak to a human); personal cloud choices.
- Cons: UI is practical however unpolished; lacks the complete “SASE” breadth of Test Level or Zscaler.
4. Cisco Umbrella
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Previously OpenDNS, Cisco Umbrella is the usual by which different enterprise DNS filters are measured.
It presents deep integration with Cisco’s SD-WAN and Meraki stacks, appearing as the primary line of protection alongside endpoint safety options.
Specs
- Deployment: Cloud-native, AnyConnect integration.
- Risk Intel: Cisco Talos.
- Integration: SD-WAN, Meraki, Cisco Safe Consumer.
Why We Picked It
Unmatched risk intelligence derived from Cisco Talos. If you’re already utilizing Cisco AnyConnect to your VPN, enabling Umbrella is actually a checkbox. It gives “audit-grade” reporting that’s crucial for incident response.
Finest For: Massive Enterprises and Cisco Environments.
Execs & Cons
- Execs: Huge risk intelligence database; extremely steady; deep integration with enterprise {hardware}.
- Cons: Costly; the dashboard feels dated in comparison with trendy startups; assist may be gradual for smaller tiers.
5. NextDNS
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NextDNS positions itself because the “firewall for the trendy web.” It’s beloved by the privateness neighborhood for its potential to dam not simply malware, but in addition aggressive monitoring, telemetry, and adverts on the DNS stage.
Specs
- Deployment: DoH/DoT/DoQ, IP Linking.
- Privateness: No-logging choices, Swiss jurisdiction.
- Analytics: Actual-time stream.
Why We Picked It
The analytics are lovely. You may see precisely which machine is asking which advert server in real-time.
It helps the widest vary of blocklists (OISD, StevenBlack, and so forth.), permitting customers to customise their filtering aggression.
Finest For: Privateness Advocates and Prosumers.
Execs & Cons
- Execs: Wonderful privateness options; granular blocklist choice; low-cost; helps CNAME flattening.
- Cons: No “SLA” or telephone assist; handbook configuration required for big fleets.
6. Zscaler Web Entry (ZIA)
Zscaler is the chief within the Gartner Magic Quadrant for SSE. ZIA doesn’t simply resolve DNS; it proxies the site visitors and inspects the payload.
It might look inside SSL/TLS encrypted packets to seek out hidden malware {that a} easy DNS filter would possibly miss.
Specs
- Deployment: Z-App (Consumer Connector), GRE Tunnels.
- Safety: Full SSL Inspection, Sandbox.
- Scale: Huge international cloud.
Why We Picked It
Deep Packet Inspection (DPI). Whereas different instruments on this checklist cease on the area stage, Zscaler seems to be on the precise file being downloaded.
It’s the gold normal for safety depth, although it requires cautious configuration to keep away from vulnerabilities.
Finest For: International Enterprises Requiring Full Inspection.
Execs & Cons
- Execs: Unmatched safety depth; full SSL inspection; integrates with Zscaler Non-public Entry (ZPA).
- Cons: Very costly; advanced implementation requires licensed engineers; heavy agent.
7. DNSFilter
DNSFilter has constantly ranked as one of many quickest DNS resolvers on the planet.
Its “Webshrinker” AI engine categorizes new domains in real-time, which is crucial for stopping “recent” phishing hyperlinks.
Specs
- Deployment: Roaming Consumer, Relay, Router.
- Risk Intel: Actual-time AI categorization.
- MSP Options: Multi-tenant dashboard, Whitelabeling.
Why We Picked It
It’s the final instrument for Managed Service Suppliers (MSPs). The multi-tenant dashboard is designed to handle a whole lot of consumers from a single pane of glass, and the roaming consumer is extremely light-weight.
Finest For: MSPs and Pace-Aware Organizations.
Execs & Cons
- Execs: Extraordinarily low latency; AI detects zero-day phishing immediately; glorious MSP whitelabeling.
- Cons: Cell app is solely practical; superior reporting options may be an add-on price.
8. Quad9
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Quad9 (9.9.9.9) is a Swiss-based non-profit basis. They combination risk feeds from over 20 high suppliers (like IBM X-Power, CrowdStrike, and so forth.) and block malicious domains at no cost.
Specs
- Deployment: DNS IP Change.
- Value: Free.
- Focus: Privateness and GDPR compliance.
Why We Picked It
Belief. They haven’t any shareholders and no incentive to promote your information. For visitor networks or IoT VLANs the place you can’t set up an agent, Quad9 is the most effective “set it and neglect it” layer of safety that helps stop entry to darkish internet nodes.
Finest For: Non-Income, Public Sector, and Fundamental Free Safety.
Execs & Cons
- Execs: Free; privacy-centric; high-quality risk information; straightforward setup.
- Cons: No reporting dashboard; no customization; no whitelisting.
9. SafeDNS
SafeDNS is a veteran within the internet filtering area. They shine in content material categorization, guaranteeing that faculties and libraries can meet compliance requirements (like CIPA) with out over-blocking instructional content material.
Specs
- Deployment: Agent, Router.
- Focus: Net Categorization & Compliance.
- Tech: Machine Studying categorization.
Why We Picked It
Accuracy. In instructional environments, false positives are a nightmare. SafeDNS has one of many lowest false-positive charges for content material categorization we’ve got examined. It’s typically used alongside different SaaS safety measures.
Finest For: Training and Compliance-Heavy Sectors.
Execs & Cons
- Execs: Excessive categorization accuracy; CIPA compliant; very inexpensive; router-friendly.
- Cons: Dashboard is practical however dated; lacks superior risk searching options.
10. Management D
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Management D has disrupted the market by blurring the strains between a DNS resolver and a clear proxy.
It doesn’t simply block dangerous issues; it lets you manipulate site visitors circulation with unprecedented granularity.
Specs
- Deployment: Agentless (DoH/DoT/DoQ) & Roaming Agent.
- Community: International Anycast Community (100+ areas).
- Main Options: Site visitors Redirection, Malware Blocking.
Why We Picked It
Management D is the one instrument on this checklist that gives “Site visitors Redirection” natively. This permits an enterprise to seem as if they’re searching from a special nation for particular domains—invaluable for advert verification or regional testing.
Finest For: Energy Customers, Fashionable Enterprises, and DevOps Groups.
Execs & Cons
- Execs: Quickest decision occasions in our exams; helps DoQ; trendy/intuitive UI; distinctive proxy options.
- Cons: Reporting is much less formal than Cisco’s; newer to the enterprise area.
