As businesses become more reliant on the internet, the need for robust online security solutions has never been greater. One of the most popular options for DNS-layer security is Cisco Umbrella. However, as companies evolve and seek tailored solutions, many are looking beyond the well-known names to find alternatives that offer better flexibility, pricing, or features.
In this post, we will explore the top 10 Cisco Umbrella alternatives for 2025. Whether you’re looking for faster threat detection, better scalability, or more control over your network security, these options are worth considering.
We will break down each alternative to help you make an informed decision on the best fit for your organization’s needs.
Top Cisco Umbrella Alternatives (2025) – Comparison Table
| Alternative | Best For | Free Trial | Pricing Model | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNSFilter | All business sizes needing fast setup | ✅ 14 days | Subscription-based | AI threat detection, real-time monitoring, easy deployment |
| WebTitan | MSPs & large enterprises needing granular controls | ✅ | Tiered subscription | Customizable filtering, strong malware protection |
| Zscaler Internet Access | Large enterprises, cloud-first strategies | ✅ | Enterprise-tiered | Zero Trust security, cloud-native, full traffic inspection |
| Quad9 DNS | Privacy-conscious users & SMBs | ✅ (Free) | Free | Free DNS filtering, strong privacy, malware/phishing blocking |
| Cloudflare Gateway | High-traffic businesses using Cloudflare services | ✅ (Free tier) | Freemium | DNS filtering, content control, fast performance |
| NextDNS | Businesses needing custom filtering & analytics | ✅ (Free plan) | Freemium | Granular rules, privacy-first, multi-device support |
| SafeDNS | SMBs needing simple deployment | – | Subscription-based | Malware blocking, compliance tools, reporting |
| Perimeter 81 | Remote teams, hybrid workforces | – | Enterprise-tiered | VPN + DNS + Zero Trust security, cloud-native access |
| WatchGuard Firebox | Org’s needing on-prem appliances & multi-layered security | ✅ 30 days | Hardware + License | Firewall, VPN, DNS filtering, logging |
| AdGuard DNS | Individuals/small teams wanting ad/tracker blocking | ✅ (Free) | Free | Ad blocking, privacy protection, simple DNS setup |
Best Alternatives to Cisco Umbrella
1. DNSFilter
DNSFilter is a cloud-based security solution that uses AI-powered technology to block malicious domains in real time. It offers fast and efficient threat detection, so that your network stays protected against phishing, malware, and other cyber threats.
DNSFilter integrates seamlessly with a variety of platforms, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking for a hassle-free security solution. With its intuitive interface and robust features, it provides both large enterprises and small businesses with the necessary protection at the DNS layer.
Why is it a good alternative to Cisco Umbrella?
DNSFilter stands out by providing faster threat detection and a simpler setup compared to Cisco Umbrella. Its AI-driven system enables quicker identification and blocking of harmful websites, making it a proactive security tool. Unlike Cisco Umbrella, DNSFilter offers a more user-friendly experience with a focus on ease of deployment and real-time monitoring.
Free Trial or Discounts
DNSFilter offers a 14-day free trial for users to test out its features before committing to a paid plan.
Best For?
This solution is ideal for organizations of any size looking for a simple yet powerful way to protect their network from online threats. It’s especially beneficial for businesses that need quick setup and minimal maintenance.
Pros:
- AI-driven threat detection
- Easy to deploy
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics
Cons:
- Limited customization for advanced users
Customer Support
DNSFilter provides responsive support through live chat and email, meaning you get the help you need when facing any issues.
DNSFilter vs Cisco Umbrella
While both DNSFilter and Cisco Umbrella offer solid DNS-layer security, DNSFilter provides a more intuitive interface and faster threat detection, which can be crucial for businesses looking for a proactive and easy-to-manage solution. Cisco Umbrella, on the other hand, may offer more complex features but at the cost of ease of use.
2. WebTitan Web Filter
WebTitan is a DNS-based web filtering solution designed to provide businesses with comprehensive protection against malware, phishing, and other online threats. Known for its high scalability and flexibility, WebTitan integrates with a wide range of platforms and offers seamless management through its intuitive dashboard.
It is particularly favored by Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and large enterprises because of its ability to scale quickly and handle high volumes of web traffic while maintaining strong security.
Why is it a good alternative to Cisco Umbrella?
WebTitan excels with its ability to offer a more granular level of control over web filtering compared to Cisco Umbrella. It gives administrators the flexibility to tailor filtering rules to suit specific business needs, providing more customized security measures. Additionally, WebTitan’s centralized management interface makes it easier for organizations to maintain oversight across multiple locations or networks.
Free Trial or Discounts
WebTitan offers a free trial, allowing potential users to explore its features and see how it fits into their security ecosystem.
Best For?
This solution is best for MSPs, large enterprises, or organizations with complex web security needs that require highly customizable filtering and scalable protection across various endpoints and networks.
Pros:
- Highly scalable and flexible
- Granular control over web filtering
- Strong malware and phishing protection
Cons:
- Some advanced features may require additional configuration
- Pricing may be a concern for smaller businesses
Customer Support
WebTitan offers 24/7 support through email and phone, giving users access to assistance whenever needed.
WebTitan vs Cisco Umbrella
WebTitan stands out with its granular control and highly customizable web filtering, making it a great choice for businesses with specific security needs. While Cisco Umbrella provides a solid overall solution, WebTitan offers more flexibility and detailed reporting, which can be critical for organizations requiring a higher level of control.
3. Zscaler Internet Access
Zscaler Internet Access is a cloud-based security platform that provides comprehensive protection against cyber threats such as malware, ransomware, and data breaches. It operates on a Zero Trust architecture, ensuring that all users, regardless of location, are thoroughly verified before gaining access to applications and data.
Zscaler’s platform is known for its scalability and high performance, allowing businesses to enforce security policies across their entire network without the need for traditional hardware appliances.
Why is it a good alternative to Cisco Umbrella?
Zscaler Internet Access offers more advanced features, including Zero Trust access and seamless integration with cloud applications, which makes it a strong Cisco Umbrella alternative. Unlike Cisco Umbrella, which focuses primarily on DNS-layer security, Zscaler provides a full-featured security stack that includes application access control, secure internet access, and more robust threat detection across all traffic.
Free Trial or Discounts
Zscaler provides a free trial, allowing businesses to test out the platform’s features before committing to a paid subscription.
Best For?
Zscaler is best for large enterprises or organizations adopting cloud-first strategies that require a scalable, all-in-one security solution to protect users and data, whether on-premise or remote.
Pros:
- Comprehensive security with Zero Trust architecture
- Seamless integration with cloud applications
- Highly scalable and performance-driven
Cons:
- Can be complex to set up for smaller organizations
- May be overkill for businesses with simpler security needs
Customer Support
Zscaler offers 24/7 support with dedicated account managers to assist with implementation and troubleshooting.
Zscaler vs Cisco Umbrella
While Cisco Umbrella focuses primarily on DNS-layer protection, Zscaler offers a broader security solution with Zero Trust access, making it more suitable for larger organizations or those adopting a cloud-first strategy. Zscaler’s advanced features provide a deeper level of security but may come with a steeper learning curve compared to Cisco Umbrella’s more straightforward setup.
4. Quad9 DNS
Quad9 is a free, privacy-focused DNS service that blocks malicious websites to protect users from cyber threats like malware, phishing, and botnets. Operating with a strong emphasis on user privacy, Quad9 doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, making it an attractive choice for users who prioritize confidentiality.
It uses a global network of servers to provide fast and reliable DNS resolution and ensure users stay protected while browsing the web, without compromising speed or security.
Why is it a good alternative to Cisco Umbrella?
Quad9 offers a free, privacy-centric alternative to Cisco Umbrella, with a focus on protecting users against malicious websites and safeguarding privacy. Unlike Cisco Umbrella, which is a paid solution with a broader feature set, Quad9 provides robust protection at no cost and focuses solely on DNS-layer security. Its strong privacy policies and zero-log approach appeal to users and organizations concerned about data collection.
Free Trial or Discounts
Quad9 is completely free to use, with no trials or paid plans required.
Best For?
Quad9 is ideal for individuals, small businesses, or organizations that prioritize privacy and are looking for a free, reliable DNS filtering solution to protect against malicious threats.
Pros:
- Free service with no log retention
- Strong security against malware and phishing
- Easy to set up with minimal configuration
Cons:
- Lacks the advanced features of paid alternatives like Cisco Umbrella
- Limited support for enterprise-level customization
Customer Support
Quad9 relies on community support through forums and online resources, with limited direct customer support.
Quad9 vs Cisco Umbrella
Quad9 offers a simple, free alternative to Cisco Umbrella, focusing on privacy and basic DNS-layer protection. While Cisco Umbrella provides a more comprehensive security solution with a range of features, Quad9 stands out for users seeking a no-cost, privacy-oriented option.
5. Cloudflare Gateway
Cloudflare Gateway is a DNS and web filtering solution that provides businesses with fast, secure, and reliable protection from cyber threats. It leverages Cloudflare’s global network to filter malicious content, block harmful websites, and improve web traffic performance.
The platform also integrates seamlessly with Cloudflare’s other services, offering a unified security approach. With its easy-to-use interface and real-time analytics, Cloudflare Gateway is a solid option for organizations looking for both security and performance benefits without the need for additional hardware.
Why is it a good alternative to Cisco Umbrella?
Cloudflare Gateway stands out for its combination of security and performance benefits. Unlike Cisco Umbrella, which focuses on DNS-layer filtering alone, Cloudflare Gateway offers a more integrated approach with additional features such as content filtering and real-time analytics. It also benefits from Cloudflare’s extensive global network, making it faster for businesses with high traffic demands.
Free Trial or Discounts
Cloudflare offers a free tier with premium options available for more advanced features.
Best For?
This Cisco Umbrella alternative works well for businesses that need robust security features combined with fast web performance, especially those already using other Cloudflare services.
Pros:
- Fast DNS resolution due to Cloudflare’s global network
- Comprehensive web filtering and security
- Easy to set up with a user-friendly interface
Cons:
- Advanced features require a premium plan
- Limited customization for highly specific needs
Customer Support
Cloudflare provides 24/7 support through their support portal and community forums.
Cloudflare Gateway vs Cisco Umbrella
Cloudflare Gateway delivers faster DNS resolution and better performance through its global network, making it ideal for high-traffic businesses. While Cisco Umbrella provides solid DNS-layer protection, Cloudflare Gateway offers a broader suite of features for businesses seeking enhanced security and performance.
6. NextDNS
NextDNS is a powerful DNS service that offers customizable content filtering, privacy protection, and advanced security features. It provides businesses and individuals with detailed control over what is allowed or blocked on their network, with options for blocking malicious domains, preventing data leaks, and enhancing online privacy.
NextDNS also integrates easily with various devices, from desktop computers to mobile phones, ensuring seamless security across all endpoints. The platform also features detailed analytics, allowing users to monitor their network’s activity in real-time.
Why is it a good alternative to Cisco Umbrella?
NextDNS offers more granular control and detailed analytics compared to Cisco Umbrella. It gives users the flexibility to customize their DNS filtering rules to suit specific needs, making it ideal for businesses with more unique security requirements. Additionally, NextDNS places a strong emphasis on privacy, with robust data protection policies that may appeal to organizations looking for enhanced privacy controls.
Free Trial or Discounts
NextDNS offers a free plan with limited features, as well as premium options for more advanced capabilities.
Best For?
NextDNS is perfect for businesses or individuals who need detailed control over their network security and want the ability to tailor DNS filtering rules to specific requirements.
Pros:
- Highly customizable with detailed analytics
- Strong privacy protection and no logging
- Easy integration across multiple devices
Cons:
- Premium features require a paid plan
- Setup may be complex for beginners
Customer Support
NextDNS offers responsive support through email and community forums.
NextDNS vs Cisco Umbrella
NextDNS provides more flexibility and customization options compared to Cisco Umbrella, especially for organizations that need to fine-tune their security settings. Cisco Umbrella, while offering a broader suite of security features, may not provide the same level of granular control and privacy protections.
7. SafeDNS
SafeDNS is a DNS filtering solution that provides businesses with real-time protection against malicious content and cyber threats. It offers a cloud-based platform that blocks harmful websites, reduces the risk of malware and phishing attacks, and ensures compliance with security policies.
SafeDNS is easy to deploy and manage, with an intuitive dashboard that allows administrators to quickly configure security settings. It also features detailed reporting tools that help organizations monitor internet usage and identify potential threats across their network.
Why is it a good alternative to Cisco Umbrella?
SafeDNS stands out with its focus on simplicity and ease of use. While Cisco Umbrella offers a wide range of features, SafeDNS provides a more straightforward approach to DNS filtering with a focus on security and ease of deployment. SafeDNS is a great option for businesses that want a reliable, no-fuss solution without the complexity that comes with larger security suites like Cisco Umbrella.
Free Trial or Discounts
SafeDNS offers a free trial for users to experience its features before committing to a paid plan.
Best For?
This solution is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a cost-effective and easy-to-deploy DNS filtering solution without compromising on security.
Pros:
- Simple to set up and manage
- Effective protection against malware and phishing
- Detailed reporting tools
Cons:
- Lacks the advanced features of larger security suites like Cisco Umbrella
- Limited customization for complex network configurations
Customer Support
SafeDNS provides support through email and an online knowledge base.
SafeDNS vs Cisco Umbrella
While Cisco Umbrella offers a more comprehensive security platform with advanced features, SafeDNS provides a more user-friendly, streamlined solution for businesses looking for simple, effective DNS filtering. It’s an excellent option for those seeking a no-frills solution at a more affordable price.
8. Perimeter 81
Perimeter 81 is a comprehensive security solution designed to secure remote access for businesses, combining VPN, DNS filtering, and cloud security. This platform enables organizations to protect users, regardless of their location, by offering secure access to applications and data.
Perimeter 81 integrates seamlessly with various cloud environments, allowing businesses to safeguard their network infrastructure without relying on traditional hardware. It’s particularly useful for organizations with a growing remote workforce, offering a cloud-native solution that simplifies security management and minimizes risks.
Why is it a good alternative to Cisco Umbrella?
Perimeter 81 provides a more comprehensive security suite compared to Cisco Umbrella, with the added benefit of secure remote access and VPN capabilities. While Cisco Umbrella focuses on DNS-layer security, Perimeter 81 delivers a full security stack that includes Zero Trust networking, VPN integration, and cloud security features, making it a better choice for businesses with a dispersed workforce.
Free Trial or Discounts
Perimeter 81 offers a free trial to help businesses evaluate its features before making a commitment.
Best For?
This solution is ideal for businesses with a remote or hybrid workforce that needs secure, cloud-native protection for users accessing corporate applications and data from various locations.
Pros:
Comprehensive security features, including VPN and Zero Trust access
Cloud-native architecture for easier management
Strong remote access security
Cons:
Might be overkill for small businesses without remote workforces
Setup can be complex for organizations new to cloud-based security solutions
Customer Support
Perimeter 81 offers 24/7 support through chat, email, and a dedicated customer support portal.
Perimeter vs Cisco Umbrella
Perimeter 81 offers a broader range of security features, including VPN and remote access solutions, making it a more comprehensive alternative to Cisco Umbrella. Cisco Umbrella provides strong DNS-layer protection but lacks the integrated remote access capabilities that Perimeter 81 offers, making Perimeter 81 a better option for businesses with a remote workforce.
9. WatchGuard Firebox
WatchGuard Firebox is an advanced security appliance that provides a comprehensive firewall solution with DNS filtering, intrusion prevention, and VPN capabilities. It offers high-performance network security that is highly configurable and customizable to meet the needs of both small businesses and large enterprises.
WatchGuard Firebox protects against cyber threats like malware, ransomware, and phishing, while also offering detailed logging and reporting features to help organizations monitor their network activities and security posture.
Why is it a good alternative to Cisco Umbrella?
While Cisco Umbrella focuses primarily on DNS-layer protection, WatchGuard Firebox provides a full-featured security appliance that combines firewall protection, VPN support, and DNS filtering in one solution. This makes it a more robust Cisco Umbrella alternative for businesses that need a multi-layered security approach.
Its high degree of customization and scalability also allows it to meet the needs of organizations with more complex security requirements.
Free Trial or Discounts
WatchGuard Firebox offers a 30-day free trial to help businesses test its capabilities before committing to a subscription.
Best For?
This solution is ideal for organizations that need a comprehensive, customizable security appliance that provides DNS filtering along with additional features like VPN, firewall protection, and intrusion prevention.
Pros:
- Multi-layered security with firewall, VPN, and DNS filtering
- Highly customizable and scalable
- Strong reporting and logging capabilities
Cons:
- Can be complex to set up and configure for smaller organizations
- Higher upfront cost for hardware appliances
Customer Support
WatchGuard provides 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and their support portal.
WatchGuard Firebox vs Cisco Umbrella
WatchGuard Firebox offers a more comprehensive and customizable security solution compared to Cisco Umbrella. While Cisco Umbrella focuses on DNS-layer security, WatchGuard Firebox combines multiple security features, such as VPN, firewall protection, and intrusion prevention, making it a better fit for businesses seeking a more robust and customizable security appliance.
10. AdGuard DNS
AdGuard DNS is a privacy-focused DNS filtering solution that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites to ensure a safer and faster browsing experience. It’s designed to provide users with an easy-to-implement solution for protecting their privacy while surfing the web.
AdGuard DNS not only protects users from malware and phishing attacks but also prevents unwanted tracking, enhancing overall privacy. With its simple setup, users can start protecting their devices right away without needing complex configurations or additional software.
Why is it a good alternative to Cisco Umbrella?
AdGuard DNS offers a straightforward and free DNS filtering solution, with a focus on privacy. Unlike Cisco Umbrella, which is a more complex, paid security suite, AdGuard DNS provides a lightweight, easy-to-use alternative for businesses and individuals who need basic DNS-level protection without the need for advanced features. It’s particularly useful for users who want ad and tracker blocking along with security.
Free Trial or Discounts
AdGuard DNS is completely free to use, with no trials or paid plans required.
Best For?
AdGuard DNS is perfect for individuals, families, and small businesses looking for a simple, cost-effective way to block ads, protect privacy, and prevent access to malicious websites.
Pros:
- Free and easy to use
- Strong privacy protection with ad and tracker blocking
- Lightweight solution with no additional software required
Cons:
- Lacks advanced features like VPN or cloud-based threat intelligence
- Limited customization for businesses with more complex needs
Customer Support
AdGuard provides support through their online knowledge base and community forums.
AdGuard DNS vs Cisco Umbrella
AdGuard DNS is a simpler, more affordable alternative to Cisco Umbrella, offering essential DNS-level protection with an emphasis on privacy and ad blocking. While Cisco Umbrella offers a broader range of security features, AdGuard DNS is an excellent choice for those who need a lightweight, no-cost solution without the complexity.
Final Word
Cisco Umbrella is a solid choice, but it’s not the only one. Whether you’re after more customization, better pricing, or simpler setup, there’s a Cisco Umbrella alternative out there that fits your needs. Explore these options, test a few, and go with the one that aligns best with your security goals and team size.
Arsalan Rashid
June 30, 2025
3 months ago
