AdGuard DNS vs OpenDNS: A Comparative Analysis for Family Protection

Introduction

As the internet has become an integral part of our daily lives, protecting family devices from online threats, advertisements, and inappropriate content is crucial. Two popular DNS solutions for this purpose are AdGuard DNS and OpenDNS. Both of these services offer free and premium versions that can help manage access to specific types of content, especially advertisements and adult-rated material. This article provides a comprehensive comparison to help you determine the best solution for your family.

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AdGuard DNS Overview

AdGuard DNS is a privacy-focused DNS solution that offers easy configuration to block unwanted ads, trackers, and adult content.

• Ad Blocker: AdGuard DNS specifically targets ads, whether they are pop-ups, banner ads, or video ads. This makes browsing faster and smoother for all devices connected.
• Family Protection Mode: AdGuard DNS has a dedicated Family Protection mode. This mode not only blocks advertisements but also restricts access to adult content and enforces safe search settings.
• Privacy: AdGuard DNS doesn’t log users’ data, which means that privacy is a top priority. They promise not to store DNS query logs and thus minimize the risk of data breaches.

Configuration: Setting up AdGuard DNS is quite simple. Users only need to change the DNS settings on their router or individual devices to the AdGuard DNS IPs:

• AdGuard DNS (Default): 94.140.14.14 and 94.140.15.15
• Family Protection: 94.140.14.15 and 94.140.15.16

Advantages of AdGuard DNS:

1. Ad Blocking: It blocks a wide range of ads, including trackers, banner ads, and pop-ups.
2. Family Protection: A specific mode to protect children by blocking explicit content and forcing safe search on popular search engines.
3. No Logs: Privacy-focused and doesn’t log user data.
4. Simple Setup: Easy to configure at the router or device level, making it convenient for family-wide protection.

Limitations:

1. No Custom Filtering: AdGuard DNS offers limited customization compared to more advanced filtering features available in some paid services.
2. Block List Restrictions: Users cannot modify the blocklist, which may mean some desired content could be blocked or some unwanted content could get through.

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OpenDNS Overview

OpenDNS, owned by Cisco, is a well-established DNS provider that offers both free and paid versions, with robust parental controls and content filtering.

• Content Filtering: OpenDNS has a strong focus on content filtering. It allows users to choose from pre-configured filtering levels (e.g., high, moderate, low) or create custom block lists based on categories like “Gambling,” “Adult,” and “Social Media.”
• FamilyShield: OpenDNS FamilyShield is a specific configuration for blocking adult content without requiring a detailed setup. It automatically blocks domains with adult content and enforces safe search on all connected devices.
• Logging & Monitoring: OpenDNS offers detailed activity reports for monitoring device access. This helps parents track browsing behavior and take action if necessary.

Configuration: OpenDNS requires changing the DNS settings to their specific IP addresses:

• OpenDNS FamilyShield: 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123
• OpenDNS Home: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220

Advantages of OpenDNS:

1. Custom Filtering: Users can customize filters based on categories or individual domains. This provides more control over the types of content that are accessible.
2. Activity Reports: The service offers activity monitoring to allow for better insight into browsing habits, making it easier to ensure children are staying safe.
3. Reliable and Established: With years of industry experience, OpenDNS is highly reliable and trusted globally.

Limitations:

1. No Ad Blocking: OpenDNS primarily focuses on content filtering and lacks comprehensive ad-blocking features. Ads will still be displayed when using OpenDNS.
2. Logs Data: While OpenDNS provides detailed logging, this also means that user data is stored, which might raise privacy concerns for some users.

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AdGuard DNS vs OpenDNS: Feature Comparison

Feature	AdGuard DNS	OpenDNS
Ad Blocking	Yes, blocks all ads	No, ads are not blocked
Adult Content Blocking	Yes, via Family Protection	Yes, via FamilyShield
Custom Filtering	Limited (fixed lists)	Extensive custom filtering
Privacy	No logging of queries	Logs data (for reporting)
Activity Monitoring	No	Yes, detailed activity reports
Ease of Setup	Simple	Requires more customization
Free Version	Available	Available
Paid Version	No (DNS features are free)	Available (with more features)

Blocking Ads

• AdGuard DNS stands out for ad-blocking. It effectively blocks ads across different websites and applications, providing a more streamlined browsing experience without distractions.
• OpenDNS, on the other hand, does not block ads by default or offer significant ad-blocking capabilities. If ad-blocking is a high priority, OpenDNS may not be suitable unless supplemented with browser extensions or other third-party tools.

Blocking Adult Content

• Both AdGuard DNS and OpenDNS offer features to block adult content.
• AdGuard DNS has a Family Protection mode that blocks adult websites and enforces safe search, making it easy for parents to set up.
• OpenDNS FamilyShield provides a similar level of protection and is pre-configured for families, but OpenDNS Home allows more granular control through category and domain-based filtering, which may be useful for families seeking a higher level of customization.

Privacy and Logging

• AdGuard DNS takes a more privacy-focused approach, not storing user query logs, which may appeal to privacy-conscious users.
• OpenDNS logs queries for activity reporting. This feature can be beneficial for monitoring browsing behavior but may be a concern for those who prioritize privacy.

Customization

• OpenDNS provides more customization options, allowing users to block or allow specific domains or categories, which is a major advantage for families looking for precise control over what can be accessed.
• AdGuard DNS offers fixed settings that are easy to use but less customizable.

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Conclusion

AdGuard DNS and OpenDNS are both excellent choices for protecting family devices from inappropriate content, but they cater to different needs:

• If ad-blocking is a top priority and you prefer a simple setup with privacy in mind, AdGuard DNS is an excellent choice.
• If you want detailed content filtering, customizable block lists, and activity monitoring, then OpenDNS is the better option. However, it does not provide ad-blocking.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Families seeking a more ad-free experience should consider AdGuard DNS, whereas those who value comprehensive content filtering and monitoring features might prefer OpenDNS.

References

1. AdGuard DNS official website: https://adguard-dns.io/
2. OpenDNS official website: https://www.opendns.com/
3. AdGuard DNS Family Protection details: https://adguard.com/en/adguard-dns/overview.html
4. OpenDNS FamilyShield overview: https://www.opendns.com/setupguide/#familyshield