Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

OpenDNS

OpenDNS provides faster and safer Internet access for your home or Business.

OpenDNS

OpenDNS Reviews and Details

This page is designed to help you find out whether OpenDNS is good and if it is the right choice for you.

Screenshots and images

  • OpenDNS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-22

Features & Specs

  1. Improved Security

    OpenDNS offers robust protection against phishing attacks, malware, and botnets by blocking access to known malicious domains.

  2. Enhanced Control

    Users get granular control over website access, enabling custom filtering to block inappropriate or unsafe sites, which is especially useful for parents and schools.

  3. Faster DNS Resolution

    OpenDNS aims to provide faster domain name resolution, potentially reducing the time it takes to load websites compared to using ISPs' DNS services.

  4. DNS Uptime

    With globally distributed servers, OpenDNS ensures high availability and reliability, minimizing the risk of DNS outages.

  5. Detailed Analytics

    OpenDNS provides insightful web usage statistics and reports that can help identify trends and potential security threats.

  6. Device Compatibility

    It is compatible with multiple platforms and devices, making it easy to configure on routers, computers, and mobile devices.

  7. Ease of Use

    The service is straightforward to set up, often requiring only a simple change in DNS settings on your device or router.

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Videos

OpenDNS - #2 - OpenDNS Review

How to secure home network using OpenDNS

IN DEPTH: openDNS

Social recommendations and mentions

We have tracked the following product recommendations or mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you see what people think about OpenDNS and what they use it for.
  • Multiple DDNS configs?
    I've been using the DDNS option in the UI to sync with no-ip.com, so that I can remotely access my NAS via Wireguard, and this works great. However, my new router no longer supports DDNS without subscription. I need another DDNS client to sync with opendns.com, to get content filtering and parental controls, as my new router has no options for this. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Evaluating DNSfilter
    We have used opendns.com for this for years. Might take a look at them. Source: over 3 years ago
  • What does this error message mean? How/where do I change the URL?
    Can you visit opendns.com on your home network? The problem likely that site is getting blocked, and can't use the API to get the public IP of your box. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Firefox detected a potential security threat and did not continue to calyxos.org
    This might be an issue with my DNS provider. I use opendns.com to filter my DNS queries. They're giving the following reasons for blocking the site... Source: over 3 years ago
  • Wi-Fi web filtering
    If all users need the same level of filtering, opendns.com is free and works great. You need a way to forward DNS requests to the Open DNS server, such as a typical Windows DNS. Source: over 4 years ago
  • How to use a Hosts file to block online shopping websites on your PC!
    If this is meant for family members, then you can implement a network-wide blocking by using opendns.com (OpenDNS Home which is free) and setting the dns in the router itself. Then change the router password to something you won't even remember and it'll be a good deterrent because you'd then have to reset the router (which is bad for Converge routers, don't know about others. Try at your own risk, do your... Source: over 4 years ago
  • New webmail not working?
    If you want to change the DNS Server at the router level, go to opendns.com and they have instructions available. Source: almost 5 years ago
  • A benchmark between the two most popular Cut List Optimizer tools
    Haha - nice! I'll also get in touch with opendns.com, thanks for pointing that out. Source: about 5 years ago
  • users bypassing Pi-Hole using doh.opendns.com?
    Hi, I have a Pi-Hole on my network. Recently, I see a lot of user traffic to doh.opendns.com in query log... Is this from users who are bypassing the Pi-Hole to query opendns.com directly? Source: about 5 years ago
  • How to Stop LG From Stuffing Ads Into Your Brand New OLED TV - ExtremeTech
    If you have a fixed IP, then use a free account on opendns.com to route your traffic through them by using their primary/secondary DNS addresses - you can then block whatever types of content you like, including allow/block addresses manually. Makes stuff easy like part 2 of this link. Source: over 5 years ago
  • Deleting my 9 years old League of Legends account
    A lot of people in this community are too afraid of deleting their accounts. It takes 25 days for the account to be deleted. You should use opendns.com and block all riot websites so you can't install it again until its gone. Source: over 5 years ago

Summary of the public mentions of OpenDNS

OpenDNS, owned by Cisco, remains a prominent player in the DNS domain, particularly recognized for its security and privacy offerings, parental control features, and internet safety solutions. Public perception of OpenDNS is largely favorable, driven by its robust functionality in various contexts such as home networks, parental controls, and basic web filtering.

Positive Attributes

OpenDNS is lauded for its intuitive setup and operational robustness, making it a suitable choice even for less tech-savvy users. The service is frequently recommended for individuals aiming to enhance online safety without delving deep into complicated configuration processes. Its two free offerings, FamilyShield and OpenDNS Home, cater to different user needs. FamilyShield automatically blocks adult content, providing parents with a straightforward way to safeguard their children's online activities. OpenDNS Home, on the other hand, focuses on broader internet safety and improved browsing performance.

Users appreciate the additional layer of security provided by OpenDNS, which complements existing systems like the built-in Windows firewall. This combination enables safer internet experiences by filtering content at the DNS level, effectively preempting access to harmful sites before they pose a risk.

User Experiences and Considerations

The practical benefits of OpenDNS extend to scenarios requiring dynamic DNS (DDNS) capabilities, serving as a reliable client where direct router support is unavailable. This is particularly beneficial for maintaining consistent remote access to networked devices. However, users should note that OpenDNS does not function as a full-fledged firewall; additional protection measures are recommended to fully secure network traffic.

Some user feedback highlights the occasional inconvenience of OpenDNS's content blocking. For instance, certain websites may be erroneously restricted due to DNS filtering configurations, prompting the need for manual adjustments or white-listing to resolve access issues. Moreover, users of advanced DNS filtering tools, such as Pi-hole, may find that traffic directed to OpenDNS can bypass local network controls, necessitating careful configuration to maintain desired traffic routing and filtering settings.

Concluding Insights

Overall, OpenDNS commands a strong position in public opinion for providing accessible, reliable, and effective DNS services to the general populace. It bridges the gap between simple DNS functions and advanced security features, appealing particularly to those looking for reliable parental controls and secure web browsing without extensive technical overhead.

As the digital landscape evolves, OpenDNS will likely continue to face competition from services such as 1.1.1.1, Quad9, and AdGuard, among others. Nonetheless, its robust existing user base and continued backing by Cisco position it well to adapt and potentially broaden its offerings in response to user demands and technological advancements.

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Is OpenDNS good? This is an informative page that will help you find out. Moreover, you can review and discuss OpenDNS here. The primary details have not been verified within the last quarter, and they might be outdated. If you think we are missing something, please use the means on this page to comment or suggest changes. All reviews and comments are highly encouranged and appreciated as they help everyone in the community to make an informed choice. Please always be kind and objective when evaluating a product and sharing your opinion.