
OpenDNS - Detailed Review
Networking Tools

OpenDNS - Product Overview
Introduction to OpenDNS
OpenDNS is a prominent player in the networking tools category, particularly known for its advanced DNS (Domain Name System) services. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features.Primary Function
OpenDNS extends the traditional DNS service by adding critical security features such as phishing protection, malware blocking, and content filtering. It acts as a firewall for DNS, distinguishing between legitimate and malicious websites, thereby protecting users from cyber threats like phishing, malware, and targeted online attacks.Target Audience
OpenDNS is widely used by various types of organizations. It is most commonly adopted by companies with 50-200 employees and those with revenues exceeding $1 billion. The primary industries using OpenDNS include Information Technology and Services, and Computer Software. Geographically, the majority of its users are based in the United States, followed by the United Kingdom.Key Features
Content Filtering
OpenDNS allows administrators to filter web content, blocking access to unsafe or inappropriate websites. This feature is particularly useful for managed IT services, helping to protect networks from malicious webpages and maintaining cybersecurity.Phishing and Malware Protection
OpenDNS blocks access to phishing websites and prevents malware infections, ensuring users are safe from common cyber threats. It conducts URL scrutiny and deeper inspection of traffic to identify and block harmful content.Ease of Use
Setting up OpenDNS is straightforward; users only need to update their DNS server settings to OpenDNS. This simplicity makes it accessible for a wide range of users.Speed and Reliability
OpenDNS operates large and up-to-date DNS caches, which ensures fast DNS response times. This caching mechanism means that most DNS requests are answered quickly without needing to query authoritative DNS servers.Administrative Control
OpenDNS provides cloud-based administrative rights, allowing administrators to establish rules by network, sector, device, or IP address. It also supports both Windows and Mac operating systems.Productivity Tools
OpenDNS offers features like shortcuts to favorite websites, which can increase user productivity by reducing the time spent accessing frequently visited sites. Overall, OpenDNS is a powerful tool for enhancing network security, speed, and user productivity, making it a valuable asset for organizations seeking to protect their online presence.
OpenDNS - User Interface and Experience
User Interface and Experience
The user interface and experience of OpenDNS are designed to be user-friendly and straightforward, making it accessible to a wide range of users.Configuration and Setup
To start using OpenDNS, you need to make a simple configuration change in your DNS settings. This involves replacing your default DNS server addresses with OpenDNS’s nameservers (`208.67.222.123` or `208.67.220.123`) on your home router, individual computers, or wireless devices. This process is relatively easy and does not require any hardware or software installations.Dashboard and Management
Once configured, you can manage OpenDNS’s features through a user-friendly dashboard. Here, you can add your network by entering your external IP address, which is typically displayed on the dashboard. This allows you to use advanced features such as custom content filtering and view internet usage statistics.Content Filtering and Security
The dashboard provides easy access to content filtering options, where you can block specific web addresses or create allow-lists to restrict internet access to certain domains. These features are particularly useful for households and organizations looking to control internet access.Support and Resources
OpenDNS offers comprehensive support, including direct email support for all users, with priority given to paid subscribers. The platform also provides detailed documentation, an FAQ page, and an official support forum to help users get familiar with all aspects of the service.Ease of Use
Setting up and using OpenDNS is generally straightforward. The process involves minimal technical steps, and the interface is intuitive enough for users without advanced technical knowledge to manage their DNS settings and security features effectively.Overall User Experience
The overall user experience is enhanced by OpenDNS’s fast and reliable service. The use of Anycast routing ensures that users connect to the nearest datacenter, resulting in faster web page loading times and an improved internet experience. Additionally, the continuous updating of the DNS database and the blocking of malicious IP addresses contribute to a safer and more efficient browsing experience.Conclusion
In summary, OpenDNS offers a simple, user-friendly interface that makes it easy to configure and manage DNS settings, content filtering, and security features, ensuring a smooth and secure internet experience.
OpenDNS - Key Features and Functionality
OpenDNS Overview
OpenDNS, now part of Cisco Umbrella, offers several key features that enhance DNS resolution, security, and content filtering. However, the integration of AI is not a primary focus in the available information.
DNS Resolution
OpenDNS serves as a domain name system (DNS) resolution service, acting as a critical component of internet browsing by mapping domain names to IP addresses. This ensures that website addresses resolve to the correct IP addresses, which can be particularly important if your ISP’s default DNS service is flawed or outdated. OpenDNS processes a significant volume of DNS queries daily, which helps in maintaining fast and reliable browsing speeds.
Phishing Protection and Malware Blocking
One of the core security features of OpenDNS is its ability to protect users from phishing and malware. The platform maintains a continuously updated database of malicious IP addresses, which it blocks to prevent users from accessing harmful websites. This feature significantly reduces the risk of users being redirected to fake or malicious sites, such as phishing pages designed to steal credentials.
Custom Content Filtering
OpenDNS allows users to block specific web addresses from their network, which is particularly useful for parents or organizations looking to restrict access to certain types of content. Users can create block lists to prevent access to sites that are inappropriate or potentially harmful. Additionally, paid users can create allow-lists, restricting internet access to only a few approved domains, which is beneficial in environments like schools where focused internet use is necessary.
Internet Usage Statistics
For subscribers to the paid plans, OpenDNS provides access to a year’s worth of internet usage statistics. This feature helps users monitor their browsing habits and identify areas where improvements can be made.
Security Policies and Configuration
OpenDNS integrates with various network management systems to enforce DNS-based security policies. For example, in Cisco’s StarOS, OpenDNS functionality can be configured on a per-subscriber basis, allowing for the readdressing of DNS traffic based on predefined rules and security profiles. This includes the ability to encrypt DNS header fields for added security.
Limitations in AI Integration
While OpenDNS offers strong security and filtering capabilities, there is no significant evidence from the available sources indicating a heavy reliance on AI or machine learning (ML) for its core functions. In fact, some critiques suggest that OpenDNS still relies heavily on domain list uploads rather than AI-driven threat detection, which can lead to slower response times in blocking new threats.
Conclusion
In summary, OpenDNS is a powerful tool for DNS resolution, security, and content filtering, but it does not appear to heavily integrate AI or ML into its core functionalities based on the available information.

OpenDNS - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
OpenDNS has shown significant improvements in performance over the years. In a 2018 study by ThousandEyes, OpenDNS demonstrated a notable reduction in average latency, dropping from 44.98 ms to 30.42 ms. This improvement places OpenDNS among the top performers, although it still lags behind Cloudflare and Google DNS in terms of latency. Cloudflare led with an average latency of 18.46 ms, followed by Google at 24 ms, and then OpenDNS at 30.42 ms.Accuracy and Reliability
OpenDNS generally provides reliable DNS resolution. It handles a massive volume of DNS requests, with over 50 billion queries daily as of 2013. The service uses anycast routing to direct queries to the nearest operational server, which helps in maintaining consistent performance. However, there have been instances where OpenDNS faced performance issues. For example, a study noted that while overall performance was stable, there were periods of high latency with other DNS providers, though OpenDNS itself did not exhibit such erratic behavior.Security and Features
OpenDNS offers several security features, including customizable content filtering and malware protection. It supports DNSSEC validation and ECS (EDNS Client Subnet) passing, which are important for security and performance. Additionally, OpenDNS provides different service tiers, such as the FamilyShield, which blocks pornography, proxy servers, and phishing sites, and the OpenDNS Sandbox, which is an RFC-compliant DNS service without any filtering.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Compatibility Issues
OpenDNS may not be as compatible with certain devices or networks as the default ISP DNS, which can lead to some compatibility issues.Privacy Concerns
There are concerns about data privacy when using OpenDNS, similar to those with Google DNS. Users should be aware that their data may be collected and used in ways that could compromise their privacy.Security Vulnerabilities
In 2024, OpenDNS was susceptible to a DNS pulsing attack due to improper handling of a large volume of queued DNS requests. However, Cisco addressed this issue and no user action was required.Lack of Support for DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH)
Unlike Google DNS, OpenDNS did not initially support DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH), although it has since added support for DoH and DNS-over-TLS (DoT). In summary, OpenDNS offers strong performance and reliability, along with valuable security features. However, it faces challenges related to compatibility, privacy, and occasional security vulnerabilities that need to be addressed.
OpenDNS - Pricing and Plans
OpenDNS Pricing Structure
Free Plans
- OpenDNS Home: This plan is free and offers protection for one network, including speedy RFC-compliant DNS resolution. It provides customizable filtering and basic protection, allowing users to block or allow specific websites and categories.
- OpenDNS Family Shield: Also free, this plan is preconfigured to block adult content, including categories such as Pornography, Tasteless, Proxy/Anonymizer, and Sexuality. It uses specific DNS servers (208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123) for this purpose.
Paid Plan
- OpenDNS Home VIP: This is the only paid plan for home users, costing $19.95 per year. It includes all the features of the OpenDNS Home plan but with several enhancements:
- Increases the number of individual domains you can blacklist or whitelist from 25 to 50.
- Extends the time you can view reports and logs from two weeks to one year.
- Offers a whitelist-only mode that restricts browsing to only the specified domains.
Enterprise and MSP Pricing
- OpenDNS no longer supports Managed Service Provider (MSP) contracts as of July 31, 2022. Instead, Cisco Umbrella is recommended for enterprise and MSP needs. However, for personal or small home networks, the above plans are applicable.
Summary
OpenDNS provides two free plans with basic and preconfigured content filtering, and one paid plan that offers additional features and extended reporting capabilities.

OpenDNS - Integration and Compatibility
OpenDNS Integrations and Compatibility
Integrations with Other Tools
NinjaOne
OpenDNS integrates with NinjaOne, a comprehensive IT management platform. This integration allows for deep insights into endpoints, robust security measures, and centralized control. It includes features such as patch management, mobile device oversight, software distribution, remote support, and backup solutions, making it easier to manage and secure endpoints.Cisco Umbrella
OpenDNS is closely integrated with Cisco Umbrella, a network security product suite. Umbrella provides features like category-based content filtering, allow/block list enforcement, and SafeSearch browsing enforcement. It also includes the Security Graph, a data-driven threat intelligence engine that updates malware, botnet, and phishing domain and IP blacklists. This integration helps in enforcing security policies for mobile employees and protecting against various online threats.Cisco Meraki
OpenDNS works seamlessly with Cisco Meraki, which simplifies network security management through a cloud-based dashboard. Meraki devices can be centrally managed, and the integration allows for easy-to-manage Wi-Fi, remote monitoring, and identity-based configuration of all devices. This ensures reliable and secure network connections.SpiderFoot
For Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and threat analysis, OpenDNS can be used in conjunction with SpiderFoot. SpiderFoot automates the collection and analysis of OSINT data, helping to identify potential threats and unmanaged IT assets. This integration is particularly useful for penetration testers and red teams.Compatibility Across Platforms and Devices
Operating Systems
OpenDNS supports monitoring and management across various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. This ensures that devices on different platforms can be managed and secured effectively.Network and Cloud Services
OpenDNS provides complete visibility across your network and cloud services without the need for additional network monitoring software. This makes it a versatile tool for managing both on-premise and cloud-based infrastructure.IPv6 Support
OpenDNS supports recursive IPv6 DNS resolution and security filtering for IPv6 traffic. However, custom content filtering for IPv6 traffic is not currently possible through the OpenDNS Dashboard.DNS Protocols
OpenDNS supports various DNS protocols, including DNSCrypt, DNS over HTTPS (DoH), and DNS over TLS (DoT). These protocols help in securing DNS traffic between the user’s computer and the name servers.Conclusion
In summary, OpenDNS integrates well with a range of IT management and security tools, offering comprehensive network visibility, security, and management capabilities across different platforms and devices. Its compatibility with various protocols and systems ensures it can be effectively used in diverse network environments.
OpenDNS - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options
When using OpenDNS, you have several customer support options and additional resources available to help you manage and troubleshoot your service.Community Support
OpenDNS encourages users to utilize their community forum for assistance. This platform is a valuable resource where you can find answers to common questions, share experiences, and get help from other users and OpenDNS staff.Online Support
For Cisco Umbrella customers, there is a dedicated online support system. You can email `umbrella-support@cisco.com` for direct assistance with your Umbrella-related issues.Self-Help Troubleshooting Guide
OpenDNS provides a comprehensive self-help troubleshooting guide that covers a wide range of topics, including setting up your router, computer, game console, tablet, or smartphone to use OpenDNS. This guide also addresses common issues such as filtering and controls, network and device management, and account-related problems.Dashboard and Settings
Administrators can manage web content filtering and security settings through the OpenDNS Dashboard. Here, you can configure filtering levels, select specific categories, and apply these settings to your network. The dashboard also allows you to check the current content category of a site and report any incorrect categorizations.Testing Your Setup
To ensure you are using OpenDNS correctly, you can visit test sites such as `welcome.opendns.com` or `internetbadguys.com`. These sites will indicate whether you are resolving through OpenDNS and help you verify your setup.Reporting Issues
If you encounter issues such as a site being blocked or allowed incorrectly, you can review your dashboard settings and use the community platform for assistance. For reporting malicious websites or incorrect content categorizations, you can submit a request to the OpenDNS support team or use their automated tools.Account Management
OpenDNS provides clear instructions on how to update your email address, change your payment information, cancel subscriptions, and delete your user account. These tasks can be managed through the OpenDNS dashboard or by contacting their support team.Conclusion
By leveraging these resources, you can effectively manage your OpenDNS service, troubleshoot common issues, and ensure your network is protected according to your preferences.
OpenDNS - Pros and Cons
When Considering OpenDNS
When considering OpenDNS as a networking tool, here are the main advantages and disadvantages you should be aware of:
Advantages
- Improved Internet Speed and Performance: OpenDNS is known for its fast DNS resolution, which can significantly improve website loading times and overall browsing experience.
- Enhanced Security: OpenDNS offers robust security features, including phishing protection, malware blocking, and a database of malicious IP addresses that it automatically blocks. This helps protect users from accessing spoofed or malicious websites.
- Custom Content Filtering: OpenDNS provides customizable content filtering, which is particularly useful for parents who want to control the internet content their children can access. It allows blocking specific websites or categories of content.
- Parental Controls: The service includes granular parental controls, enabling parents to filter content from 60 different categories, ensuring a safer internet environment for children.
- Ease of Setup and Configuration: OpenDNS is relatively easy to set up and configure, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Integration with Other Security Tools: OpenDNS integrates well with other security platforms, such as Cisco’s AMP Threat Grid and Check Point Software Technologies, enhancing its threat detection and enforcement capabilities.
Disadvantages
- Compatibility Issues: There can be compatibility issues with some devices and networks, which may require additional configuration or troubleshooting.
- Limited Privacy Protections: OpenDNS, now part of Cisco, may have limited privacy protections, as there have been concerns about data collection practices that could compromise user privacy.
- No Support for DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH): Unlike some other DNS services, OpenDNS does not support DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH), which could be a drawback for users seeking this additional layer of security.
- Limited Free Tier: The free tier of OpenDNS has limitations, such as limited features and slower connection speeds compared to the paid plans.
- Ad Blocking Limitations: OpenDNS has limited ad blocking capabilities, which might be a concern for users who prefer a more comprehensive ad-blocking service.
By weighing these pros and cons, you can make an informed decision about whether OpenDNS meets your specific networking and security needs.

OpenDNS - Comparison with Competitors
Comparing OpenDNS with Other AI-Driven DNS and Network Security Tools
Cisco OpenDNS (Cisco Umbrella)
- Features: Cisco OpenDNS is known for its content filtering, malware protection, and enforcement of acceptable use policies. It is easy to implement and manage, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes.
- Limitations: Since its acquisition by Cisco, users have reported a downturn in service quality, particularly in areas such as advanced features, user-friendly onboarding, and responsive customer support.
Alternatives and Competitors
Control D
- Unique Features: Control D stands out with its advanced ML-based malware protection, geo-custom rules, and traffic redirection capabilities. It also offers better DNS query speeds, server uptime, and server quality compared to Cisco Umbrella. Additionally, it blocks ads and trackers and provides a more user-friendly onboarding experience.
- Advantages: Customizable content filtering, support for modern DNS protocols like DNS-over-HTTPS, and a more affordable pricing structure.
Cloudflare Gateway
- Unique Features: Cloudflare Gateway is known for its fast DNS query speeds due to its global server network. It offers strong content filtering features and integration with all device types. However, it has an ineffective malware filter, and essential features like SIEM log streaming require higher-priced plans.
- Advantages: Fast and reliable performance, but it is priced higher, targeting large enterprises.
WebTitan
- Unique Features: WebTitan provides advanced malware detection and customizable content filtering. However, it lacks geo-based blocking and has an outdated UI.
- Advantages: Modern DNS protocol support, full API access, and data exporting capabilities.
DNSFilter
- Unique Features: DNSFilter is recognized for its AI-powered malware protection, 80 blockable services, and user-friendly interface. However, it has subpar server uptime and quality, and lacks support for Linux systems and modern DNS protocols.
- Advantages: Fast DNS query speeds, strong content filtering, and protection for mobile devices.
NextDNS
- Unique Features: NextDNS is a privacy-focused solution that blocks ads and trackers, offers real-time threat detection, and supports most device types. However, it lacks geo-blocking features and custom blocklists.
- Advantages: Real-time threat detection, parental control features, and support for modern DNS protocols.
AI-Driven Networking Tools
While not direct DNS filtering alternatives, some AI-driven networking tools offer complementary or overlapping features:
Juniper Mist AI
- Features: Uses machine learning to automate network operations, proactively identify and resolve issues, and ensure a seamless network experience.
- Advantages: Enhances network performance and security by continuously monitoring network performance and user behavior.
Darktrace
- Features: An AI-powered cybersecurity platform that detects and responds to cyber threats in real-time by analyzing network traffic and user behavior.
- Advantages: Identifies anomalies and suspicious activities, allowing for immediate action to mitigate security threats.
Cisco DNA Center
- Features: A centralized network management platform that automates network operations, enhances security, and optimizes performance using AI and machine learning.
- Advantages: Automates network provisioning, detects intelligent threats, and enforces dynamic policies.
Choosing the Right Alternative
When selecting an alternative to OpenDNS, consider the following criteria:
- Pricing: Evaluate the cost in relation to the features provided.
- Features: Determine the specific security and filtering needs of your organization.
- Customizability: Look for solutions that offer granular control over content filtering and traffic redirection.
- Onboarding & UX: Choose a solution with a user-friendly onboarding process and intuitive interface.
- Analytics: Ensure the solution provides the necessary analytics and reporting features.
- Support: Consider the quality and responsiveness of customer support.
Each of these alternatives offers unique strengths and weaknesses, so it’s crucial to match the features and pricing with your specific organizational needs.

OpenDNS - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about OpenDNS
How do I set up my router to use OpenDNS?
To set up your router to use OpenDNS, you need to modify the DNS settings on your router. Here are the steps:- Log in to your router’s configuration page.
- Find the DNS settings section.
- Replace the existing DNS server addresses with OpenDNS’s:
- IPv4: 208.67.220.220 and 208.67.222.222
- IPv6: 2620:119:35::35 and 2620:119:53::53
- Save the changes.
How do I set up my computer to use OpenDNS?
If you prefer to configure OpenDNS on a specific computer rather than the router, you can do so by changing the DNS settings on the computer. Here’s how:- For Windows, macOS, and Linux, go to your network settings.
- Find the DNS settings and replace them with OpenDNS’s:
- IPv4: 208.67.220.220 and 208.67.222.222
- IPv6: 2620:119:35::35 and 2620:119:53::53
- Save the changes.
How can I check if I’m using OpenDNS?
To verify if you are using OpenDNS, visit (https://welcome.opendns.com). This page will indicate whether you are protected by OpenDNS or not. You can also use test domains like `examplemalwaredomain.com`, `internetbadguys.com`, or `exampleadultsite.com` to check the filtering.Can I set a schedule for OpenDNS filtering?
Unfortunately, OpenDNS does not support setting specific times for enforcing filtering. The same settings will be applied all day, every day, as long as DNS requests are sent to OpenDNS.How do I report an incorrect Content Category?
If you find that a site is incorrectly categorized, you should open a ticket with OpenDNS support. They will submit a request to the security research team to have the domain recategorized.Can I register an IPv6 network with OpenDNS?
Currently, it is not possible to register an IPv6 network with OpenDNS. This means custom filtering is not available for IPv6 networks.How do I keep my registered network’s IP address up to date?
To keep your dynamic IP address up to date, you need to use a Dynamic IP updater client. OpenDNS provides clients for Windows and macOS, and Linux users can use `ddclient`. Alternatively, you can use a dynamic DNS service (like DynDNS or No-IP) synced with OpenDNS via DNS-O-Matic.What are the different plans offered by OpenDNS?
OpenDNS offers several plans:- OpenDNS Family Shield: Free, preconfigured filters, covers unlimited devices, but does not include internet usage stats or domain whitelisting.
- OpenDNS Home: Free, allows custom web filters, includes internet usage stats, and domain whitelisting, also covers unlimited devices.
How do I configure OpenDNS on smart devices?
To protect smart devices using OpenDNS, you need to set up OpenDNS as the DNS servers in your network’s router. This ensures all devices connected to the network use OpenDNS for DNS resolution.Can I add multiple networks to my OpenDNS account?
Yes, you can register more than one network with OpenDNS, but this capability depends on your subscription type. For example, the OpenDNS Umbrella Prosumer subscription does not allow network registration; you would need an OpenDNS Home or OpenDNS VIP subscription for this feature.How do I cancel my OpenDNS subscription?
To cancel your OpenDNS subscription, you need to log in to your account and follow the cancellation instructions. For specific steps, refer to the OpenDNS support articles on canceling subscriptions, such as the OpenDNS VIP or OpenDNS Umbrella Prosumer subscriptions.
OpenDNS - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of OpenDNS
OpenDNS is a highly effective and user-friendly DNS-based web filtering solution that offers significant benefits for both home users and enterprise clients.Who Would Benefit Most
Home Users
OpenDNS is particularly beneficial for families looking to ensure a safe internet environment. It provides parental controls, customizable content filtering, and built-in protection against malicious phishing and other cyber threats. Setting it up is straightforward and can be done in minutes, protecting all devices connected to the home network.
Enterprise Clients
Businesses can greatly benefit from OpenDNS due to its advanced threat protection, malware and botnet prevention, and web access control for employees. It offers real-time security visibility, logging, and categorization of internet activity, which helps in detecting and mitigating security threats promptly. The service is scalable, reliable, and integrates well with existing security architectures.
Key Benefits
Ease of Use
OpenDNS is easy to set up and use. You only need to update your DNS server settings to start enjoying its protection. This simplicity makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
Performance
OpenDNS enhances browsing speed by leveraging a large global cache and optimizing DNS resolution through its extensive network of data centers and peers at Internet Exchange Points. This reduces latency and ensures quick access to websites.
Security
It provides strong protection against malware, phishing, and other cyber threats by utilizing blacklists of known malicious websites and conducting real-time URL scrutiny. This helps in blocking access to harmful web pages and securing the network from various types of attacks.
Visibility and Control
OpenDNS offers detailed logs and categorization of internet activity, allowing administrators to monitor and control web access effectively. It also supports customizable content filtering and whitelist-only codes to prohibit access to specific sites and content.
Reliability
With 100% uptime since 2006 and handling over 80 billion DNS requests daily, OpenDNS ensures high reliability and scalability, making it suitable for large-scale deployments.
Recommendation
Given its ease of use, enhanced performance, and strong security features, OpenDNS is highly recommended for anyone looking to secure their internet environment. Whether you are a home user seeking to protect your family or an enterprise client aiming to bolster your cybersecurity, OpenDNS provides a comprehensive solution that is both effective and easy to implement.
For businesses, the integration with Cisco’s security capabilities, following the acquisition, further enhances its value by providing broad visibility and threat intelligence across the entire network.
In summary, OpenDNS is a reliable, efficient, and secure DNS filtering solution that can significantly improve your internet safety and performance.