DNSFilter vs Cisco Umbrella whats best for your business?

A closer look at how DNSFilter compares to Cisco Umbrella—and why it might be the smarter choice for growing companies.

Choosing the Right DNS Security Solution Matters

If you're exploring DNS security tools, you've likely come across names like Cisco Umbrella, Cloudflare Gateway, and WebTitan. These are all respected players in the space—but not all DNS filtering solutions are created equal.

At Four Winds IT, we guide businesses toward tools that are not only secure, but also efficient, easy to manage, and aligned with how your team actually works. That’s why we often recommend DNSFilter—especially when compared to legacy options like Cisco Umbrella.

 

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DNSFilter vs. Cisco Umbrella: What’s the Difference?

Cisco Umbrella has a long-standing reputation and a wide range of features, but that can also mean more complexity and cost. DNSFilter, on the other hand, was designed with modern needs in mind: cloud-native, AI-driven, and easy to use.

Here’s how they compare:

Ease of Use

✅ DNSFilter: Simple, modern UI that non-technical users can navigate with ease.
⚠️ Cisco Umbrella: Robust but more technical, with a steeper learning curve.

According to G2, DNSFilter earns higher ratings than Cisco Umbrella in ease of use and setup. G2, 2024

Speed of Threat Detection

✅ DNSFilter: Uses AI to detect threats in real-time, often identifying malicious domains up to 7–10 days faster than traditional threat feeds.
⚠️ Cisco Umbrella: Relies more heavily on traditional blacklists and third-party intel.

DNSFilter claims a 10-day advantage in detecting threats compared to static feeds. DNSFilter Threat Report, 2023

Pricing Transparency

✅ DNSFilter: Clear, predictable per-user pricing with no surprise add-ons.
⚠️ Cisco Umbrella: Tiered pricing with additional costs for features like SSL inspection or advanced reporting.

Reviewers frequently cite DNSFilter’s pricing model as simpler and more SMB-friendly. Capterra Reviews

 

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Deployment and Management

✅ DNSFilter: Deploys in minutes, even across hybrid or remote teams.
⚠️ Cisco Umbrella: Setup can take longer and often requires more technical configuration.

DNSFilter advertises same-day deployment with minimal IT involvement. DNSFilter Docs

Customer Support

✅ DNSFilter: Responsive, personalized support focused on small and midsize businesses.
⚠️ Cisco Umbrella: Enterprise-grade support but often slower for smaller clients.

Many users report faster resolution times with DNSFilter’s human-first support team. TrustRadius, 2024

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a DNS Filtering Tool

Before choosing a DNS filtering solution—or deciding if you need one at all—ask:

• Are we actively monitoring or controlling employee internet use?

• Have we faced phishing, malware, or suspicious web activity in the past year?

• Do remote or hybrid employees access business systems from unsecured networks?

• Do we have policies in place for acceptable internet use—and a way to enforce them?

• Are our current tools detecting emerging threats in real time?

If you answered “no” to any of the above, DNS filtering is likely a smart next step.

When comparing tools like DNSFilter and Cisco Umbrella, consider:

• How quickly can we deploy and manage this tool?

• Can it flex across departments with custom rules?

• Does it offer detailed, actionable reporting?

• Will we need ongoing support or training to use it effectively?

📄 Want a quick way to review your options?
👉 Download our DNS Filtering Buyer’s Checklist

Why Four Winds IT Recommends DNSFilter

We’ve worked with a wide range of DNS filtering tools, and DNSFilter consistently stands out for:

• AI-powered, fast threat detection

• Simple and intuitive interface

• Flexible policy management by team or role

• Clear reporting and insights

• Fast deployment across in-office and remote environments

It’s not just a great product—it’s one that fits naturally into the cybersecurity roadmap we build with our clients. And when Four Winds IT manages it for you, you get the added benefit of hands-on support and alignment with your unique business needs.

Final Thoughts: Choose the Tool That Works for You

We looked over DNSFilter vs Cisco but the truth us that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution in cybersecurity. But if you're looking for a modern, effective DNS security solution that won’t slow you down, DNSFilter is worth a serious look.

And when you partner with Four Winds IT, we make sure your DNS filtering solution is customized, monitored, and managed with your goals in mind.

 Let’s compare your options. Schedule a DNS consultation today.