We list the best URL filtering software, to make it simple and easy to better manage your network security.
Previously URL filtering was known more for blocking access to specific websites, especially social media ones to help stop employees distractions and improve productivity. However, these days URL filtering is more focused on managing cybersecurity protections.
Specifically that means actively scanning websites for potential security threats, and disabling access to any content deemed to create a risk to the organization's IT network.
This has become essential in a world where phishing attempts, malware infections, and hacking intrusions have become all too common, and this is where URL filtering software can provide a frontline defense, preventing employees from inadvertently enabling a malicious website to infect your network.
In this guide, we take a deep dive into the best URL filtering software solutions currently on the market, giving you all the information you need to protect your business network and maximize productivity.
Below we list what we think are the best URL filtering software options currently available.
We've also featured the best employee monitoring software.
The best URL filtering software of 2024 in full:
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Best URL filtering software overall
DNSFilter’s biggest selling point is its competitive price. As well as comprehensive threat protection, the Basic plan includes desktop roaming facilities and weekly threat reports.
You have to pay a few dollars more per user to access the Pro plan, which includes advanced features like advanced data analytics tools. However, for a small- to medium-sized business, the Basic service is more than adequate.
DNSFilter has all the features you could ask for, including AI-powered real-time threat detection, phishing, malware, and virus protection, customizable URL filtering, off-network protection, analytics—and even a bonus SSL certificate.
We found the interface easier to navigate than those of other providers and particularly liked the Geo Activity display, a nice touch that physically demonstrated the process of finding and stopping threats that would likely appeal to first-time users.
Read our full DNSFilter review.
Best comprehensive URL filtering software solution
Cisco is one of the largest and best-known software providers around, and unsurprisingly, its URL filtering product, Cisco Umbrella is one of the top examples of the technology you’ll find.
As it is a cloud-based service, there is no hardware and updates occur automatically. Cisco has an impeccable uptime record too, so you can be assured that no unexpected outage is likely to endanger the security of your network.
The software’s key selling point is its ability to detect and block threats from malicious websites before they reach you. This is achieved by analyzing over 180 billion internet requests a day, and the technology protects users on and off the network.
As the name suggests, Cisco Umbrella has multiple tools including DNS-layer security, interactive threat intelligence, a secure web gateway, firewall, cloud access security broker (CASB) functionality, and integration with Cisco SD-WAN.
The interface is well-designed but a little complex for first-time users. Still, with a little practice, it is navigable and provides consistent reports and easy-to-see monitoring. Pricing is bespoke.
Read our full Cisco Umbrella review.
Best URL filtering software for SMBs
NG Firewall Complete is a great web filtering option for small-to-medium-sized businesses as it’s possible to specify the apps required for your company’s exact needs. This makes the process of securing your network not only less costly but also easier to manage.
NG Firewall Complete includes all of the apps required to monitor web traffic, specify site usage, and block malicious content.
The service enables users to filter content and prioritize specific sites and apps relevant to business-related activities. Much of this functionality is down to the provider’s web filtering app, which boasts a huge range of features including alerts based on search terms and a massive database of unsafe IPs.
We were impressed by the dashboard. Although packed with features, it was incredibly easy to navigate, while animations and images really helped us to visualize the reporting.
Best URL filtering software for scaling
TitanHQ’s WebTitan Web Filter is actually comprised of a suite of filtering tools that can be deployed to protect customers and employees from malicious web pages and emails. WebTitan Cloud, a DNS-based service that is both hosted and managed by the TitanHQ team, is the most appropriate product for small- to medium-sized businesses.
This scalable software product is perfect for businesses that want protection running in the background without the need for constant maintenance.
As well as blocking malware, viruses, malicious websites, and ransomware, the technology protects users from compromised email accounts, monitoring incoming HTTP and HTTPS traffic and blocking malicious content in real-time.
The WebTitan Cloud dashboard displays updated threat reports and category lists illustrating blocked and allowed domains. It’s very simple to create custom page blocking settings and policies and set individual user preferences. That said, some degree of technical know-how is required to navigate the interface correctly.
Best URL filtering software for enterprises
With no need to purchase additional hardware and the ability to install protection remotely via the cloud, Skyhigh Security's Secure Web Gateway, owned by McAfee, is more simple to operate and manage than McAfee's on-premises alternative, McAfee Web Gateway.
The technology is powerful, scalable, and suitable for all user levels, including enterprise clients. That said, the dashboard is a little more complicated than those of other providers we tested, and some degree of technical knowledge is required.
Skyhigh Security doesn’t let its standards slip here, and advanced features include proactive threat detection and zero-day exploit protection. It’s even possible to extend the software’s URL filtering capabilities to secure users outside of your network.
There is no explicit pricing information on the website. Instead, this service is negotiated on a case-by-case basis dependent on needs.
We've also featured the best free and public DNS servers.
Best URL filtering software FAQs
Which URL filtering software is best for you?
When deciding which URL filtering software to use, first consider what your actual needs are, as budget software may only provide basic options, so if you need to use advanced tools you may find a more expensive platform is much more worthwhile. Additionally, higher-end software can usually cater for every need, so do ensure you have a good idea of which features you think you may require from your URL filtering software.
How we tested the best URL filtering software
To test for the best URL filtering software we first set up an account with the relevant software platform, then we tested the service to see how the software could be used for different purposes and in different situations. The aim was to push each URL filtering platform to see how useful its basic tools were and also how easy it was to get to grips with any more advanced tools.
Read more on how we test, rate, and review products on TechRadar.
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