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OpenDNS Home
What it is
OpenDNS Home provides customizable filtering and basic protection for home internet users. Its DNS settings can apply across devices connected to a home network, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, DVRs, game consoles, and TVs. Listed benefits include protection against malicious phishing and parental controls for devices in the home. OpenDNS Family Shield is a separate, preconfigured option that blocks adult content and requires no sign-up. To use OpenDNS, devices must be configured to use its DNS nameservers; the setup guide recommends configuring the home router so connected devices are covered. The listed nameserver addresses are 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220. Support materials include FAQs, community forums, documentation, and deployment walkthroughs, while the documentation includes API guides. OpenDNS says it was founded in 2006 and acquired by Cisco in 2015. OpenDNS Home, Family Shield, and Public Service are listed as free options.
For and against
For
- Customizable filtering for home networks
- Settings can cover connected device types
- Includes protection against malicious phishing
- Family Shield blocks adult content without signup
- Free options are listed
Against
- Setup requires configuring DNS nameservers
- Router setup is recommended for network-wide coverage
The verdict
OpenDNS Home applies filtering and basic protection at the home-network level, with Family Shield available as a preconfigured alternative. Users should be prepared to configure DNS settings, preferably on their router.
Who it suits
OpenDNS Home suits home internet users who want customizable filtering and protection across devices connected to their network. Family Shield is an option for those seeking preconfigured adult-content blocking without signing up.
Plans and prices
OpenDNS Family Shield
Preconfigured to block adult content · no sign-up required
Read 11 Oct 2026 · opendns.com
OpenDNS Home
Customizable filtering · basic protection
Read 11 Oct 2026 · opendns.com
OpenDNS Public Service
Basic DNS-layer protection · built-in filtering configurations
Read 11 Oct 2026 · opendns.com
On the record
- APIs
- OpenDNS documentation includes guides to its APIs.opendns.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Company history
- OpenDNS says it was founded in 2006 and was acquired by Cisco in 2015.opendns.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Device examples
- The page lists laptops, smartphones, tablets, DVRs, game consoles, and TVs as covered device types.opendns.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- DNS addresses
- The page lists 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 as OpenDNS nameservers.opendns.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Family Shield
- OpenDNS Family Shield is preconfigured to block adult content and requires no sign-up.opendns.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- OpenDNS says its consumer products are designed to provide safer, faster, and more reliable internet in homes.opendns.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Network coverage
- OpenDNS settings apply to every device that connects to the user's home network.opendns.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Parental controls
- The benefit matrix describes parental controls that protect every device in the home.opendns.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- OpenDNS Home provides customizable filtering and basic protection for home internet users.opendns.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Setup
- The setup guide instructs users to configure devices to use OpenDNS DNS nameservers and recommends setting up home routers.opendns.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Setup support
- The support page offers FAQs, community forums, documentation, and deployment walkthroughs.opendns.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Threat protection
- The benefit matrix lists built-in protection against malicious phishing.opendns.com · read 11 Oct 2026
