Who should get an Internet filter?

Internet filters are useful for anyone who wants to ensure that illicit content is not available to users of their Internet connections and services. Customers of Internet filtering solutions tend to be parents, with the remainder being libraries, religious and community organizations, and businesses.

Is internet filtering more for individuals or businesses?

Internet filtering solutions are more commonly designed and implemented on an individual basis, particularly for parents who are concerned about their children accessing problematic content online. However, businesses are also customers of Internet filtering software companies because they have specific liabilities they want to avoid when it comes to employees accessing pornography, gambling, or engaging in other online activities that are not part of their job descriptions.

How much does internet filtering software cost?

Internet filtering software costs differ depending on the pricing and subscription models each vendor follows. They can range from under $10/month per device to $70-$150 for multiple computers. Cost will also vary depending on the number and complexity of the features involved in the software.

How does internet filtering software work?

There are many different kinds of filters: software, hardware, DNS, proxy, and Virtual Private Network (VPN). Each of these has a different way of detecting and blocking access to sites known to contain or link to undesirable content. Some rely on "allow lists" of good online resources and block lists of bad online resources. Others have sophisticated programming that scans and analyzes a site prior to allowing or blocking access to it on screen.

How long does it take to set up an internet filter?

Setting up an Internet filter should only take a few minutes if the software is designed well. The best Internet filtering software typically has a configuration "wizard" routine that will walk you through all the default and recommended settings to get you started right away. Once the software is set up, it shouldn't take any further configuration or intervention beyond the occasional adjustment for newly problematic websites.

Can users get around internet filtering software?

No internet filtering solution is perfect. Users have been able to successfully interfere with almost every internet filtering software solution in existence. They often get "cheats" and special code or passwords from friends or online resources where such things are published. It is important for the administrator of the software to regularly review access logs and determine whether a particular user is abiding by the rules and agreements around the devices and use of the internet connection they have access to.

What are some features of good quality internet filtering software?

Internet filtering software should include such features as remote and local administrator controls, time management, profanity masking, alerts and notifications, reports about a user's online activity, individual user profiles, and controls to fine tune the specific websites that might have been blocked but that the user should still have access to. It should also have good support from the software vendor, the very least of which should be email and chat with a customer service representative at extended hours.

What are some of the downsides of internet filters?

At times, internet filtering software can be either over or under aggressive in blocking specific types of content. For example, information about the human body, which may include reproductive organ descriptions, could be blocked when a student is doing a science report for an anatomy class. That would be an example of overblocking. An example of underblocking is when a website for a video game is mainly graphical and changes often, thus not providing enough current information in a textual format that is easy for the software to interpret and execute a blocking routine on.

Net Nanny Review for July 2026 | Best Internet Filters

Item: Net Nanny Review
Rating: 1.5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Wednesday, July 15th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2026 Internet Filter Reviews

What is the Best Internet Filter? Ever worried about all the crazy stuff online and wish there was a safer way to browse without running into unwanted content? If you're on the internet today, you know there's plenty to avoid. Whether you're dodging explicit content floating around on "X" or just trying to keep your socials from overwhelming your busy life, filtering out sites and tags that you (and your family) want to avoid can be a weight off your shoulders.

1.5

WEAK

Weak

Net Nanny

Prices from $39.99 to $89.99 per year
1-20 devices protected
YouTube filtering included
Includes phone and desktop monitoring
14-day refund period

WEAK

1.5

On the Net Nanny website

Owned by SafeToNet, Net Nanny is another internet filter program designed for parents who want to protect their children online. Net Nanny is backed by AI to block dangerous content, and you can find monitoring, limiting, and protective features. Whether you have a Windows or Apple operating system, Net Nanny will work with your devices. The software is great for families with young kids, and Net Nanny claims to have one of the top-rated NSFW content blockers in the world. With experience protecting families since 1996, Net Nanny is also one of the oldest sites in our review.

Basic features for blocking and filtering

The primary features of Net Nanny include parental controls for access, internet filters, a top-rated NSFW content blocker, screen time management, app blockers, and website blockers. You can use Net Nanny on Windows PCs as well as iMacs and Mac laptops. However, the only app-based protection is on iOS devices like iPhones and iPads. Compared to other apps with previews, detailed approaches, and demos, Net Nanny takes some extra digging into parts of the site that seem unclockable at first to get the real details. Transparency is a place where Net Nanny could level up.

Blocks specific sites and monitor activity

Net Nanny works primarily by blocking specific websites and apps from a device while giving you data on your child's online activity. You'll be able to see a Family Feed, which shows you an overview of your child's internet use including screen time and which apps and websites are their "most visited." The app/software will send instant alerts to your phone if your child does view something they shouldn't, and there is an additional YouTube monitoring feature so you can see video names and go and rewatch videos your child accesses, to be sure they are appropriate.

Prices from $39.99 to $89.99 per year

There are two plans listed on the main page, but when you get to the checkout, you'll actually see three options for Net Nanny's subscription plans. Here's what you can expect:

Net Nanny for 1 Device: $39.99/year

Filtering and blocking
Schedule access to the internet
Block apps and see all apps
View all screen time

Net Nanny for 5 Devices: $54.99/year

All of the features of the previous package but for more devices

Net Nanny for 20 Devices: $89.99

All features are the same except the number of devices

14-day refund period

Net Nanny offers a 14-day trial, which is also the same as its return policy. There is no separate satisfaction guarantee or refund policy here. You can try Net Nanny for 14 days and return it for any reason. However, you do have to actually pay for the software before you get started. The trial period isn't actually "free" unless you decide you want to return your Net Nanny subscription for a refund. This will only work if you buy directly from Net Nanny: if you download the app or software from a third party, you'll have to use their refund policies instead.

Best for parents worried about NSFW content

This internet filter is best for parents with small children and those who are worried about running into NSFW content online. It is not the most robust protection program, with limited details on how its award-winning NSFW blocker works. Plus, if you're looking for something for a business or employer, this program won't be ideal for you.

Poor reviews for the actual execution

Regrettably, users also feel that Net Nanny isn't ideal. Reviews are decidedly lukewarm. Currently, Net Nanny doesn't have a page on the Better Business Bureau, and neither does its parent company SafeToNet. On third-party review sites like Trustpilot, Net Nanny has a 2.1-star average with a similar score on app stores with a 2.7-star rating on the Apple Store. Customers note that there are a lot of technical issues with the app, particularly with alerts. Parents noted that when they were alerted to bad links or sites on their child's phone, the Net Nanny app didn't show the actual links and details correctly with "failure" pages popping up frequently. Most of the reviews call the app "awful".

Not worth paying to try it

Regrettably, this app doesn't really compete with the other internet filters out there. With limitations on devices and issues actually running the NSFW blocker the way it's meant to, there aren't a lot of impressive features at Net Nanny. Without solid reviews, it might be better to stay away from Net Nanny, especially considering you have to pay without getting a free trial first.

On the Net Nanny website

Continued from above...

What is the Best Internet Filter?

Ever worried about all the crazy stuff online and wish there was a safer way to browse without running into unwanted content? If you're on the internet today, you know there's plenty to avoid. Whether you're dodging explicit content floating around on "X" or just trying to keep your socials from overwhelming your busy life, filtering out sites and tags that you (and your family) want to avoid can be a weight off your shoulders.

The primary purpose of internet filters is to help users avoid and prohibit access to NSFW content. However, schools often use internet filters to promote focus and help students avoid unnecessary time on social media sites. You can use them however you want, but the main goal is limiting the world wide web for safer and happier browsing.

Internet filters are a great way to create a more secure browsing experience for you and your family. Internet filters are most popular with parents who have little ones. Whether you're trying to ensure your child's favorite Roblox YouTuber is safe or keep your kids using only age-appropriate online games, there are tons of ways to protect your family. Plus, many companies and businesses use internet filters too. Whether your desire is religious, based on productivity, or just keeping inappropriate content out of your home, there's an internet filter out there for you.

There are two kinds of web filtering that are most popular. The first type is a block list. This allows you (or the administrator) to manually enter websites that should be blocked by the filter program. All sites are immediately blocked on the web browser connected to the filter. You can also do this in reverse and create a master block with certain "allowed" lists for sites that are available on your browser.

The second type is based on keywords. For this method, the software allows you to input select filters or keywords to the software and it will prevent access to sites or content that contains those keywords. You'll have to be specific for this broader approach to work. For example, entering "NSFW" as a keyword means the software will only block things tagged or directly mentioning the exact word "NSFW". If you want to avoid any contact with adult content, you may find a range of tags related to specific areas are more effective. Some newer apps also use AI technology to do regular sweeps of online sources to keep your little ones safe if they stumble onto a questionable site by accident.

The best part? You don't need to be a tech whiz to get proper web filtering on your personal or home PCs. Some go through software on your specific device (with apps or cloud-based downloads) while others work on your entire internet router. There are plenty of options and different levels to choose from. Plus, the best modern services will help you every step of the way with solid tech support and download tutorials.

If you're ready to add that extra sense of security to your browsing experience, but aren't sure where to start, check out the factors below. These should help you narrow down your options. There are plenty of internet filters out there, and we want you and your family (or your business) to have the best. Here are some helpful criteria we found:

Cost. Helpful filters are definitely available through a paid service, but you don't want to break the bank either. Keep an eye out for package deals or monthly payments that only cover what you need. Keep a balance between features and cost, and see if you can find all-inclusive packages to save a little extra but get all the protection you want.
Features. What are the features you're looking for? Does your chosen software or app have them? Keep an eye out for all-inclusive apps that don't charge you extra for all the features you need, like app blocking or website filtering.
Reputation. With tech companies popping up everywhere, you may want to take a little extra time to check out customer reviews for internet filters. Make sure the filter apps cover the areas you're worried about most. Third-party review sites like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau can give you the customers' perspective on whether you should entrust your family or business to a particular internet filter.

Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the top internet filters online today. No matter what you're filtering for, there's definitely a solution for your systems, whether you need a home PC protected, your entire internet connection filtered, or just want to check in on your kids' social media usage. Now, you can browse safely and enjoy a more curated online environment designed just for you.

Net Nanny Review: Internet Filters

2026 Internet Filter Reviews

Net Nanny

What is the Best Internet Filter?

Internet Filter FAQ