7 Best Web Content Filtering solutions in 2026

Staying safe online is no longer just an IT task, it’s a business survival strategy. As remote and hybrid work becomes the new normal, companies are juggling cybersecurity threats, productivity challenges, and compliance requirements all at once. In fact, over 90% of cyberattacks begin with phishing emails or malicious links, and the global average cost of a data breach reached USD 4.88 million in 2024.^[1] Hence, managing what users can access on the internet has become more difficult than ever.

That’s exactly where web content filtering solutions play an important role.

Businesses rely on web filtering solutions to protect sensitive information, block malware websites, prevent phishing attacks, and maintain a productive working environment. When used correctly, the web content filtering solutions act as the first checkpoint for every web request, keeping harmful, risky, or distracting content out.

This guide breaks down the 7 best web content filtering solutions in 2026, helping you choose the right one for your organization.

What is Web Content Filtering?

Web content filtering is the process of controlling which websites users can access. Organizations deploy web content filtering solutions to block harmful, dangerous, or inappropriate content from entering their network.

These tools work in several ways:

• DNS filtering: Stops threats before the website even loads
• Pattern-based domain blocking: Blocks domains that match known malicious or suspicious patterns.
• URL filtering: Blocks specific URLs
• Category filtering: Filters groups of websites such as gambling, malware, adult content, or social media
• SSL/HTTPS inspection: Detects threats inside encrypted traffic
• Real-time threat intelligence: Keeps filters updated against new attacks

Companies use web filtering solutions for three core reasons:

1. Security: Prevents malware, ransomware, phishing, and malicious websites
2. Productivity: Blocks distracting websites and apps
3. Compliance: Helps organizations meet industry regulations

With remote and hybrid teams becoming the norm, cloud-based web content filtering solutions are now essential. They ensure consistent protection whether the user is at home, on public Wi-Fi, or inside the office.

Best Web Content Filtering solutions in 2026

1. Scalefusion Veltar – Web Content Filtering

Scalefusion Veltar is one of the most complete web content filtering solutions in the market today, especially for organizations that want deep visibility and centralized control across all devices. Designed for modern enterprises, Veltar brings together security, compliance, and productivity into one unified filtering system that works perfectly for office-based, hybrid, and remote teams.

Unlike traditional filtering tools that work only inside the corporate network, Scalefusion Veltar uses a cloud-based filtering engine. This means protection stays consistent across laptops, phones, tablets, and even shared devices, no matter where employees work from. IT teams can set policies once and push them across all endpoints instantly.

What makes Veltar powerful is the fact that is built-on Scalefusion MDM and UEM platforms. This gives IT teams full control over both the device and the browsing experience. Whether you need to block distractions, restrict risky websites, or enforce strict compliance rules, Veltar brings all of it into one dashboard.

Veltar’s web content filtering solution also offers deep analytics. Every request, block, or violation is logged, giving security teams the visibility they need to detect abnormal behavior, enforce regulations, and meet audit requirements. For industries like healthcare, finance, logistics, and retail, this level of reporting is crucial.

Key features:

• Built-on MDM/UEM platform: Veltar is built-on Scalefusion’s device management platforms, allowing admins to enforce internet rules based on device type, ownership (BYOD vs corporate), and user role. This brings maximum control with minimal effort.
• Real-time filtering engine: Every web request is inspected instantly. Harmful or suspicious websites are blocked automatically before they load, reducing the risk of malware, phishing, and drive-by attacks.
• Granular access controls: Admins can create policies for specific users, teams, departments, or locations. For example, HR can access social platforms for hiring, while customer service cannot.
• Category-based website controls: Websites are grouped into categories such as adult content, gambling, social media, streaming, and more. Blocking broad categories only takes one click.
• Pattern-based domain blocking: Automatically blocks entire domains that match known malicious or suspicious patterns, even if the exact site has not been seen before.
• Cloud-scalable architecture: Whether you manage 50 devices or 50,000 devices, Veltar scales effortlessly without additional hardware or manual setup.

Pros:

• Strongest integration with device management platforms
• Very easy to roll out and maintain
• Deep compliance and audit-friendly reports

Cons:

• Feature-rich, which may overwhelm smaller teams

Ideal for: Enterprises that need unified control over browsing, security, and compliance across large distributed device fleets.

Pricing: Custom quote.

2. Perimeter81

Perimeter81 is a cloud-native security platform widely used by businesses transitioning toward zero-trust architectures. Its built-in web filtering solution helps organizations block malicious websites, prevent phishing, and maintain a safe browsing environment for distributed teams.

Since Perimeter81 is designed around remote and mobile workers, it provides consistent filtering whether users are connected to corporate networks or working from home. The user-friendly dashboard lets IT teams create internet rules quickly, assign them to user groups, and monitor real-time browsing activity without any hardware installations.

Perimeter81 also integrates with cloud access security tools and identity providers, making it easy for organizations to enforce filtering rules based on identity and role rather than just IP or device. This identity-based protection model fits modern remote work perfectly.

The platform is popular among small and medium-sized businesses because of its clean UI, quick deployment time, and lighter learning curve compared to heavier enterprise tools.

Key features:

• Cloud-native filtering: No hardware or on-prem components. Everything runs on Perimeter81’s cloud edge network, giving users low-latency protection.
• Dynamic URL filtering: Sites are evaluated in real time using global threat intelligence updates. Harmful domains get blocked instantly even if they’re newly created.
• Centralized policy dashboard: Admins can create rules for teams, apps, and device types, and apply them globally in seconds.
• Advanced threat detection: Perimeter81 checks every request against multiple threat feeds to identify zero-day phishing sites or malware-hosting pages.
• Detailed reports & logs: Usage patterns, blocked websites, risky behavior, and suspicious attempts are visible in easy-to-read dashboards.

Pros:

• Ideal for remote and hybrid workplaces
• Fast deployment and easy management
• Scalable for businesses of all sizes

Cons:

• Limited offline protection
• Some features require premium plans

Ideal for: Fast-growing companies, startups, and remote teams that want simple but effective filtering.

Pricing: User-based pricing.

3. Cisco Umbrella

Cisco Umbrella is an enterprise-grade web content filtering solution. Built on Cisco’s global threat intelligence network, Umbrella uses DNS-layer protection to block threats even before the connection is established, making it extremely fast and highly secure.

Umbrella shines in large enterprises that need protection across thousands of users and multiple office locations. Since it filters traffic at the DNS layer, it doesn’t overload devices or networks. This makes it particularly useful for organizations that want strong security without slowing down browsing.

Another major advantage is that Umbrella feeds off Cisco Talos, one of the world’s largest cybersecurity intelligence platforms. Every day, Talos analyzes billions of requests and updates Umbrella’s database, giving users real-time protection against new phishing domains and emerging threats.

Cisco Umbrella is also cloud-based, so it works seamlessly for remote workers, branch offices, and mobile users without any special client software.

Key features:

• DNS-layer security: Umbrella blocks malicious websites at the very first request, even before the browser loads anything. This significantly reduces infection risks.
• Category-based filtering: Admins can block entire groups like adult content, gambling, social media, or proxy sites with one click.
• Real-time threat intelligence: Cisco’s massive threat engine detects new malicious domains faster than most competitors.
• Cloud-based protection: Users stay protected no matter where they log in from, may it be office, home, airport, or a cafe.
• Detailed reporting and logs: Admins get visibility into browsing trends, risky requests, and policy violations.

Pros:

• One of the strongest DNS-layer filtering engines
• Extremely scalable for global enterprises
• Fast and lightweight

Cons:

• Expensive compared to SMB-focused tools
• Setup can be technical for beginners

Ideal for: Global enterprises with thousands of users and a distributed workforce.

Pricing: Available upon request.

4. Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA)

Zscaler Internet Access is a cloud security platform built for large, distributed enterprises. It doesn’t just filter websites but it also inspects, analyzes, and secures every packet of traffic in real time.

ZIA processes billions of web requests every day through its global cloud network, ensuring low-latency filtering regardless of the user’s location. What sets Zscaler apart is its ability to inspect SSL-encrypted traffic deeply without slowing down performance, something many legacy tools struggle with.

With built-in sandboxing, malware detection, and threat analytics, ZIA delivers enterprise-grade protection that aligns with zero-trust principles. For companies that prioritize compliance, Zscaler also provides granular visibility into user behavior and application usage.

Key features:

• Real-time SSL inspection: ZIA inspects encrypted traffic whic is a must-have feature since most modern threats hide in HTTPS.
• Advanced threat protection: Suspicious files are analyzed in a cloud sandbox before reaching users.
• Cloud-native architecture: No hardware or VPNs required. Traffic is routed through Zscaler’s nearest cloud node for instant filtering.
• User and device visibility: Admins can track who accessed what, when, and from which device, which is important for compliance audits.
• Global low-latency network: Users get fast browsing speeds regardless of their country or office location.

Pros:

• Best-in-class inspection capabilities
• Cloud-native and highly scalable
• Ideal for large, complex environments

Cons:

• Expensive
• Requires specialized knowledge for setup

Ideal for: Multinational corporations, financial institutions, and regulated industries.

Pricing: Custom pricing.

5. Symantec WebFilter

Symantec WebFilter is a well-rounded and AI-powered web filtering solution built for organizations that need automated, intelligent threat detection. It analyzes website reputation, categorization, and behavior to identify malicious or inappropriate content in real time.

Symantec’s strength lies in its AI-driven categorization engine, which constantly updates its database based on emerging threats. This helps companies block phishing sites, malware hosts, and harmful content before employees even encounter them.

Symantec also integrates with broader security tools, including endpoint protection and secure web gateways. This makes it a flexible choice for organizations that already use Symantec or want unified security management.

Key features:

• AI-powered threat intelligence: Symantec scans web traffic using machine learning models to detect suspicious sites before they cause harm.
• Dynamic categorization engine: Websites are automatically classified into categories to simplify policy creation.
• Cloud deployment: Admins can roll out policies across locations without installing hardware.
• Web traffic visibility: Every web request is logged, giving teams full insight into browsing patterns and potential risks.
• App and URL control: Block entire applications, cloud services, or specific URLs as needed.

Pros:

• Strong AI threat detection
• Simple to deploy
• Great for detailed reporting

Cons

• Basic plans lack advanced features
• Can be heavy on network resources

Ideal for: Enterprises seeking AI-driven filtering without complex deployment steps.

Pricing: Subscription-based.

6. Barracuda Web Security Gateway

Barracuda Web Security Gateway is a robust appliance-based web content filtering solution that focuses heavily on malware protection, SSL inspection, and granular content control. It’s ideal for organizations that prefer on-premise filtering rather than fully cloud-based models.

Barracuda filters both inbound and outbound traffic to ensure that harmful content never reaches users. The SSL inspection feature is particularly valuable for catching hidden threats inside secure websites. Barracuda also allows administrators to block unwanted apps and services, such as streaming platforms or risky cloud tools.

For organizations with strict compliance or data sovereignty requirements, on-premise filtering offers more control over traffic handling and logging.

Key features:

• SSL traffic decryption: Barracuda decrypts encrypted web traffic, scans it for threats, and re-encrypts it securely.
• Malware protection: Built-in virus scanning prevents harmful downloads and suspicious file transfers.
• Application and web blocking: Admins can block apps like YouTube, TikTok, or anonymous proxy services.
• Real-time reporting: Provides live dashboards and logs to help detect policy violations.
• Centralized admin panel: Useful for managing multiple office sites under one gateway.

Pros:

• Strong malware filtering
• Deep SSL inspection
• Granular control over apps and content

Cons:

• Resource-intensive
• More complex to deploy
• Not ideal for fully remote teams

Ideal for: Organizations with on-premise networks, schools, and data-sensitive industries.

Pricing: Subscription-based.

7. Forcepoint Web Security

Forcepoint Web Security is one of the most advanced web content filtering solutions, combining behavioral analytics, data loss prevention, and deep content inspection. Unlike basic filtering tools, Forcepoint doesn’t just block websites, it analyzes user actions, context, and risk behavior.

This makes it ideal for organizations handling sensitive data or facing insider threat risks. Forcepoint studies patterns such as unusual downloads, repeated access to restricted content, or suspicious uploads to cloud apps.

The platform also supports both cloud and on-premise deployments, giving organizations flexibility depending on their security frameworks.

Key features:

• Behavioral analytics: Forcepoint tracks user behavior to detect abnormal or risky activities.
• Deep content inspection: Every web request is scanned for hidden malware, sensitive data leakage, or policy violations.
• Data loss prevention (DLP): Ensures sensitive files don’t get uploaded or shared with unauthorized platforms.
• Context-aware filtering: Allows rules based on user role, device, location, and time of day.
• Flexible deployment: Works in cloud-first or on-prem environments depending on compliance requirements.

Pros:

• Excellent for insider threat protection
• Strong DLP capabilities
• Highly detailed filtering and analytics

Cons:

• Can be expensive
• Steeper learning curve
• UI may feel overwhelming for new teams

Ideal for: Highly regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and government agencies.

Pricing: Custom quote.

What to look for in a Web Content Filtering (WCF) solution?

Choosing the right web content filtering solution is more than just blocking a few websites. A good WCF tool should help your organization stay secure, productive, and compliant while giving IT teams full visibility into how users behave online. Before selecting from the best web content filtering solutions, it is important to understand the features that truly matter.

Below are the essential elements you should look for, explained in simple and practical terms:

1. Category-based filtering

Category-based filtering is one of the foundational capabilities of any strong web filtering solution. Instead of manually blocking thousands of individual websites, admins can instantly block entire categories such as:

• Gambling
• Adult content
• Social media
• Gaming
• Malware-infected sites
• Streaming platforms

This saves hours of manual work and ensures users don’t stumble onto inappropriate or risky content. It also helps maintain productivity by reducing access to non-work-related sites.

2. Pattern-based domain blocking

While category filtering is broad, pattern-based blocking gives you surgical precision. It allows IT teams to block:

• Specific domains
• Subdomains
• Entire TLDs (.xyz, .ru, .click — commonly used for phishing)
• URL patterns

This is extremely useful for companies facing targeted threats or industries that must prevent access to highly specific sites. It also helps block newly created phishing domains that may not yet be categorized by threat engines.

3. Granular policy enforcement

A good WCF tool should let you create different rules for different users, devices, and departments. For example:

• Finance teams may need access to banking websites that other teams shouldn’t use
• HR might require social media access for recruitment
• Guest Wi-Fi may need stricter restrictions than corporate Wi-Fi

Granular controls ensure your internet policies match the real needs of every team—without overblocking or underblocking.

4. BYOD compatibility

Today, many employees use personal smartphones, laptops, or tablets for work. Your web content filtering solution must be able to enforce rules on these devices as well. BYOD compatibility ensures:

• Personal devices follow the same security rules as company-owned devices
• No loopholes exist where employees can bypass controls
• Remote teams stay protected even outside corporate networks

This is especially important for hybrid workforces and distributed teams.

5. SSL/HTTPS inspection

Most modern cyberattacks hide inside HTTPS encryption. Without SSL inspection, harmful sites can easily pass through undetected. This feature allows your WCF tool to:

• Decrypt encrypted web traffic
• Scan it for malware or policy violations
• Re-encrypt it securely before delivering it to the user

If this capability is missing, your filtering system is only seeing half the internet.

6. Real-time threat intelligence

Threats evolve by the minute. A powerful web content filtering solution should continuously update itself using global threat intelligence feeds.

This ensures your organization automatically gains protection against:

• Newly created phishing sites
• Randomized malware domains
• Botnet command-and-control servers
• Zero-day exploit websites
• Fast-moving ransomware links

The faster the intelligence updates, the safer your users remain.

7. Reporting & analytics

Filtering isn’t just about blocking websites, it’s about understanding user behavior. Good reporting tools help IT teams answer questions like:

• Which departments access the most risky websites?
• Are employees trying to bypass policies?
• Which threats were blocked today?
• What websites are causing productivity loss?

Clear dashboards and detailed logs make compliance audits easier and help IT teams respond to suspicious activity faster.

8. Integration with existing IT stack

Your WCF solution should fit naturally into your existing ecosystem. This includes compatibility with:

• MDM/UEM platforms (for device-level enforcement)
• SIEM tools (for centralized monitoring)
• IAM systems (for identity-based filtering)
• Directory services like Azure AD or Active Directory

When everything works together, policies stay consistent across apps, devices, and networks, reducing admin effort and improving security visibility.

Choose your Web Filtering Solution wisely

The internet has become the biggest entry point for cyberattacks, and in 2026, strong web filtering solutions will play a crucial role in blocking phishing attempts, malware sites, and accidental data leakage. 

Selecting the right solution depends on understanding your own environment such as how large your company is, how mature your security processes are, whether employees use personal devices, and what compliance standards your industry must follow. Each of these factors influences the level of filtering and control you truly need.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to one question: Is your business ready to face the next online threat without a reliable Web Content Filtering Solution in place? If the answer is uncertain, it’s time to explore your options.

All the best web content filtering solutions covered in this guide offer free trials. Test them, compare how they fit your workflow, and choose the one that gives your organization the right balance of security, visibility, and control.

References:
1. Huntress