Best DNS Filtering Software · 2026

Cisco Umbrella logoCisco Umbrella vs Heimdal logoHeimdal

Cisco Umbrella vs Heimdal: on our data-weighted scoring, Cisco Umbrella edges ahead (8.0 vs 7.5/10). Cisco Umbrella starts at Custom quote and is best for enterprises wanting DNS-layer security that scales up into a full secure internet gateway (SIG); Heimdal starts at Custom quote and is best for MSPs wanting patching bundled with a broader security suite. Choose Cisco Umbrella for the stronger overall track record; consider Heimdal if its pricing model or fit matches your environment better. Side-by-side table below.

Our pick

Cisco Umbrella

8.0/10
MSP Compared score
Starting price
Custom quote
Reviews
4.4/5 (~274 G2 reviews)
Free trial
14 days
Deployment
Cloud
Best for
Enterprises wanting DNS-layer security that scales up into a full secure internet gateway (SIG)
Visit Cisco Umbrella →

Heimdal

7.5/10
MSP Compared score
Starting price
Custom quote
Reviews
4.6/5 (~200 G2 reviews)
Free trial
Free trial
Deployment
Cloud
Best for
MSPs wanting patching bundled with a broader security suite
Visit Heimdal →

Strengths at a glance

Six criteria, each scored 0–10 on the same scale from real review data, public pricing and feature coverage. See our methodology →

EditorialUser reviewsAdoptionAffordabilityFeature breadthEase of trial
Cisco UmbrellaHeimdal
CriterionCisco UmbrellaHeimdal
Editorial 8.0 7.5
User reviews 8.8 9.2
Adoption 6.5 6.1
Affordability 5.0 5.0
Feature breadth 6.0 4.0
Ease of trial 6.0 6.0

Cisco Umbrella vs Heimdal: head-to-head

Cisco Umbrella vs Heimdal — specs and pricing
Cisco UmbrellaHeimdal
Starting price Custom quote Custom quote
Pricing model quote per endpoint
Free trial / tier 14 days Free trial
Best for Enterprises wanting DNS-layer security that scales up into a full secure internet gateway (SIG) MSPs wanting patching bundled with a broader security suite
Deployment Cloud Cloud
G2 rating 4.4/5 (274) 4.6/5 (200)
Capterra rating
Our score 8.0 7.5

Choose Cisco Umbrella if…

You need enterprises wanting dns-layer security that scales up into a full secure internet gateway (sig).

Pros

  • Massive Talos threat intelligence
  • Scales from DNS to full SIG
  • Proven enterprise reliability

Cons

  • No public pricing (quote-only)
  • Complex multi-SKU lineup
  • Costs climb fast with SIG tiers

Cisco Umbrella pricing · review

Choose Heimdal if…

You need msps wanting patching bundled with a broader security suite.

Pros

  • Unified security + patch platform
  • Strong MSP program
  • Modular

Cons

  • Quote-based pricing
  • Best value only when bundled
  • Newer EDR

Heimdal pricing · review

In depth

Pricing: Cisco Umbrella vs Heimdal

Cisco Umbrella bills on a quote model from Custom quote (14 days trial), while Heimdal uses a per endpoint model from Custom quote (yes trial). Because the models differ, the cheaper option flips depending on your fleet size — model both at your seat/endpoint count.

Features & deployment

Cisco Umbrella ships 6 headline capabilities (DNS-layer threat blocking, Intelligent proxy (Advantage), App discovery + control, Cisco Talos threat intelligence) and deploys Cloud. Heimdal ships 4 (Automated patch & asset management, DNS security, EDR/XDR modules, Privileged access management), deploying Cloud.

Ratings & verdict

Cisco Umbrella holds 4.4/5 (~274 G2 reviews); Heimdal holds 4.6/5 (~200 G2 reviews). On our data-weighted score, Cisco Umbrella edges ahead (8.0 vs 7.5/10). Pick Heimdal instead when msps wanting patching bundled with a broader security suite. See Cisco Umbrella alternatives or Heimdal alternatives.

Frequently asked questions

Cisco Umbrella vs Heimdal: which is better?
Cisco Umbrella vs Heimdal: on our data-weighted scoring, Cisco Umbrella edges ahead (8.0 vs 7.5/10). Cisco Umbrella starts at Custom quote and is best for enterprises wanting DNS-layer security that scales up into a full secure internet gateway (SIG); Heimdal starts at Custom quote and is best for MSPs wanting patching bundled with a broader security suite.
Is Cisco Umbrella cheaper than Heimdal?
Cisco Umbrella starts at Custom quote and Heimdal starts at Custom quote (see the pricing rows for models and limits).
Data as of July 20, 2026. Sources: umbrella.cisco.com, heimdalsecurity.com. Figures are pulled from public vendor and security data and refreshed automatically.