Best DNS Filtering Software · 2026

Cloudflare Gateway logoCloudflare Gateway vs Heimdal logoHeimdal

Cloudflare Gateway vs Heimdal: on our data-weighted scoring, Cloudflare Gateway edges ahead (7.7 vs 7.5/10). Cloudflare Gateway starts at $7/user/mo and is best for teams wanting free DNS + web filtering on Cloudflare's edge, scaling into full SWG; Heimdal starts at Custom quote and is best for MSPs wanting patching bundled with a broader security suite. Choose Cloudflare Gateway 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

Cloudflare Gateway

7.7/10
MSP Compared score
Starting price
$7/user/mo
Reviews
Not yet rated
Free trial
Free tier
Deployment
Cloud
Best for
Teams wanting free DNS + web filtering on Cloudflare's edge, scaling into full SWG
Visit Cloudflare Gateway →

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
Cloudflare GatewayHeimdal
CriterionCloudflare GatewayHeimdal
Editorial 7.7 7.5
User reviews 7.0 9.2
Adoption 0.0 6.1
Affordability 9.5 5.0
Feature breadth 6.0 4.0
Ease of trial 7.0 6.0

Cloudflare Gateway vs Heimdal: head-to-head

Cloudflare Gateway vs Heimdal — specs and pricing
Cloudflare GatewayHeimdal
Starting price $7/user/mo Custom quote
Pricing model per user per endpoint
Free trial / tier Free tier Free trial
Best for Teams wanting free DNS + web filtering on Cloudflare's edge, scaling into full SWG MSPs wanting patching bundled with a broader security suite
Deployment Cloud Cloud
G2 rating 4.6/5 (200)
Capterra rating
Our score 7.7 7.5

Choose Cloudflare Gateway if…

You need teams wanting free dns + web filtering on cloudflare's edge, scaling into full swg.

Pros

  • Free tier up to 50 users
  • Runs on Cloudflare's huge edge
  • Scales into full SSE/SASE

Cons

  • DLP/CASB still maturing
  • Best value if already on Cloudflare
  • Enterprise support gaps

Cloudflare Gateway 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: Cloudflare Gateway vs Heimdal

Cloudflare Gateway bills on a per user model from $7/user/mo (free tier available), 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

Cloudflare Gateway ships 6 headline capabilities (DNS + HTTP filtering, Edge-delivered on 330+ cities, Category + security filtering, Secure web gateway (SWG)) and deploys Cloud. Heimdal ships 4 (Automated patch & asset management, DNS security, EDR/XDR modules, Privileged access management), deploying Cloud.

Ratings & verdict

Cloudflare Gateway holds Not yet rated; Heimdal holds 4.6/5 (~200 G2 reviews). On our data-weighted score, Cloudflare Gateway edges ahead (7.7 vs 7.5/10). Pick Heimdal instead when msps wanting patching bundled with a broader security suite. See Cloudflare Gateway alternatives or Heimdal alternatives.

Frequently asked questions

Cloudflare Gateway vs Heimdal: which is better?
Cloudflare Gateway vs Heimdal: on our data-weighted scoring, Cloudflare Gateway edges ahead (7.7 vs 7.5/10). Cloudflare Gateway starts at $7/user/mo and is best for teams wanting free DNS + web filtering on Cloudflare's edge, scaling into full SWG; Heimdal starts at Custom quote and is best for MSPs wanting patching bundled with a broader security suite.
Is Cloudflare Gateway cheaper than Heimdal?
Cloudflare Gateway starts at $7/user/mo and Heimdal starts at Custom quote (see the pricing rows for models and limits).
Data as of July 20, 2026. Sources: cloudflare.com, heimdalsecurity.com. Figures are pulled from public vendor and security data and refreshed automatically.