Link copied to clipboard # Cisco Umbrella vs DNSSense Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/cisco-umbrella/dnssense/export.csv) Cisco UmbrellaDNSSense[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Cisco Umbrella** No pricing available **DNSSense** Free Trial No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **Cisco Umbrella** 2 months Based on 23 responses **DNSSense** \<1 monthFaster Based on 8 responses Return on Investment **Cisco Umbrella** 17 months Based on 19 responses **DNSSense** 6 months11 months sooner Based on 8 responses Perceived Cost **Cisco Umbrella** $$$$$ **DNSSense** $$$$$ Average Discount **Cisco Umbrella** 22% **DNSSense** 39%17% more **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Cisco Umbrella** Not enough data **DNSSense** Not enough data Integrations **Cisco Umbrella** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_bf8095de95175316574d734b1f2b2c48/sumo-logic.png "Product Avatar Image") Sumo Logic ](https://www.g2.com/products/sumo-logic/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-umbrella/integrations) **DNSSense** Not enough data **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Cisco Umbrella** 8.7 8.7244 **DNSSense** 9.8 9.858 Ease of Use **Cisco Umbrella** 8.6 8.6247 **DNSSense** 9.9 9.957 Ease of Setup **Cisco Umbrella** 8.3 8.3188 **DNSSense** 9.9 9.951 Ease of Admin **Cisco Umbrella** 8.6 8.6174 **DNSSense** 9.7 9.749 Quality of Support **Cisco Umbrella** 8.5 8.5233 **DNSSense** 9.8 9.858 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Cisco Umbrella** 8.5 8.5168 **DNSSense** 9.7 9.750 Product Direction (% positive) **Cisco Umbrella** 8.8 8.8244 **DNSSense** 9.8 9.854 **Features** ratings from reviews DNS Security Solutions 8.7 58 9.9 55 Cloud Edge Security 9.0 27 Not enough data Secure Web Gateways 8.7 19 Not enough data User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 23.6% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 46.0% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 30.4% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 23.6% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 46.0% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 30.4% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 7.9% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 34.9% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 57.1% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 7.9% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 34.9% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 57.1% **Reviewers' Industry** [![Cisco Umbrella](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_17d330a37bc2914fb3e2655da70c7a34/cisco-umbrella.png "Cisco Umbrella")](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-umbrella/reviews) Cisco Umbrella Information Technology and Services 19.9% Computer & Network Security 8.8% Computer Software 6.5% Telecommunications 6.1% Banking 4.2% Other 54.4% [![DNSSense](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/8368b38e2f76e6ba58b2e68e257c9c39/dnssense.svg "DNSSense")](https://www.g2.com/products/dnssense/reviews) DNSSense Information Technology and Services 10.9% Computer & Network Security 9.4% Retail 9.4% Financial Services 7.8% Oil & Energy 7.8% Other 54.7% Alternatives **Cisco Umbrella Alternatives** ![DNSFilter](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/6331087c65e8729f438908cbbfa2179d/dnsfilter.svg "DNSFilter") [ DNSFilter ](/products/dnsfilter/reviews) ![Netskope One Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/24f85b7cc708f49da8b235966df41a33/netskope-one-platform.svg "Netskope One Platform") [ Netskope One Platform ](/products/netskope-one-platform/reviews) ![WebTitan Web Filter](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1553620118/webtitan-web-filter.svg "WebTitan Web Filter") [ WebTitan Web Filter ](/products/webtitan-web-filter/reviews) ![Zscaler Internet Access](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/f063065622874e0a8214c8615c634d1e/zscaler-internet-access.svg "Zscaler Internet Access") [ Zscaler Internet Access ](/products/zscaler-internet-access/reviews) **DNSSense Alternatives** ![DNSFilter](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/6331087c65e8729f438908cbbfa2179d/dnsfilter.svg "DNSFilter") [ DNSFilter ](/products/dnsfilter/reviews) ![Cloudflare Application Security and Performance](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_b2231a414cb9f3f7c194f65af32b723e/cloudflare-application-security-and-performance.png "Cloudflare Application Security and Performance") [ Cloudflare Application... ](/products/cloudflare-application-security-and-performance/reviews) ![ThreatLocker Zero Trust Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/2e500391e9bcc35588c7be8bc6b63bbc/threatlocker-zero-trust-platform.svg "ThreatLocker Zero Trust Platform") [ ThreatLocker Zero Trust Platform ](/products/threatlocker-zero-trust-platform/reviews) ![Infoblox NIOS DDI](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/d98ad74c7413db71d2bbd72b4816c0b6/infoblox-nios-ddi.svg "Infoblox NIOS DDI") [ Infoblox NIOS DDI ](/products/infoblox-nios-ddi/reviews) ## Cisco Umbrella vs DNSSense FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 16, 2026 ### What is the difference between Cisco Umbrella vs DNSSense? DNSSense stands out from Cisco Umbrella with a higher G2 rating, stronger reviewer satisfaction on setup and support, and a focus on advanced DNS visibility and AI-driven threat detection. | [Cisco Umbrella](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-umbrella/reviews) | [DNSSense](https://www.g2.com/products/dnssense/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.4/5 (285 reviews) | 4.9/5 (67 reviews) | | Enterprise | Enterprise | | 8.3 | 9.9 | | 8.5 | 9.8 | | Cloud-based security, centralized visibility, proactive DNS-layer protection | Advanced DNS visibility, AI-driven detection, detailed reporting, SIEM integration | ### How do the pricing models of Cisco Umbrella and DNSSense compare? DNSSense is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing greater satisfaction with its pricing compared to Cisco Umbrella. - **Cisco Umbrella:** Reviewers frequently cite cost as a trade-off, noting that pricing can be a barrier for smaller organizations and that the platform can be relatively expensive, especially at scale. - **DNSSense:** Reviewers highlight significant cost savings, particularly in SIEM EPS costs, and describe the solution as providing strong value for the features delivered. - **Switching reasons:** Several reviewers mention switching from Cisco Umbrella to DNSSense for improved visibility and reporting, as well as better value and cost efficiency. ### What are the best alternatives to Cisco Umbrella and DNSSense? DNSFilter, Netskope One Platform, and WebTitan Web Filter are the top three alternatives to Cisco Umbrella and DNSSense. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Cisco Umbrella](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-umbrella/reviews) | 4.4/5 (285 reviews) | Enterprise | Pricing can be a barrier for smaller organizations | Cloud-based security, centralized visibility, proactive DNS-layer protection | | [DNSSense](https://www.g2.com/products/dnssense/reviews) | 4.9/5 (67 reviews) | Enterprise | Significant SIEM cost savings, strong value | Advanced DNS visibility, AI-driven detection, detailed reporting, SIEM integration | | [DNSFilter](https://www.g2.com/products/dnsfilter/reviews) | 4.6/5 (272 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — | | [Netskope One Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/netskope-one-platform/reviews) | 4.4/5 (95 reviews) | Enterprise | — | — | | [WebTitan Web Filter](https://www.g2.com/products/webtitan-web-filter/reviews) | 4.3/5 (85 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | — | ### Which Secure Web Gateways features should I prioritize when comparing Cisco Umbrella and DNSSense? Buyers comparing Cisco Umbrella and DNSSense should prioritize DNS-layer protection, threat intelligence, reporting and visibility, SIEM integration, and ease of setup. - **DNS-layer protection:** Cisco Umbrella is frequently cited for proactive DNS-layer security, while DNSSense is recognized for advanced DNS analytics and blocking capabilities. - **Threat intelligence:** Cisco Umbrella integrates with Cisco Talos for real-time threat feeds; DNSSense leverages AI-driven detection and a strong threat database. - **Reporting and visibility:** DNSSense is repeatedly praised for detailed reporting, advanced visibility, and actionable alerts; Cisco Umbrella offers centralized dashboards and reporting but with less emphasis on depth. - **SIEM integration:** DNSSense reviewers highlight cost-effective and robust SIEM integration, reducing EPS costs and improving incident response. - **Ease of setup:** DNSSense scores 9.9 on Ease of Setup, while Cisco Umbrella scores 8.3, indicating a smoother deployment experience with DNSSense. ### What are the pros and cons of Cisco Umbrella vs DNSSense? DNSSense’s headline strength is advanced DNS visibility and AI-driven detection, while Cisco Umbrella’s is proactive cloud-based security and centralized management. - **Cisco Umbrella strengths:** Proactive DNS-layer protection, cloud-based security, centralized visibility and control, integration with Cisco Talos for threat intelligence, and ease of deployment for enterprise environments. - **Cisco Umbrella trade-offs:** Reviewers cite higher cost, less intuitive interface, complexity in advanced configurations, and limited AI innovation as trade-offs. - **DNSSense strengths:** Advanced DNS visibility, AI-driven threat detection, detailed and actionable reporting, robust SIEM integration with significant cost savings, and high reviewer satisfaction on ease of setup and support. - **DNSSense trade-offs:** Some reviewers mention a learning curve with the UI, higher virtual hardware demands, and a need for more documentation or video tutorials. ### Is Cisco Umbrella or DNSSense better for small businesses? DNSFilter is the top alternative for small businesses, but between Cisco Umbrella and DNSSense, neither is primarily focused on the small-business segment, with both products’ largest reviewer segment being Enterprise. - **Cisco Umbrella:** Largest segment is Enterprise; reviewers note that pricing can be a barrier for smaller organizations and that the platform is highly effective for enterprise-level protection. - **DNSSense:** Largest segment is Enterprise; reviewers highlight advanced features and cost savings, but also mention that higher virtual hardware demands may not be suitable for small networks. ### Which Secure Web Gateways platform has better integrations? Reviewers rate Cisco Umbrella and DNSSense at parity for integrations, with both products praised for SIEM integration and compatibility with security stacks. - **Cisco Umbrella:** Reviewers mention integration with Cisco SIG, vSphere, AWS cloud, and SIEM products, with positive sentiment around integration with other Cisco security tools. - **DNSSense:** Reviewers highlight SIEM integration as a core strength, with frequent mentions of cost-effective and robust integration, and compatibility with proxies and firewalls. ### How do Cisco Umbrella and DNSSense compare on customer support? DNSSense leads Cisco Umbrella on Quality of Support by a material margin, scoring 9.8 versus 8.5. - **Cisco Umbrella:** Reviewers describe support as proactive and responsive, but some note areas for improvement in troubleshooting and support team responsiveness. - **DNSSense:** Reviewers consistently praise the support team for fast response times, expertise, and willingness to go above and beyond, with many citing outstanding support experiences. ### Which is easier to implement, Cisco Umbrella or DNSSense? DNSSense is rated significantly higher than Cisco Umbrella for Ease of Setup, with a 9.9 versus 8.3 score. - **Cisco Umbrella:** Reviewers describe setup as generally straightforward, especially for cloud deployments, but note that advanced configurations can add complexity and that initial setup may be time-consuming for large networks. - **DNSSense:** Reviewers consistently report quick and easy deployment, minimal administrative effort, and a plug-and-play experience, with many stating that setup required little to no effort and was completed rapidly. ### Which product has better Threat Intelligence? DNSSense is rated higher than Cisco Umbrella for Threat Intelligence, with reviewers highlighting its AI-driven detection and advanced threat database. - **Cisco Umbrella:** Integrates with Cisco Talos for real-time threat feeds and is frequently cited for proactive DNS-layer protection and centralized threat intelligence. - **DNSSense:** Leverages AI-driven detection, advanced threat database, and detailed reporting, with reviewers praising its ability to detect threats missed by other products and provide actionable alerts. ## Cisco Umbrella vs DNSSense When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found DNSSense easier to use, set up, and administer. Reviewers also preferred doing business with DNSSense overall. - Reviewers felt that DNSSense meets the needs of their business better than Cisco Umbrella. - When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that DNSSense is the preferred option. - For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of DNSSense over Cisco Umbrella.