CleanBrowse
A free, open-source macOS menu bar app that blocks adult content at the system level. No subscriptions. No data collection.
Requires macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later
Three Layers of Protection
CleanBrowse uses a multi-layered approach to ensure content blocking cannot be bypassed — across every browser and app on your Mac.
Hosts File Blocking
Blocks over 249,000 adult domains by redirecting them to localhost via the system hosts file. Works across every application.
DNS Proxy
A system-wide DNS proxy intercepts all DNS query types — including encrypted DNS — returning NXDOMAIN for blocked domains. No bypass possible.
Forced SafeSearch
Enforces SafeSearch on Google, YouTube, Bing, and DuckDuckGo across 190+ country-code domains at the IP level.
Why CleanBrowse?
“Everyone should have the tools to protect themselves and their loved ones from the internet.”
The internet is an incredible resource — but not all of it is safe, especially for families. The tools to stay protected shouldn't cost a monthly subscription or require handing your data to a third party.
CleanBrowse is completely free, open source, and runs entirely on your Mac. No cloud. No data collection. No accounts. Just protection that works.
This isn't a product — it's a tool for the community. If it helps even one family browse safer, it was worth building.
What's Next
CleanBrowse is just getting started. Here's what's coming.
iOS App
Bringing the same system-level protection to iPhone and iPad.
In DevelopmentExpanded Blocklist
Community-driven blocklist expansion with more categories and sources.
PlannedMore Search Engines
Adding SafeSearch enforcement for additional search engines and browsers.
Planned