Cisco Umbrella Reviews

Name: Cisco Umbrella
Brand: Cisco
Rating: 4.4 (114 reviews)

Vendor: Cisco

4.4 out of 5

114 reviews
97% willing to recommend

1,538 followers

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What is Cisco Umbrella?

Cisco Umbrella delivers rapid DNS security with over 30,000 customers, providing outstanding threat protection and handling more than 600 billion requests daily. It's recognized for high threat efficacy in the SSE domain and integrates elements like SWG, ZTNA, CASB, and more.

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Cisco Umbrella is the #1 ranked solution in top Web Security Gateways, #1 ranked solution in top Internet Security solutions, #1 ranked solution in top Domain Name System (DNS) Security solutions, #2 ranked solution in CASB solutions, #2 ranked solution in top Cisco Security Portfolio solutions, and #3 ranked solution in top Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions. PeerSpot users give Cisco Umbrella an average rating of 8.8 out of 10. Cisco Umbrella is most commonly compared to Quad9: Cisco Umbrella vs Quad9. Cisco Umbrella is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 49% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a educational organization, accounting for 21% of all views.

Helped 853,868 peers since 2012

Featured Cisco Umbrella reviews

Sabbir Ahmed

Director at Infosonik Systems Ltd

Cisco Umbrella offers DNS layer security, a secure web gateway, and cloud access security broker functionality. It provides threat protection by blocking threats before they reach the user's device. The firewall and integration capability with other security solutions are valuable for effective security management. Customers choose Cisco Umbrella for its DNS layer security, policy management, and mobile device support.

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Majid Ali

BSM at Mana

We use Cisco Umbrella to detect malicious URLs, DNS queries, data exfiltration, and DNS tunneling. It is particularly effective in showing DNS queries and providing visibility for external DNS queries, especially in communications to malicious sites from internal systems The DNS data exfiltration…

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Carlos Barros

Security Architect at Logicalis

Stability-wise, I rate the solution a nine out of ten. I only saw an impact once on its stability, and that was when I was working five years ago in the support in Johnson & Johnson environment, and Johnson uses SIP security for everything. So, one of the things was that in the bank that uses it, it was miscategorized in Cisco Umbrella. After I did investigations, I found that the problem was not in Cisco Umbrella. The problem was with the bank because they needed to split the data centers in Umbrella, and Umbrella could not recognize the object.

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Cisco Umbrella mindshare

Product category:

As of June 2025, the mindshare of Cisco Umbrella in the Domain Name System (DNS) Security category stands at 21.6%, down from 27.5% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Domain Name System (DNS) Security

PeerResearch reports based on Cisco Umbrella reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Domain Name System (DNS) Security	Jun 2, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Jun 2, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco Umbrella vs Infoblox Advanced DNS Protection	Jun 2, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco Umbrella vs Palo Alto Networks DNS Security	Jun 2, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco Umbrella vs F5 BIG-IP DNS	Jun 2, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Quad9	3.0	N/A	50%	2 interviews Add to research
Cisco Secure Firewall	4.1	N/A	82%	414 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Cisco Umbrella offers valuable features like DNS-based protection, web filtering, and malware prevention. It enhances network security with options for custom categories and flexible management through a user-friendly interface. The integration with existing systems is efficient and offers single-pane-of-glass management. It provides comprehensive threat visibility, simplifies deployment, and supports hybrid work environments, ensuring users are protected on and off the network. The automatic updates and intelligence feeds boost overall security posture.

"The best possible thing is that it is very easy to deploy, easy to configure, and very fast to get onboarded with a customer because this is a cloud-based service."
"The most valuable feature of Cisco Umbrella is its DNS security."
"The most valuable aspect is that it is hosted with Cisco and can detect any new anomalies, acting almost like an XDR."

Room for Improvement

Cisco Umbrella needs improvements in IP Whois information, malware protection, network security, and report customization. The user interface should be more intuitive, and its integration with third-party services could be enhanced. Policy scheduling and DNS resolution have limitations, and Windows client occasionally shows connectivity issues. Scalability and pricing require reconsideration while more advanced security features and better global infrastructure, especially in regions like India, are necessary for broader coverage. Some users find it difficult to configure or manage settings.

"It is a value for money product for sure. However, it does not have that kind of awareness plus brand within the customer, as they are influenced more by brands such as Palo Alto or Fortinet."
"The prices need to go lower. The price of technology is just crazy."
"The channel of support needs improvement. It is not under normal Cisco support, and I cannot simply call for support."

ROI

Numerous users reported significant ROI from Cisco Umbrella through reduced malware and threat incidents, time savings, and minimized hardware investments. Cisco Umbrella's security features decrease costs associated with operational issues and malware remediation. Users highlighted its effectiveness in blocking harmful sites and reducing security breaches, offering valuable protection at a low price. Cisco Umbrella's integration into existing services enhances network security and customer satisfaction, driving continued license renewals due to its perceived value.

Pricing

Cisco Umbrella pricing varies but can be expensive compared to similar solutions. Users highlight subscription-based models with costs per user, often negotiated yearly. Its value is debated, with some finding it fair for its protection against security threats, whereas others consider it costly, especially in enterprise environments. Licensing is described as flexible, though complex for some, with options like Cisco's Enterprise Agreement offering comprehensive coverage. Discounts are possible for partners or educational sectors.

"I rate the tool's pricing a five out of ten."
"The solution’s pricing is reasonable."
"The pricing model is easier compared to some of the other solutions, and it is also competitive."

Popular Use Cases

Cisco Umbrella's primary use case is enhancing security by providing DNS-level protection. Organizations use it to block malicious sites, phishing attacks, and ransomware. It supports remote workers by extending security measures beyond office premises. Cisco Umbrella integrates with various environments, including Active Directory, and offers features like content filtering and secure internet gateway. MSPs and enterprises utilize its capabilities to ensure controlled access and mitigate cyber threats across distributed networks and mobile-first workforces.

Service and Support

Cisco Umbrella service is rated highly by many users for responsive and professional support, although some users mention delays in response times. Many appreciate the excellent technical support with quick issue resolutions. Some users note that the customer service could improve, especially during purchases or when needing immediate online support. The ease of contacting support and the helpfulness of documentation is also recognized positively by various users.

Deployment

Cisco Umbrella’s initial setup is generally simple and quick. Many find it easy to deploy within minutes to a few days, depending on the complexity of the organization. With good documentation and support, users can perform the setup efficiently. While some experience challenges with specific configurations, especially at larger scales, most underlines the straightforward nature of the process, often requiring limited technical expertise and minimal changes to existing infrastructure.

Scalability

Cisco Umbrella demonstrates excellent scalability, accommodating diverse organizational sizes and user counts. Users consistently note its cloud-based architecture facilitates effortless expansion by simply adjusting licenses and deploying additional endpoints as needed. They emphasize its robust performance, regardless of scale, making it suitable for large-scale deployments. Its user-friendly nature ensures minimal admin input for scalability, with deployments seamlessly integrating into existing infrastructures, supporting both large and small enterprises globally without compromising performance.

Stability

Users consistently report Cisco Umbrella as highly stable with minimal issues. Many highlight uninterrupted service, easy maintenance, and 99.9% uptime, though some mention minor hiccups like network-related glitches and rare disconnections. Positive feedback shows the platform’s robustness in enhancing security posture. Customers express satisfaction with its reliability, often deeming it nearly flawless. Complaints are rare, often centered around connectivity or deployment from certain environments. Frequent users commend Cisco Umbrella's resilience and seamless operation.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Cisco Umbrella Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Educational Organization

21%

Computer Software Company

18%

Financial Services Firm

Manufacturing Company

Government

Healthcare Company

Comms Service Provider

Retailer

University

Energy/Utilities Company

Insurance Company

Construction Company

Non Profit

Real Estate/Law Firm

Legal Firm

Media Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Hospitality Company

Performing Arts

Outsourcing Company

Transportation Company

Consumer Goods Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Logistics Company

Compare Cisco Umbrella with alternative products

Learn more about Cisco Umbrella

Cisco Umbrella is renowned for its effective DNS-layer security against ransomware and phishing. It offers flexible content filtering and integrates seamlessly with existing networks while providing single-pane-of-glass management for centralized monitoring. Its robust threat intelligence and customizable policies are central to its appeal. Users highlight room for improvement in areas like WHOIS data inclusion, malware enhancement, and reporting analytics. Integration with other threat feeds and better client support are requested for more comprehensive coverage.

What are the key features of Cisco Umbrella?

DNS-Layer Security: Blocks malicious domains, preventing ransomware attacks.
Web Content Filtering: Allows users to manage lists for strict content control.
Seamless Integration: Blends with systems like Active Directory and Meraki.
Remote Protection: Keeps remote users safe across different locations.
Single-Pane Management: Facilitates effective monitoring and reporting.

What should users expect in reviews about Cisco Umbrella?

Threat Intelligence: Provides comprehensive malware and attack data.
Customizable Policies: Enables tailored security measures for users.
Integration Options: Works with diverse systems for holistic security.
Ease of Use: Offers a straightforward experience for administrators.
Remote Worker Security: Ensures protection outside traditional networks.

Industries implement Cisco Umbrella primarily for DNS-level security, web filtering, and protecting remote employees. It strengthens cybersecurity frameworks by blocking malware and avoiding access to harmful sites. The tool is widely integrated with Active Directory and Cisco Meraki, providing consistent internet security for employees.

Cisco Umbrella was previously known as OpenDNS.

Cisco Umbrella customers

Chart Industries, City of Aspen, Eastern Mountain Sports, FLEXcon, George Washington University, Jackson Municipal Airport Authority, Ohio Public Library Information Network, PTC, Richland Community College, Smart Motors, Tulane University, VeriClaim