What is an allowlist filter?
An allowlist says “only these sites work.” A blocklist says “everything works except these.” The difference changes daily life.
Most filters are blocklists: they try to stop bad sites and let the rest through. An allowlist flips it. Only the sites you approve are reachable; everything else is closed by default.
Why allowlists are stronger
A blocklist has to know every bad site. An allowlist only has to know the good ones. That makes it much harder to slip through an unknown domain, a proxy or a new site.
Why allowlists are harder
They break things. A bank, a government portal, a work tool or a school site may need several domains to load. If one is missing, the page looks broken. An allowlist needs a good request process and someone who can add sites quickly.
Who it suits
- A bochur’s phone with a short list of essentials.
- A school phone where the standard is tight.
- A user who wants a browser only for banking, email and Torah.
Blocklist vs allowlist in filttr
filttr supports both. A profile can run as an allowlist (approved sites only) or a blocklist (block categories and domains while allowing the rest). You can also mix: block categories, then add exceptions for sites you need.
Make it livable
The best allowlist is not the shortest one; it is the one that covers real life and can be updated without a fight. Test your daily sites before rolling it out, and use a request process for the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Is an allowlist more secure?
Generally yes, because unknown sites are closed by default. It also requires more maintenance.
Does filttr support allowlists?
Yes. Profiles can run in allowlist or blocklist mode.
Will banking work on an allowlist?
Usually, if the bank’s domains are added. Some banks use several domains; test before committing.
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Related reading: Kosher filter · Kosher iPhone · All guides