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Pi-hole

Pi-hole is a DNS sinkhole that blocks unwanted content across a network without installing client software on each device.

Place
#4 of 23
Score
6.3
Pi-hole's website

What Pi-hole is

Pi-hole is a DNS sinkhole that blocks unwanted content across a network without installing client software on each device. Install it at one point in the network to cover devices such as mobile apps, smart TVs, and IoT devices. It can run in Docker or directly on supported Linux systems, including Alpine, Armbian OS, Debian, CentOS Stream, Fedora, Raspberry Pi OS, and Ubuntu. Pi-hole caches DNS answers, and its web interface displays query totals, blocked queries, client activity, and other DNS activity. Filtering controls include client groups, group-specific lists, domain allow and deny rules, and community blocklists and allowlists. It can use an existing DHCP server or provide its own, with optional IPv6 support. Four privacy modes and a searchable long-term query database offer ways to manage and review query data. Pi-hole also provides a REST API for scripts and home-automation tools. It is free open-source software; the listed plan costs nothing.

Good

  • Blocks unwanted content across networked devices.
  • Offers client groups and custom domain rules.
  • Provides query reports through a web interface.
  • Includes a REST API and Home Assistant guide.

Watch out

  • Requires a static IP or DHCP reservation.
  • Minimum requirements include 512 MB RAM and 2 GB free space.
  • Browsers do not trust its self-signed certificate by default.

Who it suits

Pi-hole suits people who want DNS-based content blocking for an entire network and can run software on supported Linux hardware or in Docker. It also fits users who want configurable filtering, query reporting, or API access.

Verdict

Pi-hole combines network-wide DNS filtering with query reporting, privacy controls, and API access at no cost. It requires a suitable host and network setup, including a static IP address or DHCP reservation.

Plans and prices

From Pi-hole's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
Pi-holeFreeOpen-source software · runs on supported Linux hardware or in Docker

The facts

Each one read from Pi-hole's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

API and integrations
Pi-hole provides a REST API with interactive documentation and app passwords for scripts and home-automation tools; its documentation includes a Home Assistant integration guide.checked 7 Oct 2026
DHCP
Pi-hole can work alongside an existing DHCP server or provide its own, with optional IPv6 support.checked 7 Oct 2026
DNS caching
Pi-hole caches DNS answers, which the site says can make repeat lookups near-instant.checked 7 Oct 2026
Filtering controls
Users can assign clients to groups, set group-specific lists and domains, allow or deny domains, and subscribe to community blocklists and allowlists.checked 7 Oct 2026
Installation options
Pi-hole can run in Docker or directly on a supported Linux distribution, including on a Raspberry Pi, PC, virtual machine, or NAS.checked 7 Oct 2026
Network-wide blocking
Installing Pi-hole in one place can protect a whole network, including mobile apps, smart TVs, and IoT devices.checked 7 Oct 2026
Privacy controls
Pi-hole offers four privacy modes and stores queries in a long-term database that can be searched by time range.checked 7 Oct 2026
Purpose
Pi-hole is a DNS sinkhole that protects devices from unwanted content without installing client-side software.checked 7 Oct 2026
Requirements
The documentation lists 512 MB RAM, 2 GB free space minimum, and 4 GB recommended; Pi-hole also needs a static IP address or DHCP reservation.checked 7 Oct 2026
Security
Pi-hole creates a self-signed certificate during installation to encrypt its web interface and API, though browsers do not trust that certificate by default.checked 7 Oct 2026
Support
The project is maintained by volunteer developers and accepts donations, issue reports, feature suggestions, and pull requests.checked 7 Oct 2026
Supported systems
Officially supported operating systems include Alpine, Armbian OS, Debian, CentOS Stream, Fedora, Raspberry Pi OS, and Ubuntu, for actively maintained versions.checked 7 Oct 2026
Web interface
Its built-in web interface displays query totals, blocked queries, client activity, query types, upstream servers, and frequently requested or blocked domains.checked 7 Oct 2026

The company

Team and headquarters
The Pi-hole team says its developers are spread across the globe, work in their spare time, and are fully remote.checked 7 Oct 2026

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