Pi-hole
6.3#4 in dns server softwareFree planFree planWebAPILinuxSelf-hosted
VisitPi-hole vs PowerDNS Recursor
PowerDNS Recursor
6.0#13 in dns server softwareFree planFree planAPILinuxmacOSSelf-hosted
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | Pi-hole | PowerDNS Recursor |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Pi-hole is a DNS sinkhole that protects devices from unwanted content without installing client-side software. | PowerDNS Recursor is a recursive DNS resolver and caching server that resolves client queries through the global DNS system. |
| 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. | The Recursor supports DNSSEC processing and validation, with configurable validation modes. |
| Support | The project is maintained by volunteer developers and accepts donations, issue reports, feature suggestions, and pull requests. | Commercial support offers multiple SLA-defined service levels, including office-hours and 24/7 availability; community users have separate support resources. |
Pi-hole plans
- Pi-holeFree
PowerDNS Recursor plans
- PowerDNS Recursor (open-source)Free
Pick Pi-hole if…
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.
Pick PowerDNS Recursor if…
You want what its maker publishes above — check its page for the details.