Pi-hole alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Pi-hole: can't block same-domain ads like YouTube's, and needs a device running around the clock. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Pi-hole, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. AdGuard Home currently ranks first.
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Show all 5 alternativesThe best Pi-hole alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Pi-hole alternative for most people
AdGuard HomeSame approach with built-in encrypted DNS and a single-binary install.
Best Pi-hole alternative for a free option
Technitium DNS ServerFull DNS server with blocking, for people who want a real resolver too.
Best Pi-hole alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
NextDNSHosted DNS filtering with no hardware to maintain, and protection away from home.
Best Pi-hole alternative for open source
BlockyStateless Go DNS proxy configured in YAML, easy to run in containers.
Best Pi-hole alternative for self-hosting
AdGuard HomeSame approach with built-in encrypted DNS and a single-binary install.
Best Pi-hole alternative for Mac
StevenBlack hostsThe unified hosts lists many Pi-hole users already rely on, usable without a server.
Best Pi-hole alternative for Windows
AdGuard HomeSame approach with built-in encrypted DNS and a single-binary install.
Best Pi-hole alternative for Linux
AdGuard HomeSame approach with built-in encrypted DNS and a single-binary install.
Best Pi-hole alternative for iPhone and Android
NextDNSHosted DNS filtering with no hardware to maintain, and protection away from home.
Best Pi-hole alternative for working in the browser
NextDNSHosted DNS filtering with no hardware to maintain, and protection away from home.
Pi-hole alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Pi-hole?
AdGuard Home ranks first right now. Same approach with built-in encrypted DNS and a single-binary install. Technitium DNS Server and Blocky follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Pi-hole?
Yes. AdGuard Home (open source), Technitium DNS Server (open source), Blocky (open source) and NextDNS (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Pi-hole?
Yes: AdGuard Home, Technitium DNS Server, Blocky and StevenBlack hosts. AdGuard Home, Technitium DNS Server and Blocky can also be self-hosted.
Which Pi-hole alternatives work on Linux?
AdGuard Home, Technitium DNS Server, Blocky, NextDNS and StevenBlack hosts run on Linux.
Why do people switch from Pi-hole?
The complaints we hear most: can't block same-domain ads like YouTube's; needs a device running around the clock; occasional allowlisting needed when sites break.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Pi-hole, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.