About Pi-hole
Pi-hole is network-wide ad blocking software. It runs on a computer or small device in your home and filters DNS requests, so ads and trackers are blocked on every device that uses your network.
What it does
When a device asks for an ad server, Pi-hole returns an empty answer, and the ad never downloads. It also caches DNS answers, which makes repeat lookups faster. A web interface shows what is happening on the network, including total and blocked queries, and a REST API lets you script changes. Pairing it with a VPN can extend the protection to mobile data and public Wi-Fi.
Key features
- Blocks ads and trackers across the network
- Web dashboard with query statistics
- Runs in Docker or on a supported Linux system
- Full REST API for scripting
- DNS caching for faster repeat lookups
Who it's for
Home network owners who want ad blocking on smart TVs and apps, self-hosting fans running a home server, and home lab users who like to see their network traffic.
Pricing and good to know
Pi-hole is open source and free to use. You need a device that runs on your network, such as a Raspberry Pi, an old PC or a NAS. If the Pi-hole goes offline, devices that rely on it may lose internet access, so it helps to set a fallback DNS server.
Highlights
- Blocks ads and trackers across the network
- Web dashboard with query statistics
- Runs in Docker or on a supported Linux system
- Full REST API for scripting
- DNS caching for faster repeat lookups
