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Pi-hole is a well-known ad blocker for web browsers. It is known for being able to stop ads on all devices without needing to be installed on each one separately. This powerful tool works at the DNS level to protect all linked devices from ads that are too annoying. Even though Pi-hole is famous, there are many other ad-blocking tools that can be used instead.
These include Linux, Windows, Mac, Android, and the iPhone. AdGuard, a free tool that blocks ads, is a well-known alternative. Other choices worth mentioning are simplewall, Portmaster, NextDNS, and Blokada. Each of these offers effective ways to block ads that work for different users and platforms. Whether you want a free ad blocker or one with lots of features, these options will help you find the best one for your needs.
Why Look for Alternatives?
Despite Pi-hole’s efficacy, there is a possibility that some users will look for alternatives for a variety of reasons. It’s possible that they want a more comprehensive feature set, improved user interfaces, or device compatibility with a wider range of options. Users are able to choose a DNS ad blocker that better meets their individual requirements and preferences when they experiment with different options and compare the results.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Pi-hole Alternatives
When looking at options to Pi-hole, think about things like:
- Compatibility: Make sure that the option works with the hardware or operating system you want to use.
- Ease of Use: Look for interfaces that are easy to use and setup steps that are simple.
- benefits: Check out the extra benefits beyond just blocking ads.
Best Pi-hole Alternatives
Pi-hole is a popular and successful open-source DNS-based ad blocker for Raspberry Pi and other related devices. It efficiently filters advertisements and tracking domains at the network level, improving internet privacy and page loading. While Pi-hole is popular, trying other choices may reveal new features and functions.
Alternate DNS
Features:
AdGuard Home is a strong ad and tracker blocker that works across the whole network and can run on different devices. It has a clean and easy-to-use web interface that makes it easy to operate. This alternative not only stops ads, but it also keeps you safe from phishing sites and malware. DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) are both supported by AdGuard Home to make it safer.
The Good
- Easy setup and implementation
- Effective ad blocking and security features
- Suitable for personal and business use
The Bad
- Limited advanced features compared to some alternatives
NextDNS
Features:
NextDNS is a DNS blocking service that works in the cloud and gives you a lot of ways to customize it. Users can set their own filtering rules, and ads, trackers, and malware sites can be blocked. NextDNS offers real-time analytics to keep track of network behavior and can be used on different devices, making it a flexible choice.
The Good
- Excellent customization options.
- Cloud-based, no need for dedicated hardware.
- Regular updates for blocklists.
The Bad
- Free tier has limitations on the number of queries.
CleanBrowsing
Features:
CleanBrowsing is a DNS blocking service that is good for families and puts safety and security first. It comes with three DNS servers that are already set up. These are Security, Adult Filtering, and Family Protection. This alternative is good for homes that want to keep their kids from seeing inappropriate material. It also makes browsing safer.
The Good
- Easy setup and simple management.
- Strong focus on family-friendly browsing.
- DNS over HTTPS (DoH) support.
The Bad
- Limited customization options compared to other alternatives.
AdGuard
Features:
AdGuard is a famous add-on for browsers that blocks ads, but it also has a separate ad blocker that works at the DNS level. It stops ads, trackers, and phishing sites from getting through the network in an effective way. AdGuard has an easy-to-use dashboard for managing filtering rules and supports secure contact with DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT).
The Good
- Simple setup and configuration.
- Effective ad and tracker blocking.
- Compatible with multiple platforms.
The Bad
- May not provide comprehensive malware protection.
DNSFilter
Features:
DNSFilter is a security platform for DNS that is built in the cloud and has advanced content filtering features. It protects you from malware, phishing, and sites that are part of a botnet. DNSFilter lets users make their own lists of things to stop and things to let through. This makes it useful for a wide range of uses, from keeping your family safe to keeping your business network secure.
The Good
- Robust security features for blocking malicious domains.
- Granular control over filtering policies.
- Suitable for both personal and business use.
The Bad
- Some advanced features are limited to higher-tier plans.
Questions and Answers
Yes, you can use some of these other tools in addition to Pi-hole to add an extra layer of security and block more ads.
NextDNS and AdGuard both have mobile apps that make it easy to stop ads and keep your phone safe.
How well these options work depends on how your network is set up and which features you turn on. It’s best to try them out to see which one fits your needs best.
