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Head-to-head · DNS Filtering Software

AdGuard DNS vs Pi-hole

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score AdGuard DNS #1 in DNS Filtering Software 9.4/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit AdGuard DNS
Pi-hole #6 in DNS Filtering Software 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Pi-hole

AdGuard DNS leads on 0 checks, Pi-hole on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAdGuard DNS · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly AdGuard DNS

AdGuard DNS scores higher on our rubric for dns filtering software: 9.4 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.

AdGuard DNS is the better fit for broad DNS filtering across home and business devices. Pi-hole is the better fit for self-hosted network-wide ad blocking.

  • AdGuard DNS fits best

    Broad DNS filtering across home and business devices

  • Pi-hole fits best

    Self-hosted network-wide ad blocking

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature AdGuard DNS 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Pi-hole 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.6
Ranking #1 in DNS Filtering Software #6 in DNS Filtering Software
Best for Broad DNS filtering across home and business devices Self-hosted network-wide ad blocking
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price — Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Cloud, Browser extension Self-hosted, Cloud
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Linux
Support Email, Docs Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features AdGuard DNS 0/4 · Pi-hole 0/4
Category filtering Not checked yet Not checked yet
Custom domain policies Not checked yet Not checked yet
Roaming protection Not checked yet Not checked yet
Activity reports Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Deployment modes Not checked yet Not checked yet
Device limit 20 devices Not checked yet
Encrypted DNS support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Free Starter plan with a 30-day free trial
  • Encrypted DNS protocols plus custom rules and blocklists
  • Schedules, detailed query logs, and REST API automation
  • Blocks unwanted domains across an entire network
  • Supports custom lists, regex rules and group-based policies
  • Provides dashboards, long-term statistics and an interactive API
Cons
  • Filtering operates at the DNS level rather than as full endpoint control
  • Enterprise administration is aimed at organizational deployments
  • Device setup varies across computers, routers, TVs, consoles, and IoT devices
  • Deployment centers on supported Linux distributions or Docker
  • Requires self-hosted administration and DNS configuration
  • Offers fewer family-policy features than some alternatives
Our verdict

AdGuard DNS is a DNS resolver and network-level filtering service for individuals, families, organizations, and connected devices. It blocks ads, trackers, phishing, malware, and adult content while supporting custom blocklists, user…

Read the review →

Pi-hole is free, open-source DNS filtering software for administrators who want to block unwanted domains across an entire network. It runs on supported Linux distributions, Raspberry Pi OS, or Docker, with administration available through…

Read the review →
  1. AdGuard DNSDNS Filtering Software 9.4Free plan · 30-day trial
  2. Pi-holeDNS Filtering Software 8.6Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • AdGuard DNS — where it wins

    • Free Starter plan with a 30-day free trial
    • Encrypted DNS protocols plus custom rules and blocklists
    • Schedules, detailed query logs, and REST API automation

    Where it doesn't

    • Filtering operates at the DNS level rather than as full endpoint control
    • Enterprise administration is aimed at organizational deployments
    • Device setup varies across computers, routers, TVs, consoles, and IoT devices

  • Pi-hole — where it wins

    • Blocks unwanted domains across an entire network
    • Supports custom lists, regex rules and group-based policies
    • Provides dashboards, long-term statistics and an interactive API

    Where it doesn't

    • Deployment centers on supported Linux distributions or Docker
    • Requires self-hosted administration and DNS configuration
    • Offers fewer family-policy features than some alternatives

More comparisons

All DNS filtering software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update