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A Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W running Pi-hole can filter some network requests by acting as the DNS resolver for devices on your network. That can block some ads and telemetry requests—even on devices that cannot run browser extensions—and show which domain names devices request. It cannot block every ad, inspect all network traffic, or guarantee that every device uses it. The “$20” in the original title is not a verified current price.
What does Pi-hole do?
When a device needs to connect to a website or service, it typically asks a DNS resolver to look up the domain name. Pi-hole can sit in that process: devices configured to use it send DNS requests to Pi-hole, which can block selected domains instead of resolving them normally.
This is DNS filtering, not a firewall inspecting everything a device sends or receives. Its reach depends on devices actually using Pi-hole for DNS. If a device uses another resolver or an app obtains content without relying on a blocked domain, Pi-hole may not affect that traffic.
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Blocking some ads and telemetry across devices
Because filtering happens at DNS resolution, it can apply to devices that do not support browser extensions. Roku devices and smart appliances are examples: if they use Pi-hole for DNS and request a domain on a blocklist, that request can be stopped.
#1 Best Overall
- Powerful Performance: Equipped with a quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A53 processor, the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W delivers a significant performance boost compared to its predecessor. And built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support enable easy wireless communication and Internet access for your projects, five Times Faster.
- SANOOV Basic Starter Kit for Pi Zero 2 W Include: 1. Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W Board 2.Mini HDMI to Standard HDMI adapter 3.Micro-USB to Standard USB OTG Adapter 4.Aluminum Heatsink 5.40 Pin Header.NOTICE: The kit does NOT include , supply power, case, SD card, keyboard, mouse or monitor.
- SANOOV for Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W features: 1GHz quad-core, 64-bit ARM Cortex-A53 CPU VideoCore IV GPU 512MB LPDDR2 DRAM 802.11b/g/n wireless LAN Bluetooth 4.2 / Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) MicroSD card slot Mini HDMI and USB 2.0 OTG ports Micro USB power HAT-compatible 40-pin header Composite video and reset pins via solder test points CSI camera connector.
- Video Output & Efficient Cooling: Supports 1080p30 video output via the mini HDMI port, making it ideal for multimedia applications and streaming.The aluminum heatsink helps dissipate heat, ensuring stable performance even under heavy workloads.
- Compact Size: The tiny size of the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W makes it perfect for space-constrained projects and embedded applications.Ideal for a variety of uses, including IoT projects, home automation, media centers, educational tools, and more.
The same mechanism can block some telemetry requests. That may reduce unwanted connections, but it is not a reliable way to identify malware or prevent a device from being compromised. A blocked domain can also be necessary for a feature to work; some TVs, for example, may stop opening apps when telemetry domains are blocked.
Seeing which domains devices request
Pi-hole’s query logs can show DNS requests made through it. That visibility can help you identify domains devices are trying to reach, including requests you may want to investigate or block. The logs are not a full capture of network traffic: they do not show every connection or, by themselves, prove that a device is compromised.
Rank #2
- Includes Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Model B with 1.5GHz 64-bit quad-core CPU (4GB RAM)
- Includes Pre-Loaded 32GB EVO+ Micro SD Card (Class 10), USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Premium High-Gloss Raspberry Pi 4 Case with Integrated Fan Mount, CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- CanaKit 3.5A USB-C Raspberry Pi 4 Power Supply (US Plug) with Noise Filter, Set of Heat Sinks, Display Cable - 6 foot (Supports up to 4K60p)
- CanaKit USB-C PiSwitch (On/Off Power Switch for Raspberry Pi 4)
What Pi-hole will not block
Pi-hole blocks at the domain-lookup level, so it cannot reliably distinguish an ad from other content when both come from the same domain. Ads served from the same domain as a video or other content can get through; YouTube and Twitch are examples. Treat it as one layer of DNS filtering, not a universal ad blocker.
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Which computer can host it?
The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W is the compact host named in the original article. Pi-hole can also run on a Raspberry Pi 4, an old PC, or in a container on a Proxmox server. A Pi 4 or old PC may suit someone who wants more headroom, but the available information does not establish comparative performance, reliability, power use, or client capacity.
Rank #3
- Orange Pi Zero 2W 1GB is powered by Allwinner H618 high-performance quad-core Cortex-A53 processor with up to 1.5GHz, integrated Mali G31 MP2 graphics processor, supporting OpenGL ES 1.0/2.0/3.2, OpenCL 2.0, Vulkan 1.1. It has 1GB LPDDR4 memory specification options, supports 16MB SPI Flash. Outperform the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W.
- Orange Pi Zero 2W 1G mini pc can be extended with USB2.0, 100M Ethernet, IR receiver, audio output, TV-out, power button, etc. via 24Pin connector with adapter board. In addition, the 40Pin expansion port on the board further enriches the motherboard's functional interfaces and enhances the development potential.
- Orange Pi Zero 2W 1gb adheres to the compact and exquisite design concept of the Zero series, with a PCB size of 30mm X 65mm X 1.2mm, and can be widely used in TV boxes, smart screen casting devices, smart home, smart gateway, IoT and other fields.
- Wi-Fi5+BT 5.0, with BLE support: 2.4G/5G dual-band Wi-Fi5 and Bluetooth 5.0 with BLE support, enjoy the wonderful network anytime, anywhere.
- Orange Pi Single Board Computers is open source.
The original article’s “about $15” setup figure and the title’s “$20” are article-era framing, not confirmed current prices. Current cost and availability are not established, so check them before choosing hardware rather than treating either figure as a present-day quote.
What setup involves—and what depends on your network
At a high level, Pi-hole needs an always-available host, and your network’s devices need to use it for DNS. The exact host configuration and DNS settings depend on your router and devices. The available setup information does not establish a specific installation procedure or universal router menu path, so use instructions that match your hardware and software rather than applying a generic recipe.
Rank #4
- 🍊[Incredibly Powerful]: Orange Pi Zero 2W is a powered by Allwinner H618 quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 SBC with 1GB/1.5GB/2GB/4GB LPDDR4 RAM memory, embedding a larger 16MB SPI flash. And features Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.
- 🍊[Practical Design]: Despite Orange Pi Zero 2W has only a small size of 30mmX65mmX1.2mm, but it is equipped with 2*USB 2.0, 1Micro HDMI, 1*MicroSD card slot, 1*24 pin functional interface, 1*40 pin headers.
- 🍊[Support Expansion Board]: Orange Pi Zero 2W can be extended with USB2.0, 100M Ethernet, IR receiver, audio output, TV-out, power button via 24 pin functional interface with adapter board. In addition, the 40 pin expansion port on the board further enriches the motherboard's functional interfaces and enhances the development potential.
- 🍊[Small But Powerful]：Orange Pi Zero 2W adheres to the compact and exquisite design concept of the Zero series, and can be widely used in TV boxes, smart screen casting devices, smart home, smart gateway, IoT and other fields. Orange Pi Zero 2W supports Android 12 TV, Debian11, Debian12, Ubuntu22.04, Ubuntu20.04 ，Orange Pi OS（Arch）and other operating systems.
After configuring DNS, check that a client is actually sending requests through Pi-hole before relying on its filtering or logs. A device that continues using a different resolver will not receive the same DNS filtering. Keep in mind that blocking a domain can break a site, app, or device feature; if that happens, review the relevant query and adjust the block or allowlist settings as appropriate.
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A single Pi-hole host can become a single point of failure. If the computer or its SD card fails, devices relying on it may no longer be able to resolve domain names, making internet services appear unavailable. A second Pi-hole instance or a fallback DNS resolver can reduce that risk, but the exact behavior depends on how the router and clients handle multiple resolvers.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- RasTech Pi Zero 2W Kit: The Pi Zero 2W pack includes Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W Board x1, Mini HDMI to Standard HDMI Adapter x1, Micro USB OTG Cable x1, Aluminum Heatsink x1, 40-Pin Header x1.
- Powerful Performance: Equipped with a quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A53 processor, the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W delivers a significant performance boost compared to its predecessor.
- Compact Size: The tiny size of the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W makes it perfect for space-constrained projects and embedded applications.
- Efficient Heat Dissipation: The Aluminum heatsink helps dissipate heat, ensuring stable performance even under heavy workloads.
- Versatile Connectivity: The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W basic kit is an ideal equipment for beginners to learn programming, electronics, and DIY projects. And the included HDMI adapter and USB OTG cable provide essential interfaces to connect a display, keyboard, mouse and other peripherals.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
