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Choose Pi-hole if you want a focused, lightweight DNS sinkhole on Linux hardware and prefer its established management workflow. Choose AdGuard Home if you want broader installation options plus encrypted-DNS, parental-control, SafeSearch, malware/phishing and access-control features built into one service. Both can block ad and tracker domains for nearly every device on a home network, but neither replaces a browser content blocker or has an official benchmark proving it is faster or blocks a fixed percentage more.
What Pi-hole and AdGuard Home actually do
Pi-hole and AdGuard Home are self-hosted DNS sinkholes. Your devices ask a DNS server to translate a domain name into an IP address; the sinkhole checks that request against blocklists and prevents listed advertising or tracking domains from resolving normally. Because the DNS server sits at the network level, one installation can cover phones, computers, smart TVs, game systems and mobile apps without installing a separate client on each device.
This is domain-level filtering. It can stop a request to a known advertising or tracking domain, but it cannot provide the full element-level, cosmetic and script-level control of a browser content blocker. An ad served from the same domain as the content you want, or an app that uses hard-coded addresses, may therefore remain visible.
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Pi-hole and AdGuard Home compared
| Decision area | Pi-hole | AdGuard Home |
|---|---|---|
| Core job | Network-wide DNS ad and tracker blocking from self-hosted Linux hardware. | Network-wide DNS ad and tracker blocking through a self-hosted DNS server. |
| Client software | Not required for network-wide coverage. | Not required for network-wide coverage. |
| Blocklists and client rules | Supported; the project emphasizes a focused DNS appliance and dashboard. | Supported, with per-client configuration documented in the official comparison. |
| Built-in DHCP | Supported. | Supported. |
| Encrypted upstream DNS | Requires additional software or manual configuration according to the official comparison. | Native DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS and DNSCrypt support. |
| Serving encrypted DNS to clients | Requires additional software or manual configuration according to the official comparison. | Can serve DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS. |
| Phishing and malware blocking | Requires additional software, manual configuration or non-default lists according to the comparison. | Included in the documented feature set. |
| Parental controls and SafeSearch | Requires additional software, manual configuration or non-default lists according to the comparison. | Included in the documented feature set. |
| Admin interface encryption | Not listed as native in the comparison. | Native HTTPS for the administration interface. |
| Documented installation targets | Linux hardware, including Raspberry Pi-class systems. | macOS, Linux and Raspberry Pi, with official Docker and Snap installation paths. |
| DNS port | Port 53; another DNS service such as BIND must not already be answering there. | 53/UDP is specified for the DNS server. |
| Official speed, memory or block-rate benchmark | Not stated. | Not stated. |
The table reflects documented capabilities, not a laboratory test. The official materials do not establish that either product is categorically faster, uses less memory, or blocks a particular percentage more ads.
#1 Best Overall
- 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)
Why DNS blocking matters for a whole house
Installing a browser extension only affects that browser on that device. A DNS sinkhole can cover devices that do not support extensions, including many smart TVs and mobile applications. It also centralizes policy: you maintain lists and rules in one service instead of repeating setup on every client.
Coverage still depends on how clients obtain DNS. If a device uses a different DNS server, a VPN, encrypted DNS configured outside your network, or an application-specific resolver, its requests may bypass the sinkhole. DNS blocking is therefore broad but not absolute.
Pi-hole: strengths, requirements and trade-offs
Focused Linux appliance
Pi-hole presents itself as network-wide ad blocking on your own Linux hardware. Its design is centered on DNS sinkholing, query caching and a responsive web dashboard with minimal hardware and software requirements. This is a good fit when you want a small, always-on service whose main job is filtering DNS requests rather than a collection of family-safety controls.
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The normal deployment is to set your router’s DNS server to the Pi-hole address. The exact menu name varies, but it is usually in the router’s Internet, WAN, LAN or DHCP settings. Once the router advertises Pi-hole as DNS, clients that renew their network leases should receive that address automatically.
Rank #2
- Broadcom BCM2711, Quad core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC @ 1.5GHz
- 1GB, 2GB, 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4-3200 SDRAM (depending on model)
- 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz IEEE 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, BLE Gigabit Ethernet
- 2 USB 3.0 ports; 2 USB 2.0 ports.
- Raspberry Pi standard 40 pin GPIO header (fully backwards compatible with previous boards)
Some routers cannot advertise a custom DNS server. In that case, Pi-hole can provide DHCP itself: disable the router’s DHCP service, enable Pi-hole’s DHCP service, and configure the same LAN range and gateway values the router previously supplied. Only one DHCP server should be active on the network.
Port and service conflicts
DNS uses port 53. Pi-hole’s prerequisites warn that another DNS service, such as BIND, must be stopped or reconfigured so Pi-hole can answer queries. A port conflict can make the web dashboard appear healthy while clients still use another resolver, so check which process owns port 53 if requests are not being filtered.
Setup-time expectation
Pi-hole documentation describes its installer as taking less than ten minutes. That is the project’s own description, not an independently measured result; router changes, DHCP migration and troubleshooting can add time.
AdGuard Home: strengths, requirements and trade-offs
More controls in one service
AdGuard Home’s documented feature set combines ad and tracker blocking with encrypted upstream DNS, the ability to serve DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS, native HTTPS for its administrator interface, phishing and malware filtering, parental controls, SafeSearch enforcement and access settings. If you want those controls without assembling several separate services, this breadth is its main advantage.
Rank #3
- Broadcom BCM2711, quad-core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC @ 1. 5GHz
- 2. 4 GHz and 5. 0 GHz IEEE 802. 11b/g/n/ac wireless LAN, Bluetooth 5. 0, BLE
- 2 × USB 3. 0 ports, 2 x USB 2. 0 Ports
- 2 × micro HDMI ports supproting up to 4Kp60 video resolution
- Micro SD card slot for loading operating system and data storage
Broader installation choices
AdGuard Home documents installation on macOS, Linux and Raspberry Pi. Its getting-started material also provides an official Docker image and a Snap package. The DNS server uses 53/UDP, so verify that no existing resolver is occupying that port before starting it.
Network integration
As with Pi-hole, the simplest arrangement is to have the router advertise the AdGuard Home address as DNS. AdGuard Home also includes DHCP, so it can take over address assignment when a router cannot advertise a custom DNS server, provided the router’s DHCP function is disabled first.
How to deploy either blocker on a home network
1. Choose an always-on host
Use a device that remains powered whenever household clients need DNS. Both projects document Raspberry Pi/Linux deployment. A Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is a reasonable search term for a small host, but availability, price and exact compatibility change; verify those details at the time you buy. A microSD card or small SSD is optional storage for a Raspberry Pi installation.
2. Install one DNS service
Install Pi-hole on supported Linux hardware, or install AdGuard Home using its documented Linux, Raspberry Pi, Docker or Snap path. Do not run two DNS servers on the same address and port unless you deliberately configure them to coexist. During setup, record the host’s LAN address so the router can advertise it.
Rank #4
- Includes Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Model B with 1.5GHz 64-bit quad-core CPU (4GB RAM)
- CanaKit 3.5A USB-C Power Supply with Noise Filter (UL Listed) specially designed for the Raspberry Pi 4 (5-foot cable)
- CanaKit USB-C PiSwitch (On/Off Power Switch)
- Set of 3 Aluminum Heat Sinks for the Raspberry Pi 4
3. Check port 53 before switching clients
Both products need DNS traffic on port 53; AdGuard Home specifically documents 53/UDP. Stop or reconfigure another DNS daemon, including BIND, if it is listening there. If the service cannot bind to the port, fix that conflict before changing router settings.
4. Point the router at the blocker
Open the router’s DNS or DHCP-advertisement settings and enter the blocker host’s LAN address as the DNS server. Save the configuration, then renew a client lease or reconnect the device so it receives the new DNS information. Router labels and capabilities differ, so consult that router’s manual for the exact screen.
5. Use the built-in DHCP fallback when necessary
If the router refuses to advertise a custom DNS address, disable its DHCP server and enable DHCP in Pi-hole or AdGuard Home. Copy the existing LAN range, gateway and lease settings carefully, then reconnect clients. Never leave both DHCP servers active, because clients may receive inconsistent DNS addresses.
6. Verify from several device types
Open the service dashboard and confirm that queries arrive from a computer, a phone and a device such as a television. A client may retain old lease information, use a manually configured resolver or bypass DNS through a VPN. Test after reconnecting, and inspect the query log before changing blocklists.
Best Value
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- SIZABLE RAM: This Raspberry Pi 4 comes equipped with 4GB of RAM, which is the same amount of RAM or more RAM than many mainstream laptops contain. With 4GB of RAM, your processor will be capable of running retro gaming setups and common computer applications, media players, and much more!
- SIMPLE TO TURN ON & OFF: This kit includes a USB-C Raspberry Pi 4 compatible power supply with an easy-to-use on/off switch that was designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi 4 model to streamline processing.
- IMPROVEMENTS FROM PREVIOUS MODELS: This latest model of the Raspberry Pi 4 offers groundbreaking increases in processor speed, multimedia performance, connectivity, memory, and more! The desktop performance of this model is comparable to entry-level x86 PC systems.
- VERSATILE USE: The Raspberry Pi may have a small processor, but it is a highly adaptable little computer that can replace your desktop PC. Its functions range from practical to nostalgic since it can power an ad-blocking server as easily as it can power an outmoded gaming setup. Other uses include but are not limited to printing from non-wireless printers, playing media, making time-lapse videos, and building multiplayer network game servers and motion-capture security systems.
Which one blocks more ads?
There is no defensible universal percentage in the official documentation. Results depend on the lists you enable, how frequently they are updated, the domains an app uses and whether the client reaches the configured DNS server. A larger list can also create more false positives or break site functions.
Both products can block the same domain when given equivalent lists and when traffic reaches them. The documented distinction is feature integration rather than a measured block-rate winner: AdGuard Home includes more privacy and family-control functions natively, while Pi-hole emphasizes a focused DNS appliance and its management workflow.
Encrypted DNS, privacy and family controls
Upstream encryption
AdGuard Home documents DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS and DNSCrypt for encrypted upstream communication, and it can serve DNS-over-HTTPS or DNS-over-TLS to clients. The official comparison describes equivalent Pi-hole capabilities as requiring additional software or manual configuration. Encryption protects DNS traffic between configured endpoints; it does not turn domain filtering into browser-level content filtering.
Parental and search controls
AdGuard Home lists parental controls and SafeSearch enforcement as part of its documented feature set, along with access settings. Pi-hole can reach some comparable outcomes through additional software, manual configuration or non-default lists, but they are not presented as the same native feature set in the comparison.
Malware and phishing lists
AdGuard Home documents phishing and malware blocking. Pi-hole can use additional or non-default lists, but the comparison does not mark those protections as native in the same way. Treat any list as a policy choice: review what it blocks and provide an allowlist path for legitimate domains that fail.
Router and client pitfalls
- Custom DNS fields are missing: use the single-DHCP-server fallback, or choose a router that permits DNS advertisement.
- Clients still show ads: confirm their DNS lease points to the blocker, then check the query log. A VPN, manually entered resolver or application-specific DNS can bypass the service.
- The blocker cannot start: inspect port 53 for BIND or another DNS daemon and stop or reconfigure it.
- Only some devices appear: renew leases and check whether the missing devices use a separate guest network or manually configured DNS.
- A site or app breaks: identify the blocked domain in the dashboard and allow it only if you trust the service and need the function.
- Filtering stops after a reboot: make sure the host starts automatically and has a stable LAN address; otherwise the router may advertise an address that changed.
Choosing by your priorities
| If your priority is… | Better starting point | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| A small Linux-based DNS appliance | Pi-hole | Its official overview centers on minimal hardware and software requirements, DNS caching and a focused dashboard. |
| Native encrypted-DNS options | AdGuard Home | Its documented feature set includes DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS and DNSCrypt upstreams. |
| Parental controls and SafeSearch in one service | AdGuard Home | Those controls are listed as native features in its comparison. |
| Raspberry Pi deployment | Either | Both projects document Raspberry Pi/Linux use. |
| Docker or Snap installation | AdGuard Home | Its getting-started guide documents an official Docker image and Snap package. |
| A router that cannot advertise custom DNS | Either | Both provide a built-in DHCP option, but you must disable the router’s DHCP service first. |
| A proven speed or block-rate winner | Neither can be selected on the available evidence | The official sources provide no independent comparative benchmark. |
Maintenance that keeps filtering reliable
- Keep the host powered and give it a stable LAN address so router advertisements do not become stale.
- Review query logs when an expected domain is blocked or an application fails; change one list or allow rule at a time.
- Maintain exactly one active DHCP service on the LAN.
- Keep the DNS service and its host operating system updated through the project’s documented process.
- Recheck phones, televisions and guest-network devices after router changes; network-wide coverage is only as broad as the clients that actually use the sinkhole.
Bottom line
Pi-hole is the better fit for a lightweight, Linux-hosted DNS appliance and a focused management experience. AdGuard Home is the better fit when you want broader native controls and more installation paths, especially encrypted DNS, SafeSearch, parental controls and malware/phishing filtering. Set either one as the DNS server advertised by your router, or let it provide DHCP when the router cannot do that. Expect strong network-wide domain blocking, not perfect removal of every ad, and do not choose based on an unverified claim that one is universally faster or blocks a fixed percentage more.
Quick Recap
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