Pi-hole
Pi-hole: Free, open-source network blocking for self-hosted administrators. Ranked #3 of 65 in Internet Filtering Software by our editors (9.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free self-hosted network ad and content blocking.
At a glance
- Editor score9.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree self-hosted network ad and content blocking
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Custom blocklistsYes
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Blocks ads and unwanted domains across an entire network
- Supports custom lists, regex rules, groups and privacy controls
- Includes DNS logs, long-term statistics, DHCP and an API
Where it doesn't
- Requires self-hosted administration on supported Linux or Docker
- Does not provide broader SafeSearch enforcement
- Lacks time-based filtering schedules
Our verdict on Pi-hole
Pi-hole is free, open-source DNS filtering software for administrators who want to block unwanted domains across a network. It runs on supported Linux distributions, Raspberry Pi OS and Docker, with a web interface, command-line administration and an API. Network-wide blocking covers ads and content, while allowlists, denylists, regular-expression rules and subscribed domain lists give administrators control over filtering behavior. It can also provide DHCP services and pair with a VPN for filtering on cellular devices.
The product’s main strength is the depth of its self-hosted controls. Administrators can organize domains, lists and clients into groups, review DNS query logs, and store long-term statistics in a database. Privacy levels can hide domains, clients or query details in reporting. The web dashboard brings administration and network statistics together, while the interactive API supports statistics and integrations. Docker, VPN use and router DHCP configuration broaden its fit across different network setups, though deployment and ongoing administration remain the buyer’s responsibility.
Pi-hole suits technically capable users who want free network-wide blocking without a conventional paid SaaS plan or device limit. It is a focused DNS filtering tool rather than a broad family safety suite: buyers seeking SafeSearch enforcement or time-based schedules should choose a product built around those controls instead. For self-hosted administrators, its combination of custom filtering, group-based policies, DHCP, privacy settings and reporting offers substantial control. For users who prefer managed setup, hosted administration or a wider set of time and search restrictions, Pi-hole is less suitable.
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Pi-hole pricing
Pi-hole fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Device limit | Not verified |
| Custom blocklists | Yes |
| Safe search controls | Not verified |
| Filtering schedules | Not verified |
| Activity reports | Advanced |
| Platform support | Alpine, Armbian OS, Debian, CentOS Stream, Fedora, Raspberry Pi OS, Ubuntu; Docker and network DNS environments |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Cloud |
| Platforms | Web, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: Docker, VPN |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | pi-hole.net |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Pi-hole integrations
Pi-hole lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- Docker
- VPN
Alternatives to Pi-hole
- Cloudflare GatewayA broad filtering gateway with strong policy controls and basic reporting.9.2
- Cisco UmbrellaA mature enterprise filter with broad controls, integrations, and contact-sales pricing.9.1
- Jamf Safe InternetEducation-focused filtering with Apple management integrations and threat prevention.8.9
See all Pi-hole alternatives →
Pi-hole vs the competition
- Pi-hole vs Cloudflare Gateway
- Pi-hole vs Cisco Umbrella
- Pi-hole vs Jamf Safe Internet
- Pi-hole vs CIRA DNS Firewall
- Pi-hole vs Check Point URL Filtering
- Pi-hole vs Fortra Secure Web Gateway
Compare Pi-hole with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Pi-hole is ranked in 4 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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