Pi-hole vs NextDNS

Struggling to choose between Pi-hole and NextDNS? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Pi-hole is a Network & Admin solution with tags like ad-blocking, privacy, dns, network-level-blocking.

It boasts features such as Network-wide ad blocking, Blocks ads for all devices on your network, Lightweight and designed to run on a Raspberry Pi, Uses DNS filtering to block unwanted domains, Can block ads in non-browser applications, Provides a local DNS server for your network, Web interface for managing blocklists and whitelists, Can view stats on ads and queries blocked, Open source software and pros including Blocks ads without needing client software, Easy to set up and configure, Low resource usage, Can improve page load speeds, Blocks ads on all devices and applications, Constantly updated blocklists, Active open source community.

On the other hand, NextDNS is a Security & Privacy product tagged with dns, privacy, security, ad-blocking, tracker-blocking, malware-blocking, phishing-protection.

Its standout features include Network-wide ad blocking, Malware protection, Enhanced privacy by blocking trackers, Faster DNS resolution, Custom blocklists and allowlists, Parental controls, and it shines with pros like Easy to set up, Works across all devices, Detailed analytics and logging, Flexible configuration options, Free for personal use.

Feature	Pi-hole	NextDNS
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Network & Admin	Security & Privacy

Product Overview

Pi-hole

Description: Pi-hole is an open source DNS sinkhole and ad blocker that works at the network level. It allows users to block ads and trackers on all devices on their home network by redirecting traffic from ad-serving domains to a black hole.

NextDNS

Description: NextDNS is an alternative DNS service that provides advanced security, privacy, and performance benefits for devices connected to the internet. It blocks malware, phishing, trackers, and ads and customizes based on your needs.

Key Features Comparison

Pi-hole Features

• Network-wide ad blocking
• Blocks ads for all devices on your network
• Lightweight and designed to run on a Raspberry Pi
• Uses DNS filtering to block unwanted domains
• Can block ads in non-browser applications
• Provides a local DNS server for your network
• Web interface for managing blocklists and whitelists
• Can view stats on ads and queries blocked
• Open source software

NextDNS Features

• Network-wide ad blocking
• Malware protection
• Enhanced privacy by blocking trackers
• Faster DNS resolution
• Custom blocklists and allowlists
• Parental controls

Pros & Cons Analysis

Pi-hole

Pros

• Blocks ads without needing client software
• Easy to set up and configure
• Low resource usage
• Can improve page load speeds
• Blocks ads on all devices and applications
• Constantly updated blocklists
• Active open source community

Cons

• Requires a dedicated device to run on
• Can break some web sites
• Requires technical knowledge to configure
• Does not work when away from home network
• Does not block all ads and trackers

NextDNS

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Works across all devices
• Detailed analytics and logging
• Flexible configuration options
• Free for personal use

Cons

• Requires changing DNS settings
• No browser extension for granular control
• Limited number of configuration profiles on free plan

Pricing Comparison

Pi-hole

• Open Source

NextDNS

• Free
• Freemium
• Subscription-Based