RethinkDNS vs Pi-hole

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

RethinkDNS is a Security & Privacy solution with tags like open-source, dns, security, privacy, performance, ad-blocking, tracker-blocking.

It boasts features such as Built-in ad blocking and anti-tracking, Supports DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS, Cache optimization for faster performance, Supports DNSSEC validation, Blocklists for malware domains, Custom block and allow lists, Graphical user interface for configuration and pros including Improves privacy by blocking ads and trackers, Faster DNS resolution than default DNS servers, Easy to install and configure, Open source and transparent codebase, Actively developed and maintained.

On the other hand, Pi-hole is a Network & Admin product tagged with ad-blocking, privacy, dns, network-level-blocking.

Its standout features include 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 it shines with pros like 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.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

RethinkDNS

RethinkDNS

RethinkDNS is an open source DNS server that focuses on security, privacy, and performance. It blocks ads and trackers while providing a fast and reliable DNS resolution.

Categories:
open-source dns security privacy performance ad-blocking tracker-blocking

RethinkDNS Features

  1. Built-in ad blocking and anti-tracking
  2. Supports DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS
  3. Cache optimization for faster performance
  4. Supports DNSSEC validation
  5. Blocklists for malware domains
  6. Custom block and allow lists
  7. Graphical user interface for configuration

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Improves privacy by blocking ads and trackers

Faster DNS resolution than default DNS servers

Easy to install and configure

Open source and transparent codebase

Actively developed and maintained

Cons

Requires more system resources than basic DNS servers

Blocking features may break some sites

Advanced configuration requires technical knowledge


Pi-hole

Pi-hole

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.

Categories:
ad-blocking privacy dns network-level-blocking

Pi-hole Features

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

Pricing

  • Open Source

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