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.
ad-blocking
privacy
dns
network-level-blocking
Pi-hole: Open Source DNS Sinkhole & Ad Blocker
Pi-hole is an open source DNS sinkhole and ad blocker that works at the network level, blocking ads and trackers on all devices on your home network by redirecting traffic from ad-serving domains to a black hole.
What is Pi-hole?
Pi-hole is an open source DNS sinkhole and ad blocker that works at the network level. It utilizes DNS query-blocking technology to act as a DHCP and DNS server that filters out undesirable content before it reaches your network. Typically run on a Raspberry Pi, Pi-hole 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.
Some key features and benefits of Pi-hole include:
- Network-wide ad blocking that works on all devices connected to the network without needing client-side software
- Lightweight and optimized to run smoothly on a Raspberry Pi
- User-friendly web interface for monitoring queries and statistics as well as managing blocklists
- Ability to selectively allow or block domains as needed for finer control
- Significantly reduces bandwidth usage by preventing ads/trackers from being downloaded
- Open source software with an active community behind development and support
Overall, Pi-hole is an effective network-based ad blocker and privacy tool for the home. Its system-level approach and active development community behind it make it a popular self-hosted software solution among privacy-focused users.
Pi-hole Features
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
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
Official Links
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