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GateSentry vs Pi-hole

Both stand on internet filtering software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

GateSentry

Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2

GateSentry offers several network filtering controls and administrative tools for home and small networks. Its maker cautions that the defaults are for a trusted local network, and DNS filtering alone does not inspect URLs or content.

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Pi-hole

Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1

Pi-hole combines network-wide blocking with filtering controls, query reporting, and API access. It requires suitable hosting and network configuration, and its installation-created certificate is not trusted by browsers by default.

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The facts

GateSentryPi-hole
Free planYesYes
Open sourceNot publishedNot published
Runs onLinux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, WindowsAPI, Linux, Self-hosted, Web
Lowest paid planFree or on requestFree or on request
Plans published11
MakerNot publishedNot published
Websitegithub.compi-hole.net
On internet filtering software#13 of 65#17 of 65

GateSentry: what it does well

  • Free and open source under Apache-2.0.
  • Supports per-device policies and scheduled rules.
  • Dashboard includes logs, statistics, and device inventory.
  • Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
  • Includes backup and restore functions.

What to know first

  • Admin UI uses plain HTTP.
  • Defaults are not hardened for direct Internet exposure.
  • DNS filtering works on domains only.
  • No long-term-support release line is available.

Pi-hole: what it does well

  • Blocks content across a network without client software
  • Supports client groups and custom domain rules
  • Provides four privacy modes and searchable query history
  • Offers a REST API with app passwords

What to know first

  • Requires a static IP address or DHCP reservation
  • Minimum requirements include 512 MB RAM and 2 GB free space
  • Web interface certificate is not trusted by browsers by default

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