AdGuard Home is the easier starting point for most first-time home users. It combines network-wide DNS blocking with encrypted upstream DNS, parental controls, SafeSearch, HTTPS administration and a guided browser wizard. Choose Pi-hole instead if you prefer a focused DNS sinkhole, a mature Linux or Docker workflow and extensive community documentation. Both choices need an always-on device and a router or DHCP setup that sends your home’s DNS requests through the blocker.
What Pi-hole and AdGuard Home actually do
Pi-hole and AdGuard Home are network-level DNS blockers. You install one on a computer that stays powered on, make it the DNS server for your home network, and let it decide which domain requests should be answered normally and which should be refused. Advertising, tracking and other blocked domains fail before a phone, television, tablet or computer can connect to them.
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This approach is different from a browser extension. A browser blocker can inspect page elements, scripts and frames after a page loads. A DNS blocker sees the domain requested by an app or device. That broad position lets it cover devices that cannot run extensions, but it also means it cannot see every detail of a web page.
- Network-wide coverage: one DNS configuration can protect many devices without installing a client on each one.
- Device flexibility: phones, mobile apps, smart TVs, game consoles and ordinary browsers can use the same DNS service.
- Central control: blocklists, allowlists, logs and network settings are managed from one administration interface.
- Important boundary: DNS blocking can miss advertisements delivered from the same domain as wanted content, some in-app placements and page elements that require browser-level inspection.
For the last category, keep a browser or device-level blocker when you need fine-grained cosmetic filtering or script control. AdGuard Team describes the limitation this way: DNS sinkholing is capable of blocking a big percentage of ads, but it lacks flexibility and power of traditional ad blockers.
Pi-hole vs AdGuard Home at a glance
| Capability | Pi-hole | AdGuard Home |
|---|---|---|
| Blocking method | DNS sinkholing for network-wide blocking | DNS sinkholing for network-wide blocking |
| Installation choices | Guided installer, bare-metal installation or Docker | Server binary, Docker or Snap package |
| First-run experience | Installer followed by web administration | Browser-based first-run wizard |
| Encrypted upstream DNS | Requires additional software or configuration | Built in; documented support includes DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS and DNSCrypt |
| HTTPS administration | Possible, but manual web-server configuration is needed | Listed as built in |
| Phishing and malware blocking | Requires non-default lists or additional configuration | Listed as built in |
| Parental controls and SafeSearch | Requires extra configuration or lists | Listed as built in |
| DHCP server | Optional built-in DHCP | Built-in DHCP |
| Host hardware | Your own Linux hardware; a Raspberry Pi is one practical example | Any supported always-on host, including Docker-capable hardware |
The feature differences above reflect the documented comparison from the AdGuard team. Pi-hole can gain some of the listed capabilities through other software, custom lists or manual setup; they are not presented as equivalent defaults.
Which one is better for a beginner?
Choose AdGuard Home for a guided, feature-rich first installation
AdGuard Home is the better default when you want useful privacy and family controls without assembling several separate components. Its first launch opens a browser wizard, and encrypted upstream DNS, phishing and malware protection, parental controls, SafeSearch and HTTPS administration are documented as built-in capabilities. That reduces the number of decisions a new administrator must make before the first device is protected.
It is particularly suitable when your household includes children, when you want encrypted connections from the DNS server to its upstream resolver, or when you do not want to build those functions from extra packages and lists. The wizard does not remove the need to change your router or DHCP settings, but it makes the server-side setup more explicit.
Choose Pi-hole for a focused sinkhole and a familiar Linux or Docker workflow
Pi-hole is a strong alternative if your priority is straightforward DNS filtering, a mature Linux and Docker deployment model, and a large body of community documentation. Its project is centered on the DNS sinkhole itself. You can run it on your own Linux hardware, manage it from a web interface and optionally let it provide DHCP.
This focused design suits someone who is comfortable selecting blocklists, changing network settings and adding separate tools when encrypted upstream DNS, family filtering or other specialized functions are required. It is not a weaker blocker by definition; it simply exposes more of the configuration choices to the administrator.
Do you need a Raspberry Pi?
No. Neither product requires a particular Raspberry Pi generation. The requirement is an always-on host that can run the chosen software and remain reachable by devices on your network.
Rank #2
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A Raspberry Pi single-board computer is a practical example because Pi-hole explicitly runs on the user’s own Linux hardware and small boards are commonly used for services that run continuously. You can also use another supported Linux computer, a Docker-capable home server or, for AdGuard Home, a host that supports its documented server binary or Snap package.
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- Stable network identity: reserve an address in the router or assign a reliable static address so clients can continue to find the DNS server.
- Suitable installation environment: select bare metal, Docker or another documented package format that you can maintain.
- Administrative access: you need permission to change the home router’s DNS or DHCP settings.
Do not buy hardware based on a claim that one specific Raspberry Pi model is mandatory; the cited project material does not establish such a requirement.
How to set up Pi-hole
Pi-hole’s setup has two parts: install the service on your host, then make the network use that host for DNS.
- Prepare an always-on Linux host. Decide whether you will use Pi-hole’s guided bare-metal installer or its Docker installation. Keep the host connected to the same local network as the devices you want to protect.
- Run the documented installation path. The guided installer asks for the choices needed to create the service. With Docker, configure persistent storage and the network ports according to Pi-hole’s current documentation rather than relying on a temporary container.
- Open the web administration interface. Complete the initial settings, review the selected upstream DNS service and choose blocklists appropriate for your household. Start with a manageable list set; very aggressive lists can create false positives that require allowlisting.
- Point the router at Pi-hole. In the router’s LAN or DHCP settings, enter the Pi-hole host’s address as the DNS server. Renew a client’s lease or reconnect it so it receives the new setting.
- Use Pi-hole DHCP only when necessary. If the router cannot advertise a custom DNS server, disable the router’s DHCP service and enable Pi-hole’s optional DHCP server. Configure the address range and gateway carefully so that only one device is issuing DHCP leases.
- Verify from more than one device. Check the Pi-hole query log while opening a few sites and apps. Confirm that clients show the Pi-hole address as their DNS server; changing a setting on the server does not automatically override a device using a manually configured resolver.
Pi-hole’s installer documentation uses the phrase “less than ten minutes” for installation, but that is an undated vendor estimate rather than a guaranteed time. Router interfaces, Docker experience and troubleshooting can make the actual setup longer.
How to set up AdGuard Home
AdGuard Home documents a browser-led first-run process. The key ports during initial setup are TCP 3000 for installation, port 80 for the web interface and UDP 53 for DNS.
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- Choose and prepare the host. Use an always-on computer or server that supports the AdGuard Home server binary, Docker or Snap package. Give it a stable local address before changing the rest of the network.
- Start the first-run service. Launch AdGuard Home using the installation method you selected. During initial installation, keep TCP port 3000 reachable from a browser on your local network.
- Open the configuration wizard. Browse to the host on port 3000 and follow the prompts. Select the interface on which DNS should listen, confirm the web interface settings and create the administrator account.
- Confirm the service ports. The normal web interface uses port 80, while DNS queries use UDP port 53. Adjust for conflicts before pointing the whole network at the server; another DNS service already using port 53 is a common cause of startup failure.
- Configure upstream and filtering options. Use the built-in controls for encrypted upstream DNS, phishing and malware protection, parental controls and SafeSearch as appropriate. Review defaults before applying restrictions to every household member.
- Change the network DNS setting. In the router’s LAN or DHCP configuration, enter the AdGuard Home address as the DNS server. If the router cannot advertise custom DNS, use AdGuard Home’s built-in DHCP server after disabling the router’s DHCP service.
- Test clients and exceptions. Reconnect a phone, television and computer, then inspect the query log. If a legitimate service breaks, add the smallest necessary domain to an allowlist and retest instead of disabling filtering globally.
Docker and Snap are documented installation options, but the exact commands and package behavior depend on the host. Follow the current instructions for the package you choose and keep its persistent configuration outside a disposable container layer.
Rank #3
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- video output/gputhe on-board gpu of the raspberry pi 4 supports 4kp@60 and newly supports h.265 decoding, opengl es 3.0, etc.as for the video output, two micro hdmis with smaller connectors are installed, and the raspberry pi 4 also supports dual screen output.
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Encrypted DNS, privacy and family controls
Encrypted upstream DNS
Both products can filter requests before forwarding allowed ones, but the comparison distinguishes their default feature sets. AdGuard Home lists DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS and DNSCrypt as built-in upstream choices. Pi-hole requires additional software or configuration for encrypted upstream DNS. If encryption is a deciding factor, AdGuard Home avoids an extra integration step.
Encryption protects the connection between your DNS server and its upstream resolver. It does not make the local network configuration unnecessary, hide the fact that clients are using your home DNS server, or turn DNS filtering into a full browser privacy system.
Parental controls and SafeSearch
AdGuard Home lists parental controls and SafeSearch as built-in features. This makes it easier to apply family-oriented policies from one interface. Pi-hole can provide similar outcomes through additional lists or manual configuration, but the comparison does not treat them as default capabilities.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThese controls are DNS policies, not a complete child-safety system. They cannot evaluate every page element, moderate content inside every app or replace device accounts, operating-system restrictions and supervision.
Phishing and malware protection
AdGuard Home lists phishing and malware blocking in its feature set. Pi-hole requires non-default lists according to the comparison. In either product, filtering quality depends on the lists and feeds you select, how quickly they are updated and whether a needed domain is accidentally blocked.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can they block ads on smart TVs and phones?
Yes, when those devices actually use the network’s DNS server. Pi-hole’s project overview specifically describes protection for mobile apps and smart TVs, and AdGuard Home uses the same DNS-sinkholing model. No client application is required on each device.
Rank #4
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- CanaKit Premium High-Gloss Raspberry Pi 4 Case with Integrated Fan Mount, CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- CanaKit 3.5A USB-C Raspberry Pi 4 Power Supply (US Plug) with Noise Filter, Set of Heat Sinks, Display Cable - 6 foot (Supports up to 4K60p)
- CanaKit USB-C PiSwitch (On/Off Power Switch for Raspberry Pi 4)
There are important exceptions:
- A phone may switch to mobile data, a VPN or a private DNS setting and bypass the home DNS server.
- A smart TV may use hard-coded DNS addresses or an application-specific resolver that ignores the router’s setting.
- Some advertisements are delivered from the same domain as the desired video, image or application data and cannot be separated safely at the DNS level.
- DNS filtering cannot remove every empty space, sponsored label or page element that a browser extension would hide after loading.
When a device appears unprotected, first check its active DNS settings and connection path. Then inspect the blocker’s query log while reproducing the problem. If there is no query, the device is bypassing the server; if there is a blocked query but the ad remains, the placement is probably outside DNS-level control.
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Router and DHCP decisions that determine whether blocking works
Router advertises custom DNS
This is the simplest arrangement. Leave the router’s DHCP service enabled, enter the Pi-hole or AdGuard Home address in the LAN DNS fields, reconnect clients and verify that they received the new resolver.
Router cannot advertise custom DNS
Use the blocker’s DHCP service instead. Disable DHCP on the router first, then enable and configure DHCP on the blocker. Running both services at once can hand out conflicting gateways and DNS addresses, producing intermittent failures that look like random blocking problems.
Clients use manual or private DNS
A manually configured resolver on a computer, a private DNS mode on a phone, a VPN profile or an application’s encrypted DNS can bypass the address distributed by DHCP. Change that client setting or accept that the device will not be centrally filtered. Do not assume that a healthy blocker dashboard proves every device is using it.
What each product requires beyond the first installation
| Maintenance task | Pi-hole | AdGuard Home |
|---|---|---|
| Keep host powered and reachable | Required | Required |
| Maintain blocklists | Choose and update lists; extra lists may supply family or security functions | Review built-in protections and selected lists |
| Encrypted upstream DNS | Plan an additional software or configuration layer | Select a built-in DoH, DoT or DNSCrypt option |
| HTTPS administration | Manual web-server configuration is possible | Listed as built in |
| DHCP fallback | Optional built-in DHCP | Built-in DHCP |
| Troubleshooting focus | Check host, lists, router DNS and any added components | Check host, wizard settings, built-in policies and router DNS |
Neither product is a “set it once and forget it” appliance. Updates, list changes and router changes can affect results. Keep an allowlist procedure for essential services and record the host address so you can restore DNS quickly if the server is replaced.
Common failure modes and fixes
Nothing is blocked
- Confirm the client’s DNS server address, not just the router’s configured value.
- Reconnect the client or renew its DHCP lease.
- Check that the DNS service is listening on the expected interface and port.
- Look for a VPN, private DNS mode or manually configured resolver.
Websites or apps stop working
- Use the query log to identify the blocked domain associated with the failure.
- Allowlist only that domain, then test again.
- If several unrelated services fail, reduce an overly broad blocklist rather than adding many exceptions.
AdGuard Home will not start
- Check whether another service already occupies TCP 3000, port 80 or UDP 53.
- Use the documented alternate interface or port settings for your installation method.
- Ensure the container or service has permission to bind the selected ports and that its configuration is persistent.
Pi-hole loses DNS after a router change
- Verify that the router still advertises the Pi-hole address through DHCP.
- If you moved DHCP to Pi-hole, confirm the router’s DHCP service remains disabled.
- Check that the Pi-hole host retained the address clients were given.
Ads remain on a smart TV or phone
- Confirm the device is on the filtered Wi-Fi network rather than cellular data or a guest network.
- Inspect for hard-coded DNS, VPN or private DNS settings.
- Accept that same-domain advertising and in-app placements may require a browser- or device-level blocker.
Which one should you install?
| Your priority | Better starting point | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Guided setup with fewer add-ons | AdGuard Home | Browser wizard and documented built-in privacy and family features |
| Encrypted upstream DNS without assembling extra software | AdGuard Home | DoH, DoT and DNSCrypt are listed as built in |
| Parental controls and SafeSearch | AdGuard Home | Listed as built-in controls |
| Focused DNS sinkhole on Linux or Docker | Pi-hole | Mature deployment path and broad community documentation |
| Willingness to customize lists and add components | Pi-hole | Flexible foundation with optional DHCP and web administration |
| Blocking every visual ad on a web page | Neither alone | DNS filtering lacks browser-level inspection and cosmetic control |
For a beginner choosing today, start with AdGuard Home unless the Linux or Docker workflow itself is the reason you are installing a network blocker. Pi-hole remains an excellent choice when you want the smallest focused service and are comfortable adding the features you need.
What the evidence does not establish
There are no dated independent performance statistics in the cited material for blocking percentage, DNS speed, CPU use, memory use or installation time. Hardware requirements are described by platform and always-on availability rather than by a mandatory Raspberry Pi generation. Treat claims about a specific speed, model or universal ad-blocking rate as unverified unless measured for your own network.
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