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AdGuard Home

Self-hosted network DNS ad blocker—Pi-hole alternative from a long-standing vendor.

FREEOPEN SOURCESELF-HOSTEDFAMILY-FRIENDLY

Quick facts

Price model
Open source
Starting price
Free (self-hosted)
Best for
Whole-home ad blocking · Parental DNS controls · Smart TV ad reduction
Replaces
NextDNS Pro, Per-device ad block subscriptions
Platforms
LinuxSelf-hostedMacWindows
Last verified
2026-06-22

Why it's listed

AdGuard is a decade-old brand—download from adguard.com, not typosquat domains.

AdGuard Home filters ads and trackers for every device on your LAN, similar to Pi-hole, with a polished UI and parental controls. Open-source core; run on a Raspberry Pi, NAS, or old PC.

The catch

You maintain the server; tuning allowlists takes patience.

Good fit for

  • Homelab users wanting Pi-hole alternatives

Not ideal for

  • Non-technical households

Alternatives

appPhone, Internet & UtilitiesSetup guide

Pi-hole

Network-wide ad and tracker blocking on your home router—no monthly DNS subscription.

FREEOPEN SOURCESELF-HOSTED

Replaces: NextDNS paid tiers, AdGuard Home cloud

Self-hostedView find →
appPhone, Internet & Utilities

NextDNS

Configurable DNS filtering on phones and laptops—free tier, no Pi required.

BUDGET FRIENDLYPRIVACY-FIRSTFAMILY-FRIENDLY

Replaces: Pi-hole when away from home, Paid DNS security apps

guidePhone, Internet & Utilities

Prepaid Phone Plan Guide

Use prepaid carriers to pay only for months you need—no postpaid surprise bills.

BUDGET FRIENDLYFAMILY-FRIENDLY

Replaces: $80+ postpaid family plans, Phone bills that creep up every year

guidePhone, Internet & Utilities

SIM-Only Plan Guide

Keep your phone, drop carrier financing—SIM-only MVNOs cut the monthly total.

BUDGET FRIENDLYDIYSUBSCRIPTION REPLACEMENT

Replaces: Carrier device payment plans, Big three postpaid