AdGuard Home
Self-hosted network DNS ad blocker. Pi-hole alternative from a long-standing vendor.
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
Pi-hole
Network-wide ad and tracker blocking on your home router. No monthly DNS subscription.
Replaces: NextDNS paid tiers, AdGuard Home cloud…
NextDNS
Configurable DNS filtering on phones and laptops, free tier, no Pi required.
Replaces: Pi-hole when away from home, Paid DNS security apps
Tailscale
WireGuard mesh VPN, access home NAS and PCs remotely without paying for legacy VPN SaaS.
Replaces: Paid remote access VPNs, Port-forwarding insecurity
Proton VPN
VPN from Proton with a usable free tier, paid plans optional, no bandwidth tricks.
Replaces: Shady free VPNs, Nord/Express annual auto-renew stacks