Overview
Self-hosted network-wide DNS ad blocker and privacy tool for home networks.
AdGuard Home is a self-hosted network-wide DNS server for blocking ads and trackers across devices. Because filtering happens at the DNS layer, one deployment can cover phones, computers, TVs, and other clients without installing a separate browser extension on every device.
Why people choose AdGuard Home
The practical search intent is a self-hosted Pi-hole alternative with a polished dashboard and broader privacy controls. AdGuard Home combines DNS filtering, client-level configuration, query visibility, safe browsing options, parental controls, and encrypted DNS features in one service.
What is included
Official product and repository material covers DNS-level ad and tracker blocking, custom filtering rules, a web dashboard, query logs, per-client settings, parental controls, safe-search controls, DHCP capabilities, and support for encrypted DNS protocols depending on the configured deployment.
Requirements and tradeoffs
AdGuard Home must be reachable by the clients that use it as DNS, so plan DHCP or router configuration, a stable address, and a recovery path if the service is unavailable. DNS blocking can break sites or apps and needs allow-list maintenance. It is a network DNS filter, not a VPN, endpoint security suite, or guarantee that every advertising system can be removed.
Best fit
Choose AdGuard Home when you want central DNS filtering and visibility for a home or small network. Pi-hole, router-native filtering, or managed DNS may be better if you already have a stable network control plane or do not want to operate DNS infrastructure yourself.
Interface previews
Screenshots of the AdGuard Home interface.
Feature support
| Feature | Support |
|---|---|
| Network-wide DNS ad blockingThe official AdGuard Home overview positions it as network-wide blocking without client-side software. | Supported |
| Tracker and custom filter blockingFiltering lists and custom rules are core documented functions. | Supported |
| Web dashboard and query logThe product provides a dashboard for configuration and DNS query visibility. | Supported |
| Per-client configurationOfficial documentation supports configuring clients and applying different settings by client. | Supported |
| Parental controls and safe searchAdGuard Home lists parental-control and safe-search features; behavior depends on configured services and policies. | Supported |
| Encrypted DNS supportThe official product page lists encrypted DNS capabilities; verify protocol and client configuration for your deployment. | Supported |
| Built-in DHCP serverDHCP is available as a deployment option, but many networks should keep DHCP on the router and use AdGuard Home only for DNS. | Partial support |
| Multiple architecturesThe official project publishes builds for common operating systems and architectures, including homelab-friendly hardware. | Supported |
| Complete ad removal guaranteeDNS filtering cannot reliably block every first-party, in-app, or server-side advertising system and can require allow-list tuning. | Partial support |
Community signals
- Stars
- 37.1k
- Forks
- 2.5k
- Open issues
- 1.2k
- Last commit
- 1d ago
- Latest release
- v0.107.79
- Repo created
- Jul 2016
Includes open pull requests
1mo ago
Refreshed nightly from the GitHub API.
Questions
What is AdGuard Home used for?
AdGuard Home is used to filter DNS requests across a network, block many ads and trackers, view DNS queries, and apply client or family safety policies.
Is AdGuard Home a Pi-hole alternative?
Yes. Both provide self-hosted network DNS filtering. Compare filtering behavior, dashboards, DHCP integration, encrypted DNS options, and the operational workflow that fits your network.
Does AdGuard Home block ads on every device?
It can filter DNS requests for devices using it as their DNS server, including devices without browser extensions. It cannot guarantee removal of every ad or tracker, especially when content shares a domain with the service being used.
Does AdGuard Home need a separate database?
The basic service does not require a separate database service. It stores its configuration and query data according to the selected settings, so persist and back up its data directory.
Can AdGuard Home run on a Raspberry Pi or Docker?
Yes. The official project publishes builds for common architectures and provides Docker deployment guidance. Choose an image and architecture supported by the current release.
Can AdGuard Home replace my router DNS or DHCP?
It can act as the DNS server for your network, and it includes a DHCP option, but many deployments keep DHCP on the router and point clients to AdGuard Home for DNS.
Will AdGuard Home break websites or apps?
It can. Blocking rules sometimes affect required domains, so use query logs and carefully scoped allow rules rather than disabling filtering broadly whenever a problem appears.
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