Pi-hole

Spec sheet

Purpose

Pi-hole is a DNS sinkhole that protects devices from unwanted content without installing client-side software.Read 7 Oct 2026 · docs.pi-hole.net

Security

Pi-hole creates a self-signed certificate during installation to encrypt its web interface and API, though browsers do not trust that certificate by default.Read 7 Oct 2026 · docs.pi-hole.net

Support

The project is maintained by volunteer developers and accepts donations, issue reports, feature suggestions, and pull requests.Read 7 Oct 2026 · docs.pi-hole.net

API and integrations

Pi-hole provides a REST API with interactive documentation and app passwords for scripts and home-automation tools; its documentation includes a Home Assistant integration guide.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pi-hole.net

DHCP

Pi-hole can work alongside an existing DHCP server or provide its own, with optional IPv6 support.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pi-hole.net

DNS caching

Pi-hole caches DNS answers, which the site says can make repeat lookups near-instant.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pi-hole.net

Filtering controls

Users can assign clients to groups, set group-specific lists and domains, allow or deny domains, and subscribe to community blocklists and allowlists.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pi-hole.net

Installation options

Pi-hole can run in Docker or directly on a supported Linux distribution, including on a Raspberry Pi, PC, virtual machine, or NAS.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pi-hole.net

Network-wide blocking

Installing Pi-hole in one place can protect a whole network, including mobile apps, smart TVs, and IoT devices.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pi-hole.net

Privacy controls

Pi-hole offers four privacy modes and stores queries in a long-term database that can be searched by time range.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pi-hole.net

Requirements

The documentation lists 512 MB RAM, 2 GB free space minimum, and 4 GB recommended; Pi-hole also needs a static IP address or DHCP reservation.Read 7 Oct 2026 · docs.pi-hole.net

Supported systems

Officially supported operating systems include Alpine, Armbian OS, Debian, CentOS Stream, Fedora, Raspberry Pi OS, and Ubuntu, for actively maintained versions.Read 7 Oct 2026 · docs.pi-hole.net

Team and headquarters

The Pi-hole team says its developers are spread across the globe, work in their spare time, and are fully remote.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pi-hole.net

Web interface

Its built-in web interface displays query totals, blocked queries, client activity, query types, upstream servers, and frequently requested or blocked domains.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pi-hole.net

Plans and prices

Every Pi-hole plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

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