Self-hosted DNS-level network-wide ad blocking for all devices on a network.
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Pi-hole vs uBlock Origin
Comparing Pi-hole and uBlock Origin to help you pick the right Ad Blockers for your needs.
The most effective free ad blocker browser extension with minimal performance impact.
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| Feature | Pi-hole | uBlock Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Open Source | Free |
| Platforms | Linux, Windows | Web |
| Editorial rating | ★ 4.3 / 5 | ★ 4.6 / 5 |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |
| Community votes | 28 | 45 |
Pi-hole Pros & Cons
- Blocks ads across ALL network devices — including smart TVs, game consoles, and IoT
- Completely free with no subscription or usage limits
- Network-wide blocking requires setup only once, not per-device
- Dashboard shows network-wide statistics on blocked domains
- Requires a dedicated device (Raspberry Pi or server) to run continuously
- Technical setup is involved — not appropriate for non-technical users
- Occasional legitimate sites require manual allowlisting
uBlock Origin Pros & Cons
- Most efficient ad blocker — less CPU and memory usage than competitors
- Completely free with no paid tier or data collection
- Open-source with full code transparency — no commercial incentives to compromise blocking
- Advanced mode enables sophisticated custom filtering rules
- Works with Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera
- No iOS version — Safari extensions are limited on iOS compared to desktop browsers
- Advanced features require learning custom filtering syntax
- Development relies on one primary maintainer, creating bus factor risk
Verdict: Pi-hole vs uBlock Origin
Pi-hole and uBlock Origin both serve the Ad Blockers category well, but suit different priorities. uBlock Origin carries the stronger editorial rating (4.6 / 5), Pi-hole supports more platforms (2 vs 1). Based on community engagement, uBlock Origin is currently the more widely adopted choice (45 votes), but the better fit ultimately depends on your specific pricing, platform, and feature requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is cheaper, Pi-hole or uBlock Origin?
- Pi-hole and uBlock Origin use a similar pricing model (both open-source), so the cheaper choice depends on which specific plan tier and feature set you need rather than the base pricing model.
- Is Pi-hole or uBlock Origin rated higher?
- uBlock Origin has the higher editorial rating at 4.6 out of 5, compared to Pi-hole's 4.3 out of 5. This is Kreemhunt's own staff rating, not a public user aggregate — review the pros and cons below for specifics that matter to your use case.
- Which platforms do Pi-hole and uBlock Origin support?
- Pi-hole is available on Linux, Windows. uBlock Origin is available on Web. Pi-hole covers more platforms overall, which matters if your team works across a wider range of devices and operating systems.
- Can I switch from Pi-hole to uBlock Origin (or vice versa)?
- Most ad blockers tools, including Pi-hole and uBlock Origin, support data export in standard formats, making migration possible though rarely fully automatic. Expect to manually verify that custom configurations, integrations, and historical data transfer correctly, and budget time for the team to adjust to workflow differences between the two products.
- Should I choose Pi-hole or uBlock Origin?
- Pi-hole and uBlock Origin both serve the Ad Blockers category well, but suit different priorities. uBlock Origin carries the stronger editorial rating (4.6 / 5), Pi-hole supports more platforms (2 vs 1). Based on community engagement, uBlock Origin is currently the more widely adopted choice (45 votes), but the better fit ultimately depends on your specific pricing, platform, and feature requirements.