Pi-hole vs hosts file: which ad blocker should you use? (2026)

Want to block ads and trackers without installing browser extensions? Two solutions dominate: the local hosts file and Pi-hole. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. This guide will help you choose.

Overview of both solutions

The hosts file

The hosts file is a text file present on all operating systems. It allows redirecting domains to specific IP addresses, notably 0.0.0.0 to block.

How it works: When you visit a site, your system checks the hosts file before DNS servers.

Pi-hole

Pi-hole is server software that acts as a filtering DNS for your entire network. It intercepts DNS requests and blocks those to advertising domains.

How it works: All devices on your network use Pi-hole as their DNS server.

Detailed comparison

Protection scope

| Criteria | Hosts file | Pi-hole | |----------|-----------|---------| | Protected devices | 1 only | Entire network | | Phones/tablets | No (except jailbreak) | Yes | | Smart TV | No | Yes | | Game consoles | No | Yes | | IoT devices | No | Yes |

Verdict: Pi-hole wins if you have multiple devices to protect.

Ease of installation

Hosts file

• No software installation
• Editing a text file
• Time: 5-10 minutes

Pi-hole

• Requires a server (Raspberry Pi, VM, Docker)
• Network configuration required
• Time: 30-60 minutes

Verdict: The hosts file is simpler to get started.

Management and maintenance

Hosts file

• Manual list updates
• No native GUI
• Search in file via grep/ctrl+F

Pi-hole

• Complete web interface
• Real-time statistics
• Automatic list updates
• Detailed logs

Verdict: Pi-hole offers a much better management experience.

Performance

Hosts file

• Zero impact on browsing
• No single point of failure
• Works offline

Pi-hole

• Slight DNS latency possible
• If Pi-hole goes down, no DNS
• Requires server to be on

Verdict: The hosts file is more reliable with no dependencies.

Mobility

Hosts file

• Protects away from home
• Works everywhere

Pi-hole

• Only protects at home (unless VPN)
• Mobile devices exposed elsewhere

Verdict: The hosts file protects you everywhere.

Recommended use cases

Use the hosts file if:

• You have a single computer to protect
• You want a simple and quick solution
• You travel often
• You don't want to maintain a server

Use Pi-hole if:

• You have multiple devices (family)
• You want to protect phones and tablets
• You like statistics and dashboards
• You already have a Raspberry Pi or server

Use both if:

• You want maximum protection
• Pi-hole at home, hosts file when traveling
• Redundancy in case of Pi-hole failure

Optimal configuration

Hosts file on Mac

To easily manage your hosts file without terminal, use Locahl which offers:

• Visual interface
• Blocklist import
• Per-entry enable/disable
• Complete guide to blocking with hosts file

Pi-hole with Docker

version: "3"
services:
  pihole:
    image: pihole/pihole:latest
    ports:
      - "53:53/tcp"
      - "53:53/udp"
      - "80:80/tcp"
    environment:
      TZ: 'America/New_York'
      WEBPASSWORD: 'your-password'
    volumes:
      - './etc-pihole:/etc/pihole'
      - './etc-dnsmasq.d:/etc/dnsmasq.d'
    restart: unless-stopped

Recommended blocklists

The same lists work for both solutions:

Steven Black's hosts (Recommended)

• ~60,000 domains
• Ads + malware
• github.com/StevenBlack/hosts

OISD

• Optimized consolidated list
• Few false positives
• oisd.nl

Energized Protection

• Versions of different sizes
• github.com/EnergizedProtection/block

Alternatives to consider

NextDNS

• Pi-hole in the cloud
• No server to maintain
• Works everywhere (including mobile)
• Freemium (300k requests/month free)

AdGuard Home

• Alternative to Pi-hole
• More modern interface
• Native DNS-over-HTTPS support

Browser extensions

• uBlock Origin (free, excellent)
• Only protect the browser
• Can be detected by websites

Conclusion

The hosts file and Pi-hole aren't competing: they're complementary.

Start with the hosts file: it's free, simple, and protects you immediately. If you need to protect multiple devices or want statistics, add Pi-hole.

My recommendation: hosts file on your Mac (managed with Locahl) + Pi-hole at home for other devices.