How do you set up DNS-level ad blocking with Pi-hole or NextDNS?

DNS-level ad blocking is one of the most powerful privacy tools most people have never heard of. Instead of blocking ads one browser at a time, it blocks them at the network level — meaning every device in your home gets protected automatically, including your smart TV, phone, gaming console, and laptop.

The basic idea is simple. When your device wants to load an ad or tracker, it first has to look up the address of that ad server using DNS (think of DNS like a phonebook for the internet). A DNS-level blocker intercepts that lookup and just says "nope, that address doesn't exist" — so the ad never loads in the first place. It's elegant, fast, and surprisingly effective.

There are two main tools people use for this: Pi-hole, which you run yourself on a local device like a Raspberry Pi, and NextDNS, which is a cloud-based service you can set up in about five minutes. Both are great, but they suit different types of people. Let's break down how each one works and how to actually get started.

Frequently asked questions

Does DNS blocking slow down my internet? Generally no — it can actually speed things up slightly because blocked requests resolve instantly instead of loading ad content. NextDNS and Pi-hole both add only a millisecond or two of latency at most.

Can I use Pi-hole or NextDNS with a VPN? Yes, and I'd recommend it. A VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your IP, while DNS blocking stops ads and trackers at the network level. They complement each other nicely. Just make sure your VPN is configured to use your DNS blocker rather than its own DNS servers — or use a VPN like ProtonVPN that lets you specify custom DNS settings.

Is NextDNS free? There's a free tier that covers 300,000 queries per month, which is enough for most individuals. The paid plan is about $2/month and removes the query limit. For a family with lots of devices, the paid plan is probably worth it.

Will this block ads on my phone's apps? Yes, this is actually one of the biggest advantages of DNS-level blocking over browser extensions. App ads, in-game ads, and background tracking from apps all get blocked because they all use DNS to find their ad servers.

Should you set this up?

Honestly, yes — especially NextDNS. It's free to start, takes ten minutes to set up, and immediately makes a noticeable difference in how clean and fast your browsing feels. If you're at all technically inclined, Pi-hole is a fun weekend project that gives you significant visibility into what's actually happening on your network.

For the best overall privacy setup in 2026, I'd suggest combining DNS-level blocking with a solid VPN. ProtonVPN is my top pick — it's Swiss-based, fully open-source, and has had its no-logs policy verified in actual court proceedings. Pair that with NextDNS or Pi-hole and you've got a genuinely strong privacy setup that protects every device on your network without much ongoing effort.

Start with NextDNS if you want something quick and easy. Graduate to Pi-hole if you catch the self-hosting bug. Either way, you'll wonder how you lived without it.

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