This article explains ways to filter ads and block popups on iPhone and macOS, including options for Safari and Apple's browser environment.
Pi-Hole
Block ads across a network with Pi-hole, which filters DNS requests for connected devices.
About Pi-Hole
Pi-hole is a network-wide ad and tracker blocker that filters DNS requests for all devices connected to a network, removing the need for per-device browser extensions. It can block ads in contexts browser extensions cannot reach, including mobile apps, smart TVs, and IoT devices, and caches DNS responses to reduce page load times and bandwidth usage. It provides a built-in web interface for monitoring network activity and a REST API for automation, but requires configuration as the network's DNS server, and mobile protection outside the home network requires pairing with a separate VPN service. It runs on Linux-based systems, Docker containers, or compatible hardware such as Raspberry Pi, old PCs, VMs, or NAS devices.
Key features
- Network-wide ad and tracker blocking via DNS filtering
- Blocks ads in apps, smart TVs, and IoT devices
- Caches DNS responses to improve load times and save bandwidth
- Built-in web interface for network monitoring and configuration
- REST API with interactive documentation for automation and custom tools
- Group management for custom filtering rules per device group
Best for: Home users and small network administrators seeking to block ads and trackers across all connected devices without per-device software.
Good for
- Blocks ads in contexts browser extensions cannot reach, like mobile apps and smart TVs
- Reduces bandwidth usage and improves page load times by blocking ads before they download
- Provides centralized control of network-wide blocking via web interface and REST API
Watch out for
- Requires configuration as the network's DNS server, which may involve router setting changes
- Mobile protection outside the home network requires pairing with a separate VPN service
- Only runs on Linux-based systems, Docker containers, or compatible hardware like Raspberry Pi
Pi-Hole at a glance
- Website
- pi-hole.net
- Category
- Privacy & Security › Ad & Tracker Blockers
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Browser extension, Linux, Web
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Pi-Hole alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
Skip sponsored segments in YouTube videos with SponsorBlock, a crowdsourced extension and open API.
Use JShelter, a browser extension that mitigates JavaScript threats such as fingerprinting, tracking, and data collection.
CastSponsorSkip is a Go program that uses the SponsorBlock API to skip sponsored YouTube segments and skippable ads on local Google Cast devices.
Open source
24 alternatives
Behind The Overlay is a Chrome and Firefox extension that closes website overlays with one button.
Popup Blocker (strict) prevents popup windows in a browser extension and includes a history feature.
Open source
24 alternativesPopular in Ad & Tracker Blockers
Well-known listings from the same topic.
AdGuard DNSadguard-dns.ioNxFilternxfilter.orgNextDNSnextdns.ioAdAwayadaway.orgRethink DNSrethinkdns.comDNSWardendnswarden.com
Pi-Hole FAQ
How do I set up Pi-hole to protect my entire home network?
Point your router’s DHCP settings to Pi-hole so all connected devices use it as their DNS server automatically, or set Pi-hole as the DNS server on individual devices.
Can Pi-hole block ads in mobile apps and on smart TVs?
Yes, network-level blocking works on any device connected to the network, including mobile apps, smart TVs, and IoT devices, even if they do not support browser extensions.
How can I use Pi-hole to protect my devices when I am not at home?
Pair Pi-hole with a VPN such as WireGuard to maintain ad blocking on mobile data and public Wi-Fi.
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