Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Smart DNS Proxy VS Pi-hole

Compare Smart DNS Proxy VS Pi-hole and see what are their differences

Smart DNS Proxy logo Smart DNS Proxy

Smart DNS Proxy is a great means for unblocking websites and digital media across the globe.

Pi-hole logo Pi-hole

Pi-hole is a multi-platform, network-wide ad blocker.
  • Smart DNS Proxy Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-06-12
  • Pi-hole Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-12

Smart DNS Proxy features and specs

  • Fast Connection Speeds
    Smart DNS Proxy typically offers faster connection speeds than traditional VPNs because it doesn't encrypt your traffic, allowing for smoother streaming of content.
  • Access to Geo-Blocked Content
    It enables users to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from various streaming services, websites, and channels that may be unavailable in their region.
  • Ease of Use
    The service is user-friendly and easy to set up, often requiring minimal configuration to get started on a range of devices.
  • Wide Device Compatibility
    Smart DNS Proxy supports a broad range of devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, routers, and mobile devices, offering flexibility in accessing content.
  • No Bandwidth Limitations
    Users can enjoy unlimited bandwidth, which is beneficial for high-definition streaming without worrying about hitting data caps.

Possible disadvantages of Smart DNS Proxy

  • No Encryption
    Unlike VPNs, Smart DNS Proxy does not encrypt data, which means it doesn't provide the same level of privacy and security for online activities.
  • Limited Security Features
    The service lacks additional security features like kill switches and malware protection, making it less suitable for privacy-focused users.
  • Reliance on DNS Servers
    Connectivity depends on the reliability of DNS servers, and any issues with these servers can disrupt access to desired content.
  • Possible Compatibility Issues
    Although it supports a wide range of devices, specific configurations may not work seamlessly on all platforms, requiring manual adjustments.
  • Not Suitable for P2P or Torrents
    The service is not ideal for peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing or torrenting due to the lack of encryption and security measures.

Pi-hole features and specs

  • Ad Blocking
    Pi-hole effectively blocks unwanted advertisements across all devices on the network, enhancing the user experience by reducing clutter and improving page load times.
  • Privacy Protection
    Pi-hole helps protect user privacy by preventing ads and trackers from collecting data on browsing habits.
  • Low-Cost Solution
    Pi-hole can be run on inexpensive hardware like a Raspberry Pi, making it a cost-effective solution for network-wide ad blocking.
  • Customizable
    Users can create custom blocklists and whitelists, allowing for a tailored ad-blocking experience.
  • Network-Wide Coverage
    Since Pi-hole acts as a DNS sinkhole, it applies its filtering to all devices connected to the network without needing individual configurations.
  • Resource Efficient
    Pi-hole is lightweight and consumes minimal system resources, allowing it to run efficiently on small, low-power devices.
  • Open Source
    As an open-source project, Pi-hole benefits from community contributions, transparency, and regular updates.

Possible disadvantages of Pi-hole

  • Requires Technical Knowledge
    Setting up and maintaining Pi-hole may require a certain level of technical expertise, which could be a barrier for non-technical users.
  • Possible Overblocking
    Pi-hole may block legitimate content inadvertently, which can necessitate manual adjustments to the blocklists or whitelists.
  • Dependency on Device
    If the device running Pi-hole fails or experiences issues, DNS resolution could be disrupted for all connected devices.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Some web services and applications may not function correctly if they rely on content that Pi-hole blocks.
  • Limited Blocking Methods
    Pi-hole primarily blocks content through DNS filtering. More sophisticated ads that bypass DNS-based blocking mechanisms may not be effectively blocked.
  • Manual Updates Needed
    Users may need to manually update blocklists and Pi-hole software to ensure optimal performance and security.

Smart DNS Proxy videos

Smart DNS Proxy Demonstration HD

Pi-hole videos

Block EVERY Online Ad with THIS - Pi-Hole on Raspberry Pi

More videos:

  • Review - I tried Pi-Hole for the first time... (DNS level Ad Blocker)
  • Review - Pi-hole -- Worth it? Gotchas?

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Smart DNS Proxy and Pi-hole)
VPN
100 100%
0% 0
Security & Privacy
4 4%
96% 96
Ad Blockers
0 0%
100% 100
Cloud VPN
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Smart DNS Proxy and Pi-hole

Smart DNS Proxy Reviews

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Pi-hole Reviews

22 NextDNS Alternatives
Pi-hole App contains an informative web interface that shows stats on all the domains being queried on the network that you are using. Pi-hole - Network-wide Ad Blocking is a signifying ad-blocking platform that helps its global users to block all the harmful and unhealthy advertisements on your online networks. You can run Pi-hole in a container or deploy it right to...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Pi-hole seems to be a lot more popular than Smart DNS Proxy. While we know about 1196 links to Pi-hole, we've tracked only 7 mentions of Smart DNS Proxy. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Smart DNS Proxy mentions (7)

  • HBO, Hulu, etc. in Georgia?
    I personally prefer DNS proxy servers like https://smartdnsproxy.com and it works well in Georgia. Source: about 2 years ago
  • cant login anymore due to vpn?
    When I have had issues with my VPN accessing region locked services, smartdnsproxy.com has worked really well. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Anyone use a firestick to watch overseas TV ? Preferably UK TV ?
    I use https://smartdnsproxy.com/ with the TV's native apps (reset to UK region) and an Apple TV. BBC, ITV, C4 & C5, UKTV et al. Even Sky Go works. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Update on 4K video quality for the World Cup and more
    Not the person you were replying to, but the two DNS servers with smartdnsproxy.com I've tried don't work. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Without secondary router that uses Smart DNS proxy
    Are you using the smartdnsproxy.com service, or are you hosting your own with a VPS? Like this: https://github.com/Seji64/SniDust? And what is your use case for the DNS proxy? Accessing geo-locked content? Source: almost 3 years ago
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Pi-hole mentions (1196)

  • Tools for thoughts1 Date:03/2025 Moderator:Daniel.J.Q.Goh
    This part can be link to Pi-Hole Before proceed to configuring VPN, recommended to get "Free DNS" for yourself at MyDNS to manage your own network. - Source: dev.to / 15 days ago
  • Using Raspberry Pi Computers For OSINT And Self-Quantification
    One of my favorite uses of a Raspberry Pi computer is Pi-hole. Which is promoted as a network-wide advertisement blocker. By installing Pi-hole on a RPi and attaching said device to your home LAN, a whole new world of OSINT and self-quantification is opened up. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • uBlock Origin is no longer available on the Chrome Store
    Time to set up Pi-Hole on my Rapsberry Pi 4 https://pi-hole.net/. - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • Sniffnet – monitor your Internet traffic
    Tools like https://pi-hole.net does this for the whole house. It comes with a default set of blocked domains and you can easily add to it. It acts as your local DNS for the network. - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • What if your computer beeps each time it sends data to Google?
    Https://pi-hole.net/ Easier than you might think to set up. Set and forget. Do it for your family and friends maybe. Sell routers pre-configured maybe. Not /the/ answer. Just one not-nothing step. - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Smart DNS Proxy and Pi-hole, you can also consider the following products

FlyVPN - FlyVPN is listed among those few VPN service providers having hundreds of VPN servers in more than fifty countries of the world.

NextDNS - Block ads, trackers and malicious websites on all your devices.

BartVPN - BartVPN is the secure means of searching over the internet when it comes to maintaining the security and privacy.

Blokada - The best ad blocker for Android. Free and open source.

Vpn Center - Vpn Center is a multifunctional VPN system for online security and data privacy.

AdGuard - Surf the Web Ad-Free and Safely. Shield up!