The difference between Pi-hole, NextDNS, ad blockers, and Cloudflare


Pi-hole, NextDNS, ad blockers, and Cloudflare are all different technologies that can be used to improve internet security and privacy, but they each have their own specific features and functions.

  • Pi-hole is a type of software that can be installed on a local device, such as a Raspberry Pi, and acts as a DNS server. It blocks unwanted internet traffic, such as ads and trackers, by using a list of known malicious domains. By blocking these domains at the DNS level, Pi-hole can prevent them from ever reaching the user’s device.

  • NextDNS is a cloud-based DNS service that aims to improve internet security and privacy by blocking unwanted internet traffic, such as ads, trackers, and malware. It uses a combination of machine learning and user-defined rules to block unwanted traffic, and also provides detailed analytics and reporting on internet activity.

  • Ad blockers are software that can be installed in a web browser and are used to block unwanted ads from appearing on web pages. They work by using a list of known ad domains and blocking requests to them.

  • Cloudflare is a company that provides a wide range of internet services, including a DNS service. It’s DNS service (1.1.1.1) can improve internet security and privacy by encrypting DNS requests and blocking malicious domains.

In summary, all of these technologies can be used to block unwanted internet traffic, but they each have their own specific features and functions. Pi-hole and NextDNS are DNS-based solutions that block unwanted traffic at the DNS level, while ad blockers are browser-based solutions that block unwanted ads on web pages. Cloudflare is a company that provides a wide range of internet services, including a DNS service that can improve internet security and privacy.