💡 Pick it for network-wide blocking with a dashboard and per-device controls.
Pi-hole is a DNS sinkhole that protects your devices from unwanted content without installing any client-side software.
Best Hosts by Steven Black Alternatives ranked by AI · updated Aug 2026
Hosts by Steven Black is a maintained hosts-file collection that blocks advertising, tracking, malware, and other unwanted domains. It is intended for users who want a lightweight, openly maintained blocklist usable with operating-system hosts files, DNS resolvers, and network blockers.
Top 6 Hosts by Steven Black alternatives
💡 Choose it for self-hosted DNS filtering with encrypted DNS and a more polished administration interface.
AdGuard Home is a network-wide software for blocking ads and tracking. It operates as a DNS server that re-routes tracking domains to...
3
💡 Pick it when you want cloud-managed filtering, encrypted DNS, and analytics without self-hosting.
NextDNS is a cloud-based DNS filtering service that blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level.
Pros
- Simple setup process
- Works on various platforms and devices
- Offers detailed analytics
Cons
- Some advanced features are paid
- Dependent on NextDNS servers for filtering
Free/Paid
💡 Choose it for straightforward managed DNS blocking across devices without maintaining a server.
AdGuard DNS is a managed DNS service that blocks advertising, tracking, and malicious domains across connected devices. It serves users who want...
Pros
- Simple setup through DNS settings or device applications
- Blocks unwanted domains across browsers and many apps
- Offers encrypted DNS and family-protection servers
Cons
- Custom filtering and detailed controls vary by plan
- Less locally controlled than Pi-hole or AdGuard Home
- DNS blocking cannot hide cosmetic ad placeholders
Freemium, paid plans available
5
Control D
Windscribe
💡 Pick it for granular cloud DNS profiles and service controls across multiple devices.
Control D is a managed DNS service for blocking ads, trackers, malware, and selected content categories. It targets privacy-focused households and teams...
Pros
- Provides granular service and category controls
- Supports encrypted DNS and multiple device profiles
- Can redirect selected services through configurable network locations
Cons
- Paid plans are required for the full feature set
- More complex than a static hosts file for basic blocking
- Relies on a third-party DNS provider and account
From $2/mo
6
HaGeZi's DNS Blocklists
HaGeZi
💡 Choose it when you want more granular, actively maintained DNS lists than the bundled Steven Black collection.
HaGeZi's DNS Blocklists is a collection of curated lists for blocking ads, trackers, scams, malware, and other abusive domains. It is aimed...
Pros
- Offers multiple list levels for balancing coverage and breakage
- Provides specialized lists for threats, badware, and privacy
- Works with many DNS blockers and filtering platforms
Cons
- It is a blocklist collection, not a complete filtering application
- Requires compatible DNS software or a hosts-file workflow
- Stricter lists can block legitimate domains
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