Compare CatBlock vs. Pi-hole vs. Technitium DNS Server

Introducing CatBlock, an innovative ad-blocking extension that replaces unwanted advertisements with delightful images of cats. This extension can function independently as an ad blocker and is compatible with popular browsers including Google Chrome, Opera, and Mozilla Firefox on desktop. Utilizing the open-source code from AdBlock, we have transformed the ads you typically ignore into charming feline photos! Our team, comprised of seasoned contributors to the original AdBlock project, has leveraged our expertise to create this unique fork. Like its predecessor, CatBlock is fully open-source and adheres to the GNU GPLv3 license. You are welcome to explore our code on GitHub, and we actively monitor our support site for any inquiries or issues you may encounter. Additionally, we have set up a public Discord server where users can join for assistance and community interaction. If you're not a fan of cats, you have the option to customize your experience by choosing any images from Flickr instead! This flexibility ensures that everyone can enjoy a tailored browsing experience.

You have the option to either run Pi-hole inside a container or directly install it on a supported operating system using our automated installer. This smart installer simplifies the process by asking you a series of questions before setting everything up for you automatically. After completing the installation, the next step is to configure your router’s DHCP settings to ensure that all clients utilize Pi-hole as their DNS server, or you can opt to manually set each device to connect to Pi-hole. To enhance your experience, consider pairing Pi-hole with a VPN, which allows for ad-blocking on mobile devices, thus conserving precious bandwidth on limited data plans. By centralizing ad-blocking with Pi-hole rather than relying on browser extensions or separate software installations for each computer, your entire network benefits from enhanced protection. This network-level blocking enables you to eliminate advertisements from various sources, including mobile applications and smart televisions, independent of the hardware or operating system in use. Since ads are blocked before they have the opportunity to download, you'll notice an improvement in network performance, resulting in a quicker and more efficient online experience. Moreover, this streamlined approach to ad-blocking can significantly reduce distractions and enhance user satisfaction across all devices connected to your network.

Eliminate ads and malware on a network-wide scale by blocking them at the DNS level! By self-hosting a DNS server, you can enhance both your privacy and security. The Technitium DNS Server is an open-source solution that serves as both an authoritative and recursive DNS server, making it an excellent choice for those looking to self-host their DNS services. It is designed to function seamlessly with little to no configuration required and includes a straightforward web console that can be accessed through any modern web browser. Many people overlook the intricacies of domain name resolution, as it operates automatically and is often too complex to comprehend. Typically, computer applications rely on the operating system's DNS resolver, which queries the DNS server provided by the ISP using the UDP protocol. While this method may suffice for the average user, it enables ISPs to monitor and control your browsing activities, even when accessing sites secured by HTTPS. Furthermore, some ISPs have the capability to redirect, block, or inject unwanted content into the websites you visit, regardless of whether you're using alternative DNS services like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS. By utilizing a self-hosted DNS server, you regain control over your online experience and can ensure a more private browsing environment.