blocky
Fast and lightweight DNS proxy as ad-blocker for local network with many features (alternative to Pi-hole).
- GitHub stars
- 7,022
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Latest release
- v0.35.0
5 September 2026 - Last commit
- 12 October 2026
- Runs on
- Go, Docker
Commits per month, last 12 months
302 commits
Replaces
Paid products blocky can stand in for.
How to self-host blocky
blocky runs on Go and Docker. The project's own install guide is the place to start; most people put it on a small server with Docker and a reverse proxy for HTTPS.
- Get a server: a home server, a VPS, or a managed app host.
- Install it the way the project's docs describe, usually with Docker Compose.
- Put it behind HTTPS and set up backups before you add real data.
- Update it regularly. Watch the project's releases.
Similar apps
- Pi-hole
Blackhole for Internet advertisements with a GUI for management and monitoring.
- AdGuard Home
User-friendly ads & trackers blocking DNS server.
- Technitium DNS Server
Authoritative/recursive DNS server with ad blocking functionality.
- Maza ad blocking
Local ad blocker. Like Pi-hole but local and using your operating system.
- Numa
Ad-blocking DNS resolver with DNSSEC-validating recursive resolution, DoH/DoT/Oblivious DoH, ephemeral overrides, and local service domains, in a single Rust binary (alternative to Pi-hole, AdGuard Home, NextDNS).
Questions
Is blocky free?
Yes. blocky is open source under the Apache-2.0 license, so you can use it without paying for a license. You pay only for the server it runs on.
Can I self-host blocky?
Yes. blocky runs on Go and Docker. Follow the install guide in the project's documentation, or use a host that installs it for you.
What does blocky replace?
People use blocky instead of NextDNS.
Is blocky still maintained?
The last change to blocky's code was on 12 October 2026, with 302 commits in the last 12 months.
Topics
App data from awesome-selfhosted (CC BY-SA 3.0), stars and activity from GitHub.