AdGuard Home

AdGuard Home is an open-source, self-hosted network-wide DNS server that blocks ads and trackers for all devices on a local network. It operates by re-routing tracking domains to a black hole, which prevents devices from connecting to those servers without requiring client-side software on individual endpoints. This method ensures that all traffic from smartphones, smart TVs, and IoT devices is filtered before it reaches the internet.

The software is deployed as a server application and can be installed on Linux, Unix, MacOS, FreeBSD, and OpenBSD. It is also available as a Docker image and via the Snap Store. Users manage the system through a web-based admin interface, which allows for the customization of blocklists and the monitoring of network activity in real time.

Key features

• Network-wide blocking of ads and trackers
• Built-in DHCP server
• Support for encrypted DNS upstream servers via DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS, and DNSCrypt
• Ability to run as a DNS-over-HTTPS or DNS-over-TLS server
• Blocking of phishing, malware, and adult domains
• Forced safe search for search engines
• Per-client configuration and access settings
• Network activity monitoring
• Custom filtering rules for permitted and blocked domains

Written in Golang, the application provides a REST API for integration with other tools, including a Python client and a Home Assistant integration. It is designed for users who want full control over their DNS traffic and filtering rules, allowing them to decide exactly what the server blocks or permits. The architecture allows it to run without root privileges on supported systems, increasing security for the host environment. Because it operates at the DNS level, it cannot block advertisements that share a domain with content, such as sponsored posts on social media platforms.

AdGuard Home serves as a privacy protection center for home networks and IoT devices.