Why Choose Technitium DNS Over Pi‑Hole?
Pi‑Hole has long been the go‑to solution for blocking ads and certain trackers. However, as a simple forwarder, it does not provide the level of privacy required by those who want full control over their DNS resolution.
Technitium DNS stands out with its complete architecture: it acts as a full DNS server while offering DNS‑over‑HTTPS (DoH), DNS‑over‑TLS, and DNS‑over‑QUIC right from installation. This combination ensures that your queries remain encrypted and anonymised, even on public networks.
Key Benefits of Technitium
The tool is free, open source, and features an intelligent algorithm that selects the best forwarder based on response time. You therefore enjoy optimal performance without compromising security.
Preparing Your Raspberry Pi for Technitium DNS
Before installing, make sure your Pi is up to date: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y. Then install the necessary dependencies and configure a static network to avoid IP conflicts.
For a smooth experience, use a Raspberry Pi 4 or newer. The minimum RAM (2 GB) is sufficient to run Technitium with multiple simultaneous DoH clients.
Setting Up a Static Network
- Edit
/etc/dhcpcd.confto define a static IP. - Restart the dhcpcd service: sudo systemctl restart dhcpcd.
Installing and Configuring Technitium DNS
Download the latest release from the official GitHub repository. Unpack the archive, then run the installer:
sudo bash install.sh. The wizard will guide you through initial settings: listening port, primary forwarder choice, and DoH activation.
“Installation is quick, but fine‑tuning can optimise your network.” – Technitium Documentation
Enable DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH)
In the configuration file /etc/technitium/dns.conf, enable the DoH option and specify a custom domain if you want devices to use your server directly.
- doHEnabled = true
- doHDomain = dns.yourcompany.local
Integrating Technitium DNS into Your Home Network
Once the server is operational, redirect DNS queries from your routers or clients to the Raspberry Pi’s IP address. You can also enable DoH on each device via network settings or by installing a lightweight DoH client.
For Android devices, use the Doh Client app and point it to your DoH server URL: https://dns.yourcompany.local/dns-query. On iOS, configure a VPN connection that forces DNS traffic through your Pi.
Managing Custom Block Lists
Technitium already includes a list of malicious addresses. You can add your own domains to block via the web interface: /admin. This lets you create a customised filter tailored to your household’s needs.
Monitoring and Maintaining the DNS Server
The Technitium Web dashboard provides real‑time statistics on query volume, upstream servers used, and average latency. Enable email alerts to be notified of anomalies.
To keep your server up to date, run regularly: sudo git pull && sudo systemctl restart technitium. This ensures you receive the latest security fixes and performance improvements.
Redundancy and Backup
In production, consider having a second Raspberry Pi in replication mode. Technitium supports configuration sync via a shared JSON file, guaranteeing high availability.
Conclusion: A Safer Network with Technitium DNS
Installing Technitium DNS with DoH on a Raspberry Pi is a simple, cost‑effective, and robust solution for securing all your network traffic. You benefit from encrypted DNS resolution, granular query control, and optimal performance.
Ready to set up your own private DNS server? Download Technitium from GitHub now, follow our step‑by‑step guide, and transform your home network into a safer, faster environment. Feel free to share your experiences in the comments or contact us with any technical questions.
