For several years, I utilized Pi-hole with Unbound for internal Domain Name System (DNS) and Network-wide Ad Blocking. However, as my DNS requirements evolved, I found myself outgrowing Pi-hole.

No longer ridin’ on the Pi-hole merry-go-round
I just had to let it go

Why I chose Technitium DNS Server

Primary Purpose

• Pi-hole: Network-wide ad blocker first, DNS server second. Built specifically for blocking ads and trackers at the DNS level.
• Technitium: Full-featured DNS server first, with ad blocking as one of many capabilities. Functions as both authoritative and recursive DNS server.

DNS Capabilities

• Pi-hole: Forwards DNS requests to upstream servers (like Google, Cloudflare) and caches responses. Requires Unbound or similar tools for recursive DNS.
• Technitium: Built-in recursive DNS that queries root servers directly, plus authoritative DNS capabilities. Can manage multiple DNS zones and serve as a complete DNS infrastructure.

My favorite Technitium DNS Server features

• Native clustering introduced in v14 for high availability (eliminates need for sync tools)
• Supports DNS zones for managing internal services and split-horizon DNS
• Better compatibility with Apple Private Relay
• Built-in support for DoH (DNS-over-HTTPS), DoT (DNS-over-TLS), and DoQ (DNS-over-QUIC)
• Role-based access control and API-driven management
• Runs on .NET (cross-platform: Linux, Windows, macOS, Raspberry Pi)

For the past three months, I have been successfully managing a two-node cluster consisting of separate Proxmox LXC containers (Debian) and several Zones. 

Technitium is worth a look!