blocky vs Technitium DNS Server
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Blocky is a fast and lightweight DNS proxy that acts as an ad-blocker for local networks. It provides many features to help users manage their DNS traffic and block unwanted ads. Blocky is designed to be easy to use and configure, making it a great solution for users who want to block ads on their local network.
Technitium DNS Server is a free and open-source DNS server that anyone can self-host to take control of their own DNS resolution, whether for a home network or an organization. It combines recursive and authoritative DNS with support for encrypted protocols like DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS, and DNS-over-QUIC. It also includes network-wide ad and malware blocking through configurable blocklists, a built-in DHCP server, DNSSEC support, and a web console with API access, making it a full DNS and DHCP toolkit rather than a simple resolver.
- Fast and lightweight
- Easy to configure
- Supports multiple DNS upstream providers
- Provides real-time DNS query logging and statistics
- Completely free and open source
- Combines DNS and DHCP in one server
- Strong encrypted-DNS protocol support
- Active development and community
- Limited customization options
- No user interface, requires command-line configuration
- No support for some DNS record types
- Requires self-hosting and basic networking knowledge
- No official managed/cloud-hosted option
- Documentation assumes some DNS familiarity
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to blocky
View all →A free, open-source, self-hosted DNS server with built-in ad-blocking and DHCP.
Alternatives to Technitium DNS Server
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Unified DNS, DHCP and IP address management for enterprise networks
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataTechnitium DNS Server offers a full‑featured, self‑hosted DNS + DHCP solution with UI and API, while Blocky is a lightweight DNS proxy focused on fast ad‑blocking with minimal setup.
Key differences
- •Technitium includes a built‑in DHCP server; Blocky does not.
- •Technitium provides a web console and REST API; Blocky has no UI or API.
- •Blocky is designed as a fast, lightweight proxy; Technitium is a more comprehensive DNS authority server.
- •Support options differ: Technitium offers community forum, GitHub, Patreon; Blocky only email support.
Pricing & value
Both products are free and open source, offering comparable cost advantage.
Ease of use / learning curve
Blocky uses simple command‑line configuration and is lightweight, requiring less DNS knowledge than Technitium.
Features & depth
Technitium supports DHCP, DNSSEC, QUIC, full API, and extensive blocklist management; Blocky is limited to proxying and basic blocking.
Integrations & ecosystem
Technitium integrates DNS‑over‑HTTPS/TLS/QUIC, DHCP, DNSSEC and offers a REST API; Blocky lacks API and fewer protocol integrations.
Support
Technitium provides community forum, GitHub issues, and Patreon‑backed support, whereas Blocky only lists email support.
Security & privacy
Both support DoH/DoT, but Technitium also validates/signs zones with DNSSEC, adding extra tamper‑resistance.
Choose blocky if…
Home users or tiny businesses wanting a simple, fast DNS ad‑blocker with minimal configuration.
Choose Technitium DNS Server if…
IT hobbyists or small teams needing full DNS authority, DHCP, and automation via API.
Common questions
Are there any licensing fees?
Both Technitium DNS Server and Blocky are free and open source.
Which product provides a graphical user interface?
Technitium includes a web console with dark mode; Blocky has no UI and must be configured via CLI.
Do either of them offer DHCP services?
Only Technitium DNS Server includes a built‑in DHCP server.