Top products from r/pihole

I recently had to figure out broadcom drivers on a Lenovo Thinkpad with Debian...it took a while but was thankfully well documented...I'd recommend a known-compatible USB solution...although I'm ambivalent about wired-vs-wireless as long as you're mindful that WiFi-isn't-Ethernet™

Two known good (native support) solutions -

WiFi: https://www.amazon.com/Edimax-EW-7811Un-150Mbps-Raspberry-Supports/dp/B003MTTJOY

Ethernet: https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Micro-B-Ethernet-Adapter-Raspberry/dp/B00RM3KXAU

Else, google will be your friend to find someone else who's figured out this specific hardware/software stack. Honestly, with all of the dependencies that you'll likely need to satisfy via a thumbdrive (or something??!), you probably really want a working network connection (or a lot of patience). I tried the Thinkpad's wifi without a network connection at first, and quickly decided to go find an Ethernet cable...

If you had another rPi with a working network connection, you could use that hardware to bootstrap the rPi Zero's sdcard && os && driver...

If you do get this adapter working, make sure to come back and update with how you got it up and running...you probably won't be the only person with this question :)

I tried using an older Pi to host my pi-hole and compared it to a newer 3b+ and found no real difference in DNS lookups, but updates and the web interface were a lot slower and some things would run out of memory on the really old Pi. Ordered a second 3b+ and replaced the old Pi.

Power supply quality is critical, get a good one from Adafruit or Canakit.

A case is important to protect the Pi from damage, something simple is good enough, a dog-bone style works well and is a bit cooler if you have a safe place to mount the Pi, a more fully enclosed one is safer if the Pi is going to be banging around with a bunch of other stuff. Cooler really doesn't matter in a home install unless you are going to add something to your Pi that will cause it to run hot, fans, heatsinks and such really aren't needed.

SD cards are cheap, Samsung or Sandisk 32 GBs are excellent and you save pennies by going cheaper or smaller.

For Ethernet there is little difference in cables for the lengths you'll be using, and standard cable will work, get one a couple feet longer than the minimum and you'll have slack to work with.

So Pi, power supply, case, SD card and Ethernet cable will get you set up with a very nice Pi-hole.

I think I'm similar to you in skill level and I was able to do it. I bought a canakit like this one...

https://www.amazon.com/CanaKit-Raspberry-Starter-Premium-Black/dp/B07BCC8PK7/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1540821578&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=pi+3b%2B&dpPl=1&dpID=51QERaUXmBL&ref=plSrch

It comes with an SD card with noobs (operating system) installed. At that point setting up pihole was just running a command line and following a few prompts be and it was all set up.

It's probably not the cheapest or best way to get started, but for me paying a little extra cash to ease my way into working with pi was a good trade-off. Overall I think it was like 30 minutes from opening the box to having pihole functioning on my network.

I'm pretty sure you could do something similar with a pi zero. I bought the 3b+ bc I wanted to explore pi and it's potential and again the $80 wasn't a big deal.

Can you find a display that is powered from the RPi itself? If so, then you can power the RPi from this device for $11.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MDLUSE7/

Here are two comments from this Amazon page:

I bought this for a FingBox (5v 2A, micro USB) and it works great! Also hooked it up to a RPi3 with the RPi touch display. Worked just fine, but I must admit I didn't leave it running long, just booted it up. Using this w/ the FingBox saves me from using an AC outlet in my server closet which are in short supply. Must use 48V POE on the switch.

Works perfectly. My switch recognizes it as a class 3 PoE device, and typically consuming 3.1 to 3.5 watts of power. It plugged right into my pi (with a 3.5" display) and so far I have not found any problems.
The only thing I'd mention is there's no clear indication of which network connection faces the switch, and which faces the client device. I took a guess that with the male RJ45 and micro-usb cable being the same length, that was where the pi should go, and I was correct. (I include a picture of the "correct" manner of connecting it.)

Hope this helps.

For routers, anything with decent reviews on Amazon will probably get the job done. I tend to go with Asus and TP-Link, but there are lots of good models out there. I've had mixed results with Netgear and Belkin in the past, but worth it if you find one on a good deal.

• Any of these TP-Link models would probably work for you.
  
• I would also highly recommend this T-Mobile branded Asus "refurb." (I've bought 3 of them in the past for various different uses, and they were solid each time).
  
  For a modem, anything DOCSIS 3.0 or up should do for most people. Eg:
  
  
• Linksys
  
• TP-Link
  
• Netgear
  
  Of course, if you have specific high-end needs, these might not quite meet those, but I doubt whatever xfinity has you using would either.

That case is sold by a few vendors. Thats a 9 layer right? If so Smarza is another brand. I was going to buy that, but Smarza also had a 4 layer. I love it! Amazon doesnt have any more 4 layers or id be a couple more. The fans quiet on 3.3 or 5. And temps are around 31--32 with the fan and small heatsink at idle.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GKXZH7X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

>I was going to get a Pi Zero W, but then read that there's less latency if it's done over ethernet

There is less latency, but you will never notice it (milliseconds). I have four Pi-Holes on my home network, in pairs. Each pair is a 3B+ (ethernet) with a Zero W (wireless). DNS performance between the two platforms is indistinguishable.

A 3B+ is nicer to work with from an interface standpoint (the processor is just faster) and it has double the memory if you plan to block a few million domains.

>Should I buy a raspberry pi starter kit (like this?) If so, what do you recommend?

In my experience, the Amazon kits are overpriced and full of stuff you don't need. I reommend Adafruit.

Get the Pi you want, perhaps a case, a good quality power supply rated for that perticular device. Then go to Amazon and pick up a 32 GB Sandisk Ultra microSD for about $8 US.

Then follow this guide to set it up: https://www.reddit.com/r/pihole/comments/9y9e9w/simple_guide_to_setting_up_a_pi_zero_w_and/

Bonus points if you buy a ~$20 travel router have it configured for pi-hole and all of your devices to it. Then join their network with the travel router and have it put out your own already configured wifi hotness.

You could power the Zero W and travel router w/a battery pack for portability even.

Works a treat for hotels, planes, and all public wifi even with captive portals.

Even though OP said he's not interested in VPN... the travel router is neat because it has a hardware switch on it you can map to connecting OpenVPN to connect back home with a flip of a switch. Kinda cool.

Thanks, no issues at all. Your instructions are clear and easy to follow. You even solved the question I had about getting chronometer2 to start up at login by using bashrc, which was a bonus so thanks.

I've had the Pi and it's case for ages, bought them together. It's this one I think: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00M8ZEIW6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_vq2gzbMS2N0ZB

So something like this on amazon? Would appreciate a recommendation if you have one.

Thanks again for the help!

I have both the Pi3 and the Zero. The Zero cost me $15, then bought a Smays Micro USB Ethernet with 3 Port Hub for $10. Saved only $10, but Pihole doesn't need the extra power of the Pi3 (seems like a waste). But it could be a cleaner setup. Good thing is, with the hub, I have it powered by the USB port on my router
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L32UUJK?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

That's the one, it doesn't look like there's a way as far as I can see in the manual.

The case is one half of this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Design-Case-Raspberry-Pi-Pi2/dp/B00M8ZEIW6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1495110310&sr=8-3 I've just left the top half off and the screen sits nicely on top. I'm going to drill two mounting holes in the wall this weekend so it's more secure.

I set up two Zeros two weeks back. One is down due to a corrupted SD card caused by someone turning off the power, but otherwise they work perfectly.

I've also installed unbound on them.

I used these to put them on the wired network. Besides providing ethernet they will also power the Pi.

26c to 42c i got a fan case off amazon 6.99
https://www.amazon.com/LANDZO-Raspberry-Model-Assembled-Acrylic/dp/B01IHNDRF6/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1500047361&sr=8-11&keywords=raspberry+pi+fan+case,
if the fan is to loud for you you can up grade to a noctua fan i think not sure tho.https://www.amazon.com/Noctua-Cooling-Bearing-NF-A4X10-FLX-5V/dp/B00NEMGCIA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1500047460&sr=8-2&keywords=pc+fan+noctua+5v

If you're really worried about reliability, treat yourself to the SanDisk Ultra 16GB card. It's a pretty big splurge, more pricey than cheaper cards, and way overkill for Pi-hole, but that's the price you pay for peace of mind.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B073K14CVB/ref=dp_ob_neva_mobile

Your wallet may never recover

Would a micro-usb to ethernet dongle work? Like this: https://www.amazon.ca/Plugable-Ethernet-Compatible-Raspberry-AX88772A/dp/B00RM3KXAU/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=microusb+to+ethernet&qid=1574044294&sr=8-3

Looks like it would simply based on the description.

Does your router support OpenVPN? You could go that route. I have one of these I use when I'm away from home. Home router dropped support though. Have to use Nord per client.

Nothing too fancy about my pi-holes running on RPi 3's. I am running a slightly modified version of chronometer2, and since my switch is PoE I'm using that as a power supply for the Pi's. I found this handy PoE splitter that works wonderfully for powering the Pi's from the switch.

Noctua makes some very good, quiet fans: https://smile.amazon.com/Noctua-Cooling-Bearing-NF-A4X10-FLX-5V/dp/B00NEMGCIA/

Not taking away from Adafruit, I love that store, but I bought this on Amazon , and it had everything I needed.

Setup was a snap, I did headless, and only use WiFi, so you’ll need to enable ssh and add your WiFi details as a text file, steps 3 and 4 here. After that I set my zero static using the dhcp server on my router assigning it via MAC address.

Ran the pihole install script, and changed my wan DNS to the op of the pi.

Edit - that Ethernet adapter is genius

You cab also use something like this that will work and is much cheaper than having PoE directly on the Pi

As far as I can tell there are no spec differences between the Zero and the Zero W except for the WiFi on the W. The processor, RAM, and other features are the same.

If you're not going to use the wireless then I'd put the extra $5 toward the Ethernet adapter.

I've bought a couple of this OTG Ethernet adapter and I've been happy with them. I use one with a Pi0 as my Pi-Hole.

I have the same setup as /u/mini4x and can confirm heatsinks come with the Zebra Zero. I recommend that manufacturer.

I bought this one and like it a lot.
https://www.amazon.com/Zebra-Zero-Raspberry-Wireless-Heatsinks/dp/B071RRYCQ4

I don't have comcast, but I used this modem for a while on my 50 down/5 up internet service before I got gigabit, and it claims to have Comcast capability. Granted, I've linked the refurbished model - IIRC, I paid $50 for a new one at my local microcenter.

I run two pi zero ($5) link, connected to a chromecast ethernet adapter ($15) link.

Gives you a redundant setup for $40, trough in two Samsung 32GB EVO Plus as recommended by Jeff Geerling for $9 and you are all set.

Smraza Raspberry Pi 3 B+ Case with Fan, RPI Heatsinks, 5V 2.5A Power Supply for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+(B Plus), Compatible with Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, Pi 2 Model B (4 Layers Case) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GKXZH7X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_w8YADbA9EQ7KN

I bought this and this. The card comes pre loaded with the boot program for Raspbian. If you wanted something cheaper, I believe I remember reading a pi zero w will work as well.

Shouldn't be a problem, this also allows you to put a ups on the switch and not have to worry about any poe powered devices going down. Also allows you to power cycle a device just by disabling/enabling the port it's on. I use these all over the place, much cheaper than the hats.

Where did you get your pi zero w? Im in US and would like to get one but im not really sure exactly what I need since ive never done a pi. For example does this have everything I would need? https://www.amazon.com/Vilros-Raspberry-Starter-Power-Premium/dp/B0748MPQT4/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Pi+Zero+W+starter+kit&qid=1567128742&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Not OP, but here is an Amazon link to what I've been using since I didn't want to do any soldering. (Raspberry Pi Zero W USB-A Addon Board V1.1).

I got a Pi Zero and this micro USB ethernet adapter. It has been working flawlessly for over a year now.

You can get an Edge Router X for a little over $50. It's a great router/firewall but it does require some technical experience as there's not much hand holding.

https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-EdgeRouter-Advanced-Gigabit-Ethernet/dp/B00YFJT29C

Off topic:
What Ethernet adapter are you using?
I ordered an adapter last week to set up my Pi-Hole network wide. I returned the one that I ordered because it kept dropping my connection. I couldn't apt-get update, even my SSH tunnel kept collapsing. I returned the defective one and ordered this one instead. https://amzn.com/B00RM3KXAU hopefully it works better.

Get an Micro USB to Ethernet Adapter.
Last thing you want is your wireless DNS Server to go down.

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Ethernet-Compatible-Raspberry-AX88772A/dp/B00RM3KXAU

I bought this.

power supply came with the set.

SSDs

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N6JQS8C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

via USB to Sata adapater

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HJZJI84/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Pi zero. I prefer wired so I went with a lan to micro USB adapter I had laying around.

Also install and configure Unbound and Log2Ram.

Don't forget a good power supply or micro usb cable.

It'd work but that adapter has a lot of bad reviews on Amazon. I'd suggest a more expensive (but properly working) adapter like this if you want extra (powered) USB ports, this if you don't need full-size USB ports, or this if you want a HAT instead.

can i pm you? im new to this. I have both 2.4 and 5Ghz on my router. I need a fit case ,low consumption only used for blocking ads and nothing else. I plan to connect via ethernet.

I found zero w in amazon https://www.amazon.com/Vilros-Raspberry-Starter-Power-Premium/dp/B0748MPQT4/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Pi+Zero+W&qid=1574873913&sr=8-3 is thisok ?

For anyone stuck in these situations, I highly recommend following the same/similar path i went down, adding a little ~$49 Edgerouter-X from Ubiquiti to your network. If you ever end up outgrowing it, you can always convert it into a little 5-port managed switch. Win-win. I've seriously struggled to outgrow this little device, although I did replace it semi recently (with a larger cousin, also an Edgerouter).

My Pi is connected via ethernet directly to my router. Right now my Pi is dedicated to Pi Hole. I had hoped I'd be able to run a web server on it eventually so I'd like to resolve this issue.

I didn't have much time last night to play around with different settings. Just out of curiosity, what SD card do you have? This is mine. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WR4IJBE/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_Gogizb52MS741 I have a second smaller SD card I could try. I was thinking of trying Raspbian on it but maybe I'll try a different distro.

I wouldn't think it would be read/write related, but I'll see if I can figure out a way to monitor it. I don't think it's RAM/CPU related because my resource usage is low as Pi Hole is the only thing running on it. I've even tried disabling the Pi Hole's blocking functionality and saw no improvements at all.

I should have more time to do some digging/troubleshooting tonight. I'm sure others are having this issue.

I bought this one some time ago.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L32UUJK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have the hub powered, from a wall charger, and plugged it in to the pi zeros usb port.
I was surprised to find the pi zero powered up.

No separate power supply needed for the Pi zero.

Network port worked without any troubles also.

And NO the pi zero is not going to fit inside the one i have. The Hub is too narrow.

I just have the two taped together and hanging on the wall for my pi-hole needs.

Hey! I have that exact same router and just set up my pihole this week! I used this one based off some research, also you'll need the right size sdcard and adaptor to fit it from your computer and back into the raspberry pi. If your computer doesnt have a way to plug the sdcard in youll need an adaptor for that aswell!
https://www.amazon.com/Vilros-Raspberry-Starter-Power-Premium/dp/B0748MPQT4/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1540185933&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=pi+zero+w&dpPl=1&dpID=51pHy84c30L&ref=plSrch

The wireless doesnt affect speed at all due to the nature of it being just a dns.

Also here's the guide i used to set it up without plugging a monitor and keyboard to it. All you have to do after that guide is run the command to download and install the pihole!

https://desertbot.io/blog/headless-pi-zero-w-wifi-setup-windows

After you install and setup the ssh heres the command to run in it to install pihole

curl -sSL https://install.pi-hole.net | bash

In the netgear router settings youll want to change both DNS options, make one the pihole and the other some fake IP on the network so the router is forced to use the pihole.
I dont use the piholes DHCP and neither will you :)
Pro tip, look up guides and info on adding more domains.