DNS is something you rarely think about or change in your internet connection. I was naive, too, and thought that merely changing it on my Windows PC would boost my connection. However, I didn't think deeply about the repercussions of not using a central DNS server with HTTPS until a few months back. When I learnt about the usefulness of creating a home DNS server with something as inexpensive as a Raspberry Pi, I pondered the time I would have saved in downloading ad blockers or hiding my web activities from the snoopy Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

Creating a Raspberry Pi-based DNS server requires little effort or terminal wizardry. You can use something like Dnsmasq for a simple DNS server and caching, or pick an advanced tool like Pi-Hole or AdGuard Home to store records and set up parental controls effectively. I'll discuss several benefits of converting one of my Raspberry Pi into a DNS server.

Shroud yourself from ISP tracking

Why allow blatant access to your web activity?

Whenever you get a new internet connection from a local service provider, they assign a custom DNS server to your router. I don't doubt their intent, but using their DNS server exposes all your web activity to them. But how? When you type those magical favorite URLs into your social media accounts, public forums, and websites, your computer doesn't automatically know where those URLs live. Each URL has a corresponding IP address that the DNS server tells your PC, so it can communicate with it and load the content.

So, the DNS server knows all the websites that you request and can use them for personal gain. It's like exposing your purchase history to all your neighbors, even when you don't want to. Data is practically a digital currency; you don't want to share it without consent. DNS servers are the easiest way to understand your usage patterns, and ISPs have a gala while exploiting them.

Faster web browsing experience

No more slow load times and errors

Well, this experience can vary for many. I have heard from some of my friends that their ISPs' DNS servers resolve domain names faster than setting up a custom DNS server. Simply put, your browser gets the corresponding IP address from the DNS server and proceeds to the correct website. My experience hasn't been very good, and I have constantly faced slowdowns and errors while requesting some websites.

Changing the DNS server on my PC will only help it load the results faster. But using a centralized DNS server on a Pi gives all my devices (Phones, tablets, mini PCs, etc.) the same experience. I don't have to download the Cloudflare app on each one of them and set it up. Instead, I connect all of them to my Raspberry Pi's DNS server and get rid of potential slowdowns for good.

Personal Ad blocker at your service

Your home-wide ad blocker

Networkchuk once demonstrated a cool technique of typing a simple URL that loads the same, along with all the associated trackers. It's true for any popular website that you use. They all send a lot of trash your way.

I don't hate the ad idea in general, because websites need it to survive. But bundling a ton of useless ads in every nook and cranny of the page just when I asked for the website is also not okay.

A custom DNS server setup like Pi-Hole can weed out these trackers associated with a popular website and only send you the useful stuff. It's not a foolproof technique because these pesky people keep developing new tactics. But enthusiasts keep updating their blocklists, so it's not a rocky ride. Think of it like a mosquito net that blocks 90-95 percent of biting ninjas, but some still creep in, though not hurting you much.

Monitoring and controlling web activity wasn't this easy before

Enforce granular control on each device

You can maintain web activity records now that you have your own DNS server. It's a transparent way of checking what each device requests throughout the day and blocking any questionable stuff. Even if your kids/young siblings use a browser, most Google results often point to social media handles that open a treasure trove of content unsuitable for them.

I can add any of these popular websites to the blocklists, effectively protecting them on the web. The same is applicable for any sketchy site that lures them to play a game/watch something for free, force ads, and even try to squeeze personal information. Once it's on the blocklist, it's out of access for all the devices on my home network. I don't need to pick a device, go through web browser blocklists, or find an app or service for each one.

Custom DNS doesn't need to be expensive

Doesn't cost a dime after initial setup

Why pay for parental control software with recurring subscriptions when your custom DNS server can handle it for a small, one-time cost? Your tiny SBC, in this case an old model of Raspberry Pi, can sit beside your router—or even on the backside, if you want to keep it hidden. No one will know how the block is in place, and it barely sips any power.

Parental control apps are mostly sketchy and twist your arm to lure you into a high-tier subscription. Here, you get most of the control with a minimum investment at no additional cost. Your home devices will come inside a small protective net that becomes difficult to track, if not impossible.

Is a custom DNS server a necessity?

I don't have to stress more about why a custom DNS server is necessary. You get effective ad blocking, stay protected from snooping eyes, and save a lot while maintaining complete control over web activity. Moreover, multiple options exist, so you can pick, test, and then decide on one tool to configure and maintain your DNS server. Even if it's a little boost in load speed, the additional features are enough to convince you to create one now.