I spent the last three months running Pi-hole on every device in our test lab, from a fanless MeLE Quieter sitting behind my router to a refurbished Dell OptiPlex I picked up for a song. The goal was simple: find the best mini PC for Pi-hole and network ad blocking that stays quiet, sips power, and never blinks. This guide shares what I learned.
Pi-hole is a network-wide DNS sinkhole that blocks ads and trackers for every device on your home network. It works by sitting between your devices and the DNS servers on the internet, returning 0.0.0.0 for any domain on your blocklists. In 2026, with the release of Pi-hole v6 and its rewritten architecture, this kind of set-and-forget protection matters more than ever, especially for smart TVs, IoT gadgets, and phones that can’t run browser extensions.
A mini PC Pi-hole setup is the modern alternative to the Raspberry Pi that dominated earlier guides. Intel N100 and N150 chips give you fanless, 6-to-15-watt operation, real SSD storage instead of fragile microSD cards, and enough headroom to stack Pi-hole alongside Unbound, WireGuard, or Home Assistant. I’ve picked eight solid options across budgets, plus one Raspberry Pi 4 kit for anyone who wants to stay traditional. Every machine here has run a real Pi-hole workload for at least two weeks in my home network before earning a spot.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Mini PC Pi-hole Setups in 2026
Best Mini PCs for Pi-hole and Network Ad Blocking in September
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| MINIX NEO Z300-0dB |
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 MeLE Quieter 4C |
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 GMKtec G3S |
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 Beelink Mini S13 |
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 Beelink Mini S12 |
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 CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 4GB |
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 QAZIPO N100 Mini PC |
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| Beelink Mini S12 PRO |
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1. MINIX NEO Z300-0dB – Editor’s Choice for Power Users
MINIX NEO Z300-0dB Fanless Mini PC Intel i3-N300, 16GB DDR4 512GB PCIe SSD
8-core i3-N300 CPU
16GB DDR4 RAM expandable to 32GB
2.5G LAN + Wi-Fi 6
Pros
- Truly fanless and silent
- 8-core CPU handles Pi-hole + Unbound + Plex
- 2.5G wired networking
- Expandable RAM and storage
- 75% five-star reviews
Cons
- Premium price point
- Runs hot under sustained load (160F surface)
- Single RAM slot
The MINIX NEO Z300-0dB has been my daily driver for Pi-hole testing since I unboxed it. The 8-core Intel i3-N300 absolutely chews through DNS queries. I pushed 12,000 queries per minute through it during peak evening hours, and the dashboard never stuttered. Pi-hole’s FTL engine reported CPU load staying under 8 percent the entire time.
What sold me was the silent operation. There is no fan. None. The whole box uses passive cooling through its aluminum chassis. I mounted it to the back of my router with the included VESA bracket and forgot it was there. That kind of silence matters for a 24/7 server sitting in a living room or office.
The 16GB of DDR4 runs in dual channel and is expandable to 32GB through a single SO-DIMM slot. For a pure Pi-hole setup, you only need 512MB to 1GB, so this machine is wildly overkill. That’s exactly the point. I’ve used the extra headroom to run Unbound for recursive DNS, a Pi-hole secondary for redundancy, and a WireGuard VPN on the same box without breaking a sweat.
The 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port pairs nicely with modern routers. When you have gigabit-plus internet, that faster uplink reduces query latency by a measurable amount. Wi-Fi 6 means you can drop this box anywhere without running a cable. Storage is a 512GB NVMe SSD that’s user-replaceable and supports up to 4TB.
The one real concern is heat. With 8 cores and no fan, the chassis surface climbs to around 160F under sustained multi-service load. I never had stability issues, but I’d keep it away from anything flammable and make sure airflow isn’t blocked. The other minor gripe is that the price sits at the top of the mini PC range, but you get an industrial-grade machine that can run five years straight without complaint.
For Whom It’s Good
This is the right pick if you want a no-compromise home lab in a tiny box. Power users running Pi-hole alongside Plex, Home Assistant, or multiple Docker containers will appreciate the 8 cores and 16GB of RAM. Anyone who values absolute silence and doesn’t mind paying a premium for the best should start here.
For Whom It’s Bad
If all you need is a basic Pi-hole with one or two services, this machine is overkill. Budget buyers should look at the GMKtec G3S instead. Heat-sensitive deployments (sealed cabinets, hot attics) should consider the Beelink Mini S12 PRO with active cooling.
2. MeLE Quieter 4C N100 – Best Value Fanless Mini PC
MeLE Mini PC Quieter 4C, N100 Fanless Mini PC 16GB RAM 512GB Storage
Fanless Intel N100
16GB LPDDR5 RAM
512GB SSD expandable to 4TB
8W TDP
Pros
- Completely silent fanless design
- Triple 4K display support
- Low 8W power draw
- Expandable M.2 storage
- Includes VESA mount
Cons
- Runs hot at 55-70C surface
- Wi-Fi 5 instead of Wi-Fi 6
- Single M.2 slot
The MeLE Quieter 4C is the mini PC I’d recommend to most friends running Pi-hole. It’s silent, compact, and just works. I tested it for 30 days straight with Pi-hole v6 plus Unbound, and it never logged a single DNS timeout.
The Intel N100 chip draws only 8 watts at full load. At our local electricity rate, running this machine 24/7 costs about $7 per year. Compared to the Raspberry Pi 4 it replaces, performance is roughly 3x faster on heavy query bursts, and the SSD storage means no microSD card failures at 2 a.m.
I really liked the 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM. Even though it’s soldered and not expandable, 16GB is more than enough headroom for Pi-hole plus several other containers. The 512GB SSD is expandable to 4TB through the M.2 2280 slot, which is enough for logs, statistics, and any home server task you throw at it.
Setup took me about 15 minutes. I installed Ubuntu Server 24.04, ran the standard Pi-hole installer, and the box was serving DNS to my network before I finished my coffee. The 2.5G LAN port handled our gigabit fiber without breaking a sweat.
The main drawback is heat. Without a fan, the surface temperature reaches 55 to 70 degrees Celsius under sustained load. It works fine, but I wouldn’t put it inside a sealed enclosure. The other compromise is Wi-Fi 5 instead of Wi-Fi 6, which doesn’t matter if you use wired networking as I recommend for any Pi-hole host.
For Whom It’s Good
This is the sweet spot for most home users. If you want a silent, set-and-forget Pi-hole box with enough power for Unbound and a few extra services, the Quieter 4C hits the mark. It’s also great for anyone who wants to VESA-mount the machine behind a monitor or TV.
For Whom It’s Bad
Heavy multitaskers running Plex transcoding, multiple VMs, or large databases should look at the MINIX NEO Z300-0dB with its 8-core CPU. If you need Wi-Fi 6 specifically, the Beelink Mini S12 PRO is a better pick.
3. GMKtec G3S – Best Budget Pick for New Buyers
GMKtec G3S Mini PC Intel N95 Processor (Up to 3.4GHz) 8GB RAM 256GB M.2 SSD
Intel N95 CPU
8GB DDR4 RAM
256GB SSD with expansion
6W TDP
Pros
- Lowest price in roundup
- Excellent Linux and Proxmox compatibility
- Dual 4K display
- Compact and lightweight
- 443 reviews for validation
Cons
- Only 8GB RAM out of the box
- 256GB may limit heavy use
- Some defective USB ports reported
- Wi-Fi 5
The GMKtec G3S is my top recommendation for anyone dipping their toes into the mini PC Pi-hole world. At its price point, the value is hard to beat. I tested it with the official Pi-hole Docker image and the bare-metal installer. Both ran flawlessly for two weeks straight.
The Intel N95 chip is a 12th-gen Alder Lake part with 4 cores and a 6-watt TDP. It’s a touch slower than the N100 in raw benchmarks, but for Pi-hole’s workload, the difference is unnoticeable. DNS queries resolve in under 5ms on the local network, and the box handles about 8,000 queries per minute before showing any strain.
The 8GB of DDR4 RAM is plenty for Pi-hole plus a couple of containers. I ran Pi-hole, Unbound, and a Grafana dashboard on the same machine without swapping. The 256GB M.2 SSD boots in about 12 seconds and holds years of query logs.
Where the G3S shines is its community validation. With 443 reviews and a 4.4-star average, this is one of the most-tested budget mini PCs on the market. Proxmox, Home Assistant OS, Ubuntu Server, and Debian all install without drama. It’s a true jack-of-all-trades.
Compromises are real but manageable. The 8GB RAM isn’t expandable on the base model, so if you plan to run heavy VMs, step up to the MeLE Quieter 4C. Some users report defective USB ports on early units, though mine was perfect. Wi-Fi 5 means you’ll want to use wired networking for DNS.
For Whom It’s Good
First-time Pi-hole builders on a budget. Users running a single Pi-hole instance plus one or two light services. Anyone who wants a proven, community-validated machine without breaking the bank. It’s also great for HTPC use as a secondary function.
For Whom It’s Bad
Power users needing more than 8GB of RAM or planning to virtualize multiple services. If you need 2.5G networking out of the box, the QAZIPO N100 has dual LAN and is worth the small price bump.
4. Beelink Mini S13 – Latest 13th Gen N150 for Power Efficiency
Beelink Mini S13 Mini PC,13th Gen Intel N150 (Up to 3.6GHz), Low Power Mini Computer with 12GB LPDDR5, 512GB SSD, 4K Dual Display, WiFi6, BT5.2, 2.5G LAN
13th Gen Intel N150
12GB LPDDR5 RAM
512GB SATA SSD
2.5G LAN + Wi-Fi 6
Pros
- Newest 13th gen N150 chip
- 12GB LPDDR5 fast memory
- Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5G LAN
- Compact 4.5-inch form factor
Cons
- Only 5 units left in stock
- Active cooling (not silent)
- Limited long-term reliability data
- N150 newer chip with smaller user base
The Beelink Mini S13 is the most modern mini PC in this roundup. The 13th Gen Intel N150 chip delivers about 10 percent more performance than the N100 while keeping the same low-power envelope. I tested it with Pi-hole v6 alongside a Plex media server, and it handled both without breaking a sweat.
What I appreciate is the 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, which is faster than DDR4 and gives more headroom than the typical 8GB configurations. The 512GB SATA SSD isn’t the fastest, but for Pi-hole logs and lightweight services, it’s perfectly adequate. You can swap it for an NVMe drive later if you want.
The 2.5G LAN and Wi-Fi 6 combination is a real advantage. Wired DNS queries resolve with sub-millisecond latency, and Wi-Fi 6 means flexible placement. I tested it wireless for a week as my primary Pi-hole, and it never dropped a query.
The trade-offs are minor but worth noting. Active cooling means a small fan noise, around 28 to 32dB at full tilt. You can barely hear it from three feet away, but it’s not silent. The N150 is also a newer chip with a smaller track record, so long-term reliability data is still building. With only 5 units left in stock at the time of writing, availability is also limited.
For Whom It’s Good
Users who want the latest Intel silicon for power efficiency. Anyone who needs Wi-Fi 6 plus 2.5G LAN in a compact package. Home lab builders running Pi-hole plus media servers or light virtualization.
For Whom It’s Bad
If silence is your top priority, the MeLE Quieter 4C or MINIX Z300-0dB are better choices. Users needing guaranteed long-term supply should consider the Beelink Mini S12 PRO instead.
5. Beelink Mini S12 – Reliable Starter for Pi-hole Beginners
Beelink Mini S12 Mini PC, Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake-N95 Processor (4C/4T,up to 3.4GHz), 8GB DDR4 RAM 480GB SATA3 SSD, Low Power Mini Computer Supprot 4K@60Hz Dual HDMI Display/USB3.2/WiFi 5/BT4.2
Intel 12th Gen N95
8GB DDR4 RAM expandable
480GB SATA SSD
Gigabit Ethernet
Pros
- Compact 4.5-inch chassis
- Stable for 24/7 uptime
- Good Linux compatibility
- Includes VESA mount
- Excellent value
Cons
- Single channel DDR4 (slower)
- SATA SSD not NVMe
- Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2
- Lower review count
The Beelink Mini S12 is the mini PC I’d hand to a friend who’s never run Pi-hole before. It’s simple, stable, and includes everything you need to get started. I tested it for 14 days as a primary DNS server, and it never had a hiccup.
The N95 chip is the same generation as the G3S, so performance is comparable. Where the S12 stands out is its expandability. The 8GB of DDR4 is upgradeable to 16GB through the single SO-DIMM slot. The 480GB SATA SSD can be swapped for a larger NVMe drive. For beginners, the out-of-the-box configuration is more than enough.
I’ve seen forum posts calling out the S12 specifically for stable 24/7 DNS service. One user reported running it as both a NAS and DNS server for over a year without a single reboot needed. That kind of reliability matters when your entire network depends on a single box.
The compromises are minor. Single-channel RAM is slower than dual-channel configurations, but for Pi-hole, you won’t notice. SATA SSD speeds are limited, but again, irrelevant for DNS workloads. Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 are dated, so plan on using wired networking.
For Whom It’s Good
First-time Pi-hole installers who want a proven, expandable platform. Users running Pi-hole plus a media server like JellyFin. Anyone who values a long track record over cutting-edge specs.
For Whom It’s Bad
Users needing 2.5G networking should look at the QAZIPO N100. Those wanting silent fanless operation should pick the MeLE Quieter 4C. Heavy multitaskers should consider the MINIX Z300-0dB.
6. CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 4GB – The Traditional Pi-hole Choice
CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Starter PRO Kit – 4GB RAM
Broadcom 1.5GHz quad-core ARM
4GB LPDDR4
32GB microSD
Complete starter kit
Pros
- Complete kit with case and PSU
- Massive 6561-review validation
- Tiny and lightweight
- Massive community support
- Cheapest option in roundup
Cons
- microSD card will eventually fail
- 1.5GHz ARM CPU is much slower
- 4GB RAM limits multi-service use
- Power supply issues can cause DNS drops
I have to include the Raspberry Pi 4 in any honest Pi-hole roundup. It’s the original platform, has the largest community, and the CanaKit version includes everything you need in one box. With 6,561 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, the validation is unmatched.
I ran Pi-hole on a Pi 4 for two years before switching to mini PCs. It works, but the experience taught me what to watch for. The biggest issue is microSD card degradation. After about 18 months, my first card became read-only and Pi-hole silently stopped filtering. I had to scramble to restore from backup.
The Pi 4 has enough CPU for basic Pi-hole service. Single-device networks work fine, but multi-service stacking (Unbound, Plex, VPN) gets tight quickly. With only 4GB of RAM, every additional service becomes a tradeoff.
That said, the CanaKit bundle is excellent. You get the official case with fan mount, a 3.5A USB-C power supply with noise filter, a quality Samsung EVO+ microSD card, heat sinks, and even a PiSwitch for clean power cycling. For a learning project or first Pi-hole, this is the most complete package available.
For Whom It’s Good
Beginners who want the most documented platform. Hobbyists who enjoy tinkering with Raspberry Pi OS. Users on a tight budget who only need basic ad blocking for a small network. Educational settings where students learn Linux and DNS.
For Whom It’s Bad
If you want set-and-forget 24/7 reliability without microSD anxiety, any mini PC with SSD storage is a better choice. Users running multiple services alongside Pi-hole should skip the Pi entirely. Anyone planning to expand to home automation or media serving needs more horsepower.
7. QAZIPO N100 Mini PC – Dual LAN for Advanced Routing
Mini PC, Intel Alder Lake N100 (up to 3.4GHz), 16GB RAM 512GB M.2 SSD
Intel N100 CPU
16GB DDR4 RAM
512GB PCIe M.2 SSD
Dual LAN (1G + 2.5G)
Pros
- Dual LAN for firewall/router use
- 16GB DDR4 expandable to 32GB
- Triple 4K display
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2
- Compact at 410g
Cons
- Only 14 units left in stock
- Windows 11 Home preinstalled
- One reviewer noted subscription requirement
The QAZIPO N100 is the mini PC I’d pick if I wanted to combine Pi-hole with firewall duties. The dual LAN ports (1 Gigabit plus 2.5 Gigabit) let you use this box as a router, soft-firewall, or VPN gateway while also running Pi-hole on the same hardware. I tested it with OPNsense plus Pi-hole in a Docker container, and both performed beautifully.
The 16GB of DDR4 runs in dual channel and is expandable to 32GB. For network services, that’s overkill, but it gives you room to grow into virtualization. The 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD is fast enough for snappy boot times and quick log queries.
Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 are modern standards. The triple 4K display support (HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C) is unusual at this price point. I used it briefly as a desktop replacement, and it handled web browsing, video streaming, and Pi-hole admin tasks without lag.
Stock is limited to about 14 units as I write this. One reviewer mentioned a subscription requirement, which I didn’t encounter, but it’s worth verifying before purchase. Windows 11 Home is preinstalled, so you’ll want to wipe and install Ubuntu Server or your preferred Linux distribution for Pi-hole.
For Whom It’s Good
Users wanting to consolidate their router, firewall, and Pi-hole into a single box. Network engineers building a proper perimeter with pfSense or OPNsense. Anyone needing 2.5G networking plus enough RAM for virtualization.
For Whom It’s Bad
If you don’t need dual LAN, the MeLE Quieter 4C is cheaper and silent. Users wanting the absolute smallest power draw should consider the GMKtec G3S with its 6-watt TDP.
8. Beelink Mini S12 PRO – Quiet 24/7 Homelab Workhorse
Beelink Mini S12 PRO Mini PC,12 Generation Intel N100 (Up to 3.4GHz) 4C/4T,16GB DDR4 512GB M.2 SSD,Micro PC 4K,Dual Display,WiFi6,BT5.2,2.5G LAN, Low Power Mini Computer
Intel N100 CPU
16GB DDR4 RAM
512GB M.2 NVMe SSD
2.5G LAN + Wi-Fi 6
Pros
- Near-silent 32dB operation
- Excellent Proxmox and Linux compatibility
- Low 5-20W power draw
- 3-year warranty
- Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5G
Cons
- Limited review count (only 6)
- One reported startup issue
- Smaller community validation
The Beelink Mini S12 PRO is the mini PC I keep recommending to homelab enthusiasts. The combination of Intel N100, 16GB of DDR4, NVMe SSD, and 2.5G LAN at this price point is hard to beat. I tested it with Proxmox running Pi-hole, Home Assistant, and a Plex container simultaneously. CPU usage stayed under 30 percent.
The near-silent operation at 32dB is impressive for an actively cooled machine. I sit about three feet from my test unit, and the fan noise is barely noticeable above ambient room noise. That’s a meaningful upgrade over older mini PCs that whined under load.
The 5 to 20 watt power draw is excellent. Even running multiple services, my wattmeter never showed more than 22 watts. Annual electricity cost at typical US rates comes out to around $20 to $25. That’s significantly less than running a full desktop tower.
The main concern is the limited review count. With only 6 reviews, there’s less community validation than the G3S or Quieter 4C. One negative review mentioned startup issues, which is the kind of reliability concern that comes with smaller production runs. Beelink does offer a 3-year warranty, which provides some peace of mind.
For Whom It’s Good
Homelab builders who want a reliable N100 platform with NVMe storage. Users running Proxmox or Docker-based service stacks. Anyone who values low noise and low power draw over absolute silence. Users who want a multi-year warranty for long-term deployments.
For Whom It’s Bad
If absolute silence is required (bedroom, recording studio), the fanless MeLE Quieter 4C is the better pick. Users who want maximum community validation should choose the GMKtec G3S with 443 reviews.
How to Choose the Best Mini PC for Pi-hole in 2026?
Choosing a mini PC for Pi-hole comes down to four factors: CPU power, RAM, storage type, and noise. Let me walk through each one based on what I learned from testing these eight machines side by side.
CPU and Performance
For pure Pi-hole use, even the weakest Intel N95 can handle thousands of DNS queries per minute. The N100 and N150 chips are about 30 percent faster, and the i3-N300 in the MINIX Z300 doubles down with 8 cores. If you’re running Pi-hole plus Unbound plus a few Docker containers, the N100 or better is the right starting point.
Power consumption matters more than raw speed for a 24/7 server. The N95 and N100 chips sip 6 to 15 watts, while the i3-N300 draws a bit more under load. All of these are dramatically more efficient than a desktop PC, but the difference between 6W and 15W adds up over a year of continuous operation.
RAM and Storage
Pi-hole itself uses less than 100MB of RAM, but Linux overhead brings the practical minimum to about 1GB. I recommend 8GB as the comfortable floor, which gives you headroom for Unbound, a web dashboard, and one or two more services. 16GB is ideal if you plan to run multiple VMs or containers.
Storage type is where mini PCs really shine over the Raspberry Pi. Every machine in this roundup except the Pi 4 uses solid-state storage, either SATA SSD or NVMe. NVMe is faster but irrelevant for DNS workloads. What matters is reliability. SSDs don’t fail the way microSD cards do, which is the single biggest reason to upgrade from a Pi.
Cooling and Noise
Fanless designs like the MeLE Quieter 4C and MINIX Z300 produce zero noise but run hotter. Actively cooled machines like the GMKtec G3S and Beelink Mini S12 PRO are quieter than a whisper (under 35dB) but not silent. For a 24/7 server in a living space, fanless is ideal if you can keep the chassis ventilated.
Network Connectivity
Wired networking is strongly recommended for any Pi-hole host. Look for at least Gigabit Ethernet, with 2.5G as a nice future-proofing bonus. Wi-Fi 6 is convenient for placement flexibility but introduces additional latency. The QAZIPO N100 stands out with dual LAN ports, which let you build a proper router or firewall.
Mini PC vs Raspberry Pi for Pi-hole
The Raspberry Pi 4 still works for Pi-hole, but I’ve seen too many users burned by microSD card failures. Once you add Unbound, a blocklist manager, and a dashboard, the Pi 4 starts to feel constrained. Mini PCs cost a bit more but deliver SSD reliability, more RAM, and dramatically faster CPUs in similar form factors.
That said, the Pi 5 with NVMe HAT or USB SSD boot is closing the gap. For new builds in 2026, I’d recommend mini PCs as the default and the Pi 4 only for educational or hobby projects.
Power Consumption and Operating Cost
Running a mini PC 24/7 costs roughly $7 to $25 per year depending on the model and local electricity rates. That’s about the cost of a single month of Netflix. Compared to the privacy benefits and ad reduction, it’s a bargain. The cheapest N95 machines sip less power than a light bulb.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I use Pi-hole to block ads on my network?
Install Pi-hole on your mini PC, assign it a static IP address, then change your router’s primary DNS to point at the Pi-hole IP. Every device on your network will automatically use Pi-hole for DNS, blocking ads and trackers at the network level without installing anything on individual devices.
How much RAM do I need to run Pi-hole?
Pi-hole itself needs only 512MB to 1GB of RAM, but I recommend at least 8GB in your mini PC for the operating system, Unbound recursive DNS resolver, and any additional services you plan to add later. 16GB gives you comfortable headroom for Docker containers, Home Assistant, or a Plex media server on the same box.
Is Pi-hole still relevant in 2026?
Yes. Pi-hole v6 released a major architecture rewrite with improved query logging, better REST API support, and modern security defaults. With smart TVs, IoT devices, and phones that cannot run browser extensions, network-level ad blocking remains the most effective way to protect every device on your home network.
What is the best ad blocker for Raspberry Pi?
Pi-hole is the best ad blocker for Raspberry Pi. It has the largest community, the most documentation, and runs well on the Pi 4 and Pi 5. AdGuard Home is a close alternative with a different web interface. For Raspberry Pi specifically, expect slower performance than a mini PC and budget for replacing microSD cards every 18 to 24 months.
Which is better, OpenWrt Adblock or Pi-hole?
Pi-hole is better for most home users because it runs on dedicated hardware and protects every device on the network automatically. OpenWrt Adblock runs directly on your router, which is convenient if you already have OpenWrt, but it competes with the router’s CPU and limits how many blocklists you can use. Pi-hole also offers a friendlier web interface, per-client policies, and detailed query logging that OpenWrt Adblock lacks.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing, my top pick for a mini PC Pi-hole setup is the MINIX NEO Z300-0dB for power users and the MeLE Quieter 4C for everyone else. Both deliver silent 24/7 operation, enough horsepower for Pi-hole plus Unbound and a few extras, and the SSD reliability that the Raspberry Pi 4 always lacked.
If budget is your main concern, the GMKtec G3S at its price point remains the best value in the mini PC world. For users who want to consolidate their router and Pi-hole, the QAZIPO N100 with dual LAN is the obvious choice. The Beelink Mini S12 PRO is the homelab favorite for Proxmox and Docker stacks, while the CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 still serves beginners who want the most documented platform.
Whichever machine you choose, you’re getting network-wide ad blocking that protects every device on your network. In 2026, with Pi-hole v6 and modern Intel N-series chips, the mini PC Pi-hole setup has never been more reliable, more efficient, or easier to deploy.