The question still remains because what upstream DNS server in Pi-hole will you use? You’ll always need to use a DNS server on the internet unless you use hyperlocal.
You don’t cut the middle man, you create the middle man with Unbound. And Unbound needs to ask other DNS servers on the internet to resolve DNS queries. Your local DNS server can’t just magically know which IP is behind a domain like for example google.com. It needs to ask other DNS servers that know the answer. So unless you’re not using hyperlocal you will always need a DNS server on the internet to browse the web.
Seconding this, especially if you enjoy homelab/DIY tech projects. It’s super simple with tons of guides around. Plus you get the added benefit of fewer ads and junk.
Depends on how you want to use it. For home use, I’d say setup a Pi-Hole with Unbound. You can add your own blocklists and it cuts out the middle man.
The question still remains because what upstream DNS server in Pi-hole will you use? You’ll always need to use a DNS server on the internet unless you use hyperlocal.
With Unbound, you can set it up as a recursive DNS server. Hence, cutting out the middle man. https://docs.pi-hole.net/guides/dns/unbound/
You don’t cut the middle man, you create the middle man with Unbound. And Unbound needs to ask other DNS servers on the internet to resolve DNS queries. Your local DNS server can’t just magically know which IP is behind a domain like for example google.com. It needs to ask other DNS servers that know the answer. So unless you’re not using hyperlocal you will always need a DNS server on the internet to browse the web.
Here’s an explanation by Cloudflare.
Seconding this, especially if you enjoy homelab/DIY tech projects. It’s super simple with tons of guides around. Plus you get the added benefit of fewer ads and junk.