The author transitioned from a Pi-hole and dnscrypt-proxy setup to using Unbound, a self-hosted DNS resolver, for a week. This change aimed to enhance privacy by eliminating reliance on third-party resolvers like Quad9 and Cloudflare. With Unbound, DNS queries were resolved directly, resulting in a more decentralized approach to DNS management. The author observed significant metrics, including 25,845 resolved queries and 63,641 outbound UDP packets in just two days. Additionally, a custom ad-blocking solution was integrated, which effectively blocked ads while also providing DNSSEC validation for security. Although Unbound did not offer the same dashboard visibility as Pi-hole, it provided a clearer understanding of the DNS resolution process. Ultimately, while the author found value in Unbound's privacy benefits and control, they acknowledged that Pi-hole might still be preferable for users seeking a more user-friendly interface.