OPNsense vs MikroTik RouterOS

Struggling to choose between OPNsense and MikroTik RouterOS? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

OPNsense is a Network & Admin solution with tags like open-source, firewall, routing, freebsd, packet-filtering, traffic-shaping, vpn, intrusion-detection, intrusion-prevention, centralized-logging, reporting.

It boasts features such as Stateful packet filtering firewall, Traffic shaping and QoS, VPN capabilities (IPsec, OpenVPN, L2TP), Intrusion detection and prevention, Centralized logging and reporting, Web interface for configuration and management, Plugin architecture for extensibility, High availability with CARP protocol, Captive portal for guest networks, Traffic analysis and monitoring and pros including Free and open source, Regular updates and security fixes, Extensive documentation and community support, Highly customizable via plugins, Supports latest network standards and protocols, Performs well even on low-end hardware.

On the other hand, MikroTik RouterOS is a Network & Admin product tagged with networking, router, firewall, vpn, wireless, hotspot, bandwidth-management.

Its standout features include Extensive routing capabilities, Firewall functionality, VPN support, Wireless access point management, Bandwidth management, Hotspot gateway, Networking capabilities, and it shines with pros like Highly customizable and powerful networking solution, Suitable for a wide range of networking scenarios, Supports a wide range of hardware devices, Offers a comprehensive set of networking features.

Feature	OPNsense	MikroTik RouterOS
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Network & Admin	Network & Admin

Product Overview

OPNsense

Description: OPNsense is an open source firewall and routing software based on FreeBSD. It features a stateful packet filtering firewall, traffic shaping, VPN capabilities, intrusion detection and prevention, and centralized logging and reporting.

MikroTik RouterOS

Description: MikroTik RouterOS is a Linux-based router and firewall operating system designed for use on MikroTik's hardware devices. It offers extensive routing, firewall, VPN, wireless access point, bandwidth management, hotspot gateway and other networking capabilities in a licenses package.

Key Features Comparison

OPNsense Features

• Stateful packet filtering firewall
• Traffic shaping and QoS
• VPN capabilities (IPsec, OpenVPN, L2TP)
• Intrusion detection and prevention
• Centralized logging and reporting
• Web interface for configuration and management
• Plugin architecture for extensibility
• High availability with CARP protocol
• Captive portal for guest networks
• Traffic analysis and monitoring

MikroTik RouterOS Features

• Extensive routing capabilities
• Firewall functionality
• VPN support
• Wireless access point management
• Bandwidth management
• Hotspot gateway
• Networking capabilities

Pros & Cons Analysis

OPNsense

Pros

• Free and open source
• Regular updates and security fixes
• Extensive documentation and community support
• Highly customizable via plugins
• Supports latest network standards and protocols
• Performs well even on low-end hardware

Cons

• Steeper learning curve than commercial solutions
• Lacks some features found in proprietary alternatives
• Requires more hands-on management than UTM appliances
• Plugin quality can vary

MikroTik RouterOS

Pros

• Highly customizable and powerful networking solution
• Suitable for a wide range of networking scenarios
• Supports a wide range of hardware devices
• Offers a comprehensive set of networking features

Cons

• Steep learning curve for beginners
• Limited user-friendly interface compared to some commercial alternatives
• Licensing can be complex depending on the specific use case

Pricing Comparison

OPNsense

• Open Source

MikroTik RouterOS

• One-time Purchase
• Custom Pricing