pfSense vs MikroTik RouterOS

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

pfSense is a Network & Admin solution with tags like firewall, router, networking, open-source.

It boasts features such as Stateful packet filtering firewall, Network Address Translation (NAT), Virtual Private Network (VPN) capabilities, Traffic shaping and quotas, Captive portal, High availability with CARP, Package system for adding functionality and pros including Free and open source, Wide range of features, Extensible through packages, Runs on commodity hardware, Regular security updates.

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

Product Overview

pfSense

Description: pfSense is a free, open source firewall and router platform based on FreeBSD. It has a wide range of features including traffic shaping, captive portal, VPN capabilities, and packages that add functionality.

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

pfSense Features

• Stateful packet filtering firewall
• Network Address Translation (NAT)
• Virtual Private Network (VPN) capabilities
• Traffic shaping and quotas
• Captive portal
• High availability with CARP
• Package system for adding functionality

MikroTik RouterOS Features

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

Pros & Cons Analysis

pfSense

Pros

• Free and open source
• Wide range of features
• Extensible through packages
• Runs on commodity hardware
• Regular security updates

Cons

• Complex interface for beginners
• Requires technical knowledge to setup and manage
• Limited official support options

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

pfSense

• Open Source

MikroTik RouterOS

• One-time Purchase
• Custom Pricing