pfSense vs OPNsense

Struggling to choose between pfSense and OPNsense? 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, OPNsense is a Network & Admin product tagged with open-source, firewall, routing, freebsd, packet-filtering, traffic-shaping, vpn, intrusion-detection, intrusion-prevention, centralized-logging, reporting.

Its standout features include 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 it shines with pros like 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.

Feature	pfSense	OPNsense
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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Pricing Comparison

pfSense

• Open Source

OPNsense

• Open Source