pfSense AlternativesFirewalls & VPN Services like pfSense

pfSense is described as 'Free and open source firewall and router that also features unified threat management, load balancing, multi WAN, and more' and is a very popular Firewall in the security & privacy category. There are more than 25 alternatives to pfSense for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Self-Hosted, Web-based, Raspberry Pi and Docker apps. The best pfSense alternative is OPNsense, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like pfSense are IPFire, MikroTik RouterOS, ClearOS and Sophos UTM.

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Alternatives
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Alternatives list

  1. OPNsense icon
     70 likes

    OPNsense includes most of the features available in expensive commercial firewalls, and more in many cases. It brings the rich feature set of commercial offerings with the benefits of open and verifiable sources.

    20 OPNsense alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Self-Hosted
    Good alternative?
     
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    3
  2. IPFire icon
     20 likes

    IPFire is a server distribution with intended to use as a firewall. It focuses on flexibility, and scales from small to middle sized business networks and home networks.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
  3. Linux-based system converts standard PCs into customizable routers, featuring advanced firewall, VPN server and client, bandwidth control, QoS, wireless AP, captive portal, remote management, industry protocol support, automation, and scalable licensing for network needs.

    27 MikroTik RouterOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
    Good alternative?
     
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    1
  4. ClearOS icon
     72 likes

    ClearOS is a family of operating systems for the enterprise, small business, and home. There are three editions to choose from depending on your needs and suitable to your abilities. They are: ClearOS Enterprise, ClearOS Home, and ClearOS Core.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
  5. Sophos UTM icon
     15 likes

    Sophos UTM integrates complete security software within a single appliance. Choose only the protection you need when you need it. And deploy it on the platform that best fits your business: software, hardware or virtual appliance.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Online
    Good alternative?
     
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    2
  6. Endian Firewall Community (EFW) is a "turn-key" linux security distribution that turns every system into a full featured security appliance with Unified Threat Management (UTM) functionality. The software has been designed with "usability in mind" and is very...

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
  7. DynFi® Firewall is the first French Open Source firewall. The system integrates many filtering features and allows for the first time to manage a large number of your appliances. Available for free, DynFi Firewall has two images (with VGA or Serial return) compatible with...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Self-Hosted
    Good alternative?
     
  8. Vilfo OS icon
     Like

    Vilfo OS is an easy and powerful software enabling multiple simultaneous connections to VPN servers. It contains firewall, split tunneling, DNS leak protection, VPN killswitch, notifications and much more.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Self-Hosted
    Good alternative?
     
  9. VyOS icon
     12 likes

    VyOS is a community fork of Vyatta , a Linux-based network operating system that provides software-based network routing, firewall, and VPN functionality.

    24 VyOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • US flagUnited States
    VyOS screenshot 1
    Good alternative?
     
  10. A modern replacement for Sophos UTM based on Sophos, Cyberoam and Astaro technology combined.

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Self-Hosted
    Good alternative?
     
  11. Smoothwall icon
     13 likes

    The SmoothWall Open Source Project was set up to develop and maintain SmoothWall Express - a Free firewall that includes its own security-hardened GNU/Linux operating system and an easy-to-use web interface.

    14 Smoothwall alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
  12. A secure, open-source WiFi router that simplifies network management with easy-to-use policies, device isolation, adblock and advanced DNS controls - customizable with plugins for added flexibility.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • iPhone
    • Self-Hosted
    • Raspberry Pi
    • Docker
    Good alternative?
     
12 of 31 pfSense alternatives