If Pfsense is not the right choice for you and you are looking for the perfect Pfsense alternative, then you are in the right place. We have compiled a list of the top 10 best alternatives to Pfsense to help you find the right alternative that fits your needs.
OPNsense
OPNsense is a great alternative to Pfsense and offers features such as open-source firewall and routing platform, feature-rich and customizable, active community support.
Some of the advantages of choosing OPNsense include: open-source firewall and routing platform, feature-rich and customizable, active community support.
On the other hand, the downsides of using OPNsense are: may require advanced networking knowledge for complex configurations, not suitable for users looking for a turnkey solution.
Untangle
Untangle is also a good alternative to Pfsense and provides many useful features such as network security and content filtering platform, provides firewall and VPN capabilities.
The biggest advantages of choosing Untangle include: robust security features for network protection, user-friendly interface and setup, supports content filtering and web monitoring.
The cons of using Untangle are: some advanced features may require additional licensing, hardware requirements for certain features.
Sophos UTM
Sophos UTM makes a good alternative to Pfsense because it offers similar features, such as unified threat management software, provides firewall, VPN, and antivirus capabilities.
The positives we found about it include: all-in-one security solution for networks, user-friendly interface and setup, supports various security features.
The worst part of using this software is: may require additional licensing for advanced security features, resource-intensive for large-scale networks.
Fortinet
Pfsense and Fortinet are two different solutions on the market, but they share some features and functionalities.
Fortinet offers features such as cybersecurity and network security solutions provider.
Some of the things where Fortinet excels are: comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, supports network protection and threat detection, reliable and scalable.
On the other side, some of the cons include: pricing can be high for some plans, may have a learning curve for new users.
Cisco ASA
The target audience for Pfsense and Cisco ASA are quite different, but their features overlap so it could make a good alternative.
The main key features of Cisco ASA are: adaptive security appliance and firewall from Cisco.
Some of the reasons why you should consider Cisco ASA are: provides robust security and threat protection, supports VPN and remote access, scalable for large networks.
Unfortunately, some of the problems you may find could be: may require additional licensing for certain advanced features, setup and configuration can be complex for non-technical users.
SonicWall
SonicWall can be a good alternative to Pfsense, but there are some differences that you need to be aware of.
SonicWall has an extensive feature suit that makes it a good option. Some of the main features are: unified threat management solution by Sophos.
SonicWall shines when it comes to offers a wide range of security features, including firewall, antivirus, and web filtering.
The downside of using SonicWall is: may have a learning curve for new users, require continuous updates for threat detection.
Check Point
Both Pfsense and Check Point offer great and similar features. The top features of Check Point are: cybersecurity and network security solutions.
Some of the reasons that might make you choose Check Point are: offers a wide range of security features, including firewall and threat prevention.
The reasons that might make you avoid Check Point are: may require specific hardware and software configurations for certain security features and have a learning curve for new users.
VyOS
In terms of features, there’s not too much to complain about VyOS as an alternative to Pfsense.
It offers many useful features, such as: open-source network operating system.
The dealbreaker could be things like: may have a learning curve for new users and require specific network knowledge for advanced configurations.
On the other hand, VyOS trumps when it comes to supports routing, firewall, and VPN services, provides configuration via command-line or web-based interface.
MikroTik
Features such as network router and software provider make MikroTik an attractive alternative to Pfsense.
Some of the things we love about MikroTik include: offers various routing and networking solutions, provides flexible configurations and monitoring tools.
What we didn’t like much about MikroTik is: may have a learning curve for new users and require specific network knowledge for advanced configurations.
ClearOS
If we outline the main features of ClearOS, we end up with features like: Linux-based operating system for IT and network management. This makes it a valid alternative to Pfsense.
What we loved about ClearOS were things such as: supports network security, firewall, and application management.
Our main criticism of ClearOS is some limitations like: may have limitations on certain network configurations and require specific hardware for certain features.
Conclusion: The Best Pfsense Alternative For You
Pfsense is a good platform that can help you in many ways. However, if you need an alternative, you have plenty of amazing tools you can pick from our list.
Our main recommendations as Pfsense alternatives are OPNsense, Untangle, and Sophos UTM, but remember that not all software was created equal, so you need to prioritize your specific needs and choose accordingly.
