Netgate pfSense is widely leveraged by organizations for its comprehensive capabilities in firewalls, VPN servers, and bandwidth management. It suits LAN, WAN, and DMZ networks, offering secure, scalable, and efficient networking solutions.
Product | Market Share (%) |
---|---|
Netgate pfSense | 12.0% |
Fortinet FortiGate | 20.8% |
OPNsense | 11.6% |
Other | 55.6% |
Type | Title | Date | |
---|---|---|---|
Category | Firewalls | Aug 27, 2025 | Download |
Product | Reviews, tips, and advice from real users | Aug 27, 2025 | Download |
Comparison | Netgate pfSense vs Fortinet FortiGate | Aug 27, 2025 | Download |
Comparison | Netgate pfSense vs OPNsense | Aug 27, 2025 | Download |
Comparison | Netgate pfSense vs Sophos XG | Aug 27, 2025 | Download |
Title | Rating | Mindshare | Recommending | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fortinet FortiGate | 4.2 | 20.8% | 91% | 415 interviewsAdd to research |
OPNsense | 4.2 | 11.6% | 97% | 40 interviewsAdd to research |
Company Size | Count |
---|---|
Small Business | 143 |
Midsize Enterprise | 26 |
Large Enterprise | 22 |
Company Size | Count |
---|---|
Small Business | 1950 |
Midsize Enterprise | 908 |
Large Enterprise | 1990 |
Netgate pfSense stands out in diverse environments with its enterprise-grade features and cost-effective operations compared to competitors like Cisco. Deployed as an edge device, it optimizes routing, ad-blocking, content filtering, and traffic shaping. Users benefit from its versatile configurations, robust firewall protection, VPN functionality, and ISP load balancing. The open-source nature allows for extensive customization, integrating plugins like Snort and pfBlockerNG, and compatibility with third-party tools enhances its utility. The intuitive GUI combined with detailed logging and centralized management fortifies network security.
What features define Netgate pfSense?
What benefits should be considered for ROI?
Organizations in industries such as finance, healthcare, and education find Netgate pfSense integral due to its advanced security features and cost benefits. Its scalable architecture and strong VPN support are crucial for industries requiring stringent data protection and reliable remote access. The adaptability of pfSense makes it suitable for dynamic environments seeking comprehensive, secure networking solutions.
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Author info | Rating | Review Summary |
---|---|---|
Chief information security officer at Center for Information Management, Inc. | 2.5 | We use Netgate pfSense for site-to-site and OpenVPN connections, appreciating its flexible firewall features and interface. However, it lacks enterprise-grade reliability, with potential issues in configuration and support, relying heavily on third-party add-ons. |
Entrepreneur at Drive Bye Auto Rentals | 5.0 | I sought to enhance my security with Netgate pfSense, attracted by its robust features like mesh VPN and customizable firewall. While tech support could be more accessible, it efficiently reduces intrusions, saving time and frustration. |
Director, Latin America at Bradmark Technologies, Inc. | 4.5 | I find Netgate pfSense very flexible and easy to use, especially for restricting IPs by country and reducing DDoS attacks. The community support is outstanding, though I wish for more tutorials. It works well on AWS without needing hardware. |
Director of IT at a tech vendor with 51-200 employees | 4.0 | I use Netgate pfSense for both home and business firewalls and appreciate its flexibility and valuable features, like the community edition and documentation. However, Snort or Suricata can be problematic, requiring more effort compared to competitors like OPNsense. |
Owner at PC Medix, Inc. | 4.0 | I use Netgate 6100 with pfSense for site-to-site VPNs in business settings. The community support and flexibility are valuable, though the GUI is scattered, posing a learning curve. Buffer bloat and lack of alerts are minor issues. |
Cybersecurity Engineer at a consultancy | 4.0 | I use pfSense for consulting and home lab environments, appreciating its security, flexibility, and intuitive interface. It excels in firewalling and VPN functions. However, improvements are needed in data analytics, fleet management, and organizational transparency. |
Works | 4.0 | I use Netgate pfSense as a home router for its ease of use and robust features, though I'm frustrated by its costly licensing model. I prefer its user-friendly interface over VyOS but desire more affordable home-use options. |
Owner at MundyTuned | 4.0 | I use pfSense as a firewall and security appliance, valuing its flexibility, user-friendly interface, and strong community support. Its robust features, like auto backup and monitoring, enhance performance. Improvements could include centralized management and broader cloud provider support. |