OPNsense Reviews

Name: OPNsense
Brand: OPNsense
Rating: 4.2 (40 reviews)

4.2 out of 5

40 reviews
97% willing to recommend

What is OPNsense?

OPNsense is widely used for firewall functionalities, intrusion detection, VPN and IPSec, content filtering, securing network traffic, and remote access. It protects internal networks and manages servers securely, suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.

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OPNsense is the #3 ranked solution in best firewalls. PeerSpot users give OPNsense an average rating of 8.4 out of 10. OPNsense is most commonly compared to Fortinet FortiGate: OPNsense vs Fortinet FortiGate. OPNsense is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 41% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 16% of all views.

Helped 865,140 peers since 2012

Featured OPNsense reviews

Akram Zaki Hussein

System and Network Administrator at El Sadat City Language School

The interface is user-friendly, but there's room for improvement in terms of intuitiveness. The bundle management aspect requires additional attention to make it more intuitive, especially for inspecting high-level traffic. This is crucial, especially for larger companies where the existing features might not be the most optimal choice, given limitations like printer constraints. For high availability, it's crucial to have a method in place where a designated component oversees the entire process. Given that OPNsense plays a pivotal role as a firewall, safeguarding against various threats, having a reliable backup ensures uninterrupted protection even if unforeseen events impact the primary virtual machine. It would be beneficial if OPNsense supported additional virtualization platforms like Hyper-V from Microsoft and VMware, similar to how Kaspersky has integrated them.

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Eddy Ramirez

IT Security Director at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees

The security has improved as we can isolate the network. We can do attrition prevention via a tool that comes with the solution. We can have a VPN solution in place for those that work from home, outside the network, in a secure manner. We also like that it offers good authentication. It offers radius-based authentication, which has been useful for the company. The main platform is under the Open VPN firewall. The solution has high availability. When we have different ISPs, we can actually load balance those links or actually put some priority or even classify the traffic that might go into one ISP or another.

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Michael Dietze

Project Manager at CC GmbH

The deployment process takes almost an hour. The installation process involves several steps. First, you need to install the software. Then, configure the interfaces as needed. After that, establish the necessary rules for the software to function correctly. Finally, configure the VPN settings to ensure secure communication. I rate the solution a seven out of ten.

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OPNsense mindshare

As of August 2025, the mindshare of OPNsense in the Firewalls category stands at 11.6%, down from 17.6% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Firewalls

PeerResearch reports based on OPNsense reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Firewalls	Aug 17, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Aug 17, 2025	Download
Comparison	OPNsense vs Netgate pfSense	Aug 17, 2025	Download
Comparison	OPNsense vs Fortinet FortiGate	Aug 17, 2025	Download
Comparison	OPNsense vs Sophos XG	Aug 17, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Fortinet FortiGate	4.2	20.8%	91%	410 interviews Add to research
Netgate pfSense	4.3	12.0%	93%	217 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

OPNsense offers flexibility, user-friendliness, and ease of configuration. Its valuable features include a robust firewall, VPN capabilities, reporting and visibility tools, integration with Let's Encrypt certificates, and a user-friendly interface. Users appreciate its open-source nature, regular updates, and the ability to deploy on custom hardware. They also value content filtering, DNS-level filtering, and the geo-location services. The solution's stability, comprehensive plugin options, and documentation enhance its functionality and ease of management.

"Overall, I would rate OPNsense as nine out of ten."
"OPNsense is very stable, easy to upgrade, and maintain."
"I mostly rely on the solution's network intrusion detection and prevention system, along with other systems, CMs, and log management."

Room for Improvement

OPNsense faces challenges such as integration issues with virtual servers, translation difficulties, complex configurations, and the need for a simplified interface. Users express a desire for improvements in VPN features, real-time monitoring, threat intelligence, and documentation. Some note the lack of compatibility with pfSense, while others highlight issues with high availability, hardware updates, and reporting. Enhancing these aspects could make OPNsense more appealing, especially for small businesses and those seeking affordable solutions.

"OPNsense struggles to handle large volumes of voice traffic, indicating scalability issues in that specific use case."
"SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network) is integrated into some restricted service providers for OPNSense."
"pfSense has better performance and quicker updates."

ROI

Users experienced an ROI from OPNsense in under three months. Although external factors like economic challenges and geopolitical events impact business, they reported saving $5,000 annually due to no recurring fees. Even up-front equipment and setup costs were recuperated within this period. Threat detection and containment time improved significantly, decreasing from 50 minutes to 15 minutes. Users noted substantial operational changes when compared to Check Point and FortiNet.

Pricing

OPNsense offers a cost-effective solution for enterprises. Many users report no licensing fees since it is open-source, with primary costs being hardware or infrastructure. Optional paid versions offer additional features, but the community edition remains popular for its affordability, especially when compared to alternatives like FortiGate and Palo Alto. While some expenses, such as support or specialized tools, may arise, overall, users find OPNsense competitively priced and budget-friendly for deploying essential firewall capabilities.

"I've used the free version. My computer with two network cards at home allows me to try as many different software options as I want. I did pay for the license, but it was for the Zenarmor license, which is the packet inspection tool. They use AI for packet inspection, which integrates with OPNsense and pfSense."
"It is free."
"I would rate the pricing a nine out of ten, especially considering the availability of a free community edition."

Popular Use Cases

Users primarily utilize OPNsense for VPN connections, firewall functions, and intrusion prevention. It serves as a critical component for securing data centers, office networks, and cloud environments. They implement it to manage site-to-site connections, secure remote access, and detect malicious activities. Many companies deploy it for security and traffic control, integrating with other systems like SAP and OpenVPN, adapting for both on-premises and cloud-based applications for various industries like finance and retail.

Service and Support

Many users resolve issues themselves through forums and online resources. A few have contacted OPNsense support with positive results, though some find support less accessible. Community assistance is frequently used, and information is abundant online. Users generally self-manage technical aspects, with some expressing that the service could improve. Local support is often preferred for smaller entities due to perceived high costs and less accessibility.

Deployment

OPNsense's initial setup is often described as easy and straightforward. Many users report deployment times ranging from minutes to a few days, with minimal difficulty if equipped with basic firewall knowledge. Some express minor issues, such as with VPN reliability or complex IP configurations, yet most find that setup requires only one person. Users familiar with network systems or equipped with prior experience have an even quicker and smoother setup process.

Scalability

OPNsense exhibits strong scalability across diverse user environments. Companies appreciate its adaptability in accommodating varying user loads, and many highlight its flexibility with hardware and VM deployments. While successfully supporting thousands of users, some note potential limitations for large enterprise-scale demands. It's rated highly for scaling capabilities, often ranging from seven to nine out of ten, although hardware adjustments may enhance performance. Specific scenarios, like handling voice traffic, present challenges, yet it remains a popular choice for many organizations.

Stability

OPNsense demonstrates consistent stability for many, yet some face issues with VPN and high availability transitions. While deployment on older hardware might show reliability concerns, newer setups tend to perform better. Users appreciate smooth performance, though certain features might require further updates. Resource allocation and updates can affect performance, but typically, OPNsense provides a stable operational environment. Some users rate stability highly, despite periodic issues with specific configurations and network demands.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our OPNsense Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

16%

Comms Service Provider

15%

University

Educational Organization

Manufacturing Company

Government

Financial Services Firm

Media Company

Retailer

Hospitality Company

Healthcare Company

Non Profit

Energy/Utilities Company

Outsourcing Company

Construction Company

Insurance Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Transportation Company

Legal Firm

Performing Arts

Wholesaler/Distributor

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Compare OPNsense with alternative products

Learn more about OPNsense

OPNsense is a comprehensive firewall solution leveraging open-source technology. It integrates with third-party modules like WireGuard and CrowdSec, enhancing its security capabilities. Offering on-premises and cloud deployment, it features an intuitive graphical interface, advanced reporting, VPN functionality, IDS/IPS features, and high scalability. Users find it ideal for small businesses and home networks due to its stability and ease of use. Frequent updates and an active community support its continuous improvement. However, it needs advancements in VPN selection, scalability, and technical documentation. Enhanced high availability, threat intelligence, and integration with virtualization platforms are required. User feedback suggests improvements in connectivity, alerting, traffic monitoring, and antivirus protection.

What are the key features of OPNsense?

Strong Firewall: Robust firewall capabilities for securing network traffic.
Intrusion Detection and Prevention: Effective IDS/IPS for threat mitigation.
VPN Functionality: Comprehensive VPN support including WireGuard.
Content Filtering: DNS-level filtering for enhanced security.
Advanced Reporting: In-depth traffic analysis and reporting features.
High Scalability: Supports growing network demands.
Integration Capabilities: Works with third-party modules like CrowdSec.
Intuitive GUI: User-friendly graphical interface enhances usability.

What benefits should users look for in OPNsense reviews?

Security: High level of protection for internal networks.
Manageability: Easy management of servers and network traffic.
Cost-Effective: Open-source nature reduces costs.
Reliability: Stable performance suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.
Community Support: Active community and frequent updates.

OPNsense is implemented across various industries to secure network infrastructure and ensure reliable connectivity. In fintech, it safeguards sensitive financial data while maintaining compliance. Educational institutions deploy it to protect student information and enable secure remote learning environments. Healthcare organizations use it to secure patient data and comply with HIPAA regulations. By integrating with tools like WireGuard and CrowdSec, businesses enhance their cybersecurity posture and streamline network management, making OPNsense a versatile choice for diverse operational needs.

OPNsense customers

1. Deciso B.V.

2. iXsystems, Inc.

3. EuroBSDCon

4. Netgate

5. Claranet

6. Voleatech

7. Open Systems AG

8. Securebit AG

9. Proxmox Server Solutions GmbH

10. AVM Computersysteme Vertriebs GmbH

Additional customers include: T-Systems International GmbH, Deutsche Telekom AG, Vodafone GmbH, 1&1 IONOS SE, OVHcloud, Hetzner Online GmbH, Strato AG, PlusServer GmbH, Host Europe GmbH, United Internet AG, 1&1 Versatel Deutschland GmbH, QSC AG, Bechtle AG, Cancom SE, Computacenter AG & Co. oHG, T-Systems Multimedia Solutions GmbH, Atos SE, Capgemini SE, Accenture plc, IBM Corporation, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company, Cisco Systems, Inc.