Netgate pfSense Reviews

Name: Netgate pfSense
Brand: Netgate
Rating: 4.3 (217 reviews)

4.3 out of 5

217 reviews
93% willing to recommend

What is Netgate pfSense?

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.

Get the Netgate pfSense Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about Netgate pfSense, Fortinet FortiGate, OPNsense and more!

Netgate pfSense is the #1 ranked solution in best firewalls. PeerSpot users give Netgate pfSense an average rating of 8.6 out of 10. Netgate pfSense is most commonly compared to Fortinet FortiGate: Netgate pfSense vs Fortinet FortiGate. Netgate pfSense is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 42% 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 862,514 peers since 2012

Featured Netgate pfSense reviews

Jean-Pierre DAREYS

Director, Latin America at Bradmark Technologies, Inc.

I'm not knowledgeable enough to suggest new features. The use has been very straightforward. Whatever questions I've had, I've found videos to help me on YouTube, or I've been able to ask the forums. I've also reached out to technical support and I've received help although there could be more videos or tutorials from Netgate, in addition to third parties who have already implemented it, which is great. I have suffered a lot of problems over time but I don't think the problems are related to the hardware or the software. I am convinced that the problems have been related to hacking during configuration. During the setup process, while experimenting, the device would stop working or the password would suddenly not allow access, requiring re-installation and re-configuration, it was very slow going until I moved to the cloud. The dashboard is a little bit slow and the reporting isn't always current or immediate but acceptable. I'm not sure I can make data-driven decisions due to insufficient volume. I would need enhanced reporting, statistics, playback. I haven't looked at the reports a lot since because you have to access the log files, time is an issue, I use it in a home office environment.

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Jacob Sylvia

Cybersecurity Engineer at a consultancy

I would like to see a better plugin for data analytics. They have some things that you can do, but it's not purpose-built to get data out super easily. That's kind of an advanced feature, and you do have to do some configurations that are a little more advanced than some people might be comfortable with. I would also like some type of fleet management, like a dashboard where I can see multiple pfSense and their statuses. I'd also like that to be self-hosted. I don't necessarily want a cloud version of it. I'd like to host that at a parent site and have the satellite offices push their status there. I have to manage each of the devices individually. There is no interface where I can manage multiple devices. I wouldn't call it single pane of glass management. It does give me a single pane of glass for everything related to the boundary, including VPN intrusion detection, DNS, DHCP, VPN, and firewall rules. But it doesn't have that fleet management piece. I would love to see something like that. The last thing that I would like is not a feature. It's Netgate as an organization. I would like more transparency from them when they make some decisions that sometimes appear to be made in a vacuum. Most recently, the change in licensing and some of those things did not go over well in the community in general. I think some transparency from their organization would be valuable to the community at large.

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Michael-Collins

Chief information security officer at Center for Information Management, Inc.

pfSense flexibility overall is pretty good. They are making some really big improvements. That said, they're a long way from enterprise. They advertise things that they don't have. I've worked for probably 30% of the Corporate 100, and they won't tolerate the high availability and it being as buggy as it is. The fact that if you configure it incorrectly without any visual indications that it's not done in the way Netscape does, then it will not only break the firewall, it will break both firewalls. The only way you can even try to recover is by getting new images from Netgate. You have to open up a tech support case, download the image for, then reimage the firewalls, and reapply your configuration. The fact that you can completely brick your firewalls just by having a configuration that they allow, and they don't even don't tell you there's a problem until they both go down. That's totally unacceptable in an enterprise. As a standalone firewall, they're excellent. As an enterprise, we're not touching it with a ten-foot pole. It’s difficult to configure and use add-on features. It's really easy to add them. On the website, they say “Oh, we do this, this, and this.” However, they do a lot through third-party add-ons. The problem is, if there's any problems at all, the very first thing they want you to do is disable those add-ons. So that's not really supporting anything. There are two ways that firewalls are viewed: talking to the firewall and talking through the firewall. If you're talking about “to the firewall,” then it's a very robust, very secure firewall. However, it doesn't have things that they claim helps with protecting data, most of it's third party. If you want to do all these things that are typically associated with enterprise-level firewalls, most of them are done by a third party. It's not actually cooked into their product. I like their OSPF. I wish it was more current. The only bugs that are in the OSPF are ones that have been known about for almost two years. Maybe they're they're victims of their own success. Their growth curve has outstripped their technical support and has outstripped their ability to develop. They're just growing so fast. They're trying to do everything. Updates from third parties can take too long. For example, if there's a problem with a package and no available update is available, you have to wait. Since it's via a third party, there's no definable schedule, as the update needs to come from a third-party open organization with no financial interest to make the process faster. Sometimes, there's more finger-pointing than resolution. In, OSPF, they give you lots of information. However, when it comes to hardcore troubleshooting of different routing zones or things like that, then you had to keep dropping down to the CLI in order to get it. And that's where your experience can change quite a bit. If you're running OSPF on Cumulus or some of the other big routing or switching solutions, then they're running much newer versions of it, which are all bug-patched and fixed. However, pfSense is running on an operating system that is not theirs. They don't necessarily have full control over it. When you get a real enterprise firewall, and when you hook up the redundancy, you expect redundancy to work and be predictable. And never ever will the redundancy crash your system. If you don't create the interfaces in the exact same order on both firewalls every single time, if so much as one interface is out of order, if the command line is different because of the way the operating system works, you will slowly corrupt your configuration to the point where it'll break.

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Netgate pfSense mindshare

As of July 2025, the mindshare of Netgate pfSense in the Firewalls category stands at 12.3%, down from 21.6% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Firewalls

PeerResearch reports based on Netgate pfSense reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Firewalls	Jul 20, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Jul 20, 2025	Download
Comparison	Netgate pfSense vs Fortinet FortiGate	Jul 20, 2025	Download
Comparison	Netgate pfSense vs OPNsense	Jul 20, 2025	Download
Comparison	Netgate pfSense vs Sophos XG	Jul 20, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Fortinet FortiGate	4.2	21.2%	91%	390 interviews Add to research
OPNsense	4.2	11.4%	97%	40 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Netgate pfSense offers exceptional flexibility, being open-source and cost-effective. Key features include firewall and VPN capabilities, load balancing, high availability, customizable dashboards, and strong community support. It runs on various hardware, making it adaptable. Users value its straightforward interface, robust security, and scalability. The built-in package manager allows easy addition of functionality. It provides in-depth network visibility and monitoring, optimizing performance. It's widely appreciated for efficient configuration, reliability, and comprehensive documentation.

"Netgate pfSense has positively impacted my organization because when we look at other firewalls or alternatives, they are costly."
"From my perspective, the best feature of Netgate pfSense is the load balancer, as I usually take multiple internet connections. I can use both internet providers' bandwidth as a single network bandwidth, which helps in a very smooth network traffic flow."
"I would rate Netgate pfSense a 10 out of 10."

Room for Improvement

Netgate pfSense needs improvements in interface usability and dashboard modernization for mobile devices. Real-time monitoring, centralized management, and enhanced reporting require attention. Companies face challenges with plug-in compatibility and package installation. Integration with other systems and third-party tools like antivirus solutions could be better. Some users find the firewall and VPN configuration complex, while others seek more robust API and plugin documentation. Regular updates and security features are areas of concern.

"If pfSense could change its framework from FreeBSD and PHP to a different language and Linux OS, that could enhance security."
"AI would always be a plus point, and if pfSense could change its framework from FreeBSD and PHP to a different language and Linux OS, that could enhance security."
"We appreciate the flexibility of the Netgate pfSense solution, but we have waited approximately two years for new updates to the Community Edition. We are now moving to OPNsense."

ROI

Netgate pfSense provides substantial cost savings, being significantly cheaper than high-end alternatives. Users highlight the benefit of a low total cost of ownership, minimal maintenance, and impressive functionality in one package, including firewall and VPN capabilities. They appreciate its reliability, stability, and ease of upgrades. Time savings from reduced need for frequent adjustments and prevention of issues also contribute to its value. Users experience impressive productivity gains and cost efficiency compared to solutions requiring expensive licenses.

Pricing

Enterprise buyers evaluating Netgate pfSense generally appreciate its competitive pricing and cost-effectiveness. Users highlight its low total cost of ownership, especially compared to commercial options like Fortinet or SonicWall, which often incur higher licensing fees. The community edition is valued for being free, while the Plus version offers enhanced features at a reasonable annual fee. Despite some concerns about hardware costs and licensing, pfSense is lauded for delivering enterprise-level functionality at a fraction of typical market prices.

"The cost of other firewalls goes to thousands and lakhs of rupees compared to pfSense, which costs zero. If we opt for Fortinet, it costs about one lakh thirty thousand Indian rupees for the firewall, and then it costs up to almost fifteen to twenty thousand annually for the user subscription. With Netgate pfSense, all those things get covered at zero cost."
"Because the Community edition is free, we only charge for our services to the customers. In Turkey, we cannot demand normal pricing; if we were in Europe or the United States, we might collect more money from customers."
"I am using the free version."

Popular Use Cases

Netgate pfSense is used for firewalling, VPN, bandwidth management, and security in various environments, including corporate, educational, and personal networks. It excels in load balancing, routing, intrusion detection, and network management. Users deploy it for site-to-site VPNs, proxy servers, and securing remote access. Many organizations choose it for its cost-effectiveness, scalability, and flexibility across on-premise, virtual, and cloud instances, replacing more expensive solutions. It's favored for its robust security features and ease of use.

Service and Support

Netgate pfSense's customer service is often unused, with users finding solutions in forums and online resources. Community forums are highly valued, providing quick answers from knowledgeable users. Paid technical support receives mixed feedback—many find it effective and responsive, while others note delays. Users praise the courtesy and expertise of support staff. Many rely heavily on community support, saving paid support for urgent or complex issues. Paid support is perceived as costly but vital when needed.

Deployment

The initial setup of Netgate pfSense is mostly straightforward, even for those with moderate technical expertise. Numerous users find the installation similar to an OS setup, aided by tools, documentation, and online resources. Some users mention a learning curve, especially for advanced configurations or when using outdated hardware. However, those with relevant networking knowledge find the process efficient, benefiting from community support and available guides. Maintenance typically involves minimal updates and adjustments.

Scalability

Netgate pfSense is highly scalable, accommodating a broad range of users and organizations with varying network demands. It scales efficiently with appropriate hardware, allowing seamless expansion and integration into existing infrastructures. Users report that while scaling depends on underlying hardware, the system manages increased loads well, offering features like high availability and easy configuration transfers. It is well-suited for small to mid-sized networks and can also meet larger demands with the right setup.

Stability

Users report a rock-solid performance for Netgate pfSense, noting minimal issues and exceptional reliability. Instances of downtime or crashes are rare, often attributed to hardware or environmental factors. Though occasional bugs occur, these are infrequent and usually resolved quickly. Frequent stability ratings of eight to ten out of ten emphasize the system's dependable nature, making it a popular choice among those seeking a reliable network solution with consistent positive feedback.

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

Download our Netgate pfSense Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

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Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

16%

Comms Service Provider

12%

Educational Organization

Government

University

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Hospitality Company

Media Company

Construction Company

Retailer

Healthcare Company

Non Profit

Insurance Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Performing Arts

Outsourcing Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Legal Firm

Transportation Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Consumer Goods Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Compare Netgate pfSense with alternative products

Learn more about Netgate pfSense

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?

Firewall: Provides robust network security through advanced filtering and stateful packet inspections.
VPN: Ensures secure remote access with high-performing VPN capabilities.
Load Balancing: Efficiently distributes traffic across multiple ISPs, ensuring uptime and performance.
Customization: Supports various plugins for enhanced functionality, tailor-made to specific needs.
Scalability: Adapts easily to varying network demands, providing high availability and flexibility.

What benefits should be considered for ROI?

Cost-Effectiveness: Delivers premium features at a fraction of the cost of traditional network appliances.
Flexibility: Offers a customizable solution that integrates well with existing infrastructure.
Community Support: Backed by a strong user community offering insights and troubleshooting resources.
Security: Supports VLAN segmentation, enhancing protection and management of network traffic.

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.

Netgate pfSense customers

Nerds On Site Inc., RKC Development Inc., Expertech, Fisher's Technology, Ncisive, Consulting, CPURX, Vaughn's Computer House Calls, Imeretech LLC, Digital Crisis, Carolina Digital Phone, Technigogo Technology Services, The Simple Solution, SwiftecITInc, Rocky Mountain Tech Team, Free Range Geeks, Alaska Computer Geeks, Lark Information Technology, Renaissance Systems Inc., Cutting Edge Computers, Caretech LLC, GoVanguard, Network Touch Ltd, P.C. Solutions.Net, Vision Voice and Data Systems LLC, Montgomery Technologies, Techforce, Concero Networks, ASONInc, CPS Electronics and Consulting, Darkwire.net LLC, IT Specialists, MBS-Net Inc., VOICE1 LLC, Advantage Networking Inc., Powerhouse Systems, Doxa Multimedia Inc., Pro Computer Service, Virtual IT Services, A&J Computers Inc., Envision IT LLC, CommunicaONE Inc., Bone Computer Inc., Amax Engineering Corporation, QPG Ltd. Co., IT 101 Inc., Perfect Cloud Solutions, Applied Technology Group Inc., The Digital Sun Group LLC, Firespring