2021-10-12T10:32:00Z
NC
Content Manager at PeerSpot (formerly IT Central Station)
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What is the difference between PfSense and OPNsense?

Which is better?

1
PeerSpot user
1 Answer
Janet Staver - PeerSpot reviewer
Tech Blogger
Real User
Top 5
2021-10-28T14:03:15Z
Oct 28, 2021

Two of the most common and well recognized firewalls, PfSense and OPNsense both support site-to-site IPsec VPN and client, Open VPN and client, and PPTP client. Both also have intrusion detection and prevention in transparent mode. I like that both firewalls offer DNS filtering with any DNS filtering company and also have a network configuration feature with customized configuration that is enabled by a setup wizard.


Two stark differences between PfSense and OPNsense are that PfSense does not allow for quick updates and patches, but OPNsense does. On the flipside, PfSense has two factor authentication that works with a remote radius server, which OPNsense can’t do.


Another feature of each to consider based on your company needs is the dashboard; PfSense has drop-down menus, while OPNsense has its menus placed on the left side. It comes down to your personal preference, but I find that having menus on the left side of a dashboard makes it easier to use because it is organized and navigation is clear. Some people may think OPNsense is harder to navigate because of the messy dashboard layout.


What I like about both options is that they are free to download and use. They also both have frequent updates, with constant updated documentation. OPNsense seems to be more intuitive to use and has a great reporting feature. PfSense, though, seems to have more product tutorials available and also more answers to FAQs that can be easily found online.


Conclusion


Both products have a similar set of features. In my opinion, though, I think PfSense is superior to OPNsense, not only because it has an array of features but also because it has an automatic backup feature that I find very valuable.

Find out what your peers are saying about OPNsense vs. pfSense and other solutions. Updated: March 2023.
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Hello community,  I work at an educational organization and I am currently researching firewalls. Which solution do you prefer: pfSense or OPNsense? Why is pfSense's firewall better than OPNsense's? Thank you for your help.
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User at nwr
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Hello peers,  I am researching firewalls and found the following two options: Fortinet FortiGate and pfSense.  What are the differences between these two firewalls? Which firewall do you prefer and why? Thank you for your help.
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CR
Director at REDCO
Dec 27, 2022
Especially with support and updates of the signatures, FortiGate has a more solid base. Being an IPO company, with respect to Pfsense, start as a community project and you can purchase support and even dedicated appliances if you have a budget for FortiGate, or if you are starting Pfsense. Greetings
CR
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Dec 27, 2022
Both are very good products, but some features that Sophos mentioned as new, FortiGate has been handling. If you are going to grow with several appliances I recommend Sophos, since the administration can be done from the cloud. With Fortinet, you have to pay a licensing fee. In terms of costs and all the options, they are very similar. Another detail to review is the support, at the beginning with Fortigate, I had enough details, but it is really improving significantly with respect to Sophos.  My comment is based on experience and I do not lean toward any of the brands. To reiterate, they are good types of equipment.
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