flexiWAN

flexiWAN is an open-source SD-WAN and SASE platform for organizations coordinating routing and security across distributed network edges. It is most compelling for enterprises and smaller service providers that need multiple topologies and automated multi-WAN operations. The 10-site limit and fees that begin after the trial make deployment scale and post-trial cost essential checks.

Overview

Three components divide the work: flexiManage handles centralized management, flexiEdge provides local routing and security, and flexiAgent synchronizes and monitors. That structure suits teams that want a common management layer for edge deployments rather than isolated site-by-site administration. The hybrid deployment model also accommodates more than one deployment approach.

flexiWAN describes itself as an open-source SD-WAN and SASE solution. It publishes source code for security review and directs vulnerability reports to its security email address, but it does not offer a bounty program.

Key features

Routing and resilience

IPSec over VxLAN tunnels and full-mesh, hub-and-spoke, and partial-mesh topologies give network teams useful choices for connecting sites. Application-based path selection, internet breakout, DHCP, and static routes cover traffic steering and routine network configuration. Zero-touch provisioning, automatic multi-WAN failover, load balancing across multiple tunnels, and AI-based network healing target the operational work of keeping distributed links available.

Security and integrations

Firewall controls include application identification, port forwarding, and 1:1 NAT, with two-factor authentication for logins. The modular App Store adds third-party applications for firewall and security, WAN optimization, voice and video optimization, and deep packet inspection. This breadth is useful for teams building around specific edge requirements, though it also means the platform is modular rather than a single fixed feature set.

The feature roadmap includes a northbound REST API with access keys, plus APIs and a user interface on flexiEdge. Cloud and VPS deployments include Google Cloud Platform, AWS EC2, Oracle Cloud, Hetzner Cloud, and DigitalOcean. Pre-built virtual appliances are available for VMware, KVM/QEMU/Proxmox, and VirtualBox.

Pricing

flexiWAN offers a free Enterprise SaaS tier for 1–5 flexiEdge instances, marked as having a free trial available. The paid Enterprise SaaS tiers are billed per instance per month, with monthly or yearly terms:

1–10 instances: $33 a year on the yearly plan or $40 a month on the monthly plan.

11–100 instances: $25 a year yearly or $30 a month monthly.

101–500 instances: $21 a year yearly or $25 a month monthly.

501–1,000 instances: $17 a year yearly or $20 a month monthly.

1,001–5,000 instances: $12 a month on the monthly plan.

The lower instance tiers suit smaller rollouts; the larger tiers reduce the per-instance rate for deployments at scale. The yearly prices are billed per instance per month despite the annual term, so they should not be mistaken for an annual per-instance total. The free tier is limited to 1–5 instances, and the stated site limit is 10, an important distinction for teams planning more locations. A 30-day trial includes support and help with installation and configuration as required. Minimum fees apply after the trial, and only one account and trial period is offered per person, company, or organization.

Platforms

flexiWAN supports API, Linux, self-hosted, and web platforms. Its cloud and VPS options and virtual appliances extend deployment choices, while the 10-site limit may rule it out for organizations with a wider footprint.

Who it's for

The SaaS model is presented for enterprises and small-to-medium service-provider deployments; the service-provider model is typically used by service providers and system integrators. It is a better fit for teams that value flexible topology, centralized edge management, and automated failover than for organizations whose rollout requires more than 10 sites.

Pros and cons

Pro: Multiple mesh and hub-and-spoke topologies, application-based routing, failover, and tunnel load balancing support varied multi-site designs.

Pro: Firewall controls, 2FA, and a modular App Store let teams combine routing with security and optimization applications.

Pro: Cloud, VPS, and virtual-appliance options support deployments across several common infrastructure environments.

Con: The 10-site limit constrains broader deployments even though instance pricing reaches 5,000 flexiEdge instances.

Con: Minimum fees begin after the 30-day trial, so the free tier is not a guarantee of ongoing zero-cost use.

Con: There is no vulnerability bounty program for security researchers.

Alternatives

For a directory of comparable products, see SD-WAN Software.

Cloudflare Access is a freemium option with a free plan for under 50 users and broad desktop, mobile, Linux, API, and web support; it may suit teams looking for user-oriented access controls rather than flexiWAN's site networking focus.

AccessOne is a paid connectivity and cybersecurity option from a provider operating exclusively in the Philippines.

Cato Client is a paid client for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows, with a commercial license purchased for one or more years through a Cato representative or reseller.

D-Link Nuclias Cloud SD-WAN Gateway (DBG-2000) offers a free model and gateway licenses priced at $111.99 a year for one year or $278.99 a year for three years; consider it when a gateway-license structure fits better.

Versa Zero Trust Network Access has paid Essential and Professional plans, including an Essential tier for 10 applications.

Arista NG Firewall has a free plan with basic security and connectivity features, making it a more direct choice when those limited capabilities are sufficient.

ExtremeControl is a paid option available across API, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web, and Windows platforms.

Peplink SD-WAN offers free InControl 2 for in-warranty devices that meet its firmware requirements, which may suit teams already using compatible Peplink hardware.

Verdict

Choose flexiWAN if you need centralized SD-WAN management with flexible routing, edge security, and automated multi-WAN operations across a deployment of up to 10 sites. Its main advantage is the breadth of networking and deployment options; look elsewhere if you need a larger site footprint or cannot accept minimum fees after the trial.