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pfSense

pfsense.com

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Spec score 7.5 #62 of 81 in Firewall Software

What it is

pfSense is a free, open-source FreeBSD distribution for firewall and router functions, managed through a web interface. Its source code is distributed under the Apache 2.0 license, and a package system lets users add functionality. Documented network features include firewalling, routing, VLANs, multiple WAN connections, high availability, traffic shaping, and captive portal. VPN options include IPsec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard; OpenVPN documentation lists authentication through local users, LDAP, or RADIUS servers. Deployment options include hardware, virtual machines, and public cloud. The software is available in the AWS and Azure marketplaces, including their US GovCloud regions. Netgate publishes security advisories, accepts vulnerability reports through its Security Team, and sells global support for self-installed software and virtual deployments. The Community Edition is a free download; listed Plus support plans offer either a limited number of tickets or unlimited tickets. One installation constraint: the USB memstick installer overwrites the entire hard drive and does not support dual booting with another OS.

Spec sheet

Purpose
pfSense is a free, open-source FreeBSD distribution designed to work as a firewall and router, managed through a web interface.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pfsense.com
Intended users
The maker lists home and remote workers, businesses, government, education, and service providers among pfSense Plus users.Read 7 Oct 2026 · netgate.com
Free plan
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · netgate.com
Support
Netgate offers purchasable global support for self-installed software and virtual pfSense deployments.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pfsense.com
Headquarters
Austin, TexasRead 23 Sep 2026 · pfsense.com
Founded
2004Read 23 Sep 2026 · pfsense.com
Cloud availability
The maker says pfSense software is available in the AWS and Azure marketplaces, including their US GovCloud regions.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pfsense.com
Deployments
The maker describes hardware, virtual machine, and public cloud deployment options.Read 7 Oct 2026 · netgate.com
Extensibility
A package system lets users add functionality to the base distribution.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pfsense.com
Limits
The download guide says installing from the USB memstick installer overwrites the entire hard drive and does not support dual booting with another OS.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pfsense.com
Network features
The documentation covers firewalling, routing, VLANs, multiple WAN connections, high availability, traffic shaping, and captive portal.Read 7 Oct 2026 · docs.netgate.com
Security process
Netgate publishes security advisories and accepts vulnerability reports through its Security Team.Read 7 Oct 2026 · netgate.com
Software license
The pfSense project source code is distributed under the Apache 2.0 open-source license.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pfsense.com
VPN
pfSense supports VPN options including IPsec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard.Read 7 Oct 2026 · docs.netgate.com
VPN integration
The OpenVPN documentation lists authentication against local users, LDAP, or RADIUS servers.Read 7 Oct 2026 · docs.netgate.com

Plans and prices

pfSense CE Price not published Open-source Community Edition · Free download Read 21 Sep 2026 · netgate.com
pfSense Plus with TAC Lite Price not published Limited number of tickets Read 21 Sep 2026 · netgate.com
pfSense Plus with TAC Pro Price not published Unlimited tickets Read 21 Sep 2026 · netgate.com
pfSense Plus with TAC Enterprise Price not published Unlimited tickets Read 21 Sep 2026 · netgate.com

Every pfSense plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free, open-source Community Edition
  • Supports IPsec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard
  • Available in AWS and Azure marketplaces
  • Package system adds functionality

Limits

  • USB memstick installation overwrites the entire hard drive
  • USB memstick installation does not support dual booting
  • Global support is purchasable

Who it suits

pfSense suits home and remote workers, businesses, government, education, and service providers seeking firewall and router capabilities. It can be deployed on hardware, virtual machines, or in public cloud.

Verdict

pfSense combines firewall and router features with hardware, virtual machine, and cloud deployment options. Consider the installer’s full-drive overwrite and lack of dual-boot support before installation.

Where Specifiction places it

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