Apache NuttX vs OPNsense
Apache NuttX
nuttx.apache.org
OPNsense
opnsense.orgSide by side
| Figure | Apache NuttX | OPNsense |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 6 |
| Spec score · Operating Systems | 9.0 (#2) | 9.0 (#3) |
| Documentation depth | Documentation is generated with Sphinx from reStructuredText and includes installation, board, driver, API and contribution guidance. | Official documentation covers feature guides, API reference, architecture, security, releases, hardware, installation, virtualization, and troubleshooting. |
| Extensibility | Architecture APIs, board configurations, driver skeletons, host tools and configuration variables are documented for adding platforms and features. | Its Model View Controller architecture automatically gives API capabilities to components using the full architecture, and plugins extend the base system. |
| License | NuttX is distributed under the Apache License 2.0. | OPNsense is available under the Open Source Initiative approved 2-clause BSD license. |
| Support | The project homepage lists a main mailing list and Discord as community channels, and describes NuttX as maintained by volunteers. | Commercial support offers network-design advice, issue solving, and custom development for an annual fee. |
| What it does | Apache NuttX is a free, open-source real-time operating system for deeply embedded devices. | OPNsense is a FreeBSD-based open-source firewall and routing platform administered through a web interface. |
Plans
OPNsense
- Business EditionPrice not published
- Business Edition 3YrPrice not published
- Community EditionFree
- OPNsense Business Edition 1yr subscription€149 a year
- OPNsense Business Edition (3Yr)€399, paid once
- OPNsense Business Edition 3Yr€399 a year
In their own words
Apache NuttX
Apache NuttX is a real-time operating system for embedded systems, designed for a small footprint and standards-oriented development. It scales across 8-bit to 64-bit microcontroller environments and supports more than 15 CPU architectures, including ARM, RISC-V, x86, and Xtensa. The project lists support for more than 300 hardware boards and over 1,500 configuration templates for prototyping and production. NuttX uses POSIX and ANSI as its main standards, with POSIX serving as a development guideline rather than a licensed trademark claim. Optional filesystem support includes VFAT, ROMFS, littlefs, and NFS version 3 over UDP, and networking includes a BSD-compatible socket interface. It is free and open-source software, with separate release artifacts for the OS and integrated Apps. The configurable build system targets physical boards and devices as well as documented simulator targets. Its pseudo root filesystem can work without physical storage; mounting a true filesystem requires the relevant drivers and filesystem support. The project lists a main mailing list and Discord as community channels and is maintained by volunteers.
OPNsense
OPNsense is an open-source firewall and routing platform based on FreeBSD, available for self-hosted, web, and API use. Its stateful firewall supports IPv4 and IPv6 and provides live views of passed and blocked traffic. VPN integrations include IPsec, OpenVPN, Tinc, and WireGuard. CARP supports automatic hardware failover with state synchronization, and inline intrusion prevention uses Suricata with Proofpoint Emerging Threats Open rules. The modular Model View Controller framework supports extensions and API functionality. Authentication options include LDAP, Active Directory, RADIUS, captive portal authentication, and 802.1X through a plugin. Community Edition is free at free under the 2-clause BSD license, and installation is limited to x86-64 architecture. Official setup guides cover AWS images, OVA images, and an Azure Virtual Appliance. Business subscriptions add commercial features and support; listed prices are €149 a year or €399 a year for three years. The project began in 2014 as a fork of pfSense and m0n0wall, with its first official release in January 2015.