BackBox vs MikroTik RouterOS
BackBox
backbox.comMikroTik RouterOS
mikrotik.comSide by side
| Figure | BackBox | MikroTik RouterOS |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $45/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 12 |
| Spec score · Network Management Software | 8.4 (#5) | 8.9 (#2) |
| API | The product exposes a REST API following OpenAPI guidelines for custom integrations. | The API lets custom programs read information, change configuration and manage routers using syntax closely related to the command line. |
| Company legal identity | The MLSA identifies the contracting entity as BackBox Software US, a Delaware corporation. | The maker identifies itself as SIA Mikrotīkls, registration number LV40003286799, with offices and legal address in Riga, Latvia. |
| Company size | Gartner lists BackBox as a private company founded in 2009 with 11–50 employees and Dallas, USA headquarters. | LinkedIn lists MikroTik as privately held, headquartered in Riga, founded in 1996 and employing 201–500 people. |
| Headquarters | The corporate headquarters is listed at 14135 Midway Road, Greenhill Towers, Suite G250, Addison, Texas 75001. | Riga, Latvia |
| Rating on G2 | 4.5 out of 5 from 195 reviews. | 4.6 out of 5 from 30 reviews |
| Rating on TrustRadius | 10 out of 10 from 3 reviews. | 9 out of 10 from 28 reviews |
| System requirements | A quick-start guide specifies at least four CPU cores, 8 GB RAM and 80 GB disk for a small or medium virtual-machine installation. | Third-party installations require x86 or Ampere ARM, at least 64 MB RAM, at least 64 MB storage and Linux-kernel-supported network cards; RouterOS 7 needs 32 MB RAM at minimum for defaults. |
| What it does | BackBox, marketed with the Kilter platform, automates security, compliance and lifecycle management for multi-vendor network infrastructure. | RouterOS is a Linux-kernel network operating system for MikroTik routers, switches and wireless devices, and can turn a PC into a router. |
Plans
BackBox
- Kilter AIPriced on request
- Kilter ALMPriced on request
- Kilter EnterprisePriced on request
- PremiumPriced on request
- StandardPriced on request
MikroTik RouterOS
- Free DemoFree
- Level 4 WISP$45 a month
- Level 4 WISP$45, paid once
- Level 5 WISP$95, paid once
- Level 5 WISP$95 a month
- Level 6 Controller$250, paid once
- Level 6 Controller$250 a month
- 60-day TrialFree
- Free CHRFree
- P1$45, paid once
In their own words
MikroTik RouterOS
MikroTik RouterOS is networking software with VPN access, site-to-site networking, audit logs and advanced administrative controls. It supports WebFig, Windows WinBox, Android, iOS, command line, API, MikroTik hardware, x86 PCs and virtual machines. The Free Demo costs nothing and operates in 24-hour trial mode before licensing. Level 4 WISP costs $45 a month and allows 200 PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP and OVPN tunnels each. Level 5 WISP costs $95, paid once, with 500 PPPoE, PPTP and L2TP tunnels and unlimited OVPN tunnels. Level 6 Controller costs $250 a month and allows unlimited tunnels for all four types. RouterOS is listed as having a free plan and a free trial. SSO/SCIM and device posture are not supported. MikroTik is headquartered in Riga, Latvia.