ClearOS vs pfSense
ClearOS
clearos.com
pfSense
pfsense.comSide by side
| Figure | ClearOS | pfSense |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 8 | 4 |
| Spec score · Firewall Software | 8.6 (#12) | 7.5 (#62) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Network features | The marketplace lists network apps including firewall, DHCP server, DNS server, Multi-WAN, OpenVPN, and port forwarding. | The documentation covers firewalling, routing, VLANs, multiple WAN connections, high availability, traffic shaping, and captive portal. |
Plans
ClearOS
- CommunityPrice not published
- Business BronzePrice not published
- Business SilverPrice not published
- Business GoldPrice not published
- Business PlatinumPrice not published
- ClearOS 7 CommunityFree
- ClearOS 7 Home$4 a month
- ClearOS 7 Business$8 a month
pfSense
- pfSense CEPrice not published
- pfSense Plus with TAC LitePrice not published
- pfSense Plus with TAC ProPrice not published
- pfSense Plus with TAC EnterprisePrice not published
In their own words
pfSense
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.