IPFire vs MikroTik RouterOS
IPFire
ipfire.orgMikroTik RouterOS
mikrotik.comSide by side
| Figure | IPFire | MikroTik RouterOS |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $91.58/mo | $45/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 6 | 12 |
| Spec score · Virtual Routers Software | 9.1 (#1) | 9.0 (#2) |
| Spec score · Virtual Private Network Software | 9.1 (#5) | 9.2 (#3) |
| Firewall | Its Linux Netfilter-based firewall supports network zones, port forwarding, NAT, and stateful packet inspection. | Its firewall provides stateful filtering, NAT, address lists, Layer7 matching, IPv6 filtering, packet marks and raw rules. |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Limit: learning curve | A SourceForge reviewer says the unusual zone model creates a learning curve for new users. | Independent reviewers repeatedly describe RouterOS administration and its interface as difficult for beginners or requiring advanced networking knowledge. |
| Rating on G2 | 5.0 out of 5 from 1 review. | 4.6 out of 5 from 30 reviews |
| System requirements | The project recommends at least a 1GHz processor, 1GB RAM, 4GB storage and two network adapters. | 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. |
| VPN | IPFire supports IPsec, WireGuard, and OpenVPN for site-to-site or remote access VPNs. | Supported tunnels and VPN technologies include IPsec, IKEv2, OpenVPN, L2TP, SSTP, PPTP, WireGuard, ZeroTier, IPIP and EoIP. |
| What it does | IPFire is a hardened Linux operating system functioning as a stateful firewall, VPN gateway, intrusion-prevention platform and extensible network appliance. | RouterOS is a Linux-kernel network operating system for MikroTik routers, switches and wireless devices, and can turn a PC into a router. |
Plans
IPFire
- IPFireFree
- IPFire softwareFree
- IPFire Nano Appliance$749, paid once
- IPFire Mini Appliance (US)$979, paid once
- IPFire Standard Support$1,099 a year
- IPFire Enterprise Appliance (US)$4,299, paid once
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
IPFire
IPFire is a free, open-source firewall and security platform for networks from home offices to global enterprises. Its Linux Netfilter-based firewall supports network zones, port forwarding, NAT, and stateful packet inspection. VPN options include IPsec, WireGuard, and OpenVPN for site-to-site or remote access. A Suricata-powered intrusion prevention system detects and blocks malicious traffic using updated rule sets. IPFire includes a Squid web proxy with optional URL filtering through URLFilter or SquidGuard, and uses Red, Green, Blue, and Orange zones for roles such as trusted networks, DMZs, and Wi-Fi. Its web interface monitors bandwidth, connections, and intrusion attempts. Proxy authentication can use Microsoft Windows Active Directory, LDAP, or RADIUS. The download page offers x86_64 and aarch64 images for bare metal, virtual machines, embedded hardware, USB sticks, and SD cards; cloud images are available for AWS, Exoscale, and other providers. The project says it releases frequent security updates. Documentation, forums, mailing lists, and a bug tracker are available, and Lightning Wire Labs offers professional support.
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.