OpenWrt vs OPNsense
OpenWrt
openwrt.org
OPNsense
opnsense.orgSide by side
| Figure | OpenWrt | OPNsense |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 6 |
| Spec score · Operating Systems | 8.6 (#5) | 9.0 (#3) |
| Spec score · Virtual Routers Software | 8.5 (#4) | 8.8 (#3) |
| Spec score · Firewall Software | 8.6 (#13) | 9.5 (#1) |
| Spec score · Network Firewall Software | 8.6 (#6) | 9.0 (#2) |
| Spec score · Business VPN Software | 8.3 (#37) | 8.8 (#17) |
| Extensibility | Developer feeds can load package recipes from Git, version-control repositories, local filesystems or other supported URLs. | Its Model View Controller architecture automatically gives API capabilities to components using the full architecture, and plugins extend the base system. |
| Founded | 2004 | 2014 |
| License | The build environment is generally GPLv2, while bundled third-party components may use their own open-source or public-domain licenses. | OPNsense is available under the Open Source Initiative approved 2-clause BSD license. |
| Security updates | The downloads page says the outdated 24.10 release will continue to receive limited security and bug fixes for some time. | OPNsense provides weekly security updates and follows a cycle of two major releases annually. |
| Support | The project says support may be provided voluntarily by developers and users, but is not guaranteed. | Commercial support offers network-design advice, issue solving, and custom development for an annual fee. |
| What it does | OpenWrt is a Linux distribution and replacement firmware for embedded devices, especially wireless routers. | 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
OpenWrt
OpenWrt is a Linux operating system for embedded devices, commonly wireless routers. Its writable filesystem and optional package management let users customize devices by adding packages; the project lists more than 27,000 packages and services. Configuration is available through an SSH command-line interface or a web interface, and the Table of Hardware helps check device support before installation. Hardware capacity is a key consideration: OpenWrt identifies 8 MB flash and 64 MB RAM as bare minimums, while warning against devices at those limits for current, secure use. The downloads page lists OpenWrt 25.12.5 as the current stable release and describes development snapshots as generally untested. The older 24.10 release is slated to receive limited security and bug fixes for some time. OpenWrt is free software, with no subscription or licensing fees. The project says users should know GNU/Linux and basic networking concepts before installing it; voluntary support from developers and users is not guaranteed.
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.