A firewall protects your network of computers by creating a barrier between computers and interfering networks. pfSense is one of the most popular firewall sold in the market today, and with good reason.
I started using pfSense because it doubles as both a firewall and a router which is extremely useful to my business. It is an open-source, customizable security solution that is strong and functions on any hardware.
As functional as it is, pfSense has its limitations, one of which is its configuration process. For non-techies, this cannot be easy to configure. Also, I didn’t particularly appreciate that a lot was happening with its user interface, making it slightly overwhelming.
Thankfully, there are several pfSense alternatives, and I’ve compiled a list of 15 pfSense alternatives that come highly recommended.
Take a look.
pfSense Alternatives You Should Check Out
1. SonicWall
SonicWall next-generation firewall (NGFW) makes it to our list of best pfSense alternatives because it offers advanced protection for small and large business enterprises.
Certified by ICSA labs as the highest level of firewall, SonicWall has proven to offer only high-performance firewalls for any network system. It provides security, visibility, and control over your network to prevent cyberattacks.
One of the reasons why I like this firewall device is that it comes in various solutions to support specific security needs, all at a relatively low price. SonicWall offers SOHO/TZ series firewalls for small and medium-sized businesses.
It also offers the NSa series firewalls and NS sp firewalls for large enterprises with high-performance security systems. Finally, the NSv Series Firewall provides cloud security for hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
The main difference between pfSense and SonicWall firewalls is that the latter has a simple configuration that gives it an edge over the former. I also like that SonicWall can manage several firewalls from a single interface and identify security risks through a detailed analytics dashboard.
Finally, it automatically provides audit-ready reports for extensive evaluation.
2. Azure Firewall
Azure by Microsoft is another notable firewall that provides advanced protection for on-premises, hybrid and multi-cloud systems. Known as the firewall that provides secure, future-ready solutions to business enterprises, Azure comes highly recommended.
It is a cloud-native network firewall that offers three different types of security for business enterprises. They include Azure Firewall Basic, Azure Firewall Standard, and Azure Firewall Premium.
All of them satisfy different network capacities. I like Azure mainly because you don’t need to spend time configuring anything.
Secondly, you can get network traffic filter rules which control different IP addresses and sources. Its unrestricted cloud scalability feature is commendable because it can accommodate different network types and traffic changes.
Azure is the perfect firewall for cloud environments that want to save on infrastructure and energy costs while improving operational efficiency. Developers would find Azure very useful because it lets you develop apps using open-source tools.
You can also choose to deny or allow access to certain website categories. Azure has a useful threat intelligence field that can detect when a domain is malicious and then alerts the user based on this information.
Another advantage that Azure has over most firewalls, including pfSense, is that it allows users to add multiple IP addresses to Azure through its SNAT and DNAT features.
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3. IPFire
If you need an open-source network firewall to use in place of pfSense, you should check out IPFire. It is a free, state-of-the-art, strong, and highly versatile firewall based on Linux.
IPFire is highly recommended because of its ease of use, which makes it one of the best options for both small and large-scale enterprises. Its firewall engine protects your network system from malicious attacks from Denial-of service sites and internet hackers.
IPFire comes with an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) that analyzes all internet activities on your network. It monitors network traffic, detects any suspicious activity, sends a notification, and immediately blocks these activities.
I especially like IPFire for its Web Proxy Feature that lets you filter web content, allowing or denying certain websites which are perfect for schools and universities.
IPFire can also be used as a VPN to connect remote locations, which is especially useful for remote access. Another great thing about opting for the IPFire firewall is that, unlike pfSense, it comes with other add-ons that provide more functionality.
These add-ons have several advantages; one is turning IPFire into a Wireless Access Point. They also provide print, backup, and file services. For instance, you can use IPFire’s Bacula tools for verifying, recovering, and backing up useful network data. You can also use its Tor add-on feature to browse the internet anonymously.
4. Sophos
Sophos is a high-performance firewall for appliances, cloud, and virtual cybersecurity. It is built with an Xstream architecture that protects your network systems and, at the same time, accelerates all application traffic.
One useful feature that makes Sophos a great alternative to pfSense is that it comes with TLS 1.3 Decryption which works with intelligent TLS inspection to remove enormous internet blind spots for easy navigation.
It also provides super visibility that lets you spot malicious traffic and threats and helps you gain full control of your network. Sophos comes with powerful next-generation Intrusion Prevention (IPS) technologies that prevent unknown IP addresses from infiltrating your network data.
I also like how Sophos improves hardware acceleration and offers an intelligent traffic selection to control traffic changes on your network system. Its synchronized Security feature helps protect all integrated apps, synchronizes all user IDs, and provides lateral movement protection.
Sophos also uses a VPN feature that allows remote access to your network system and a scanner that constantly scans for viruses and malware. You never have to worry about complex configurations, and the best part is that Sophos also goes as far as protecting your email.
5. OPNsense
OPNsense is another easy-to-use, open-source, FreeBSD firewall that also doubles as a router. It easily stands out from other firewalls because it combines highly advanced features with an open-source system.
First, the OPNsense firewall supports IPv4 and IPv6, offering a live view of denied and passed traffic. It also comes with a multi-WAN that supports failover and helps provide balance for network load.
Aside from that, there is a web-filtering system that lets you gain access, control, and support external blacklists to prevent unwanted traffic. OPNsense also provides two-factor authentication that is supported throughout the entire system including for its VPN access.
It also has an Intrusion Detection and Prevention feature that removes CNC bots and Trojans. You can set up your Software-Defined WAN in minutes using its ZeroTier plugins.
Unlike pfSense, OPNsense allows plugin support for OSPF and BGP using the Free Range Router project. You can also select any language, as the firewall provides over ten language selection options.
One of the main reasons OPNsense is a better option than pfSense is that it comes with a highly responsive and intuitive user interface that even enables a search option. The firewall also allows an encrypted configuration feature to back files to your Google Drive.
6. ClearOS
If you need a free firewall that protects your network system, consider ClearOS. It comprises different operating systems based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux source packages.
This makes it a perfect IT management tool for small and large companies and even works for household network systems. One thing to like about this firewall is that although it has several advanced features, it is quite easy to configure and set on due to a highly intuitive user web-based interface.
I also like that it features a marketplace with over a hundred useful applications to make up a highly flexible and secure operating system. It acts as an all-in-one server that lets you manage different applications and needs of any business type.
Another reason ClearOS is a great alternative to pfSense is its dependability; it provides top-notch security that matches those provided by expensive firewall brands. It also provides intrusion prevention and content filtering benefits for its users.
It also offers over 150 languages to help you understand the system better regardless of your location. I also like that ClearOS allows for Microsoft Active Directory Sync Application.
The best part is that you gain centralized control over your network systems whether on-premise or cloud-based. I also like that all integrated applications on ClearOS automatically upgrade without worrying about that.
7. FortiGate
It is another worthy pfSense alternative that offers flawless security regardless of network location.
FortiGate is an NGFW that doesn’t just provide threat protection and decryption services; it also allows you to create a secure network using its sophisticated features like 5G, SD-WAN, and wireless connectivity.
This security software is also popular for its AI-powered security performance that protects on-premise, hybrid, and cloud environments from malicious internet attacks.
You can protect against unknown attacks as the firewall includes FortiGate IPS. The firewall also offers optimal visibility that lets you view all activities of all users, devices, and applications to monitor and prevent threats once it is detected.
I like that FortiGate NGFW offers a machine-learning feature that lets you build efficient operations, which can be very useful in supporting an overburdened technical team. It also has a network convergence feature that offers optimal protection for integrated networks.
8. Untangle NG Firewall
NG Firewall is a network security system that has been simplified to suit the needs of any organization. It provides a single, modular software platform that caters to the needs of organizations with limited IT resources and budgets.
NG Firewall has a web-based, responsive, intuitive user interface that offers visibility options to let you view traffic in the network. This feature lets you proactively prevent malware and hacking attacks before they get into your network system.
NG Firewall offers next-generation filtering options to manage all encrypted web requests, malware distribution points, and spam attacks. I also like that the NG Firewall offers superior connectivity that accelerates the organization’s performance.
It becomes easier to manage all workforces, both on-location and remote operations, efficiently. The firewall also ensures Quality of Service (QoS), minimizing operational costs.
Most of all, unlike pfSense, the NG Firewall can be deployed in different forms. You can decide to use an NG Firewall hardware appliance or opt for your hardware that matches the NG Firewall hardware requirements.
You can also deploy it in the cloud using Azure or AWS or on a virtual machine.
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9. VyOS
This is another security firewall like pfSense that doubles as a universal router aiming to ‘democratize how we access networks.’ Like pfSense, VyOS is open-source software that offers uninterrupted internet access and features a state-of-the-art firewall.
The firewall provides network protection services like a web proxy, a DHCP server and relay, and a DNS forwarding option. VyOS firewall supports IPv4 and IPv6, zone-based firewalls, and various forms of NAT.
It also allows for standard routing protocols like OSPF and BGP for small, large, and extended network communities. You can use VyOS to connect your organization’s network to its cloud infrastructure.
VyOS supports a variety of protocols and doesn’t require per-tunnel licensing. Another thing to like about VyOS is that it is a unified platform that allows everyone in a network community access to its internal APIs.
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10. WatchGuard
WatchGuard is another pfSense alternative you shouldn’t miss checking out. The security software provides advanced network security services for all types of enterprises.
One of the most notable benefits of using this firewall is its simplicity. From purchase to the point of configuration, WatchGuard is very easy to deploy and manage. I also like its innovative features that provide a new pathway to digital security services.
WatchGuard Firewalls provides one of the fastest UTM performances, regardless of the price point. I also like its visibility function that lets you view oceans of network data and detect threats or suspicious activity on your server.
The icing on the cake is that WatchGuard provides after-sales customer support to ensure you’re satisfied with the product’s performance. It is the perfect firewall to create a secure organizational server, especially for hybrid and cloud environments.
WatchGuard provides a complete roadmap of all connected devices and their various activities. It also offers a malware-scanning option to scan compressed files to fish out evasive viruses and bugs.
Most of all, the software improves the WiFi experience and tracks usage data to create comprehensive reports based on users’ preferences and habits.
11. AWS Network Firewall
AWS (Amazon Web Services) Network Firewall provides top-notch security for network systems. It works by letting you create firewall rules that give you control over network traffic.
AWS Network Firewall works hand in hand with the AWS Firewall Manager, enabling you to create applicable policies across all your Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs) and network accounts.
I like that you never have to bother with these policies after creation; you can always use them in the future. AWS Network Firewall lets you inspect and control network traffic and deploy outbound traffic filtering to prevent data loss.
This traffic filtering function also blocks out unneeded malware websites. The software especially provides an intrusion prevention feature, domain name filtering, and application protocol detection.
It is also compatible with AWS Direct Connect, AWS Kinesis, AWS Organization, and AWS Simple Storage Service.
The biggest reason we recommend AWS Network Firewall is that it is a great option for those with a limited budget. It is a convenient yet highly functional firewall that provides you with all the security you need.
12. GFI KerioControl
GFI KerioControl is a next-generation firewall that provides security services for small and medium-sized businesses. It works as a unified threat management product that offers a comprehensive and sustainable solution to all security challenges.
The GFI KerioControl NGFW provides a traffic management solution that helps you control network traffic across all servers. You can also control inbound and outbound communication via URL, traffic type, or application.
It also offers an intrusion prevention feature that detects and prevents malware and internet threats. Another feature worth noting is the GFI KerioControl web content and application filtering tool that monitors and controls website categories allowing you to allow or deny unwanted websites.
The firewall also prevents Trojans, viruses, and spyware from gaining entrance to your network server. It also lets you protect your network from bandwidth-hogging sites and blocks peer-to-peer networks.
You can also secure your organization’s on-site or remote server with GFI KerioControl’s inbuilt VPN technology.
Unlike pfSense, GFI KerioControl comes with an Internet Link Load Balancing feature that lets you distribute internet traffic across several links, with the option to enable and disable these links.
You can choose to deploy the KerioControl firewall in various forms. It can be deployed as a hardware appliance, software appliance, or virtual machine.
13. GlassWire
GlassWire provides security for your network, device, and all data. Its privacy and security features help you see what third-party network communicates with your PC via GlassWire’s Network Monitoring Graph.
You can also view sites, networks, and IP addresses to which your PC has been connected. GlassWire also lets you monitor the activities of those connected to your network system and alerts you when an unknown network joins your server.
You can choose to accept or deny new connections, it also detects malware, spyware, viruses, bandwidth hogs, and unsafe apps and immediately blocks their activities. I especially like that GlassWire Firewall alerts you when it detects unusual changes in integrated apps or your PC.
Its network monitoring feature also lets you monitor your data usage and alerts you when you are close to your limits. I also like that GlassWire lets you create custom firewall profiles for different scenarios.
You can access this firewall on both Google Play Store, which is available for download on Windows.
14. Barracuda
This firewall boasts of providing network protection that exceeds next-generation firewalls. Like pfSense, Barracuda provides comprehensive security for both on-premises and multi-cloud environments.
Many enterprises opt for this firewall because it provides multi-layered security with its cloud-hosted Advanced Threat Protection. With comprehensive sandboxing, static code analysis, heuristic and behavioral analysis, etc.; Barracuda provides top-notch protection against persistent attacks.
It detects and blocks perceived threats, including ransomware and Zero-day attacks. Barracuda is fed by millions of global data collection points, which let the firewall provide rapid protection against relatively unknown threats.
It fights against SQL injections, Trojans, spyware, denial of service attacks, worms, and more. Barracuda can be deployed across various physical locations and cloud platforms including Azure, Google Cloud, and AWS.
It also includes SD-WAN capabilities which help you manage connectivity, especially as the firewall provides support for multiple connections to remote users and cloud platforms.
15. Cisco Secure Firewall
Cisco Secure Firewall is a highly functional security solution that harmonizes your network and protects all data whether in a hybrid or multi-cloud environment. It lets you create a unified policy that works across all connected systems and helps you prioritize important tasks.
The secure firewall lets you gain visibility and control over your encrypted traffic, view what’s happening in your servers, and easily fish out malicious signals.
It creates a unique workspace and lets you safeguard your data regardless of location. The Cisco Secure Firewall also includes SecureX license entitlement, offering a sophisticated threat correlation approach across your network communities and providing swift responses.
There is also a Cisco Secure Firewall Device Manager, Management Center, and Defense Orchestrator, all of which help simplify policy management.
Overall, this firewall provides one of the most secure integrations via its advanced architecture. You can be assured that all your applications and users will be protected across multiple network communities.
Conclusion
All of these firewalls perform quite well, but OPNsense stands out for me.
It offers various useful features that aim to provide the most secure experience for enterprises. With its plugin support, intuitive user interface, two-factor authentication, and intrusion prevention options, your security and network data are impenetrable.
We hope you can draw inspiration from the alternatives reviewed above.
