Side by side
PacketFence vs UniFi Network
Both stand on network provisioning software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+5
PacketFence combines access enforcement, authentication, onboarding, and device compliance controls. Organizations considering self-hosting should account for the stated system requirements and plan device limits.
Visit PacketFence
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+5
UniFi Network brings gateway, Wi-Fi, and switching management together with local and remote administration options. Consider its cloud dependencies and the separate CyberSecure subscription when assessing fit.
Visit UniFi NetworkThe facts
| PacketFence | UniFi Network | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Runs on | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Starter: $5,000 a year | Official UniFi Hosting: $29 a month |
| Plans published | 7 | 3 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | packetfence.com | ui.com |
| On network provisioning software | #1 of 24 | #5 of 24 |
PacketFence: what it does well
- Supports wired, wireless, and VPN access control.
- Guest workflows include self-registration and sponsored access.
- Can quarantine devices that fail security policy.
- Community Edition includes unlimited devices and full source code.
What to know first
- Self-hosted minimum is 16 GB RAM and 200 GB disk.
- Starter supports up to 250 registered devices.
- Paid plans start at $5,000 per year.
UniFi Network: what it does well
- License-free remote Site Manager.
- Can be self-hosted or run on UniFi hardware.
- Local control plane supports offline device management.
- Supports WPA2, WPA3, and RADIUS/802.1X.
- Free software plan.
What to know first
- Some updates, notifications, and remote alerts rely on the cloud.
- CyberSecure is a per-site subscription.
- Paid options start from $29/mo.
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