Side by side
pfSense vs VyOS
Both stand on firewall software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose pfSense if you want an open-source firewall and router distribution with a web interface, package extensions, and several deployment options. Consider another installation route if you need to preserve an existing drive setup or dual boot, since the USB installer overwrites the drive.
Visit pfSenseChoose VyOS if you need an open-source networking operating system with extensive routing, firewall, VPN, and automation options. The free releases have stated use constraints, while LTS images and network-engineer support are tied to membership or subscriptions; the listed annual Corporate plans start at $8,000 a year.
Visit VyOSThe facts
| pfSense | VyOS | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Self-hosted, Web | API, Linux, Self-hosted |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Price being re-checked |
| Plans published | 4 | 9 |
| Maker | pfSense | VyOS |
| Website | pfsense.com | vyos.io |
| On firewall software | #11 of 81 | #7 of 81 |
pfSense: what it does well
- Open-source source code is distributed under Apache 2.0.
- Firewall and routing functions are managed through a web interface.
- Supports IPsec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard VPN options.
- Can deploy on hardware, virtual machines, and public clouds.
- Network documentation covers VLANs, high availability, and traffic shaping.
What to know first
- USB memstick installation overwrites the entire hard drive.
- The USB installer does not support dual booting with another OS.
- Global support is purchasable for self-installed and virtual deployments.
VyOS: what it does well
- Supports a broad set of routing protocols and tunneling options.
- Includes stateful and zone-based IPv4 and IPv6 firewalls.
- Automation options include APIs, Terraform, Ansible, and Python.
- Plain-text configurations and documented APIs support review and auditing.
- Rolling release and VyOS Stream are free.
What to know first
- The free rolling release is intended for labs, evaluation, and non-critical use.
- VyOS Stream is a technology preview.
- LTS images are limited to subscribers, contributors, and VyOS for Good members.
- Listed paid annual plans begin at $8,000 a year.