IPFire is a server distribution with intended to use as a firewall. It focuses on flexibility, and scales from small to middle sized business networks and home networks.
pfSense Alternatives for Linux
pfSense is not available for Linux but there are plenty of alternatives that runs on Linux with similar functionality. The best Linux alternative is IPFire, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 25 alternatives to pfSense and 18 are available for Linux so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Linux alternatives to pfSense are Sophos UTM, ClearOS, NethServer and Endian Firewall Community.
filter to find the best alternatives
pfSense alternatives are mainly Firewalls, but if you're looking for VPN Services or Operating Systems you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Linux, Free and Open Source. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to pfSense.
Alternatives list
14 IPFire alternatives
11 Sophos UTM alternativesSophos UTM integrates complete security software within a single appliance. Choose only the protection you need when you need it. And deploy it on the platform that best fits your business: software, hardware or virtual appliance.
Sophos UTM vs pfSense Comments
Free for home use.....very complete package.
- Sophos UTM is Paid and Proprietary
28 ClearOS alternativesClearOS is a family of operating systems for the enterprise, small business, and home. There are three editions to choose from depending on your needs and suitable to your abilities. They are: ClearOS Enterprise, ClearOS Home, and ClearOS Core.
11 NethServer alternativesNethServer is an application manager for Linux servers. The product's main feature is the ability to easily and quickly install and manage instances of applications over multiple nodes. It allows users to deploy services, like [Nextcloud](https://alternativeto.
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NethServer vs pfSense Comments
Top Positive CommentAasMulti purpose server. Not just firewall.
Top Negative CommentIt's main function (server) does not match pfSense (firewall)
pfSense is a firewall and router, NethServer is a Linux server platform for running other types of services
- NethServer is Freemium and Open Source
- NethServer is Privacy focused
Endian Firewall Community (EFW) is a "turn-key" linux security distribution that turns every system into a full featured security appliance with Unified Threat Management (UTM) functionality. The software has been designed with "usability in mind" and is very...
23 VyOS alternativesVyOS is a community fork of Vyatta , a Linux-based network operating system that provides software-based network routing, firewall, and VPN functionality.
14 Smoothwall alternativesThe SmoothWall Open Source Project was set up to develop and maintain SmoothWall Express - a Free firewall that includes its own security-hardened GNU/Linux operating system and an easy-to-use web interface.
11 IPCop alternativesIPCop Firewall is a Linux firewall distribution geared towards home and SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) users. The IPCop interface is very user-friendly and task-based. IPCop offers the critical functionality of an expensive network appliance using stock, or even obsolete...
IPCop vs pfSense Comments
Low HW needs, easy to use.
- IPCop is Free and Open Source
10 ZeroShell alternativesZeroshell is a Linux distribution for servers and embedded devices aimed at providing the main network services a LAN requires. It is available in the form of Live CD or Compact Flash image and you can configure and administer it using your web browser.
13 Kerio Control alternativesProtect your network from viruses, malware and malicious activity with Kerio Control, the easy-to-administer yet powerful all-in-one security solution.
16 OpenWISP alternativesOpenWISP is a free and open-source platform for efficient IT network deployment, monitoring & management. It allows automation of many aspects of networks: from configuration to monitoring, RADIUS, hotspots, mesh and firmware upgrades, all backed by the reliability of the...
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Zorp GPL is a next generation, open source proxy firewall with deep protocol analysis. It allows you to inspect, control, and modify traffic on the application layer of the ISO/OSI model. Decisions can be made based on data extracted from the application-level traffic (for...
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Not as resource hungry when IPS enabled