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What is pfSense?
pfSense is a powerful and reliable network security appliance primarily used for security purposes such as firewall and VPN or traffic shaping, network management, and web filtering. It is commonly used by small businesses and managed service providers to protect their customers' networks and enable remote access through VPNs.
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Helped 726,289 peers since 2012
Featured reviews
Buford Laruan
Network Administrator at Benguet State University
Mar 30, 2022
More documentation would be great, especially on new features because sometimes, when new features come out, you don't get to understand them right off the bat. You have to really spend a lot of time understanding them. So, more documentation would be awesome. In terms of features, for my use, I don't see anything wrong with it. I basically get what I need from it by default. I build my firewall, so I only rely on the software. On the software side, there is not much to improve right now. So, at this point in time, I don't see anything, but I always welcome any kind of upgrades that they do. I always try them out and see if I can use them in the company or not, but so far, there are no complaints on my end.
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BO
Bojan Oremuz
CEO at In.sist d.o.o.
Jul 21, 2022
Ease of use is a problem for a user who is unfamiliar with this product because, in the interface, everything has to be set manually. It would be more user-friendly if things were set automatically. The drop in performance can be drastic when you use more advanced techniques. There is some trade-off between having a certain level of security and maintaining acceptable performance. One of the things that are usually outside of the UTM, or system on the gateway, is the SIEM. It is an advanced system for managing the possibility of threats. It is not normally part of such devices but it would be nice if the pfSense interface were integrated with it.
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GC
reviewer1721859
Chef at a media company with 11-50 employees
Dec 7, 2021
The web is evolving every day. So, the product should be constantly improved with more regular updates. Things are constantly changing. There are obsolete protocols, and then there are new protocols. For my own use, it is not an issue, but for somebody who is more at the forefront of internet browsing, it could be a problem. There could be a way to remote to it through a mobile app. You can always browse through your browser on your mobile phone or tablet, but it would be good to have a dedicated app. I understand that iOS and Android developers are expensive, but there should be a mobile app.
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Key learnings from peers
Pricing
Some users mention that the community version of the solution is free and the paid version is reasonably priced. The maintenance cost varies depending on the solution implemented. Overall, users find that pfSense doesn't come at a high cost, making it an attractive option. Users appreciate pfSense's open-source nature and consider it a good option for basic requirements, although it lacks after-sales support and some features of commercial solutions. There is the option of obtaining annual paid support.
ROI
The cost savings when using pfSense compared to other options, such as FortiGate, were significant. Users have mentioned that FortiGate is 60 to 70 times more expensive. pfSense offers low price points and minimal administrative overhead, allowing for maximum profits.
Primary Use Case
pfSense is used as a firewall and VPN gateway. It is used for web filtering, building custom firewalls, and network advanced translation (NAT). It is deployed in various sectors such as healthcare, education, and banking.
The product is also used by small businesses and managed service providers to protect networks, enable remote access, and provide firewall integration. It can be used for personal network protection and controls incoming traffic.
Valuable Features
pfSense's valuable features include its:
- Security capabilities
- User-friendliness
- Helpful online management
- Firewall effectiveness
- Ease of deployment (with limited hardware resources)
- Cost-effectiveness
- Community support
- Flexibility
- Valuable plugins or add-ons
- Ability to perform internal testing and network monitoring
- Routing and network advanced translation (NAT)
- OpenVPN deployment
- Control over firewall policies
- Compatibility with inexpensive appliances
Room for Improvement
pfSense could improve in several areas, includingthe configuration process, which could be made easier, particularly when integrating with other solutions such as SD-WAN.
The solution's user-friendliness and graphical interface need improvement to cater to users without an IT background.
More documentation on new features is desired to facilitate understanding.
Some users feel that other solutions offer more scalability, with the ability to support a higher number of VPN users.
There is a need for a better interface with enhanced log analysis capabilities.
A dedicated mobile app for remote access would be beneficial.
The integration with external systems and the management of the solution could be enhanced.
Users express a desire for better security features and performance.
The GUI is perceived as complex and could be more intuitive.
Additional features such as URL filtering, sandboxing, and centralized management are needed and integration with antivirus solutions is also mentioned as something that could be added.
The solution's ability to detect and control internet usage based on site content could be enhanced.
Initial Setup
pfSense is generally considered to be easy and straightforward to set up. Users with experience in IT and networking can install and configure pfSense within 15 to 30 minutes while others mention that it depends on the complexity of their network. A few users mention that the setup can be a bit challenging when installing filters or agents.
Scalability
pfSense is highly regarded in terms of scalability. Users have mentioned that it is quite scalable. It is being used in various settings, ranging from small-scale companies with a few users to enterprises with thousands of people. The solution allows for easy scaling by setting up multiple clusters, deploying in the cloud, or adding more appliances. Users have mentioned that pfSense is scalable in terms of both users and bandwidth.
Stability
Users generally find pfSense to be stable and reliable. Users mention that there are no issues with bugs or glitches, and the product doesn't crash or freeze. It is described as a very stable solution that can work continuously for a long period of time. That said, some users mention that the stability could be better, and there is a need for a manual reset after any power outage.
Pricing
Some users mention that the community version of the solution is free and the paid version is reasonably priced. The maintenance cost varies depending on the solution implemented. Overall, users find that pfSense doesn't come at a high cost, making it an attractive option. Users appreciate pfSense's open-source nature and consider it a good option for basic requirements, although it lacks after-sales support and some features of commercial solutions. There is the option of obtaining annual paid support.
ROI
The cost savings when using pfSense compared to other options, such as FortiGate, were significant. Users have mentioned that FortiGate is 60 to 70 times more expensive. pfSense offers low price points and minimal administrative overhead, allowing for maximum profits.
Primary Use Case
pfSense is used as a firewall and VPN gateway. It is used for web filtering, building custom firewalls, and network advanced translation (NAT). It is deployed in various sectors such as healthcare, education, and banking.
The product is also used by small businesses and managed service providers to protect networks, enable remote access, and provide firewall integration. It can be used for personal network protection and controls incoming traffic.
Valuable Features
pfSense's valuable features include its:
- Security capabilities
- User-friendliness
- Helpful online management
- Firewall effectiveness
- Ease of deployment (with limited hardware resources)
- Cost-effectiveness
- Community support
- Flexibility
- Valuable plugins or add-ons
- Ability to perform internal testing and network monitoring
- Routing and network advanced translation (NAT)
- OpenVPN deployment
- Control over firewall policies
- Compatibility with inexpensive appliances
Room for Improvement
pfSense could improve in several areas, includingthe configuration process, which could be made easier, particularly when integrating with other solutions such as SD-WAN.
The solution's user-friendliness and graphical interface need improvement to cater to users without an IT background.
More documentation on new features is desired to facilitate understanding.
Some users feel that other solutions offer more scalability, with the ability to support a higher number of VPN users.
There is a need for a better interface with enhanced log analysis capabilities.
A dedicated mobile app for remote access would be beneficial.
The integration with external systems and the management of the solution could be enhanced.
Users express a desire for better security features and performance.
The GUI is perceived as complex and could be more intuitive.
Additional features such as URL filtering, sandboxing, and centralized management are needed and integration with antivirus solutions is also mentioned as something that could be added.
The solution's ability to detect and control internet usage based on site content could be enhanced.
Initial Setup
pfSense is generally considered to be easy and straightforward to set up. Users with experience in IT and networking can install and configure pfSense within 15 to 30 minutes while others mention that it depends on the complexity of their network. A few users mention that the setup can be a bit challenging when installing filters or agents.
Scalability
pfSense is highly regarded in terms of scalability. Users have mentioned that it is quite scalable. It is being used in various settings, ranging from small-scale companies with a few users to enterprises with thousands of people. The solution allows for easy scaling by setting up multiple clusters, deploying in the cloud, or adding more appliances. Users have mentioned that pfSense is scalable in terms of both users and bandwidth.
Stability
Users generally find pfSense to be stable and reliable. Users mention that there are no issues with bugs or glitches, and the product doesn't crash or freeze. It is described as a very stable solution that can work continuously for a long period of time. That said, some users mention that the stability could be better, and there is a need for a manual reset after any power outage.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our pfSense Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.
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Learn more about pfSense
The solution is praised for its stability, user-friendly interface, scalability potential, open-source nature, free cost, easy installation, firewall capabilities, security features, flexibility, and simplicity. Overall, pfSense is a cost-effective solution for enterprises that need a VPN for their employees.
pfSense Key Features
pfSense has many key features and capabilities, including:
- Strength and accuracy: pfSense is able to always follow either default or custom rules, making it a stronger firewall than some of its competitors. It also filters traffic separately, whether it’s coming from your internal network of devices or the open internet, allowing you to set different rules and policies for each.
- Flexibility: pfSense can work both as a basic firewall and as a complete security system because it gives you the flexibility to integrate additional features as code where necessary.
- Open-source: Because it is open-source, not only is pfSense free to use, but community members can contribute to the code to make it a better software.
- User-friendly: Usually firewall products are not user-friendly because they often include complex settings, options, and features that require fine-tuning. pfSense’s interface is simple, direct, and easy to use.
- WireGuard Support: Instead of building your own VPN using pfSense, or settling for a commercial VPN provider, you can directly integrate WireGuard with the pfSense firewall.
- Speed Management and Fault Tolerance: pfSense’s multi-WAN feature allows your system to continue operating in case components fail.
- Well-supported: pfSense regularly has security and feature updates. It also has a documentation site and a well-informed and knowledgeable support forum.
Reviews from Real Users
Below is some feedback from PeerSpot Users who are currently using the solution.
Bojan O., CEO at In.sist d.o.o., says, “The classic features, such as content inspection, content protection, and the application-level firewall, are the most important."
Another PeerSpot user, a chef at a media company, explains what he finds most valuable about pfSense: "The plugins or add-ons are most valuable. Sometimes, they are free of charge, and sometimes, you have to pay for them, but you can purchase or download very valuable plugins or add-ons to perform internal testing of your network and simulate a denial-of-service attack or whichever attack you want to simulate. You can also remote and monitor your network and see where the gap is."
T.O., a VP of Business Development at a tech services company, mentions, "What I found most valuable is the cost of the platform, the flexibility of the platform, and the fact that the ongoing fees are not there as they are with the competitor."
pfSense is the #2 ranked solution in best firewalls. PeerSpot users give pfSense an average rating of 8.6 out of 10. pfSense is most commonly compared to OPNsense: pfSense vs OPNsense. pfSense is popular among the large enterprise segment,accounting for 50% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from acomputer software company, accounting for 15% of all views.
pfSense customers
Nerds On Site Inc., RKC Development Inc., Expertech, Fisher's Technology, Ncisive, Consulting, CPURX, Vaughn's Computer House Calls, Imeretech LLC, Digital Crisis, Carolina Digital Phone, Technigogo Technology Services, The Simple Solution, SwiftecITInc, Rocky Mountain Tech Team, Free Range Geeks, Alaska Computer Geeks, Lark Information Technology, Renaissance Systems Inc., Cutting Edge Computers, Caretech LLC, GoVanguard, Network Touch Ltd, P.C. Solutions.Net, Vision Voice and Data Systems LLC, Montgomery Technologies, Techforce, Concero Networks, ASONInc, CPS Electronics and Consulting, Darkwire.net LLC, IT Specialists, MBS-Net Inc., VOICE1 LLC, Advantage Networking Inc., Powerhouse Systems, Doxa Multimedia Inc., Pro Computer Service, Virtual IT Services, A&J Computers Inc., Envision IT LLC, CommunicaONE Inc., Bone Computer Inc., Amax Engineering Corporation, QPG Ltd. Co., IT 101 Inc., Perfect Cloud Solutions, Applied Technology Group Inc., The Digital Sun Group LLC, Firespring
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EB
Evgeny Belenky
Director of Community at PeerSpot (formerly IT Central Station)
EB
Evgeny Belenky
Director of Community at PeerSpot (formerly IT Central Station)
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