Compare software

DD-WRT vs pfSense: catalog facts
DD-WRTpfSense
Free

Free, open-source firmware.

Free

pfSense Community Edition is free. Netgate sells appliances and support subscriptions.

Self-hosted Self-hosted
  • Adds VPN support to consumer routers
  • QoS controls for prioritising network traffic
  • Firewall, router, VPN server and traffic shaping in one web interface
  • Package system adds intrusion detection and DNS blocking
  • Only works on supported router models
  • Replacing router firmware can make the device unusable if it goes wrong
  • Community Edition trails the Netgate appliance builds in release timing
  • FreeBSD hardware support is narrower than Linux for very new network cards
Operating system Operating system, Self-hosted
Open source Open source
License not stated License: Apache-2.0
Not stated if an account is needed Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked September 23, 2026

Checked September 22, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.