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OpenWrt vs pfSense: catalog facts
OpenWrtpfSense
Free

Free and open source.

Free

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

Linux Self-hosted
  • Replaces stock firmware with a configurable Linux system
  • Gives new capabilities to existing consumer routers
  • Firewall, router, VPN server and traffic shaping in one web interface
  • Package system adds intrusion detection and DNS blocking
  • Only runs on supported devices
  • Installing firmware carries a risk of bricking the router
  • 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.