Link copied to clipboard # GlassWire Firewall vs Netgate pfSense Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/glasswire-firewall/netgate-pfsense/export.csv) GlassWire FirewallNetgate pfSense[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **GlassWire Firewall** **$35.88** flat\_rate Per Year · Personal **Netgate pfSense** Free Trial No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **GlassWire Firewall** 2 months Based on 13 responses **Netgate pfSense** 1 monthFaster Based on 136 responses Return on Investment **GlassWire Firewall** 9 months3 months sooner Based on 11 responses **Netgate pfSense** 12 months Based on 122 responses Perceived Cost **GlassWire Firewall** $$$$$ **Netgate pfSense** $$$$$ Average Discount **GlassWire Firewall** Not enough reviews yet **Netgate pfSense** 7% **Pros & Cons** from reviews **GlassWire Firewall** [ Ease of Use (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/glasswire-firewall/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2014110&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Monitoring (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/glasswire-firewall/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2014112&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) **Netgate pfSense** [ Ease of Use (4) ](https://www.g2.com/products/netgate-pfsense/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1484436&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Customizability (3) ](https://www.g2.com/products/netgate-pfsense/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1484584&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Difficult Learning Curve (3) ](https://www.g2.com/products/netgate-pfsense/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1484656&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Complex Configuration (2) ](https://www.g2.com/products/netgate-pfsense/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1485139&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Integrations **GlassWire Firewall** Not enough data **Netgate pfSense** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_b3390b4cc3d92e87d570895f7358c003/aws-lambda.jpg "Product Avatar Image") AWS Lambda ](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-lambda/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_dae0031c2ae3821616be108bd707a35f/sophos-firewall.png "Product Avatar Image") Sophos Firewall ](https://www.g2.com/products/sophos-firewall/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_ec16874dda71514576a24845df4c8236/tailscale.png "Product Avatar Image") Tailscale ](https://www.g2.com/products/tailscale/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/netgate-pfsense/integrations) Screenshots **GlassWire Firewall** ![GlassWire Firewall screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/123225/img-protection-feature.png) **Netgate pfSense** No screenshot available **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **GlassWire Firewall** 9.2 9.243 **Netgate pfSense** 9.4 9.4261 Ease of Use **GlassWire Firewall** 9.1 9.143 **Netgate pfSense** 8.5 8.5268 Ease of Setup **GlassWire Firewall** 9.4 9.419 **Netgate pfSense** 8.7 8.7247 Ease of Admin **GlassWire Firewall** 8.7 8.717 **Netgate pfSense** 8.8 8.8243 Quality of Support **GlassWire Firewall** 8.6 8.631 **Netgate pfSense** 9.1 9.1209 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **GlassWire Firewall** 8.8 8.818 **Netgate pfSense** 9.2 9.2197 Product Direction (% positive) **GlassWire Firewall** 8.9 8.943 **Netgate pfSense** 8.6 8.6262 **Features** ratings from reviews Firewall Software 8.6 24 8.3 244 Business VPN Not enough data 8.8 181 User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 69.4% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 26.5% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 4.1% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 69.4% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 26.5% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 4.1% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 68.5% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 25.2% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 6.3% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 68.5% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 25.2% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 6.3% **Reviewers' Industry** [![GlassWire Firewall](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/2ea5a696dbe6736ef7a24b1a10bacc06/glasswire-firewall.svg "GlassWire Firewall")](https://www.g2.com/products/glasswire-firewall/reviews) GlassWire Firewall Computer & Network Security 12.2% Information Technology and Services 12.2% Management Consulting 6.1% Insurance 6.1% Computer Software 6.1% Other 57.1% [![Netgate pfSense](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/f4469990cc8ea128d45e4ab41bf45ef3/netgate-pfsense.svg "Netgate pfSense")](https://www.g2.com/products/netgate-pfsense/reviews) Netgate pfSense Information Technology and Services 20.1% Computer & Network Security 11.0% Computer Software 6.3% Telecommunications 4.1% Computer Networking 3.8% Other 54.7% Alternatives **GlassWire Firewall Alternatives** ![Sophos Firewall](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/c3eafd206cf051259b58dcd9712f2d46/sophos-firewall.svg "Sophos Firewall") [ Sophos Firewall ](/products/sophos-firewall/reviews) ![FortiGate-VM NGFW](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/fa3376b61f91a50021359e71d1976187/fortigate-vm-ngfw.jpg "FortiGate-VM NGFW") [ FortiGate-VM NGFW ](/products/fortigate-vm-ngfw/reviews) ![Comodo Firewall](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_cb07377f684def67077b75e8bfef4ea8/comodo-firewall.png "Comodo Firewall") [ Comodo ](/products/comodo-firewall/reviews) ![Avast Small Business Cybersecurity](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4ff58059c032759e270630e742531b19/avast-small-business-cybersecurity.svg "Avast Small Business Cybersecurity") [ Avast Small Business Cybersecurity ](/products/avast-small-business-cybersecurity/reviews) **Netgate pfSense Alternatives** ![Sophos Firewall](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/c3eafd206cf051259b58dcd9712f2d46/sophos-firewall.svg "Sophos Firewall") [ Sophos Firewall ](/products/sophos-firewall/reviews) ![Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/64ff8da1b6e6ffabf4336ae2510e8e3e/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws.svg "Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs)") [ Check Point Next Generation... ](/products/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws/reviews) ![FortiGate-VM NGFW](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/fa3376b61f91a50021359e71d1976187/fortigate-vm-ngfw.jpg "FortiGate-VM NGFW") [ FortiGate-VM NGFW ](/products/fortigate-vm-ngfw/reviews) ![WatchGuard Network Security](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/95497ce130aa56e5fb27b011c9bcaebc/watchguard-network-security.svg "WatchGuard Network Security") [ WatchGuard Network Security ](/products/watchguard-network-security/reviews) ## GlassWire Firewall vs Netgate pfSense FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Netgate pfSense vs GlassWire Firewall? Netgate pfSense stands out for its advanced features and configurability, while GlassWire Firewall is favored for its ease of use and user-friendly interface. | [Netgate pfSense](https://www.g2.com/products/netgate-pfsense/reviews) | [GlassWire Firewall](https://www.g2.com/products/glasswire-firewall/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.7/5 (326 reviews) | 4.6/5 (50 reviews) | | Small-Business | Small-Business | | 8.7 | 9.4 | | 9.1 | 8.6 | | Ease of Use (3 all-time mentions) | Ease of Use (1 all-time mention) | ### How do the pricing models of Netgate pfSense and GlassWire Firewall compare? Netgate pfSense is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing greater satisfaction with its pricing compared to GlassWire Firewall. - **Netgate pfSense:** Reviewers consistently highlight its affordability and strong feature set for the price, with many citing its open-source model as a key value driver. - **GlassWire Firewall:** Recent reviews note that while the interface is user-friendly, the pay-per-month model and premium feature gating are less favored, with some reviewers preferring more comprehensive protection for the price. ### What are the best alternatives to Netgate pfSense and GlassWire Firewall? The top three alternatives to Netgate pfSense and GlassWire Firewall are Sophos Firewall, Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs), and WatchGuard Network Security. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Netgate pfSense](https://www.g2.com/products/netgate-pfsense/reviews) | 4.7/5 (326 reviews) | Small-Business | Reviewers highlight affordability and open-source value | Ease of Use (3 all-time mentions) | | [GlassWire Firewall](https://www.g2.com/products/glasswire-firewall/reviews) | 4.6/5 (50 reviews) | Small-Business | Mixed sentiment on pay-per-month model | Ease of Use (1 all-time mention) | | [Sophos Firewall](https://www.g2.com/products/sophos-firewall/reviews) | 4.7/5 (870 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | — | | [Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs)](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws/reviews) | 4.5/5 (595 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | — | | [WatchGuard Network Security](https://www.g2.com/products/watchguard-network-security/reviews) | 4.7/5 (268 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | — | ### Which Firewall Software features should I prioritize when comparing Netgate pfSense and GlassWire Firewall? Buyers should prioritize Antivirus, VPN, Load Balancing, URL Filtering, and Application Gateway when comparing Netgate pfSense and GlassWire Firewall. - **Antivirus:** Netgate pfSense offers Antivirus as a built-in feature; GlassWire Firewall does not offer this feature. - **Virtual Private Network (VPN):** Netgate pfSense includes native VPN support, with multiple reviewers citing VPN as a key benefit; GlassWire Firewall does not offer VPN features. - **Load Balancing:** Netgate pfSense provides Load Balancing capabilities; GlassWire Firewall does not support this feature. - **URL Filtering:** Netgate pfSense supports URL Filtering; GlassWire Firewall does not offer this feature. - **Application Gateway:** Netgate pfSense includes Application Gateway functionality; GlassWire Firewall does not. ### What are the pros and cons of Netgate pfSense vs GlassWire Firewall? Netgate pfSense is strongest for advanced features and configurability, while GlassWire Firewall excels in ease of use and network monitoring. - **Netgate pfSense strengths:** Ease of Use (3 all-time mentions), Customizability (2), Easy Setup (2), Features (2), Security (2), Control, Customer Support, Documentation, Implementation Ease, Management Ease. - **Netgate pfSense trade-offs:** Complex Configuration (2), Difficult Learning Curve (2), Expertise Required, High Resource Usage, Integration Issues, Lack of Guidance, Limited Options. - **GlassWire Firewall strengths:** Ease of Use (1 all-time mention), Monitoring (1). - **GlassWire Firewall trade-offs:** Reviewers note limited antivirus capabilities and premium feature gating, with some expressing a desire for more comprehensive protection and onboarding support. ### Is Netgate pfSense or GlassWire Firewall better for small businesses? Netgate pfSense is the better fit for small businesses, with a larger small-business segment and strong reviewer sentiment on affordability and features. - **Netgate pfSense:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers highlight its affordability, open-source value, and robust feature set for small business needs. - **GlassWire Firewall:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers appreciate its ease of use but note limitations in advanced protection and premium feature gating. ### Which Firewall Software platform has better integrations? Netgate pfSense is favored for integrations, with reviewers citing its compatibility with third-party tools. - **Netgate pfSense:** Tailscale integration is mentioned in recent reviews, with 3 all-time mentions. - **GlassWire Firewall:** No reviewer-cited integrations are present in the data. ### How do Netgate pfSense and GlassWire Firewall compare on customer support? Netgate pfSense scores higher on Quality of Support, with a 0.5-point advantage over GlassWire Firewall. - **Netgate pfSense:** Reviewers consistently praise its technical support, citing fast, knowledgeable responses and strong documentation. - **GlassWire Firewall:** Reviewers generally report positive support experiences, though some mention a desire for more onboarding and tutorial resources. ### Which is easier to implement, Netgate pfSense or GlassWire Firewall? GlassWire Firewall is easier to implement, with a 0.7-point higher Ease of Setup score than Netgate pfSense. - **Netgate pfSense:** Reviewers describe a learning curve and note that technical knowledge is helpful for setup, but also mention comprehensive documentation and community support. - **GlassWire Firewall:** Reviewers highlight its fast, easy installation and intuitive interface, with many citing a straightforward setup process. ### Which product has better Antivirus? Netgate pfSense has better Antivirus capabilities, as it is the only product of the two with built-in Antivirus features. - **Netgate pfSense:** Antivirus is a built-in feature; reviewers note its inclusion as a differentiator. - **GlassWire Firewall:** Does not offer Antivirus; reviewers frequently mention the lack of real-time antivirus scanning and express a desire for more comprehensive protection. ## GlassWire Firewall vs Netgate pfSense When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found GlassWire Firewall easier to use and set up. However, Netgate pfSense is easier to administer. Reviewers also preferred doing business with Netgate pfSense overall. - Reviewers felt that Netgate pfSense meets the needs of their business better than GlassWire Firewall. - When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Netgate pfSense is the preferred option. - For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of GlassWire Firewall over Netgate pfSense.