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Netgate pfSense

By Netgate

4.8 out of 5 stars

How would you rate your experience with Netgate pfSense?

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Netgate pfSense Pros and Cons: Top Advantages and Disadvantages

Quick AI Summary Based on G2 Reviews

Generated from real user reviews

Users find the ease of use of Netgate pfSense enhances their experience with straightforward installation and management. (5 mentions)
Users find the ease of implementation of Netgate pfSense exceptional, enabling quick setup and user-friendly management. (3 mentions)
Users find the easy setup of Netgate pfSense straightforward, making it simple to implement and manage effectively. (3 mentions)
Users appreciate the user-friendly interface and robust features of Netgate pfSense, enhancing their network management experience. (3 mentions)
Users find implementation incredibly easy, allowing quick setup and smooth integration on virtualized platforms. (3 mentions)
Users value the open-source flexibility and power of Netgate pfSense, appreciating its robust features and community support. (3 mentions)
Users highlight the excellent customer support of Netgate pfSense, enhancing their experience with prompt assistance when needed. (2 mentions)
Users find the difficult learning curve of Netgate pfSense challenging without prior networking knowledge or experience. (3 mentions)
Users find the complex configuration challenging, especially for first-time setup, despite available user guides. (2 mentions)
Users find that expertise is required for effective implementation of Netgate pfSense, making it challenging for beginners. (2 mentions)
Users find the lack of guidance challenging, making it difficult to implement advanced features without prior knowledge. (2 mentions)
Users face challenges with access issues, particularly needing to reset the routing daemon for OSPF or BGP peer problems. (1 mentions)
Users find the lack of essential features in pfSense limits their administrative capabilities and network monitoring opportunities. (1 mentions)
Users find the poor support services of Netgate pfSense problematic, making troubleshooting and upgrades frustrating. (1 mentions)

Top Pros or Advantages of Netgate pfSense

1. Ease of Use
Users find the ease of use of Netgate pfSense enhances their experience with straightforward installation and management.
See 5 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Prazin Bhakta S.
PS

Prazin Bhakta S.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"PfSense Virtualized .."

What do you like about Netgate pfSense?

Ease of Use and implementation on any virtualized platform

Verified User
A

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

3.5/5

"Is a good option for basic needs"

What do you like about Netgate pfSense?

Is easy manage using the web interface. Comes with a good logic and help to solve the basics needs for standard connections

2. Ease of Implementation
Users find the ease of implementation of Netgate pfSense exceptional, enabling quick setup and user-friendly management.
See 3 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Prazin Bhakta S.
PS

Prazin Bhakta S.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"PfSense Virtualized .."

What do you like about Netgate pfSense?

Ease of Use and implementation on any virtualized platform

deepak s.
DS

deepak s.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Network admin"

What do you like about Netgate pfSense?

Easy to install, Easy to understand, Easy to implement, rules creation and log check process use full and easy tounderstand and reporting pasrt also v

3. Easy Setup
Users find the easy setup of Netgate pfSense straightforward, making it simple to implement and manage effectively.
See 3 mentions

See Related User Reviews

deepak s.
DS

deepak s.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Network admin"

What do you like about Netgate pfSense?

Easy to install, Easy to understand, Easy to implement, rules creation and log check process use full and easy tounderstand and reporting pasrt also v

Mohd, R.
MR

Mohd, R.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.0/5

"pfsense is one of the appliance that is recommended for stock router replacement"

What do you like about Netgate pfSense?

pfsense allow you to build your own router using your CPU that is no longer in use.

4. Features
Users appreciate the user-friendly interface and robust features of Netgate pfSense, enhancing their network management experience.
See 3 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Cho Lin M.
CM

Cho Lin M.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"I use pfSense as Firewall"

What do you like about Netgate pfSense?

I like pfsense firewall. Because it is opensource and can get HA feature

deepak s.
DS

deepak s.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Network admin"

What do you like about Netgate pfSense?

Easy to install, Easy to understand, Easy to implement, rules creation and log check process use full and easy tounderstand and reporting pasrt also v

5. Implementation Ease
Users find implementation incredibly easy, allowing quick setup and smooth integration on virtualized platforms.
See 3 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Prazin Bhakta S.
PS

Prazin Bhakta S.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"PfSense Virtualized .."

What do you like about Netgate pfSense?

Ease of Use and implementation on any virtualized platform

deepak s.
DS

deepak s.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Network admin"

What do you like about Netgate pfSense?

Easy to install, Easy to understand, Easy to implement, rules creation and log check process use full and easy tounderstand and reporting pasrt also v

6. Open Source
Users value the open-source flexibility and power of Netgate pfSense, appreciating its robust features and community support.
See 3 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Cho Lin M.
CM

Cho Lin M.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"I use pfSense as Firewall"

What do you like about Netgate pfSense?

I like pfsense firewall. Because it is opensource and can get HA feature

Mohd, R.
MR

Mohd, R.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.0/5

"pfsense is one of the appliance that is recommended for stock router replacement"

What do you like about Netgate pfSense?

pfsense allow you to build your own router using your CPU that is no longer in use.

7. Customer Support
Users highlight the excellent customer support of Netgate pfSense, enhancing their experience with prompt assistance when needed.
See 2 mentions

See Related User Reviews

deepak s.
DS

deepak s.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Network admin"

What do you like about Netgate pfSense?

Easy to install, Easy to understand, Easy to implement, rules creation and log check process use full and easy tounderstand and reporting pasrt also v

Shaik B.
SB

Shaik B.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"PfSense+ || Netgate ||Supermicro || Product review"

What do you like about Netgate pfSense?

Awesome product I have ever seen in free of cost. Very powerfull opensource Firewall with full bundeled packed. Its very easy to use software and

Top Cons or Disadvantages of Netgate pfSense

1. Difficult Learning Curve
Users find the difficult learning curve of Netgate pfSense challenging without prior networking knowledge or experience.
See 3 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Shaik B.
SB

Shaik B.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"PfSense+ || Netgate ||Supermicro || Product review"

What do you dislike about Netgate pfSense?

Since this is opensource, If you know the concept then only this product is helpfull or else you will feel very dificylty to impliment itself.

deepak s.
DS

deepak s.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Network admin"

What do you dislike about Netgate pfSense?

Backup process may have auto process for tackn and installation. CLI past have some comlications. path and storage auto cleaning process issue and ver

2. Complex Configuration
Users find the complex configuration challenging, especially for first-time setup, despite available user guides.
See 2 mentions

See Related User Reviews

deepak s.
DS

deepak s.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Network admin"

What do you dislike about Netgate pfSense?

Backup process may have auto process for tackn and installation. CLI past have some comlications. path and storage auto cleaning process issue and ver

Mohd, R.
MR

Mohd, R.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.0/5

"pfsense is one of the appliance that is recommended for stock router replacement"

What do you dislike about Netgate pfSense?

It is a bit hard to configure for the first time. But netgate did provide the user guide for installation/configuration that you can use as reference.

3. Expertise Required
Users find that expertise is required for effective implementation of Netgate pfSense, making it challenging for beginners.
See 2 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Shaik B.
SB

Shaik B.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"PfSense+ || Netgate ||Supermicro || Product review"

What do you dislike about Netgate pfSense?

Since this is opensource, If you know the concept then only this product is helpfull or else you will feel very dificylty to impliment itself.

deepak s.
DS

deepak s.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Network admin"

What do you dislike about Netgate pfSense?

Backup process may have auto process for tackn and installation. CLI past have some comlications. path and storage auto cleaning process issue and ver

4. Lack of Guidance
Users find the lack of guidance challenging, making it difficult to implement advanced features without prior knowledge.
See 2 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Cho Lin M.
CM

Cho Lin M.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"I use pfSense as Firewall"

What do you dislike about Netgate pfSense?

I don't know pfsense advance feature. I want to use more

Shaik B.
SB

Shaik B.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"PfSense+ || Netgate ||Supermicro || Product review"

What do you dislike about Netgate pfSense?

Since this is opensource, If you know the concept then only this product is helpfull or else you will feel very dificylty to impliment itself.

5. Access Issues
Users face challenges with access issues, particularly needing to reset the routing daemon for OSPF or BGP peer problems.
See 1 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Prazin Bhakta S.
PS

Prazin Bhakta S.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"PfSense Virtualized .."

What do you dislike about Netgate pfSense?

Need to reset whole routing daemon when ospf or bgp has peer issue.

6. Lack of Features
Users find the lack of essential features in pfSense limits their administrative capabilities and network monitoring opportunities.
See 1 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Cho Lin M.
CM

Cho Lin M.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"I use pfSense as Firewall"

What do you dislike about Netgate pfSense?

I don't know pfsense advance feature. I want to use more

7. Poor Support Services
Users find the poor support services of Netgate pfSense problematic, making troubleshooting and upgrades frustrating.
See 1 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
A

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"pfSense - reliable and user friendly."

What do you dislike about Netgate pfSense?

The CE edition could have better support, although kept up to date, they can improve on security and some integrations.

Netgate pfSense Reviews (322)

View 1 Video Reviews
Reviews

Netgate pfSense Reviews (322)

View 1 Video Reviews
4.8
322 reviews
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Ruben T.
RT
CEO - Founder - Owner
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Best Firewall Routing ever"
What do you like best about Netgate pfSense?

Time to learn how to communicate the requirements to the product (having experience in firewall from other platforms) Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Netgate pfSense?

There is no NGF and SDWAN does not have Spanish support from Netgate. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Shaik B.
SB
Security Architect
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
"PfSense+ || Netgate ||Supermicro || Product review"
What do you like best about Netgate pfSense?

Awesome product I have ever seen in free of cost.

Very powerfull opensource Firewall with full bundeled packed.

Its very easy to use software and hardware, I can customize many things as like I can add additional ports and SSD ect..

I took only 30 minutes to make this product live very smooth and easy to implimentation.

Yes, I have TAC Enterprice support so I get very good quick and premium support as I usually get from many other premium Firewall provider. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Netgate pfSense?

Since this is opensource, If you know the concept then only this product is helpfull or else you will feel very dificylty to impliment itself. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Information Technology and Services
AI
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"pfSense - reliable and user friendly."
What do you like best about Netgate pfSense?

The interface is easy to use, well organized, and easy for admins to setup. Their support documentation/forums are well documented and up to date. I think it's secure when integrated with the right platforms and packs cool useful features. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Netgate pfSense?

The CE edition could have better support, although kept up to date, they can improve on security and some integrations. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

deepak s.
DS
IT Admin
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Network admin"
What do you like best about Netgate pfSense?

Easy to install, Easy to understand, Easy to implement, rules creation and log check process use full and easy tounderstand and reporting pasrt also very stroing and use full bandwidth management and capping very easy.Very fast customer/tesc support. User it on daily basis. easy to integrated packages. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Netgate pfSense?

Backup process may have auto process for tackn and installation. CLI past have some comlications. path and storage auto cleaning process issue and version dependancey. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Mohd, R.
MR
Software System Staff Engineer
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"pfsense is one of the appliance that is recommended for stock router replacement"
What do you like best about Netgate pfSense?

pfsense allow you to build your own router using your CPU that is no longer in use. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Netgate pfSense?

It is a bit hard to configure for the first time. But netgate did provide the user guide for installation/configuration that you can use as reference. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Hospital & Health Care
AH
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Is a good option for basic needs"
What do you like best about Netgate pfSense?

Is easy manage using the web interface. Comes with a good logic and help to solve the basics needs for standard connections Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Netgate pfSense?

Dont have options to interact confortly using CLI or scripting Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Chris G.
CG
President
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Fantastic when deployed in a virtualized environment"
What do you like best about Netgate pfSense?

pfSense is easy and fast to deploy on a variety of platforms, depending on the use case. As an enterprise service provider, we assist our customers with the deployment and hosting of systems in our cloud environment as well as on-prem datacenters. These are typically customers who for reasons of their own are not willing to trust a public cloud with their data. Having the ability to choose a hardware solution or virtualized installation of the pfSense software grants lots of freedom in design and deployment.

The web-based interface is intuitive and responsive. It's certainly competitive with other offerings.

We have engaged with support on a one-off as well as TAC subscription basis and find Netgate / pfSense support to be first rate. We appreciate having a trusted partner. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Netgate pfSense?

pfSense update management can sometimes be a bit ungainly. We'd really appreciate the ability to enable automated updates, especially to patch security threats. Or perhaps even a notification that would be sent to the pfSense admin when a new update is available.

Oftentimes the only time a user realizes there is an update is when they log into the web interface, and many of our users can go weeks or months between log-ins. A push or email notification would be helpful in this regard.

Lower-end pfSense appliances from Netgate have shown themselves to be a bit flaky. They will lock up on updates, or sometimes lock up for no reason at all. When this happens, we've noted that even a reboot of the system doesn't bring it back online and it must be accessed via emulated serial console (over USB) in order to manually walk it through a startup sequence. This is extremely problematic at remote / unstaffed locations. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Christian H.
CH
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Great open source firewall, good hardware"
What do you like best about Netgate pfSense?

I have been using pfSense for many years. First on my own hardware and later on netgates hardware. The System is easy enough to use but also gives you the ability to have fine tuned rules.

I think because the pfSense Firewall software is open source and has a very large community you have a higher chance to find solutions to edge cases than with other non-open source firewalls. Some solutions might feel a bit hacky but there's always a way to get the software to behave like you want Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Netgate pfSense?

I have had a few clients which have the 1000+$ Netgate 7100 hardware firewall which have had heat related problems (total freeze if the temperature exeeds a value that it was easily reaching in normal use).

After opening the case I realized the heat sinks were mounted in the wrong orientation (not with, but against airflow) which seemed to be a production error because later versions of this firewall had the fans on the side and the rotated orientation would make sense there but not with the version my customers had.

After fixing the orientation of the heat sinks I had no more overheating problems though. Thanks to the standard hardware it was easy enough to fix. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Esther Cheng of Netgate pfSense

Thank you for your detailed feedback on your experience with pfSense. We're glad to hear that you find the system easy to use and appreciate the fine-tuned rules it offers. We apologize for the heat-related problems with the Netgate 7100 hardware firewall, and we appreciate your understanding and resolution of the issue. We value your continued support and feedback as we strive to improve our products and services.

KB
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"pfSense is a no-nonsense part of our network security"
What do you like best about Netgate pfSense?

I can configure just about anything in pfSense. It is a much better value offering than other vendors, and due to its open source nature, I was even able to fix a bug in the ACME package that handles Let's Encrypt certificate renewing.

The interface is not extremely modern but it is very functional.

I also buy Netgate hardware for my devices, but this is not a requirement, which I love. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Netgate pfSense?

There is controversy in the community about some of Netgate's historical practices around a competing project called OPNsense, so any time a question or problem is posted, a pack of seagulls descend on the post to say they use OPNsense instead. Great, thanks?

I do hope that Netgate continues to ignore the drama and make a great open source product I can depend on. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Esther Cheng of Netgate pfSense

We're glad to hear that you find pfSense to be a valuable and versatile solution for your network security needs. We appreciate your feedback on the open source nature and the ability to customize the system to your requirements.

NO
ICT Consultant
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Stable and Secure with feature rich plug-ins."
What do you like best about Netgate pfSense?

Switching from a rather locked down routing software to PFSense has been a great experience. Configuration of PFsense from the Setup Wizard to customizations such as the implementation of site-to-site VPNs, HAProxy, DNS and PFBlockerNG. The abiliity to also have a Configuraiton Backup and easily spin-up a virtual Router should the physical hardware fail is also a relief. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Netgate pfSense?

I haven't really experience anything that I dislike all that much. I suppose, it would be nice to have a Dashboard that could auto-populate with features that would be of interest rather than having to determine yourself what you want to visualise. Though, I suppose that's the power of running your own Firewall - You can control what you do and don't want to see. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.