OpenWRT vs pfSense: Best Open Source Firewall Solution
Two names often come up in the networking community: OpenWRT and pfSense. Both offer a long list of features. This comparison of OpenWRT vs pfSense looks to give a good overview of the differences and similarities to help you compare the two solutions.
Table of contents
What is OpenWRT?
OpenWRT, an open-source operating system based on the Linux kernel, that is specifically designed for embedded devices. You can use it particularly with wireless routers and access points. It targets embedded devices to customize the router firmware. Users can configure their home router to their exact specifications using the fully customizable platform.
OpenWRT provides a solution for network management that supports a wide range of router models and other supported devices. This makes it an interesting choice for both home and enterprise users.
What is pfSense?
pfSense is a FreeBSD-based open-source firewall solution, that targets networking hardware for the primary purpose of operating as a firewall and router device in the environment.
The pfSense firewall rules and configuration offer advanced features, including multi-WAN, VPN, and threat management. There is now two versions pfSense Community Edition, which is free, and a commercial version with additional support and features.
The open-source operating system also supports various types of hardware. So this helps to make it a viable solution on many hardware platforms.
Key Differences between OpenWRT vs pfSense
Although the functionality of OpenWRT and pfSense may seem extremely similar, key differences exist between the two.
OpenWRT
OpenWRT primarily functions as a highly customizable router firmware for embedded systems, offering a wide array of packages that allow for customization and flexibility. Its Linux kernel base and focus on wireless support make it a solid choice for home routers and small-scale networking setups.
However, it is important to note that OpenWRT can be loaded on a wide range of virtualization environments. Note the following official documentation links. However, it does “feel” like the OpenWRT solution in a virtualized environment is a bit on the edge of supported.
Below is an instance of OpenWRT running inside a VMware vSphere 8.0 ESXi VM:
After logging into the OpenWRT interface.
pfSense
On the other hand, pfSense, has a lot of firewall rules and advanced security features, that are suited for larger networks requiring comprehensive security. It has a very tried and tested feature set and capabilities as a networking and security solution. The multi-WAN, and advanced VPN options, make it a powerful tool for networking tasks.
After logging into the pfSense interface.
What are some factors to choose based on?
When comparing OpenWRT and pfSense, the choice depends on the specific requirements of your network. For a smaller network or a home router setup, OpenWRT’s package management and support for many different devices make it a good choice for commodity hardware and systems.
OpenWRT will add many additional capabilities and features on a consumer-grade router or all-in-one device. OpenWRT allows you to make the most out of your existing hardware. You can even use consumer-grade wireless routers where you want a lot more functionality than the factory-installed image.
In contrast, if your network needs more on the line of an enterprise firewall solution, pfSense is the better choice. It has advanced security features and comprehensive firewall rules that are much better protection IMHO, making it more suitable for enterprise networks or networks handling sensitive data.
The Flexibility and Customizability of OpenWRT
OpenWRT has flexibility and customizability with extensive package management. Users can customize their router firmware to their specific needs, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a hands-on approach to their network setup.
As it runs on the Linux kernel, it supports a wide range of hardware and is compatible with various wireless devices. It’s also a solid choice for wireless support, given its compatibility with numerous wireless routers and access points.
Firewall features
The firewall features are where pfSense really shines. It has the feel of an enterprise firewall in most respects. In my opinion, it shines above OpenWRT in this area. However, the OpenWRT solution is still very powerful, especially for home users.
One feature I like about OpenWRT is that it has the concept of security zones of many other enterprise firewalls. You can select your zones and add interfaces to those zones, providing a logical grouping of interfaces.
Both solutions give you Firewall, NAT, port forwarding, etc.
VPN features
Both solutions do have VPN built-in and you can add additional packages like Wireguard and OpenVPN. There are many options on the OpenWRT side for this and a more streamlined set of options for pfSense.
The pfSense solution has a bit more of a stable and known feel to the solutions here. While the community options are great, the pfSense firewall solutions feel more sanctioned on this front.
Third-party software and packages
Both OpenWRT and pfSense offer the ability to add packages to the solution. OpenWRT has a vast number of third-party software you can add. Also, pfSense has a large number of solutions as well.
After updating the list of packages, you will see a list of available solutions populated.
Searching for ad blockers.
Looking at pfSense packages.
The pfSense pfBlocker solution used for blocking ads, etc.
Wrapping up
Both of these open-source solutions are great. OpenWRT may be your choice if you want lightweight, customizable router firmware for embedded devices. However, if you require a robust firewall for more complex networks, pfSense might be the more suitable option with its extensive security features and robust user interface. It is also probably better if you run your firewall in a hypervisor solution, as OpenWRT feels a bit hacky to run this way.
It’s also worth noting that while OpenWRT vs pfSense are different, they share a common goal: to provide users with control over their network. Both OpenWRT and pfSense offer users the freedom to customize and configure their network setup to meet their specific needs.
Where’s OPNsense?