OPNsense vs Untangle NG Firewall
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
OPNsense is an open-source firewall and routing platform built on FreeBSD, offering a stateful firewall for IPv4/IPv6, multi-WAN load balancing and failover, and hardware failover via the CARP protocol. It bundles multiple VPN options (IPsec, OpenVPN, WireGuard, Tinc), an intrusion prevention system powered by Suricata, and NetFlow-based traffic reporting, all managed through a web GUI. The core platform is free under a permissive BSD/MIT license and can run on anything from a fanless mini-PC to a rack appliance, including official OVA images for virtualization. A paid Business Edition adds a Web Application Firewall, extended threat-intelligence blocklists, centralized fleet management (OPNcentral), and training/e-book resources for organizations that need vendor-backed support.
Untangle NG Firewall is a modular next-generation firewall platform that consolidates network security functions like content filtering, intrusion prevention, ransomware protection, and VPN into a single console instead of requiring multiple separate vendor products. Following its acquisition, the product now operates under Arista Networks as part of the Edge Threat Management (ETM) platform, with NG Firewall remaining the core product and a cloud-based ETM Dashboard, including a mobile app, for centralized management. The platform is aimed at organizations that need enterprise-style network security without a large in-house security team, and it is used across education (K-12 and higher ed), government, healthcare, financial services, nonprofits, and hospitality. Special pricing is available for qualifying public institutions, nonprofits, and government organizations, and a free trial and online purchase configurator are offered directly on the site.
- Fully open source core under a permissive BSD/MIT license
- Bundles IPS, multiple VPN protocols, and multi-WAN failover for free
- Runs on hardware ranging from mini-PCs to rack appliances
- Active development with frequent releases
- Modular design lets organizations pay only for needed security functions
- Discounted pricing available for education, nonprofit, and government buyers
- Cloud dashboard with mobile app simplifies remote management
- Backed by Arista's networking infrastructure following acquisition
- Requires dedicated hardware or a VM, not a simple desktop install
- Web Application Firewall and OPNcentral fleet management require the paid Business Edition
- Steeper learning curve than consumer router firmware
- Public list pricing is not shown; requires going through a configurator or sales
- Brand transition (Untangle to Arista Edge Threat Management) can cause naming confusion
- Best suited to organizations comfortable managing their own modular security stack
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to OPNsense
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Alternatives to Untangle NG Firewall
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Open-source, FreeBSD-based firewall and routing platform with a free core and paid Business Edition.
Next-generation firewall with synchronized security and AI-powered threat detection for SMBs and enterprises.
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataOPNsense offers a free, open‑source firewall with built‑in IPS and VPNs, while Untangle NG Firewall provides a modular, commercial platform with a cloud dashboard but no public pricing.
Key differences
- •Pricing model: Untangle requires a sales‑driven quote; OPNsense core is free with optional paid Business edition.
- •Management UI: Untangle includes a cloud‑based dashboard and mobile app; OPNsense relies on a web UI without a native cloud console.
- •Open‑source vs proprietary: OPNsense’s core code is fully open‑source; Untangle is a closed‑source commercial product.
- •Support options: Untangle’s support is tied to paid licensing; OPNsense offers community support free and paid Business support.
- •Feature packaging: Untangle’s modules must be purchased individually; OPNsense bundles IPS, multiple VPNs, and multi‑WAN failover in the free core.
Pricing & value
OPNsense core is free; Untangle has no public pricing and requires a sales quote, adding cost uncertainty.
Ease of use / learning curve
Untangle’s cloud dashboard and mobile app simplify remote management compared to OPNsense’s manual web UI.
Features & depth
Both provide firewall, IPS, VPN, and content filtering; Untangle adds ransomware protection and incident response modules.
Integrations & ecosystem
OPNsense lists explicit VPN integrations (IPsec, OpenVPN, WireGuard) and supports CARP, multi‑WAN; Untangle’s integrations not specified.
Support
Untangle is backed by Arista’s enterprise support; OPNsense relies mainly on community forums unless Business edition purchased.
Security & privacy
OPNsense’s open‑source code allows independent audit; Untangle’s closed source offers no transparency.
Scalability / deployment flexibility
OPNsense runs on hardware from mini‑PCs to rack appliances and offers OVA images; Untangle is self‑hosted only with no API.
Choose OPNsense if…
Tech‑savvy teams seeking a free, open‑source firewall with built‑in IPS/VPN and flexible hardware deployment.
Choose Untangle NG Firewall if…
Organizations that prefer a managed, commercial solution with cloud dashboard and are willing to pay for support.
Common questions
What is the total cost to get started?
OPNsense core is free; Untangle requires contacting sales for a quote, with no public list price.
Do either products offer a cloud‑based management console?
Untangle provides a cloud dashboard and mobile app; OPNsense does not have a native cloud console.
Is there open‑source code I can audit?
Yes, OPNsense’s core is fully open‑source under a BSD/MIT license; Untangle’s code is proprietary.