Netgate pfSense Plus Firewall/VPN/Router regularly provides updates. One aspect they can improve is that most people ask whether an antivirus scanning system is available in pfSense. Other companies, such as FortiGate or Cisco, market their product as a next-generation firewall with built-in antivirus applications and zero trust, with everything available in their ecosystem. This needs to be better communicated for pfSense, because the capability already exists, but we have to explain to customers which package to install and configure for those features to be used effectively. If Netgate can pitch their product with antivirus as a clearly available option, it will be more useful.
Network Administrator at Navigator CORPORATION LLC
Real User
Top 5
Jan 19, 2026
The effectiveness of Netgate pfSense Plus Firewall_VPN_Router traffic shaping is quite good, but I am not very satisfied with the interface for control. It needs some upgrading in speed, so I would not say it is too complicated or obsolete.
Site Manager at a consultancy with 11-50 employees
Real User
Top 10
Dec 26, 2025
One downside of Netgate pfSense Plus Firewall_VPN_Router is the need for a better understanding of what hardware it would run on. Right now, we're using Netgate's hardware, but I'm interested in knowing if there are other hardware options available, particularly heavier duty hardware, because the Supermicro 1537 version we have only has a single power supply, which is a shortcoming in an IT environment where dual power supplies are ideal. The pricing for the hardware of Netgate pfSense Plus Firewall_VPN_Router is steep, which is one reason I'd explore other options. I'm familiar with the costs of Supermicro servers, and I believe Netgate charges a premium for their server hardware without enough upside to justify it. The pricing is not justified.
Operations Engineer - R&D at MG International Poseidon
Real User
Top 10
Jul 14, 2025
Regarding tuning, it's not really an advantage as we need that functionality. The most significant drawback in recent years has been the cessation of firmware release downloads. In the past, when we wanted to update our equipment, we simply downloaded the latest firmware. Now pfSense has changed its policies. Instead of providing firmware for download, they require customers to proceed with updates through the cloud, which isn't an optimal solution for us. I prefer the old method of updating where we could download the latest firmware and install it directly. Without an internet connection, we cannot update our equipment, which is problematic.
Learn what your peers think about Netgate pfSense Plus Firewall/VPN/Router. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2026.
Netgate pfSense Plus Firewall/VPN/Router is the #23 ranked solution in best firewalls. PeerSpot users give Netgate pfSense Plus Firewall/VPN/Router an average rating of 9.0 out of 10.
Netgate pfSense Plus Firewall/VPN/Router regularly provides updates. One aspect they can improve is that most people ask whether an antivirus scanning system is available in pfSense. Other companies, such as FortiGate or Cisco, market their product as a next-generation firewall with built-in antivirus applications and zero trust, with everything available in their ecosystem. This needs to be better communicated for pfSense, because the capability already exists, but we have to explain to customers which package to install and configure for those features to be used effectively. If Netgate can pitch their product with antivirus as a clearly available option, it will be more useful.
The effectiveness of Netgate pfSense Plus Firewall_VPN_Router traffic shaping is quite good, but I am not very satisfied with the interface for control. It needs some upgrading in speed, so I would not say it is too complicated or obsolete.
One downside of Netgate pfSense Plus Firewall_VPN_Router is the need for a better understanding of what hardware it would run on. Right now, we're using Netgate's hardware, but I'm interested in knowing if there are other hardware options available, particularly heavier duty hardware, because the Supermicro 1537 version we have only has a single power supply, which is a shortcoming in an IT environment where dual power supplies are ideal. The pricing for the hardware of Netgate pfSense Plus Firewall_VPN_Router is steep, which is one reason I'd explore other options. I'm familiar with the costs of Supermicro servers, and I believe Netgate charges a premium for their server hardware without enough upside to justify it. The pricing is not justified.
Regarding tuning, it's not really an advantage as we need that functionality. The most significant drawback in recent years has been the cessation of firmware release downloads. In the past, when we wanted to update our equipment, we simply downloaded the latest firmware. Now pfSense has changed its policies. Instead of providing firmware for download, they require customers to proceed with updates through the cloud, which isn't an optimal solution for us. I prefer the old method of updating where we could download the latest firmware and install it directly. Without an internet connection, we cannot update our equipment, which is problematic.