What is the best open-source firewall/router OS?

From battle-tested FreeBSD stalwarts to lean Linux router firmware and full enterprise-grade security suites, these open-source platforms all turn ordinary hardware into a serious firewall and router. Some are built for tinkering, others for locking down a whole office. Which one earns a spot at the edge of your network?

1

OPNsense

A FreeBSD-based open-source firewall and routing platform known for its clean interface, frequent updates, and strong WireGuard support.

1000pts

2

pfSense

One of the most established FreeBSD-based open-source firewall distributions, powering everything from home labs to enterprise edge routers.

807pts

3

Endian Firewall Community

A free UTM appliance distribution offering firewall, VPN, and content filtering built on a hardened Linux base.

718pts

4

FreshTomato

A community-maintained router firmware known for its bandwidth monitoring, QoS, and clean interface on Broadcom-based routers.

621pts

5

OpenWrt

A lightweight, highly customizable Linux-based network OS best known for replacing stock firmware on routers and embedded devices.

538pts

6

Smoothwall Express

A long-running open-source firewall distribution designed to turn a spare PC into a dedicated hardened gateway.

440pts

7

IPFire

A hardened Linux-based firewall distribution with a modular design, intrusion prevention, and a focus on security and ease of use.

440pts

8

DD-WRT

A widely used Linux-based router firmware that unlocks advanced networking and firewall features on consumer routers.

440pts

9

VyOS

A full-featured open-source network OS with a unified command-line configuration, favored by network professionals for advanced routing.

323pts

10

NethServer

A CentOS-based server distribution whose modules include a full firewall and gateway, aimed at small offices.

323pts

11

Untangle NG Firewall

An integrated network security platform (now Arista NG Firewall) combining firewall, VPN, and web filtering with an easy dashboard.

179pts

12

ClearOS

A Linux-based platform that bundles firewall, gateway, and server functions into one integrated dashboard aimed at small businesses.

179pts