# 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?

*By YPB Team · Published July 12, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/what-is-the-best-open-source-firewallrouter-os*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **OPNsense** — score 1000/1000
   A FreeBSD-based open-source firewall and routing platform known for its clean interface, frequent updates, and strong WireGuard support.
2. **pfSense** — score 807/1000
   One of the most established FreeBSD-based open-source firewall distributions, powering everything from home labs to enterprise edge routers.
3. **Endian Firewall Community** — score 718/1000
   A free UTM appliance distribution offering firewall, VPN, and content filtering built on a hardened Linux base.
4. **FreshTomato** — score 621/1000
   A community-maintained router firmware known for its bandwidth monitoring, QoS, and clean interface on Broadcom-based routers.
5. **OpenWrt** — score 538/1000
   A lightweight, highly customizable Linux-based network OS best known for replacing stock firmware on routers and embedded devices.
6. **Smoothwall Express** — score 440/1000
   A long-running open-source firewall distribution designed to turn a spare PC into a dedicated hardened gateway.
7. **IPFire** — score 440/1000
   A hardened Linux-based firewall distribution with a modular design, intrusion prevention, and a focus on security and ease of use.
8. **DD-WRT** — score 440/1000
   A widely used Linux-based router firmware that unlocks advanced networking and firewall features on consumer routers.
9. **VyOS** — score 323/1000
   A full-featured open-source network OS with a unified command-line configuration, favored by network professionals for advanced routing.
10. **NethServer** — score 323/1000
   A CentOS-based server distribution whose modules include a full firewall and gateway, aimed at small offices.
11. **Untangle NG Firewall** — score 179/1000
   An integrated network security platform (now Arista NG Firewall) combining firewall, VPN, and web filtering with an easy dashboard.
12. **ClearOS** — score 179/1000
   A Linux-based platform that bundles firewall, gateway, and server functions into one integrated dashboard aimed at small businesses.

Tags: software, firewall, networking, router, open-source, security