VyOS vs pfSense: Which is the Best Open Source Firewall/Router for Your Network?

Adam Poniatowski
3 min readJan 9, 2023

VyOS and pfSense are both open source firewall/router operating systems that are designed to be installed on physical hardware or a virtual machine. In this article, we will compare the two systems and discuss their pros and cons to help you decide which one is the best choice for your network.

Overview of VyOS

VyOS is a Linux-based distribution that was specifically designed for use as a firewall/router. It is based on the popular Debian distribution and includes a wide range of networking features, including support for IPv4 and IPv6, BGP, OSPF, and more.

One of the key advantages of VyOS is its simplicity. The operating system is designed to be easy to use, with a command-line interface (CLI) that is similar to other Linux distributions. This makes it easy for users who are familiar with Linux to get up and running quickly.

VyOS also includes a web-based graphical user interface (GUI) that can be used to manage the system and configure various networking options. The GUI is not as feature-rich as some other firewall/router operating systems, but it is functional and can be useful for users who prefer a GUI over the CLI.

Overview of pfSense

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Adam Poniatowski

A man of all walks in IT life. From a simple technician, systems engineer, technical account manager, to developer. I wonder what life would bring me next?