Compare Netgate pfSense and SonicWall 
At a Glance
Market Segments
Small-Business (68.8% of reviews)
Mid-Market (60.3% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
No pricing available
Netgate pfSense
Star Rating
(320)4.8 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (68.8% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about Netgate pfSenseSonicWall
Star Rating
(146)4.1 out of 5
Market Segments
Mid-Market (60.3% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about SonicWallSummary
AI Generated Summary
AI-generated. Powered by real user reviews.
- Users report that SonicWall excels in its Firewall capabilities, achieving a high score of 9.2, while reviewers mention that Netgate pfSense, although strong, scores slightly lower at 9.1, indicating SonicWall's edge in this critical area.
- Reviewers mention that SonicWall's Quality of Support is rated at 8.0, which some users find lacking compared to Netgate pfSense's impressive score of 9.1, highlighting a significant difference in customer service experience.
- G2 users note that SonicWall's Antivirus feature scores 7.9, which is seen as a disappointment, especially when compared to Netgate pfSense's lower score of 6.5, suggesting that SonicWall may offer better overall protection despite the lower score in this specific area.
- Users on G2 report that Netgate pfSense shines in its Open Source Code feature, scoring an impressive 9.3, which appeals to those who prioritize transparency and customization, while SonicWall does not offer this flexibility.
- Reviewers mention that both products perform well in Multi-Device Usage, with SonicWall scoring 9.2 and Netgate pfSense slightly higher at 9.5, indicating that users can expect reliable performance across multiple devices with either option.
- Users say that Netgate pfSense's Virtual Private Network (VPN) functionality is rated at 9.1, which is slightly better than SonicWall's 8.9, suggesting that users may find a more robust VPN experience with Netgate pfSense.
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Pricing
Entry-Level Pricing
Netgate pfSense
No pricing availableSonicWall
No pricing availableFree Trial
Netgate pfSense
Free Trial is available
SonicWall
No trial information availableRatings
Meets Requirements
9.4
256
8.7
121
Ease of Use
8.5
262
8.2
122
Ease of Setup
8.7
241
7.9
82
Ease of Admin
8.8
239
8.0
85
Quality of Support
9.1
204
8.0
115
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
9.1
193
8.1
82
Product Direction (% positive)
8.6
257
7.0
118
Features by Category
Security - Unified Threat Management
Not enough data
8.6
41
Not enough data
8.7
41
Not enough data
8.3
37
Not enough data
8.6
41
Not enough data
9.0
41
Not enough data
9.3
41
Administration
Not enough data
7.8
41
Not enough data
8.5
41
Administration
8.7
183
8.4
45
8.3
206
8.0
44
8.4
176
8.4
40
9.0
197
8.6
43
Functionality
9.1
213
8.9
44
6.5
133
7.9
44
7.9
164
8.9
45
9.3
197
8.7
44
Monitoring
8.5
160
8.2
41
8.2
165
8.2
41
8.7
185
8.4
42
8.4
178
8.4
43
Generative AI
Feature Not Available
Feature Not Available
Usage
9.1
143
Not enough data
9.5
159
Not enough data
9.3
162
Not enough data
9.4
153
Not enough data
7.9
107
Not enough data
8.5
110
Not enough data
8.5
105
Not enough data
Miscellaneous
8.2
106
Not enough data
9.3
143
Not enough data
8.2
95
Not enough data
Categories
Categories
Shared Categories
Netgate pfSense and SonicWall are categorized as Firewall Software
Unique Categories
Netgate pfSense is categorized as Business VPN
SonicWall is categorized as Unified Threat Management (UTM)
Reviews
Reviewers' Company Size
Netgate pfSense
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
SonicWall
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
Small-Business
(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market
(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise
(> 1000 emp.)
Reviewers' Industry
Information Technology and Services
20.2%
Computer & Network Security
10.6%
Computer Software
6.1%
Telecommunications
4.2%
Computer Networking
3.8%
Other
55.1%
Information Technology and Services
21.9%
Computer & Network Security
6.6%
Internet
4.4%
Pharmaceuticals
3.6%
Marketing and Advertising
3.6%
Other
59.9%
Most Helpful Reviews
Netgate pfSense
Most Helpful Favorable Review
Christian H.
Verified User in Higher Education
I have been using pfSense for many years. First on my own hardware and later on netgates hardware. The System is easy enough to use but also gives you the ability to have fine tuned rules. I think because the pfSense Firewall software is open source and...
Most Helpful Critical Review
Brian C.
Verified User in Computer Networking
It bricked itself on a reboot. It is impossible to configure. Devices intermittently had internet access even with only the most basic features enabled.
SonicWall
Most Helpful Favorable Review
NAIR A.
Verified User in Insurance
An industry standard that has a wealth of resources online to do what you want to do. Responses are fast when you want a category change for a website. Like others say, it is an all-in-one solution, so no need to buy multiple devices.
Most Helpful Critical Review
Michael F.
Verified User in Legal Services
Downside of using SonicWall is the support.
Christian H.
Verified User in Higher Education
I have been using pfSense for many years. First on my own hardware and later on netgates hardware. The System is easy enough to use but also gives you the ability to have fine tuned rules. I think because the pfSense Firewall software is open source and...
NAIR A.
Verified User in Insurance
An industry standard that has a wealth of resources online to do what you want to do. Responses are fast when you want a category change for a website. Like others say, it is an all-in-one solution, so no need to buy multiple devices.
Brian C.
Verified User in Computer Networking
It bricked itself on a reboot. It is impossible to configure. Devices intermittently had internet access even with only the most basic features enabled.
Michael F.
Verified User in Legal Services
Downside of using SonicWall is the support.
Alternatives
Discussions
Can pfSense be used as a router?
10 comments
SG
pfSense is an open-source firewall and router software distribution based on FreeBSD. It supports NAT and different types of interfaces (WAN, LAN, DMZ). It...Read more
What is pfSense used for?
7 comments
RB
pfSense is a a preconfigured operating system and suite of tools for directing traffic between your LAN and the Internet.
The community version of pfSense...Read more
Is pfSense still free?
5 comments
JK
Yes, it is. There is a Community Edition and a Plus edition. The Community Edition is free. The Plus edition is free for home lab and comes pre-installed...Read more
What is the part number of a license that includes anti-ransomware
1 comment
AB
Hello Patricia- There is no part number. When you are going to get the Sonicwall Appliance you need to add a license for GAV . Usually it comes with 1, 2 and...Read more
What is SonicWall used for?
1 comment
TA
With the help of SonicWall firewalls, you can see and manage and monitor every program running on your network. this extra control improves compliance and...Read more
What is SonicWall used for?
1 comment
GS
Sonicwall has a wide range of products like Network firewalls, switches, and access points.
But Mostly SonicWALL is well known for its Firewall...Read more
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