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The pfSense Plus question is no longer only about firewall features. A Reddit discussion of Netgate’s announcement says that from 26.10, security fixes are free, but moving to a new version for free means reinstalling; online upgrades require a subscription. Commenters questioned whether the terms were clear and raised concerns about the CE and Plus merger. We’d compare alternatives by the job you need done: OPNsense for a closer firewall option, or private-access tools if replacing VPN workflows is the real goal.
01Why people leave pfSense Plus
Upgrade terms are changing
The Reddit discussion describes free security fixes and reinstall-based version upgrades, while online upgrades require a subscription.
The CE and Plus merger raised questions
Commenters asked what happens to the prior CE and Plus distinction and whether the new arrangement changes source availability.
Some users distrust the direction
In one Reddit thread, users cited concerns about monetization, ecosystem lock-in and past disputes as reasons to consider leaving.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- Commercial firewall option
OPNsense Business EditionOPNsense Business EditionOPNsense Business Edition is the closest listed alternative for teams that want a firewall product rather than a VPN replacement. The listing says it includes a commercial firmware repository and business features, with OPNcentral for multi-installation operators. It starts at $11.08. That makes it worth comparing if your main concern is the commercial model and firmware path, not just the appliance.
Trade-off: The listed starting price does not establish billing cadence or whether its features match your pfSense setup.
7.3/10from
€11.08/mo - Enterprise hardware firewall
Check Point Quantum Security GatewaysCheck Point Quantum Security GatewaysCheck Point Quantum Security Gateways fit enterprises looking for hardware firewalls across hybrid on-premises and cloud environments. The listing describes security subscriptions as quote-based, with no public starting price. Consider it if you need an enterprise firewall and are prepared to get a tailored quote; it is not a like-for-like budget alternative based on the available pricing information.
Trade-off: Pricing is quote-only, and public product details are limited.
6.5/10from
Custom - Simpler private networking
ZeroTierZeroTierZeroTier is a better fit if the part you want to replace is a complex VPN or private-network setup, rather than the firewall itself. The listing calls out air-gapped networking and a free plan, with paid pricing from $18. Personal use is capped at 10 devices, so check that limit before moving a larger setup.
Trade-off: It is a private-networking option, not a listed hardware firewall replacement.
7.4/10from
$18/mofree plan - Private-resource access
TwingateTwingateTwingate is worth considering if your users mainly need controlled access to private resources and you are replacing a legacy VPN workflow. The listing highlights resource-level access controls and support for some SSO setups. Pricing starts at $12 and a free plan is listed. Verify the plan limits and that your identity provider is supported before switching.
Trade-off: It focuses on private-resource access, not general firewall functions.
7.1/10from
$12/mofree plan - Broader zero trust platform
Zscaler Zero Trust ExchangeZscaler Zero Trust ExchangeZscaler Zero Trust Exchange suits organizations looking to consolidate zero-trust controls or secure access to private apps. The listing also names security for AI deployments as a use case. Pricing is not published, and the product has meaningful access limits, so ask for the exact scope, limits and quote before treating it as a pfSense Plus replacement.
Trade-off: No published pricing, and access limits need checking.
6.3/10from
Custom - Cloud security platform
Zscaler Cloud IPSZscaler Cloud IPSZscaler Cloud IPS is a candidate for organizations already considering Zscaler or seeking a broader security platform. The listing says pricing is not published and recommends getting the Cloud IPS scope and quote in writing. That makes it a poor fit for buyers seeking a transparent, self-serve replacement, but potentially relevant in a larger Zscaler evaluation.
Trade-off: Quote-only pricing; confirm exactly what Cloud IPS covers.
5.5/10from
Custom
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 pfSense Plus pfSense Plus (current) | 6.7 | $10.75/mo | Yes | Netgate appliance buyers |
| OPNsense Business Edition OPNsense Business Edition | 7.3 | €11.08/mo | No | Teams wanting a commercial firmware repository |
| Check Point Quantum Security Gateways Check Point Quantum Security Gateways | 6.5 | Custom | No | Enterprises seeking hardware firewalls |
| ZeroTier ZeroTier | 7.4 | $18/mo | Yes | Teams replacing complex VPN setups |
| Twingate Twingate | 7.1 | $12/mo | Yes | Teams replacing a legacy VPN |
| Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange | 6.3 | Custom | No | Organizations consolidating zero trust controls |
| Zscaler Cloud IPS Zscaler Cloud IPS | 5.5 | Custom | No | Organizations already considering Zscaler |
Questions people ask
What is the best hardware for pfSense in 2026?
The available published material does not name hardware models or publish sizing guidance, so we can’t responsibly pick a best box for 2026. It identifies Netgate appliance buyers as a pfSense Plus fit. For an alternative, Check Point Quantum is listed for enterprise hardware firewall use, but pricing and product details require a quote.
Which firewall is better in 2026, OPNsense or pfSense?
The sources don’t provide a feature-by-feature comparison, so there is no grounded winner here. OPNsense Business Edition is listed with a commercial firmware repository, business features and OPNcentral for multi-installation operators. The pfSense discussion focuses on the announced upgrade path and user concerns about the CE and Plus merger.
What is the difference between pfSense and pfSense Plus?
The Reddit threads we read says Netgate announced a unified pfSense starting with 26.10, with security fixes available free. It describes free version upgrades as requiring a reinstall, while online upgrades require a subscription. Commenters questioned how the change affects the former CE and Plus distinction; check Netgate’s current terms before deciding.
Do people still use pfSense?
The published material includes active Reddit discussions about pfSense, including users planning to stay and others considering a move. That shows ongoing discussion, not overall adoption figures. The announcement described in the thread offers free security fixes, so the choice is not simply whether pfSense is still available; upgrade terms and product fit matter too.