Pfsense vs Sophos XG – Which is the better security software

Both pfsense and Sophos are excellent soft wares, but which one is the better all-round security software solution for you?

Both Pfsense and Sophos XG firewall are ranked among the top and most recommended firewall software for both office and home use. This because of their great functionality and efficiency ion meeting their user requirements. Pfsense comes with quite the array of additional features and capabilities like supporting site to site IPsec VPN and client, Open VPN and client and PPTP client. On the other hand, Sophos XG is easy to use and comes with a step by step manual on top of giving customizable policies, modifiable templates as well as customized rules for cases where there is a single user. They both have intrusion detection, which is key in monitoring security threats posed to the network system. But which one will work best for you?

What are the differences between pfsense and Sophos?

Feature	Pfsense (Winner)	Sophos XG
Cost	Free	Paid
Operating system	Free BSD	Linux
Alternative uses	Routing software	None
Intrusion detection	Yes	Yes
Additional features	Wide scope	Limited
	Download here	Download here

Pfsense vs Sophos XG – How do they compare?

• Operating system

Pfsense is based on free BSD while Sophos is based on Linux. This limits the range of devices that would be compatible to Sophos XG as compared to pfsense. However, most devices used today are compatible with Linux which really underplays this difference.

• Price

Pfsense is free to download for use while Sophos is a paid software. However, the Sophos firewall package does have a free version which does not include its additional features as well as offering a 3 device limit on its firewall services.

• Additional features

Both software come with additional features which are further discussed below. However, pfsense has a wider array and scope of additional features that are not just helpful for the firewall but for overall functionality of the system.

Pfsense vs Sophos – A comparison review

Pfsense

Pfsense was originally released in 2006 as a firewall software that also enabled users to build their own routers as well as set up a routing network. It is widely popular, especially in the IT industry as the go to for all firewall needs. It has frequent system updates that add fixtures and features without disrupting the system, which is particularly important when using open source software. It is also not very picky with the hardware it can run on, with the minimum hardware requirements being a CPU that offers at least 650 MHz, 550 MB of RAM and about 4 GB of hard disk space altogether, which is not hard to find. It comes with quite the array of additional features which would be intimidating to a relatively new firewall user or otherwise useless in certain set ups, but very beneficial to a user who knows their way around the software. Being open source as well as widely used, it is very easy to find step by step tutorials and lessons on how to use the software online.

Pros

• Comes with an impressive list of additional features
• It has a good range of plugins, like SNORT.
• It is relatively easy to use, though it may be confusing for a first time user
• It is widely used, hence there is a good and rich community forum based support
• It is free to download and use.

Cons

• Support of certain network cards could be problematic.

Sophos

Sophos XG

Sophos is an effective firewall software that provides antivirus, endpoint, email, phone and data protection by enabling the user to consolidate the security of their information without compromising the effectiveness of their functionality. It comes with an Enduser Protection for external Wi-Fi users. These are devices that are connected to the network through the Wi-Fi as opposed to the requirement for overall protection which is that the devices in the network are all connected with VPN web and email servers. This enduser protection feature keeps the information in and the malware out, with no additional cost or appliance. It also has a Server Protection feature that is their customized anti-virus for protection of virtual and physical servers across the information network. Their antivirus agent is fully optimized for virtualization and has a rather low performance impact which reduces the lag on the overall system.

Sophos UTM

Though not the topic of this review, it would be difficult to discuss Sophos XG without including Sophos UTM which is the accompanying routing software from the same developers. Its interface is simple to use and its performance is solid and consistent. It also makes adding network components such as additional wireless access points to the network practically effortless. It works well with other Sophos products, like the Sophos XG mentioned above, which makes a compelling argument to invest in more Sophos devices and software.

Sophos gives a free trial on packages, which would be helpful to a potential buyer who is still undecided. This can be found on their website.

Pros

• It easily incorporates other Sophos products into the network infrastructure
• It has good VPN functionality and DHCP services
• It is visually appealing and very easy to use
• It offers straight forward and Multi-site VPN Tunnel configuration
• Looks better than most competitors.

Cons

• May be problematic to install on previously malware infected and older devices.
• Their support time is relatively slow.

Conclusion

Both software have good effectiveness and efficiency in providing security to your home or work network as well as coming with a number of additional applications that help complete their tasks. Sophos as a developer also distribute other products like the Sophos UTM which is a router package that comes with software and hardware elements. The diversity of Sophos products together with their ease in pairing with each other as well as efficiency prompts the user to buy more Sophos products.

Verdict – So which is better?

Both software are very effective in their intended task, which is offering information monitoring and security. However. Pfsense seems to be the better overall firewall solution.

FAQs

How much does Sophos antivirus cost?

It offers a free edition, which does not contain the most advanced features. This free version also has a limit of firewall protection to three computers. You can check their official website for the pricing models.

What is Sophos XG?

This is a firewall that fully identifies the source and user of a certain infection on the network and responds by automatically limiting access to other devices in the network.

Is Pfsense a router or firewall?

Pfsense is a software that works based on the free BSD operating system to offer both firewall and routing solutions. It is operated by being installed on a virtual machine or physical computer to make it a dedicated router or firewall for a given network. It also enables a user to use the software to build their own router from scratch.