Unifi security gateway vs pfsense- Which is the best security solution

Pfsense and Unifi security gateway offer excellent firewall services to ensure the safety and security of your information. But which one will work best for you?

When it comes to choosing a firewall software, it is rarely as simple as just picking the one with the best security features. It often involves assessing a security software solution against your individual needs, requirements and capability. Pfsense is both free and open source which makes it the most obvious go to option, but it requires substantial technological know-how to fully utilize, though for a willing learner, there is no shortage of online platforms, discussions and documentation to aid in this. Unifi Security gateway is the ABCD of firewalling functions in comparison, but it comes at a price, though a reasonable one. So which of the two will tick all your boxes and provide the most satisfying firewall experience for you?

What are the differences between Unifi security gateway and pfsense?

Feature	Unifi Security Gateway	Pfsense
Operating System	Edge OS	Free BSD
Centralized management	Yes	No
Open VPN Server and Client	Yes (Via Command Line)	Yes
DNS and GelP Filtering	Beta feature	Pfblocker
WAN failover and Load balancing WAN	Yes	Yes
Price	Paid	Free
	Download here	Download here

Unifi security gateway vs pfsense- How do they compare?

Pricing

Unifi Security gateway (USG) is a paid package while pfsense is free. However, USG comes with excellent quality hardware which saves the user the trouble of having to look for and vet hardware implements by themselves, which is the case for pfsense.

User interface

Pfsense uses a Graphic User Interface while USG combines the use of the same with a command line for certain functions. This implies that the functions for which USG uses a command line are executed far more efficiently and quicker than the same for pfsense, while maintaining a user friendly outlook.

Centralized management

USG has a centralized management system which pfsense does not. USG does this by adopting SDN (Software defined networking) which allows the administrator to control all the routers installed on the network from a remote offsite location, which is not the case for pfsense which mainly has a firmware defined for of networking making remotely controlling devices in the network quite tasking.

Unifi security gateway vs pfsense – A comparison review

Unifi security gateway

The USG firewall offers advanced firewall policies that protect the given network and data. It provides site to site VPN which secures and encrypts private information and data communications travelling over the network, ensuring that all communications and information file transfers are secure within and with-out the network. The software enjoys convenient VLAN support. It can also create virtual network segments which are ideal for network and security management. It has also adopted a Software Defined networking system which allows remote access of devices from a remote control which makes monitoring, managing and controlling the information that flows through the network very easy.

It makes use of the unifi controller for its intuitive nature to carry out device management, provisioning and threat detection. The networks Quality of service (its ability to get the maximum bandwidth and simultaneously take care of network performance) top priority is assigned to video and voice traffic which ensures clear calls together with video streaming that is lag free.

Pros

• It is fast and reliable
• It has adopted SDN which allows the user to control multiple routers remotely
• Works great with other unifi devices to give a wholesome ‘unified’ solution

Cons

• It is a paid product

Pfsense

Pfsense was released as an open source and free to distribute software for both firewall and routing user needs. It is an excellent firewall that comes with great features as well as helpful additional applications. One of its key security features would be the multiple configuration feature that allows the user to design the network in a system of subnets based on their preference, which could be user age, management levels or organisational information clearance. The administrator can then monitor and control the flow of information to and through each subnet which ensures that certain users get specific information, while monitoring the packets that go through every individual device in the system according to the firewall rules and blockers applying to the subnet they are assigned to.

It also has an intrusion detection and prevention feature which is instrumental in notifying the user of potential threats as well as dealing with them. This feature runs in transparent mode which implies that it does not interfere with the other functions in the system. Its array of additional features include web proxies, DNS servers as well as VLAN and WLAN which diversify the software’s utility beyond simply being a firewall solution

Pros

• It is free to download and use
• It has a wide variety of additional applications

Cons

• It may be intimidating to use for a first time firewall user

Conclusion

An added appeal of USG is the, ‘unified’ solution it offers. This is a term used to illustrate the effortless and efficient cohesion with which the unifi enterprise devices work with. It would be safe to say that once you install say their router system, then their firewall will work seamlessly  with it an give very good results. This is not to say that it cannot be paired with other devices, just that the overall functionality is top notch. Pfsense can work with any device that meets its hardware requirements, but this mix and match process is not always as precise as would be ideal. With all the facts, both software are very good firewall solutions.

Verdict – So which is better- Unifi security gateway or pfsense?

Both software are efficient in their security function. However, if you have technical experience or are willing to learn, then pfsense will offer a more wholesome firewall experience for you.

FAQs

What is a Unifi security gateway?

USG is a unifi operating system based software that extends the unifi enterprise system to wholesomely encompass security and routing for the user’s network. It does this by offering advanced firewall policies that protect the information and data in the network it is connected and enabled in. It also creates virtual network segments that ensure network traffic management and overall network security.

What is pfsense used for?

Pfsense is used as a firewall and router software in both home and work environments. It can be configured as a DHCP server, WI-FI access point, DNS server and VPN server all seamlessly running on the same hardware device, which is very convenient. It can also be used as a guide manual to building your own router from scratch.