OPNsense vs pfSense: which does AI recommend?

Since May 29 · · ChatGPT and Google AI Mode

Based on 191 AI answers that name bothReviewed by

How we measure

When AI names both, it lists first more often than not. It recommends more often.

Head to head

Listed first when AI names both

OPNsenseOPNsense: 68% (OPNsense leads)pfSensepfSense: 32%

Recommended when named

OPNsenseOPNsense: 99% (OPNsense leads)
pfSensepfSense: 89%

Warned against · lower is better

OPNsenseOPNsense: 0%
pfSensepfSense: 2%

AI recommends OPNsense for

  • Open-source firewall for custom hardware Almost always

Where each brand stands out

OPNsense

  • ChatGPTSep 7, 2026OPNsense1 of 4

    OPNsense · Custom firewall appliance · Best overall pfSense CE · Traditional firewall appliance deployments · Excellent, but I'd favor OPNsense for a new build VyOS · Routing-heavy, automation/CLI environments · Best if you're a network engineer who thinks in CLI/config-as-code IPFire · Lightweight/simple firewall · Very good, particularly for smaller hardware OPNsense vs.

Topic by topic

is ahead in home network firewalls and subscription-free hardware firewalls, and slightly ahead in network traffic analysis.

OPNsense mentioned more3

OPNsense mentioned more

Topics with a ranking for pfSense only3

What people ask AI about OPNsense and pfSense

is listed first almost always for an open-source firewall to deploy on custom hardware, and slightly more often for a home network firewall. is listed first more often for hardware-based firewalls without an annual license; for cost-conscious organizations seeking open-source substitutes.

OPNsense listed firstpfSense listed first
  1. What is the best open-source firewall software for a network engineer to deploy on custom hardware?OPNsense almost always first
  2. What is the best home network firewall?Leans OPNsense
  3. I need a firewall that is hardware-based and does not require an annual license subscription.pfSense often first
  4. As a cost-conscious organization, which open-source security tools are viable substitutes for commercial products in a small environment?OPNsense listed first: 60%pfSense listed first: 40%OPNsense often first

Who AI mentions first

OPNsense listed firstpfSense listed first
  1. MayOPNsense listed first: 33%pfSense listed first: 67%
  2. JunOPNsense listed first: 52%pfSense listed first: 48%
  3. JulOPNsense listed first: 62%pfSense listed first: 38%
  4. AugOPNsense listed first: 83%pfSense listed first: 17%
  5. SepOPNsense listed first: 64%pfSense listed first: 36%
  6. OctOPNsense listed first: 83%pfSense listed first: 17%
  7. Nov, so farOPNsense listed first: 83%pfSense listed first: 17%

Every engine leans toward when both are named; ChatGPT Search leans more, usually listing first.

  • Google AI ModeOPNsense listed first: 62%pfSense listed first: 38%
  • ChatGPTOPNsense listed first: 78%pfSense listed first: 22%

Sites AI cites

OPNsense favouredNeither favouredpfSense favoured

Other brands AI mentions

BrandMentioned in
  1. VyOS41%
  2. Netgate35%
  3. Firewalla34%
  4. Protectli32%
  5. IPFire32%
  6. Ubiquiti26%
  7. OpenWRT11%
  8. Suricata8%
  9. FortiGate8%
  10. Wazuh8%
  11. MikroTik7%
  12. Qotom7%

OPNsense vs pfSense: common questions

Is OPNsense better than pfSense?
OPNsense is listed first almost always for an open-source firewall to deploy on custom hardware, and slightly more often for a home network firewall. pfSense is listed first more often for hardware-based firewalls without an annual license; OPNsense for cost-conscious organizations seeking open-source substitutes.
Do ChatGPT and Google AI Mode recommend OPNsense or pfSense?
Every engine leans toward OPNsense when both are named; ChatGPT Search leans more, usually listing OPNsense first.
What are the alternatives to OPNsense and pfSense?
AI most often names VyOS, Netgate, Firewalla and Protectli in the same answers.
When is OPNsense the better pick?
AI usually lists OPNsense first for: Open-source firewall for custom hardware.

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