pfsense-vs-ubiquiti-networks

PfSense is a powerful firewall software solution, while Ubiquiti Networks Unifi is WiFi hotspot software. Though they specialize in different niches, Ubiquiti Networks Unifi also offers security features, while PfSense can be used as a wireless solution.

PfSense is an open source software that is either deployed through the cloud or on a network box. In order to use it to handle WiFi, it must be deployed through a box. PfSense is completely customizable and can utilize many different wireless cards. This makes PfSense a good choice for companies with specific needs and the technological know-how to make a network box that suits those needs.

Ubiquiti Networks Unifi offers WiFi and security as separate pieces of hardware that can integrate with each other. Ubiquiti Networks Unifi is a good choice for a company that doesn’t need significant customization or lacks the technical staff to manage a customized network box.

Features

PfSense offers strong firewall and security features while Ubiquiti Networks Unifi offers strong WiFi support features. Both solutions have a few standout features that set them apart from other choices.

PfSense is open source, so there is a lot of guidance and documentation for it online, this also means it works with a wide variety of wireless software and hardware. Additionally, PfSense has some add-ons that are available to improve features at no charge, though there are also commercial add-ons that must be purchased. PfSense offers a huge variety of implementations, including cloud-based solutions for businesses that only want it’s security features.

Ubiquiti Networks UniFi offers easier setup compared to PfSense. Its WiFi and security products are simpler to implement and can be easily controlled through an administration portal. Ubiquiti also offers additional solutions, such as its security system, as additional hardware that can easily be purchased and integrated with their WiFi offering.

Limitations

PfSense and Ubiquiti Networks WiFi both offer good features for their market, but there are a few areas where each one is limited.

PfSense having a wealth of open source add-ons is a strength in many ways, but also requires administrators to vigilantly check for updates to keep their system running smoothly. Additionally, add-on developers may stop development at any time, which can cause the deprecation of add-ons. PfSense also has a dated user interface, which can be a challenge to manage for new users.

Ubiquiti Networks WiFi lacks the flexibility PfSense offers by being open source. Additionally, Ubiquiti Networks WiFi has poor customer support. Many users claim that connecting directly with Ubiquiti support is difficult and time consuming. Documentation for implementation and new releases is also uncommon.

Pricing

PfSense has a large variety of physical boxes starting at $179.00 and reaching as high as $5,298.00. Additionally, a cloud-based version is available starting at $0.34 per hour for businesses that only want security features. The wide variety of packages ensures that any user can find a PfSense solution that suits their needs.

Ubiquiti offers several different WiFi solutions, from small hotspots starting at $149.00 to fully-featured boxes starting at $1499.00. Their Security Gateway can be purchased separately for as low as $139.00.