OpenMSP
OPNsense logo

OPNsense

Network Management and Monitoring

Open Source
Free Tier
Self-hosted
E
Enterprise
OpenMSP Score
84
98
Reddit Impact Score
Github Score
183M
4KStars
965Forks
20KCommits
BSD 2-Clause "Simplified" LicenseLicense
Jul 6, 2026Last commit

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OPNsense is a powerful, open-source firewall and routing platform built on FreeBSD that launched in January 2015 as a fork of pfSense. Founded by Deciso B.V. in the Netherlands, OPNsense has evolved into a comprehensive security platform with less than 10% of the original pfSense code remaining. The platform provides enterprise-grade network security features including stateful packet filtering, inline intrusion detection and prevention (IDS/IPS via Suricata), comprehensive VPN support (IPsec, OpenVPN, WireGuard), two-factor authentication, traffic shaping, load balancing, high availability with CARP failover, and web application firewall capabilities. OPNsense features a modern, intuitive web interface built with the Phalcon MVC framework, emphasizing security, code quality, and usability. The platform offers weekly security updates to respond quickly to emerging threats, with a fixed release cycle of two major releases annually (January and July). With over 300,000 community members worldwide and 4,000+ GitHub stars, OPNsense is widely adopted by MSPs, enterprises, and network administrators. Available in both free Community Edition and premium Business Edition with additional features like OPNcentral management, Web Application Firewall, and commercial support options.
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Key Features

Intrusion Detection & Prevention

Built-in IDS/IPS powered by Suricata with real-time threat detection and inline blocking capabilities

Comprehensive VPN Support

Native support for IPsec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard VPN protocols for secure remote access and site-to-site connectivity

Two-Factor Authentication

Native 2FA support for enhanced administrative security and access control

Traffic Shaping & QoS

Advanced traffic shaping and Quality of Service features for bandwidth management and network optimization

High Availability Clustering

Built-in HA with CARP (Common Address Redundancy Protocol) for automatic failover and state synchronization

Extensive Plugin Architecture

Rich plugin ecosystem for extending functionality including Zenarmor NGFW, Nginx, HAProxy, and more

Pros and Cons

Pros

Strong Security Focus

Weekly security updates, built-in IDS/IPS with Suricata, transparent security audits, and commitment to security best practices

Modern User Interface

Intuitive Bootstrap-based web interface with MVC framework, offering better usability and user experience than legacy alternatives

Active Development & Community

Frequent updates with bi-annual major releases, transparent development process, and 300,000+ community members worldwide

True Open Source Freedom

BSD 2-Clause license with no vendor lock-in, no proprietary dependencies, and freedom to fork and customize

No Licensing Costs

Completely free Community Edition with all core features - no per-seat, per-device, or subscription fees required

Cons

Smaller Market Share

Smaller user base compared to pfSense, which may affect third-party integration availability and community resources

Learning Curve Required

Requires solid networking knowledge and FreeBSD familiarity for advanced configurations and troubleshooting

Hardware Requirements

Performance and throughput depend on proper hardware sizing - underpowered hardware can bottleneck network performance

Commercial Support Limited

Official commercial support primarily through Deciso and select partners - fewer support options than enterprise vendors

Migration Complexity

Migrating from pfSense or other firewalls requires careful planning due to configuration differences

Feature Comparison

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Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

OpenMSP is The MSP Knowledge Hub & Community Platform designed specifically for Managed Service Providers seeking to optimize their technology stack, reduce vendor costs, and discover open-source alternatives. We combine a comprehensive vendor directory, open-source solution catalog, and integrated community discussions to help MSPs make informed decisions.
Yes, completely free. Browse vendors and tools, read comparisons, and join community discussions - no cost, no registration required. OpenMSP is community-supported and focused on empowering MSPs to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency through open-source technology.
We help MSPs identify cost-effective alternatives to expensive commercial solutions, provide transparent vendor information, and connect you with proven open-source alternatives. Our platform enables MSPs to make informed decisions about their technology investments.
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Platform Information

OpenMSP is currently community-supported. We focus on providing value to the MSP community first. Any future monetization will keep the core platform free for MSPs while maintaining our independence and commitment to unbiased information.
We focus exclusively on MSP needs with transparent vendor information and open-source alternatives. No vendor partnerships or sponsored listings - just honest, community-driven information to help MSPs make better technology decisions. Our biggest value is our community where MSPs help each other with questions, setup guidance, and sharing real-world experiences.
Our community of MSP professionals helps verify and update information. We also maintain direct research on tools and vendors to ensure accuracy. Community members can report outdated information, and we work to keep everything current.
OpenMSP was founded by Michael Assraf, who has extensive experience in the MSP industry and product leadership. As the former CEO & Founder of Vicarius, Michael grew a startup from $0 to $9M ARR with 500+ customers and deep experience working with MSPs, partners, and fundraising. OpenMSP represents his commitment to empowering the MSP community through better technology decisions and cost optimization.

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Many open-source projects offer multiple support options including community forums, commercial support from vendors, professional services, and our community discussions where experienced MSPs share implementation guidance.