Data as of Aug 16, 2026 · Based on 3,131,739 AI responses across 10,525 prompts · See how Parse measures this
OPNsense is an open-source firewall and routing platform built on FreeBSD that delivers feature-rich, enterprise-grade network protection. It supports multi-WAN, VPNs (IPsec, OpenVPN, Tinc, WireGuard), and hardware failover via CARP, along with intrusion prevention and monitoring using Suricata and threat intelligence feeds. The project emphasizes a community-driven, BSD/MIT-licensed ecosystem with documentation, forums, and optional Business Edition and training resources.
Words AI uses
AI reaches for modern · robust · user-friendly when it describes OPNsense.
Rivals
pfSense is the brand AI weighs against OPNsense most.
Sources
opnsense.org shapes more of what AI says about OPNsense than any other source, at 18% of its citations.
reddit.com · firewallcompare.com · youtube.com · goregulus.com
The market map
Network Firewall Solutions →Where AI ranks OPNsense
Excerpts where OPNsense appeared in the AI's answer

OPNsense gives you the combination I'd want on a custom appliance: stateful IPv4/IPv6 firewalling, VLANs, multi-WAN, IPsec/OpenVPN/WireGuard, traffic shaping, IDS/IPS with Suricata, DNS/DHCP, NetFlow, high availability/CARP, and an API/plugin architecture.

OPNsense — Best overall for a feature-rich, GUI-driven Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW).
Excerpts where OPNsense appeared in the AI's answer

OPNsense is widely recommended by homelab users because it balances features, stability, and usability.