Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to UniFi Security Gateway · 🔐 security
UniFi Security Gateway vs Opnsense
From VPN to Intrusion Detection, best-in-class, free open-source firewall. Here is how Opnsense ($0/mo open source) stacks up against UniFi Security Gateway ($29/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Opnsense
$0.00/mo · cm0zooe4a000i7dtrtrvgvszh
UniFi Security Gateway vs Opnsense Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-11-04
| Dimension | UniFi Security Gateway (Paid) | Opnsense (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $29 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $348 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $348) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $1,740 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,740) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $3,480 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $3,480) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source cm0zooe4a000i7dtrtrvgvszh |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 4.8k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from UniFi Security Gateway to Opnsense
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed UniFi Security Gateway.
How to deploy Opnsense
Clone https://github.com/opnsense/core or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
Where your data lives
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
Why fork Opnsense instead of vibe-coding a UniFi Security Gateway clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for UniFi Security Gateway or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 2 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Opnsense or pfSense.
UniFi Security Gateway vs Opnsense FAQ
Is Opnsense a good free alternative to UniFi Security Gateway?+
Yes. Opnsense is a verified open-source (cm0zooe4a000i7dtrtrvgvszh) replacement for UniFi Security Gateway. From VPN to Intrusion Detection, best-in-class, free open-source firewall.
What is the catch when switching from UniFi Security Gateway to Opnsense?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed UniFi Security Gateway.
How much do you save switching from UniFi Security Gateway to Opnsense?+
UniFi Security Gateway costs $29/mo ($348/yr) per seat, whereas Opnsense is $0/mo. Switching saves $348/yr for a solo user, $1,740/yr for a 5-person team, and $3,480/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Opnsense instead of UniFi Security Gateway?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/opnsense/core or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.