Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to UniFi Security Gateway · 🔐 security
UniFi Security Gateway vs pfSense
Comprehensive network security solution for enterprises. Here is how pfSense ($0/mo open source) stacks up against UniFi Security Gateway ($29/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
pfSense
$0.00/mo · cm0zfrz5200pu94snwyqzpqx7
UniFi Security Gateway vs pfSense Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-11-04
| Dimension | UniFi Security Gateway (Paid) | pfSense (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 cm0zfrz5200pu94snwyqzpqx7 |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 5.8k (active mar 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from UniFi Security Gateway to pfSense
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 pfSense
Clone https://github.com/pfsense/pfsense 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 pfSense 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 pfSense FAQ
Is pfSense a good free alternative to UniFi Security Gateway?+
Yes. pfSense is a verified open-source (cm0zfrz5200pu94snwyqzpqx7) replacement for UniFi Security Gateway. Comprehensive network security solution for enterprises.
What is the catch when switching from UniFi Security Gateway to pfSense?+
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 pfSense?+
UniFi Security Gateway costs $29/mo ($348/yr) per seat, whereas pfSense 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 pfSense instead of UniFi Security Gateway?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/pfsense/pfsense or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.