TE
“Netgate 2100 is the most flexible pfSense appliance for power users.”
Is the Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) worth it?
The Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) ($399.00) is recommended with a 7.5/10 consensus score across 5 expert reviews. Experts highlight pfsense+ open-source firewall with unlimited 802.1q vlans at 399$ and suricata or snort ids via package management. techradar says: "Netgate 2100 is the most flexible pfSense appliance for power users." Best for: Network sysadmins, pfSense enthusiasts, Maximum-flexibility households.
Recommended5 Expert Reviews
Price Range
Check Price on Amazon →$399.00
Verified 44d ago
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Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+)
NM
Nicholas Miles · Editor-in-Chief & Methodology Owner
Routers
SHE ScoreAverage
SmartHomeExplorer proprietary rating
5.7/10
5 expert sources
Compatibility Breadth5/10
Setup Ease5.3/10
Reliability6.1/10
Value Rating6.5/10
Future-Proofing5.5/10
The Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) earns a SHE Score of 5.7/10, driven by strong value (6.5/10) with room to improve in compatibility breadth (5/10). Based on 5 expert sources and SmartHomeExplorer compatibility analysis.
How we calculate the SHE Score →Expert Consensus: 7.5/10 across 5 sources
Updated 1 week ago“Netgate 2100 is the most flexible pfSense appliance for power users.”
Key Features
- ✓ pfSense+ OS
- ✓ Unlimited VLANs
- ✓ Suricata/Snort
- ✓ Lifetime TAC Lite
- ✓ 399$ entry
Best For
Network sysadminspfSense enthusiastsMaximum-flexibility households
Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) vs. the alternatives
How the Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) stacks up against other Networking options on price, expert consensus, and our proprietary SHE Score.
| Product | Price | Consensus | SHE Score | Works With | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+)This page | $399.00 | 7.5/10 | 5.7/10 | major smart home platforms | Recommended |
| Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro SE | $584.98 | 8.7/10 | 6.4/10 | major smart home platforms | Recommended |
| Synology RT6600ax | $329.99 | 7.8/10 | 5.8/10 | major smart home platforms | Recommended |
| Firewalla Gold Plus | $679.00 | 9/10 | 6.5/10 | major smart home platforms | Recommended |
The Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) ($399.00) earns a 7.5/10 expert consensus and a 5.7/10 SHE Score across 5 sources, versus the ASUS ZenWiFi AX6600 at $179.99 (8.6/10 consensus).
What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ pfSense+ open-source firewall with unlimited 802.1Q VLANs at 399$
- ✓ Suricata or Snort IDS via package management
- ✓ Lifetime TAC Lite support included plus 4x 1 GbE ports
Common Criticisms
- ✗ No mobile app — CLI plus web admin only across 60+ mins of typical setup
- ✗ ARM Cortex-A53 quad-core limits IDS-on throughput to 600 Mbps
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What The Experts Say
Ready to buy the Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+)?
Check Price on Amazon$399.00 · 5 expert sources · 7.5/10 consensus
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) worth it?
The Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) earns a 7.5/10 consensus score across 5 expert sources and is rated "Recommended". At $399.00, it is best for Network sysadmins. techradar notes: "Netgate 2100 is the most flexible pfSense appliance for power users."
How much does the Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) cost?
The Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) is priced at $399.00. With a 7.5/10 score from 5 expert reviews and a "Recommended" rating, that price represents fair value relative to the ~7.5/10 average for Networking products. Prices shift often, so check the live figure before buying.
Who is the Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) best for?
The Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) is best for Network sysadmins, pfSense enthusiasts, Maximum-flexibility households. Experts rate it "Recommended" with a 7.5/10 consensus across 5 sources.
How does the Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) compare to other Networking options?
Among the Networking products we have aggregated, the Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) ranks above average with a 7.5/10 score. See our full category comparison for head-to-head details.
What smart home systems does the Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) work with?
The Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) works with major smart home platforms. Check the compatibility notes above for any hub dependencies or setup requirements before you buy.
What are the best alternatives to the Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+)?
If the Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) ($399.00, 7.5/10) is not the right fit, the closest alternatives in Networking are Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro SE. Compare them on price, ecosystem support, and expert consensus to find your match.
What are the pros and cons of the Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+)?
The main strengths of the Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) are pfsense+ open-source firewall with unlimited 802.1q vlans at 399$ and suricata or snort ids via package management. The most-cited downside is no mobile app — cli plus web admin only across 60+ mins of typical setup. Overall, 5 expert sources rate it "Recommended" with a 7.5/10 consensus score.
Sources & Methodology
This review aggregates 1 independent expert review into a single consensus score. See how we build consensus scores and the SHE Score methodology.
Expert review sources cited on this page:
- techradar
Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This consensus review is based on 5 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.
Independence notice: Smart Home Explorer is an independent publication. Netgate and other product names, logos, and brands referenced on this page are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. This review is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Netgate or any other manufacturer named in this article.