Is the Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) worth it?
The Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) 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.
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Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+)
Routers
Expert consensus
How we score5 expert sources · 1 quoted
Expert Consensus 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
Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) vs. the alternatives
How the Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) stacks up against other Networking options on price, expert consensus, and ecosystem support.
| Product | Price | Consensus | Works With | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+)This page | $399.00 | 7.5/10 | — | Recommended |
| Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro SE | — | 8.7/10 | — | Recommended |
| Synology RT6600ax | $329.99 | 7.8/10 | — | Recommended |
| Firewalla Gold Plus | $679.00 | 9/10 | — | Recommended |
The Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+) ($399.00 list) earns a 7.5/10 expert consensus across 5 sources, versus the ASUS ZenWiFi AX6600 at $280-$350 list (8.6/10 consensus).
What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ pfSense+ open-source firewall with unlimited 802.1Q VLANs at 399$
- ✓ 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
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 is among the named sources behind that consensus.
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 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.
Decided on the Netgate 2100 Base (pfSense+)?
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Sources & Methodology
This review aggregates 1 independent expert review into a single consensus score. See how we build consensus scores.
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.