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Netgate 2100 pfSense+ Security Gateway vs Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro)

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against firewalls at a similar price

The Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro) scores 7.1/10 overall, ahead of the Netgate 2100 pfSense+ Security Gateway at 5.9/10.

The Netgate 2100 pfSense+ Security Gateway leads on running costs.

The Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro) leads on throughput and ports and networking.

They score the same on software and features and security record.

The biggest difference is throughput, where the Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro) scores 8/10 to the Netgate 2100 pfSense+ Security Gateway's 4/10.

Netgate 2100 pfSense+ Security Gateway

Netgate 2100 pfSense+ Security Gateway

5.9/10verdict: good, not the best

The Netgate 2100 is for people who want a supported, fanless pfSense Plus firewall for a small office or home network. It suits those who value low running costs and a no-subscription core over inspection headroom. Buyers planning IPS on a full gigabit line should check the throughput evidence first.

Typically about £436 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro)

Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro)

7.1/10verdict: good, not the best

The UDM-Pro suits homelabbers and small offices that want routing, firewalling, IDS/IPS and VPN in one UniFi OS device. It is a good fit if you already run, or plan to run, other UniFi products. Buyers who need proven stability or quick support should read the owner complaints first.

Typically about £396 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightNetgate 2100 pfSense+ Security GatewayUbiquiti Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro)
Throughput25%4/108/10
Ports and networking20%5/107/10
Software and features20%8/108/10
Security record20%5/105/10
Running costs15%9/107/10
Overall5.9/107.1/10

Specifications

SpecNetgate 2100 pfSense+ Security GatewayUbiquiti Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro)
Firewall / IPS throughputnot listed3.5 Gbps IDS/IPS throughput (manufacturer rating, not independently tested); no firewall-only figure found
PortsOne 1 GbE WAN (RJ45/SFP combo) plus four 1 GbE LAN ports, five total9 RJ45 GbE (8 LAN, 1 WAN) and 2 SFP+ 10G (one LAN, one WAN); no 2.5GbE port listed
SoftwarepfSense Plus with lifetime upgradesUniFi OS with the UniFi Application Suite: Network, Protect, Access, Talk and Connect
VPN throughputIPsec VPN, 254 Mbps iPerf3not listed
ProcessorMarvell Armada 3720 (88F3720) dual-core ARMv8-A Cortex-A53 at 1.2 GHznot listed
Memory4 GB DDR4, not expandablenot listed
Subscriptions neededNo subscription required for core software; TAC Lite included; TAC Professional $399/yr; TAC Enterprise $799/yrCore features need no subscription; optional CyberSecure add-on at $99 per unit billed annually

Strengths and weaknesses

Netgate 2100 pfSense+ Security Gateway

  • + No subscription needed for core software
  • + Fanless, with an owner report of 6 W
  • + Near line-rate iPerf3 firewall throughput of 964 Mbps
  • − IMIX firewall throughput is only 249 Mbps
  • − IPS throughput is not published
  • − Five 1GbE ports only, no faster options listed

Skip it if:

  • Buyers wanting full gigabit throughput with IPS enabled
  • Anyone who needs 2.5GbE or SFP+ ports
  • Buyers who need more than five 1GbE ports without adding a switch
Read the full Netgate 2100 pfSense+ Security Gateway review ›

Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro)

  • + 3.5+ Gbps IDS/IPS rating from the manufacturer
  • + Two SFP+ 10G ports plus eight GbE LAN ports
  • + WireGuard, IPsec and OpenVPN with no subscription for core features
  • − No 2.5GbE port listed
  • − Owners report freezes, connectivity loss and slow support
  • − No published VPN throughput or measured power figures

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need 2.5GbE ports on the gateway itself
  • Anyone who depends on fast vendor support
Read the full Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro) review ›

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