Netgate 4200 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 Netgate 4200 pfSense+ Security Gateway and Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro) both score 7.1/10 overall.

They score the same on throughput, ports and networking, software and features, security record and running costs.

Netgate 4200 pfSense+ Security Gateway

7.1/10verdict: buy

The Netgate 4200 is a desktop pfSense Plus firewall with four 2.5GbE ports and published multi-gig firewall and VPN throughput. It suits anyone with a gigabit or faster line who wants four 2.5GbE ports and a firewall platform they can configure in depth. It is less clear-cut for buyers who need published IPS throughput, SFP+ ports or a documented advisory history.

Typically about £465 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK

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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

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

Scores, criterion by criterion

Criterion	Weight	Netgate 4200 pfSense+ Security Gateway	Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro)
Throughput	25%	8/10	8/10
Ports and networking	20%	7/10	7/10
Software and features	20%	8/10	8/10
Security record	20%	5/10	5/10
Running costs	15%	7/10	7/10
Overall		7.1/10	7.1/10

Specifications

Spec	Netgate 4200 pfSense+ Security Gateway	Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro)
Firewall / IPS throughput	not listed	3.5 Gbps IDS/IPS throughput (manufacturer rating, not independently tested); no firewall-only figure found
Ports	Four 2.5GbE RJ-45 ports (PORT1WAN to PORT4); no SFP+ port listed	9 RJ45 GbE (8 LAN, 1 WAN) and 2 SFP+ 10G (one LAN, one WAN); no 2.5GbE port listed
Software	pfSense Plus, preinstalled	UniFi OS with the UniFi Application Suite: Network, Protect, Access, Talk and Connect
VPN throughput	IPsec AES-GCM-128 3.2 Gbps (iPerf3) and 1.05 Gbps (IMIX); WireGuard supported	not listed
Processor	Intel Atom C1110, 4-core, 2.1 GHz with AVX2	not listed
Memory	4 GB LPDDR5	not listed
Subscriptions needed	TAC Lite included; Professional $399/yr and Enterprise $799/yr; no paid subscription listed as required for core features	Core features need no subscription; optional CyberSecure add-on at $99 per unit billed annually

Strengths and weaknesses

Netgate 4200 pfSense+ Security Gateway

+ Firewall throughput of 8.61 Gbps (iPerf3) is well above gigabit
+ Four 2.5GbE ports
+ No paid subscription listed as required for core features
− IPS throughput not published
− No SFP+ port listed

Skip it if:

Buyers who need a published IPS throughput figure before committing
Anyone needing SFP+ or fibre ports on the firewall itself
Buyers who require a documented firmware and advisory history

Read the full Netgate 4200 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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