{
  "slug": "pf-sense",
  "category": "self-hosted-network-security",
  "name": "pfSense",
  "description": "FreeBSD-based firewall and router distribution from Netgate with a web interface, VPN and package system, available as the open-source Community Edition and the closed pfSense Plus.",
  "website": "https://www.pfsense.org",
  "source": "https://github.com/pfsense/pfsense",
  "license": "Apache-2.0",
  "platforms": [],
  "jurisdiction": {
    "code": "US",
    "name": "United States",
    "eyes": "Five Eyes",
    "eu": false,
    "gdpr": false,
    "cloud_act": "provider"
  },
  "pick": false,
  "pick_reason": null,
  "disclosure": null,
  "grade": "F",
  "score": 35,
  "coverage": 100,
  "summary": "pfSense scores 35 out of 100 (grade F) on the self-hosted network security criteria. It meets 1 of 4 criteria: no ads or data sales. It partly meets open source. It does not meet no trackers or telemetry and independent audit. It is based in the United States: Five Eyes member; subject to the US CLOUD Act.",
  "url": "https://privacyratings.com/self-hosted-network-security/pf-sense/",
  "markdown": "https://privacyratings.com/self-hosted-network-security/pf-sense/index.md",
  "answers": {
    "open_source": {
      "title": "Open source",
      "weight": 3,
      "answer": "partial",
      "evidence": "https://www.netgate.com/pfsense-plus-software/software-types",
      "note": "pfSense CE is Apache-2.0, but pfSense Plus, the edition Netgate ships and develops first, is closed source under a commercial EULA."
    },
    "no_trackers": {
      "title": "No trackers or telemetry",
      "weight": 3,
      "answer": "no",
      "evidence": null,
      "note": "The home page loads Google Tag Manager (automated test)."
    },
    "no_ads": {
      "title": "No ads or data sales",
      "weight": 2,
      "answer": "yes",
      "evidence": "https://www.netgate.com/pfsense-plus-software",
      "note": "Funded by Netgate hardware, pfSense Plus licenses and support, with no ads."
    },
    "independent_audit": {
      "title": "Independent audit",
      "weight": 2,
      "answer": "no",
      "evidence": null,
      "note": "No independent audit is published."
    },
    "transparency_report": {
      "title": "Transparency report",
      "weight": 2,
      "answer": "n/a",
      "evidence": null,
      "note": "Only applies to hosted services with a website to test."
    },
    "user_notice": {
      "title": "Tells users about requests",
      "weight": 1,
      "answer": "n/a",
      "evidence": null,
      "note": "Only applies to hosted services with a website to test."
    },
    "tls": {
      "title": "TLS configuration",
      "weight": 2,
      "answer": "n/a",
      "evidence": null,
      "note": "Only applies to hosted services with a website to test."
    },
    "security_headers": {
      "title": "Security headers",
      "weight": 1,
      "answer": "n/a",
      "evidence": null,
      "note": "Only applies to hosted services with a website to test."
    },
    "web_standards": {
      "title": "Modern web standards",
      "weight": 1,
      "answer": "n/a",
      "evidence": null,
      "note": "Only applies to hosted services with a website to test."
    }
  },
  "tests": {
    "ssllabs": null,
    "observatory": null,
    "internetnl_web": null,
    "internetnl_mail": null,
    "trackers": [
      {
        "name": "Google Fonts",
        "host": "fonts.googleapis.com",
        "effect": "none"
      },
      {
        "name": "Google Tag Manager",
        "host": "www.googletagmanager.com",
        "effect": "no"
      }
    ],
    "tested_at": "2026-10-01T07:00:56.506Z"
  },
  "last_modified": "2026-10-01T07:44:20Z"
}