What are the User Interface (UI) Differences Between OPNsense and pfSense?

Published on: February 14, 2024

10 min read

The user interface plays a crucial role in the overall user experience of any software or platform. It serves as the primary means through which users interact with and control the system. In the context of firewall and routing platforms like pfSense software and OPNsense, the user interface is particularly important as it directly impacts the ease of configuration, monitoring, and management of network settings.

Figure 1. OPNsense & pfSense GUI

pfSense and OPNsense are both open-source firewall and routing platforms based on FreeBSD. They are designed to provide advanced networking capabilities, security features, and routing functionalities for both small and large networks. These platforms offer a range of services such as VPN, firewall, traffic shaping, and more, making them popular choices for network administrators and IT professionals.

The user interface of a system significantly influences how users interact with and perceive the platform. A well-designed user interface can enhance usability, efficiency, and user satisfaction. On the other hand, a poorly designed interface can lead to confusion, frustration, and inefficiency in performing tasks.

The user interface of pfSense and OPNsense differs in terms of layout, navigation, and organization. OPNsense features a menu bar on the left side of the screen, providing a clear and structured navigation system. In contrast, pfSense has a menu bar at the top, which some users may find less intuitive. Additionally, OPNsense offers a search bar in the header for quick access to specific pages, while pfSense may require more manual navigation to find certain settings or options. These differences in layout and navigation can impact the overall user experience and ease of use for administrators managing network configurations on these platforms. In the sections that follow, we will conduct an in-depth analysis of a variety of Interface components of both firewall platforms.

In this article, a comprehensive overview of the primary user interface differences between OPNsense and pfSense will be presented.

Design and Aesthetics
Layout and Structure
Navigation and Menu Structure
Terminology and Labels
Dashboard Widgets
Mobile Responsiveness
Customization and Theme
Usability Enhancements
Feedback Mechanisms
Community and User Support

Each section delves into specific aspects, offering insights into the contrasting features and functionalities of the two firewall solutions. Furthermore, by highlighting the distinctions between these firewalls, certain aspects of the aforementioned subjects will be further expanded upon.

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What Are the Primary User Interface Differences Between OPNsense and pfSense?

When comparing OPNsense and pfSense, it becomes evident that the user interface plays a crucial role in shaping the user experience and overall usability of these firewall systems. The differences in design, layout, navigation, terminology, and customization options between OPNsense and pfSense highlight unique characteristics that cater to varying user preferences and requirements. Understanding these primary user interface variances can provide valuable insights into how users interact with and adapt to the interfaces of OPNsense and pfSense, ultimately influencing their efficiency in managing network security and configurations.

1. Design and Aesthetics

Refers to the overall visual appearance of the interface, including color scheme, typography, and use of icons.

Design and aesthetics are vital in GUIs as they enhance the user experience by organizing information clearly and accessibly. They contribute to brand image and perception, influencing users' engagement and retention. Furthermore, a well-designed interface improves ease of use, productivity, and competitiveness in the market.

OPNsense UI has a clean, modern design with clear labeling and intuitive iconography. It focuses on ease of use and accessibility.

Figure 2. OPNsense Dashboard

On the other hand, pfSense has a more traditional design with a denser layout and less emphasis on visual appeal. Some users may find it cluttered or overwhelming.

Figure 3. pfSense Dashboard

2. Layout and Structure

Layout and structure refer to the arrangement of elements on the screen, including the placement of sidebars, content areas, and buttons.

Layout and structure are essential in GUI design for ensuring usability, establishing visual hierarchy, and maintaining consistency across screens. They play a crucial role in guiding user interaction and enhancing the overall user experience.

OPNsense has consistent left-side menu with collapsible sections for easy navigation.

Figure 4. OPNsense left-side navigation

However, pfSense has top menu bar with dropdown menus that can be nested, potentially leading to longer navigation paths.

Figure 5. pfSense Top-Down navigation

How users move through the interface is organized by menus, tabs, or other navigation elements of the firewall.

Navigation and menu structure are critical elements of GUI design, impacting the user experience by facilitating easy access to features and information. They enhance efficiency by streamlining user interaction and promoting the discoverability of functionalities within the interface. In essence, well-designed navigation and menu structures contribute significantly to the overall usability and effectiveness of the graphical user interface.

While OPNsense has collapsible menus that allow for quick access to frequently used sections and minimize clutter, pfSense has dropdown menus that require more clicks and can be less efficient for navigating complex configurations.

4. Terminology and Labels

Terminology and labels refer to the words, phrases, or symbols used within a system, application, or interface to describe features, settings, options, or any other elements. They serve as the primary means of communication between the system and the user, helping users understand how to interact with the system effectively.

OPNsense uses plain language and terminology familiar to general users. It can be easier to understand for those new to firewalls.

Figure 6. OPNsense plain language and terminology

But, pfSense uses more technical terms and abbreviations, potentially requiring prior knowledge or referencing documentation.

Figure 7. pfSense has more technical language than OPNsense

5. Dashboard Widgets

Dashboard widgets can be described as customizable information panels that display key network metrics and status.

Dashboard widgets in OPNsense and pfSense are essential tools for network administrators seeking efficient monitoring, proactive management, and improved control over their networks.

Figure 8. OPNsense dashboard widgets

Figure 9. pfSense dashboard widgets

Both pfSense and OPNsense offer customizable dashboards with a variety of widgets for monitoring system health, network activity, security status, and more. The choice between them may come down to personal preference, specific feature requirements, or compatibility with existing infrastructure.

Both OPNsense and pfSense offer a similar set of core widgets, with some minor variations. In comparison to OPNsense, pfSense offers a slightly larger selection of widgets.

Both platforms allow for the creation of custom widgets for specific needs, further enhancing flexibility.

While widgets provide valuable insights, they should not be the sole source of network information. Detailed diagnostics and logs are necessary for in-depth analysis and troubleshooting.

6. Mobile Responsiveness

Mobile responsiveness refers to the ability of the interface to adapt to different screen sizes and devices.

Mobile responsiveness impacts accessibility and usability for users accessing the platform on mobile devices. A lack of responsiveness could render the interface unusable on smaller screens, hindering remote management.

OPNsense has a fully responsive interface for optimal usability on various devices. On the other hand, pfSense has limited mobile responsiveness, making navigation on smaller screens cumbersome.

OPNsense is superior in terms of mobile-friendliness, crucial for remote management and quick checks.

7. Customization and Theme

Customization and theme performance refer to options for users to personalize the interface layout, colors, and themes.

It increases user satisfaction and engagement by allowing personalization and reflecting individual preferences. Removing customization could make the interface feel generic and less user-friendly.

There are extensive customization options for themes, layouts, and widgets on OPNsense

Figure 10. OPNsense customization of themes

However, there are limited customization options for themes and layouts on pfSense

OPNsense empowers users to personalize their experience, potentially increasing satisfaction and engagement.

8. Usability Enhancements

Features like tooltips, keyboard shortcuts, and search functionality improve user interaction.

Impacts the ease of learning and navigating the interface. Removing enhancements could increase the learning curve and frustrate users.

OPNsense offers tooltips, keyboard shortcuts, and context-sensitive help.

pfSense provides tooltips and some keyboard shortcuts, but context-sensitive help is limited.

Both offer basic enhancements, but OPNsense's wider range might improve the user experience for beginners.

9. Feedback Mechanisms

Feedback mechanisms are features or tools integrated into a system or interface that allow users to provide input, share their opinions, report issues, or suggest improvements directly within the user interface. These mechanisms facilitate communication between users and system developers or administrators, enabling continuous improvement and enhancing user satisfaction.

Enables improvement and development based on user needs and experiences. Removing feedback mechanisms could result in missed opportunities for improvement and user dissatisfaction. Users would have limited channels to provide feedback, potentially hindering progress and responsiveness to user needs.

While OPNsense has a built-in feedback form and an active community forum, pfSense relies primarily on community forums for feedback.

OPNsense offers a more direct feedback channel, while pfSense benefits from a larger and more established community.

10. Community and User Support

Community and User Support refer availability of community forums, documentation, and other support resources.

It helps users find answers to questions, solve problems, and learn new features. Reducing support options could leave users without assistance and hinder troubleshooting.

A lack of community and support would leave users reliant on self-sufficiency, potentially causing frustration and hindering adoption.

Active community forum, extensive documentation, and paid support options.
Large and active community forum, comprehensive documentation, and limited paid support options.

Both have strong communities, but pfSense's larger user base might offer quicker and more diverse support.

Summary

Here's a comparative evaluation of the overall key user interface (UI) differences between OPNsense and pfSense, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses:

OPNsense excels in modern design, customizable dashboards, mobile responsiveness, extensive customization options, and usability enhancements.
pfSense excels in an established community with comprehensive documentation and potentially wider community support.

The "best" platform depends on individual needs and priorities.

Choose OPNsense if you prioritize a modern UI, extensive customization, mobile-friendliness, and detailed monitoring with widgets.
Choose pfSense if you value a large and active community, extensive documentation, and prioritize familiarity with a traditional interface.

Remember, both platforms offer robust firewall and network management features, so the UI differences become secondary considerations in terms of core functionality.

Choosing the right firewall software can be a daunting task, especially when you consider interfaces that heavily influence the user experience. OPNsense and pfSense, two prominent open-source firewall options, cater to different preferences when it comes to navigation and layout.

Here are some differences in navigation and layout between OPNsense and pfSense:

Navigation: OPNsense features a menu bar on the left side of the screen, providing a structured and clear navigation system. In contrast, pfSense has a menu bar at the top of the screen
Menu Structure: OPNsense offers collapsible menus, allowing users to expand or collapse sections based on their preferences. On the other hand, pfSense utilizes dropdown menus for navigation.
Search Functionality: OPNsense includes a search bar in the header, enabling users to quickly search for specific pages or settings within the interface. This feature is not explicitly mentioned for pfSense
Organization: OPNsense's left-side menu bar is described as organizing menu options in a vertical layout, making it easier for users to locate and access different settings. In comparison, pfSense's top menu bar may result in a different organizational structure.
Ease of Access: The layout of OPNsense's interface, with the menu bar on the left and search functionality, is suggested to enhance the ease of access to different features and settings. This is contrasted with pfSense's top menu bar layout, which may require more navigation steps.

What Graphic Design and Stylistic Differences Exist Between OPNsense and pfSense Interfaces?

When comparing the graphic design and stylistic differences between the OPNsense and pfSense interfaces, the following distinct features stand out:

Menu Layout: OPNsense features a menu bar on the left side of the screen, providing a vertical layout for navigation. In contrast, pfSense has a menu bar at the top of the screen, which may impact the overall visual hierarchy and navigation experience
Search Functionality: OPNsense includes a search bar in the header, allowing users to quickly search for specific pages or settings within the interface. This search feature enhances usability and accessibility by providing a convenient way to locate desired options. pfSense may lack this specific search functionality, potentially affecting the ease of finding specific settings
Color and Icon Usage: OPNsense utilizes a color-coded status indicator in the header bar, with a bubble that lights up in different colors to indicate notifications. In comparison, pfSense uses a bell icon with an alert count to signify system notifications. These differences in color and icon usage contribute to the visual distinction between the two interfaces.
Layout Structure: OPNsense's interface design includes collapsible menus, providing a more compact and organized layout for navigating through settings and options. On the other hand, pfSense may rely on dropdown menus, which can impact the visual presentation and accessibility of menu items.
Overall User Interface Design: OPNsense's user interface is perceived as more user-friendly and logical compared to pfSense. The layout, design elements, and overall aesthetic of OPNsense may contribute to a more intuitive user experience, while pfSense's interface design may be perceived as slightly clunky or less streamlined

These graphic design and stylistic differences between OPNsense and pfSense interfaces highlight variations in layout, color usage, navigation elements, and overall user interface design that may impact the user experience and visual appeal of each platform.

How Does OPNsense's Dashboard Compare to the Dashboard in pfSense?

Understanding your network's health and activity is crucial, and firewalls like OPNsense and pfSense offer handy dashboards to do just that. However, navigating these interfaces can be tricky, especially when switching between platforms. Here's a simplified guide to the key differences and similarities between OPNsense and pfSense dashboards:

Layout and Default Information: The default layout of the dashboard in both OPNsense and pfSense is similar, but there are differences in the default information displayed. OPNsense's dashboard may present information in a slightly different manner compared to pfSense
Widgets and Customization: Both OPNsense and pfSense allow users to customize their dashboards by adding different widgets to display specific information. Users can personalize their dashboards based on their preferences and the data they find most important.
System Information Widget: The "System Information" widget in pfSense displays certain information not shown in OPNsense. This widget in pfSense includes details such as the currently logged-in user, which may not be visible in OPNsense's default dashboard setup.
Dynamic View and Live Monitoring: Both OPNsense and pfSense offer features like dynamic views or live monitoring of firewall activities. These functionalities allow users to track rule execution in real-time, providing insights into network traffic and security events.
Ease of Access and Information Display: There are no significant differences in the overall layout or functionality of the dashboards between OPNsense and pfSense. However, users may find variations in the default information displayed, widget options, and the overall user experience when interacting with the dashboards.

In summary, while the basic layout and customization options for the dashboards in OPNsense and pfSense are similar, there are differences in the default information displayed and specific widgets available for customization. Users can tailor their dashboards on both platforms to suit their monitoring and management needs effectively.

Yes, there are differences in the menu structure and hierarchy between OPNsense and pfSense. While both platforms share several options within the "Firewall" menu, the classification of certain pages varies. For instance, the "Virtual IPs" page is found under "Firewall" in pfSense but is categorized under "Interfaces" in OPNsense, reflecting different perspectives on whether virtual IPs are considered firewalls or interface configurations.

Additionally, OPNsense introduces a unique feature called "Categories" within the "Firewall" menu, allowing users to visually group rules for better organization. This feature is not present in pfSense.

Furthermore, OPNsense includes a dedicated "Log Files" and "Diagnostics" page within the "Firewall" menu, while pfSense places similar information under the "Status" and "Diagnostics" menus on the top bar.

The "Live View" page in OPNsense, which displays real-time execution of firewall rules with advanced filtering options, offers distinctive functionality not directly paralleled in pfSense's more basic "Dynamic View" page under the "Status > System Logs > Firewall" section.

OPNsense features a menu bar on the left side of the screen, providing a vertical layout for navigation. In contrast, pfSense has a menu bar at the top of the screen, which may impact the overall visual hierarchy and navigation experience

OPNsense includes a search bar in the header, allowing users to quickly search for specific pages or settings within the interface. This search feature enhances usability and accessibility by providing a convenient way to locate desired options. pfSense may lack this specific search functionality, potentially affecting the ease of finding specific settings.

Overall, the differences in menu structure and hierarchy between OPNsense and pfSense can impact the user experience, navigation efficiency, and accessibility of settings and configurations within the respective interfaces.

Are customization options available for tailoring the user interface in OPNsense and pfSense?

Yes, both OPNsense and pfSense offer customization options for tailoring the user interface.

OPNsense provides customization options through plugins that allow users to enhance and extend the functionality of the system. For example, features like Dynamic DNS, IGMP Proxy, SNMP, UPnP, Wake-on-LAN, Intrusion Detection (Suricata), Monit, OpenDNS, Web Proxy, and VPN services can be added as plugins to customize the user experience

Users can customize the dashboard layout by adding widgets like CPU usage, Monit, System log, and other information not available in the default pfSense dashboard

pfSense offers customization through packages that can be installed to add additional features and functionalities to the system. For instance, users can install packages like Suricata for intrusion detection/prevention, Squid for web proxy functionality, and WireGuard VPN service to enhance the capabilities of the platform

Users can customize the dashboard layout by adjusting the number of columns and selecting which information to display, though this customization may require accessing settings through the "System > General Setup" page

Both OPNsense and pfSense provide users with the flexibility to tailor their user interfaces according to their specific needs and preferences by leveraging plugins and packages that extend the core functionalities of the platforms.

How Do the Responsiveness and Mobile-Friendliness of OPNsense's Interface Compare to pfSense?

Managing your network from anywhere is increasingly important, and firewalls like OPNsense and pfSense offer that flexibility through their web interfaces. But how do these interfaces fare when accessed on smaller screens, like smartphones and tablets? Here's a quick dive into the mobile-friendliness of OPNsense and pfSense to help you choose the firewall that best suits your on-the-go needs:

Responsiveness: OPNsense's interface is designed to be responsive, meaning it can adapt and adjust its layout and elements based on the screen size and resolution. This responsiveness allows users to have a consistent and user-friendly experience across different devices and screen sizes.
Mobile-Friendliness: OPNsense is noted for its mobile-friendliness, indicating that the interface is optimized for use on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. The layout and design of OPNsense's interface are conducive to efficient navigation and usability on mobile platforms.

OPNsense appears to have an edge in terms of responsiveness and mobile-friendliness compared to pfSense. The vertical menu layout in OPNsense and its search bar feature may contribute to a more user-friendly experience on mobile devices

In terms of responsiveness and mobile-friendliness, OPNsense seems to have a more favorable design for users who access the interface on various devices, including mobile platforms. The layout, navigation options, and search functionality in OPNsense may contribute to a smoother experience for users on mobile devices compared to pfSense.

Figure 11. OPNsense has a more Responsive GUI

Figure 12. pfSense has a less responsive GUI

OPNsense is considered better in terms of responsiveness and mobile-friendliness compared to pfSense.

What User Feedback and Usability Enhancements Have Been Implemented in OPNsense, Differentiating It from pfSense?

User feedback and usability enhancements in OPNsense have led to several differences compared to pfSense. Here are some of the key differentiators between OPNsense and pfSense UI in terms of user feedback and usability:

Vertical Menu Layout: OPNsense features a vertical menu layout on the left side of the screen, which has been designed based on user feedback to provide a more intuitive and organized navigation experience. This layout may enhance usability by making it easier for users to access and manage settings.
Search Bar in Header: OPNsense includes a search bar in the header of the interface, allowing users to quickly search for specific pages or settings within the web UI. This feature, influenced by user feedback, enhances usability by enabling users to easily locate desired options without extensive navigation
Responsive Design: OPNsense has been optimized for responsiveness, ensuring that the interface adapts well to different screen sizes and resolutions. This enhancement, driven by user feedback, improves the overall user experience by providing a consistent and user-friendly interface across various devices.
Dashboard Widgets: Users can customize the dashboard layout in OPNsense by adding widgets like CPU usage, Monit, System log, and other information. This enhancement, influenced by user feedback, allows users to personalize their dashboard with relevant information for better monitoring and management.
Enhanced Mobile-Friendliness: OPNsense has been designed with mobile-friendliness in mind, ensuring that the interface is optimized for use on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. This enhancement, influenced by user feedback, improves accessibility and usability for users accessing the system on mobile platforms.

These user feedback-driven enhancements in OPNsense differentiate it from pfSense by focusing on improving usability, navigation, customization options, and overall user experience based on user input and preferences.

Are there any tips or best practices for transitioning and adjusting to the OPNsense user interface after using pfSense?

Yes, there are tips and best practices for transitioning and adjusting to the OPNsense user interface after using pfSense. Here are some helpful tips for a smooth transition from pfSense to OPNsense:

Familiarize Yourself with the Layout: Take some time to explore the vertical menu layout on the left side of the screen in OPNsense. Familiarize yourself with the organization of settings and options to understand where different features are located
Utilize the Search Bar: Make use of the search bar in the header of the interface to quickly find specific pages or settings within the web UI. This feature can help you navigate the interface efficiently, especially if you are accustomed to a different menu structure
Customize the Dashboard: Customize the dashboard layout by adding widgets that display information relevant to your needs. Adjust the number of columns and select the information you want to see on the dashboard for better monitoring and management
Explore Plugins for Additional Functionality: Explore the available plugins in OPNsense to enhance the functionality of the system. Consider adding features like Zenarmor, WireGuard, IGMP Proxy, SNMP, and others based on your requirements and preferences
Optimize for Mobile Use: If you access the interface on mobile devices, take advantage of OPNsense's mobile-friendly design. Ensure that the interface is optimized for use on smartphones and tablets for a seamless user experience

By following these tips and best practices, you can effectively transition and adjust to the OPNsense user interface after using pfSense, making the most of the features and enhancements offered by OPNsense for improved usability and functionality.

What are the User Interface (UI) Differences Between OPNsense and pfSense?