OpenSnitch vs Untangle NG Firewall
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
OpenSnitch is a GNU/Linux interactive application firewall inspired by Little Snitch. It allows users to intercept and control outgoing network connections, providing a high level of security and control over the system's network activity.
Untangle NG Firewall is a modular next-generation firewall platform that consolidates network security functions like content filtering, intrusion prevention, ransomware protection, and VPN into a single console instead of requiring multiple separate vendor products. Following its acquisition, the product now operates under Arista Networks as part of the Edge Threat Management (ETM) platform, with NG Firewall remaining the core product and a cloud-based ETM Dashboard, including a mobile app, for centralized management. The platform is aimed at organizations that need enterprise-style network security without a large in-house security team, and it is used across education (K-12 and higher ed), government, healthcare, financial services, nonprofits, and hospitality. Special pricing is available for qualifying public institutions, nonprofits, and government organizations, and a free trial and online purchase configurator are offered directly on the site.
- Highly customizable
- Real-time monitoring
- Interactive interface
- Open source and free
- Modular design lets organizations pay only for needed security functions
- Discounted pricing available for education, nonprofit, and government buyers
- Cloud dashboard with mobile app simplifies remote management
- Backed by Arista's networking infrastructure following acquisition
- Steep learning curve
- Limited documentation
- Only compatible with Linux
- Public list pricing is not shown; requires going through a configurator or sales
- Brand transition (Untangle to Arista Edge Threat Management) can cause naming confusion
- Best suited to organizations comfortable managing their own modular security stack
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to OpenSnitch
View all →.png)
Alternatives to Untangle NG Firewall
View all →
Open-source, FreeBSD-based firewall and routing platform with a free core and paid Business Edition.
Next-generation firewall with synchronized security and AI-powered threat detection for SMBs and enterprises.
Next-generation firewall appliances with real-time deep packet inspection for businesses of all sizes.
Unified security gateway with threat prevention and zero‑trust controls
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataOpenSnitch is a free, Linux‑only interactive firewall focused on outbound traffic control, while Untangle NG Firewall is a commercial, modular UTM platform for broader network security across SMBs and institutions.
Key differences
- •Cost model: OpenSnitch is free open‑source; Untangle requires contact‑based pricing and may involve subscription fees.
- •Target environment: OpenSnitch runs only on Linux desktops/servers; Untangle is a self‑hosted appliance for SMBs, schools, and public sector.
- •Scope of security: OpenSnitch controls outbound connections only; Untangle bundles firewall, content filtering, IPS, VPN, ransomware protection, etc.
- •Management interface: OpenSnitch provides a local GUI; Untangle adds a cloud‑based dashboard with mobile app.
- •Vendor support: OpenSnitch relies on community documentation; Untangle offers commercial support through Arista (pricing not disclosed).
Pricing & value
OpenSnitch is free; Untangle requires contacting sales and likely incurs license or subscription costs.
Ease of use / learning curve
Untangle offers a cloud dashboard and mobile app; OpenSnitch has a steep learning curve and limited documentation.
Features & depth
Untangle provides firewall, content filtering, IPS, VPN, ransomware protection; OpenSnitch only monitors and controls outbound traffic.
Integrations & ecosystem
Untangle is part of Arista's Edge Threat Management platform; OpenSnitch has no API and limited ecosystem.
Support
Untangle backed by Arista with commercial support; OpenSnitch relies on community support only.
Scalability
Untangle designed for SMBs and larger orgs; OpenSnitch is a single‑host tool for Linux users.
Security & privacy
Both run locally with no cloud data exfiltration; Untangle adds more security modules, but OpenSnitch is open source.
Choose OpenSnitch if…
Linux power users needing a free, outbound‑only firewall with full control.
Choose Untangle NG Firewall if…
SMBs, schools, or government groups wanting a full‑featured, centrally managed security suite.
Common questions
What is the total cost to deploy each solution?
OpenSnitch is free; Untangle NG Firewall pricing is not publicly listed and requires contacting sales.
Can I run the firewall on Windows or macOS?
OpenSnitch supports only Linux; Untangle is a self‑hosted appliance that runs on its own Linux base, not Windows/macOS.
Does either product offer an API for automation?
Both list "Api Available: No"; neither provides a public API.