Head-to-head · Network Configuration Management Software
rConfig vs FirstWave opConfig
rConfig leads on 0 checks, FirstWave opConfig on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Free planboth
rConfig and FirstWave opConfig score identically on our rubric (7.4 out of 10) for network configuration management software; rConfig sits at #16 and FirstWave opConfig at #18 in our editorial ranking, so the choice comes down to fit.
On deployment model, rConfig gives you Hybrid where FirstWave opConfig offers On-premises.
rConfig is the better fit for teams wanting flexible NCM with a free tier. FirstWave opConfig is the better fit for small teams seeking free core NCM features.
- rConfig fits best
Teams wanting flexible NCM with a free tier
- FirstWave opConfig fits best
Small teams seeking free core NCM features
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Side by side
| Feature | rConfig 7.4/10 Visit ↗ | FirstWave opConfig 7.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.4 | 7.4 |
| Ranking | #16 in Network Configuration Management Software | #18 in Network Configuration Management Software |
| Best for | Teams wanting flexible NCM with a free tier | Small teams seeking free core NCM features |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $3,900 one-time | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web | Web, Linux |
| Support | Email, Phone, Community, Docs · 24/7 | Email, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs |
| Integrations | 17+ integrations | 3 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features rConfig 5/5 · FirstWave opConfig 5/5 | ||
| Configuration backup | ✓ | ✓ |
| Configuration comparison | ✓ | ✓ |
| Compliance auditing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scheduled backups | ✓ | ✓ |
| Change rollback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Managed devices | 300 devices | Not checked yet |
| Deployment model | Hybrid | On-premises |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | rConfig is a network configuration management platform for network engineers, IT infrastructure teams, enterprises and managed service providers. It backs up configurations across vendors, tracks versions, compares changes, schedules… Read the review → |
FirstWave opConfig is network configuration management software for network engineers, security teams, compliance teams, NOCs, and managed service providers. It captures and versions device configurations, detects field-level changes,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
rConfig — where it wins
- Free open-source Core edition with unlimited devices
- Versioning, diffs, rollback, compliance and scheduled backups
- Web, API and self-hosted deployment with broad integrations
Where it doesn't
- Core does not include configuration restore or deployment
- Advanced automation and reporting begin on paid tiers
- Enterprise/MSP uses custom capacity and an annual per-device model
FirstWave opConfig — where it wins
- Free plan includes backups, diffs, compliance, rollback, and reporting
- Supports multi-vendor devices and field-level change detection
- Scheduled and on-demand command execution via Virtual Operator
Where it doesn't
- Free plan is framed for small networks
- Linux-based, on-premises deployment requires local infrastructure
- Integrations focus on the FirstWave ecosystem
- rConfig7.4/10 · Free plan
Flexible NCM with a free, open-source tier and broad automation coverage.
Visit rConfigFull verdict → - FirstWave opConfig7.4/10 · Free plan
A free small-network NCM option with strong core controls and a narrower ecosystem.
Visit FirstWaveFull verdict →
All network configuration management software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update