ClearOS
ClearOS: A broad Linux gateway platform with strong free capabilities and paid support tiers. Ranked #22 of 76 in Firewall Software by our editors (7.0/10); pricing: Free plan · 30-day trial; best for linux gateway and content-filter deployments.
At a glance
- Editor score7.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan · 30-day trial
- Best forLinux gateway and content-filter deployments
- Free planYes
- Outbound controlAdvanced
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free open-source platform with firewall, VPN, routing, and IDS/IPS
- Advanced outbound traffic control with custom firewall rules
- Web-based administration and centralized content-filter management
Where it doesn't
- Linux-only platform limits cross-platform deployment options
- Paid tiers are required for commercial filtering and IDS signatures
- Higher support levels are limited to Business plans
Our verdict on ClearOS
ClearOS is an open-source Linux operating platform for servers, network gateways, and unified threat-management deployments. It suits home offices, small businesses, remote offices, branch offices, and production environments that need gateway, routing, server, and security workloads in one system. Administration is handled through the browser-based Webconfig console, while the integrated application marketplace adds server, networking, security, and gateway functions.
The Community plan provides 75+ open-source features and apps, Webconfig remote management, upstream security fixes, and automatic updates. Business Bronze adds 85+ apps, the ClearOS Business operating system, quality-tested code and updates, master/slave synchronization, and five-year lifecycle support. Business Silver adds commercial content-filter URLs, commercial IDS signatures, commercial antivirus and antispam rules, remote configuration backup, and dynamically managed VPN services. Gold adds ClearCARE Level I support with 8/5 technical support, email and remote-login support, and a one-business-day response. Platinum adds Level II support, phone support, a four-hour response, and remote system-monitor and file-security audit alerts.
Its strongest fit is a Linux gateway deployment that needs both inbound firewalling and outbound egress control, plus routing, VPN, intrusion prevention, and centralized content filtering. The free Community edition covers a wide range of core capabilities, while commercial tiers add tested updates, lifecycle support, commercial security data, backup, and escalating assistance. Organizations that require a Linux-based platform and can match their needs to the available editions should consider ClearOS. Teams seeking a cross-platform firewall or a narrowly focused appliance may prefer another option.
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ClearOS pricing
All 5 ClearOS plans and prices →
ClearOS fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Outbound control | Advanced |
| Rule direction | Both |
| Connection alerts | Not verified |
| Application rules | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | linux |
| Central management | Yes |
| Free trial | 30 days |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Email, Phone, Tickets, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan · 30-day trial (source) |
| Website | clearos.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to ClearOS
- FortiGateA broad hybrid firewall platform for organizations that need deep security and network controls.9.4
- Arista NG FirewallA broad firewall platform with a free plan and extensive network controls.9.3
- Google Cloud NGFWGoogle Cloud-native firewall protection with free rule evaluation and usage-priced advanced controls.9.2
See all ClearOS alternatives →
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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used ClearOS for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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