MikroTik RouterOS
MikroTik RouterOS: A powerful router OS for teams that need VPN flexibility beyond a focused business VPN. Ranked #76 of 90 in Business VPN Software by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: From $45 · 1-day trial; best for network teams needing broad router VPN capabilities.
At a glance
- Editor score3.0 / 10
- PricingFrom $45 · 1-day trial
- Best forNetwork teams needing broad router VPN capabilities
- Free planNo
- Paid from$45 one-time
- SSO / SCIMNo
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports IPsec, IKEv2, WireGuard, OpenVPN, ZeroTier, and more
- Combines VPN, routing, firewall, NAT, VLAN, and wireless features
- Offers WebFig, WinBox, mobile, CLI, and API management
Where it doesn't
- Its networking scope can exceed the needs of simple VPN deployments
- SSO/SCIM and device-posture controls are not supported
- Standalone installations and higher license levels require licensing
Our verdict on MikroTik RouterOS
MikroTik RouterOS is a Linux-based operating system for MikroTik networking hardware, x86 PCs, and virtual machines. It suits network teams that need business VPN capabilities alongside routing, firewalling, bandwidth management, VLANs, wireless networking, hotspot services, and monitoring. Rather than operating as a focused business VPN service, RouterOS functions as a broader network operating system with VPN server capabilities and multiple administration paths.
Pricing is license-based rather than subscription-based. The Free Demo plan requires registration, while Level 4 WISP costs $45 one time, Level 5 WISP costs $95 one time, and Level 6 Controller costs $250 one time. These plans correspond to WISP or controller license levels, and the published pricing uses one-time amounts rather than per-user charges. A one-day free trial is available. RouterOS is commonly bundled with MikroTik hardware, while standalone installations and higher license levels require licensing. Teams should evaluate the license level against their deployment model instead of treating the entry price as the full cost of a hardware-backed network design.
Its main strength is breadth. VPN options include IPsec, IKEv2, OpenVPN, PPTP, PPPoE, L2TP, SSTP, WireGuard, ZeroTier, GRE, EoIP, IPIP, 6to4, and MPLS-based VPNs. Stateful firewalling, NAT, static and policy-based routing, dynamic routing, ECMP routing, RADIUS authentication and accounting through User Manager, and VLAN support extend the platform beyond tunnel creation. Management is available through WebFig, WinBox, mobile applications, CLI, and API, with integrations including RADIUS, PayPal, and ZeroTier. RouterOS is a strong fit for network teams managing varied routing and VPN requirements; teams seeking a narrowly focused, identity-centric business VPN with SSO/SCIM or device-posture controls should choose an alternative.
MikroTik RouterOS pricing
All 4 MikroTik RouterOS plans and prices →
MikroTik RouterOS fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $45 one-time |
| SSO / SCIM | No |
| Device posture | No |
| Site-to-site networking | Yes |
| Admin control level | Advanced |
| Access model | Vpn |
| Audit logs | Yes |
| Supported platforms | WebFig, Windows WinBox, Android, iOS, CLI, API, MikroTik hardware, x86 PCs, and virtual machines |
| Free trial | 1 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: RADIUS, PayPal, ZeroTier |
| Pricing | From $45 · 1-day trial (source) |
| Website | mikrotik.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
MikroTik RouterOS integrations
MikroTik RouterOS lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- RADIUS
- PayPal
- ZeroTier
Alternatives to MikroTik RouterOS
- OpenVPN CloudConnexaA managed business VPN with zero-trust controls, posture checks, and cloud networking.9.3
- OpenVPN Access ServerA flexible self-hosted VPN for organizations needing deep access and authentication controls.9.2
- Azure VPN GatewayA strong Azure-centered VPN gateway for hybrid networks, with usage-based pricing and tiered limits.9.1
See all MikroTik RouterOS alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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