ClearOS Alternatives: Top Solutions for Network and Gateway Servers
ClearOS is a robust family of operating systems designed for enterprise, small business, and home use, offering a powerful network and gateway server with an intuitive web-based interface. Despite its extensive features, users often seek ClearOS alternatives for various reasons, including specific feature requirements, different deployment environments, or a desire for open-source flexibility. This guide explores some of the best alternatives to ClearOS, helping you find the perfect fit for your server and network management needs.
Top ClearOS Alternatives
Whether you're looking for a dedicated firewall, a comprehensive NAS solution, or a versatile server operating system, these alternatives provide compelling options to replace or complement your ClearOS setup.
DD-WRT
DD-WRT is a Linux-based open-source firmware ideal for a wide range of WLAN routers and embedded systems. As a free and open-source platform available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, it offers a highly customizable and flexible alternative for those looking to transform their existing router into a powerful network appliance, making it a strong ClearOS alternative for basic network management and customization.
pfSense
pfSense is a free and open-source firewall and router, making it an excellent ClearOS alternative for network security and gateway functions. Available on Free and Open Source BSD platforms, it boasts features like DHCP Server, Integrated Virus Scanner, OpenVPN compatibility, Virtual LAN, Content Filtering, Load Balancing, and comprehensive VPN capabilities, offering a robust and highly configurable security solution.
OpenMediaVault
OpenMediaVault is a free and open-source network-attached storage (NAS) solution based on Debian Linux. This self-hosted ClearOS alternative excels in data storage and sharing, offering services like SSH, (S)FTP, SMB/CIFS, DAAP media server, Support for SFTP, Support for Docker, Google Drive integration, HTTP Web seeding, Support for S.M.A.R.T. data, and TFTP.
Cloudron
Cloudron is a comprehensive solution for managing apps and users on your own server. As a Freemium and open-source ClearOS alternative available on Linux and Web for self-hosting, it streamlines application deployment with features like Auto Update, Automated Deployment, DNS Management, Privacy Protection, and Server Management, simplifying self-hosted services.
NethServer
NethServer is an operating system designed for small offices and medium enterprises, making it a direct Linux-based, open-source, and self-hosted ClearOS alternative. Built on CentOS, it offers essential features like Gateway, Email Server, OpenVPN, Virtualization, VPN, Web Filter, and Web Server, providing a versatile server solution.
Zentyal
Zentyal is a native Microsoft Active Directory® implementation on Linux, offering a free and open-source ClearOS alternative for small and medium business environments. It integrates all necessary network services, including File Sharing, Gateway, Email Server, and Remote Desktop, providing a comprehensive solution for network and domain management.
Univention Corporate Server
Univention Corporate Server (UCS) is an open and innovative platform for efficiently operating and managing server applications and complete IT infrastructures across Linux, MS Windows, and Mac OS X. As a free and open-source ClearOS alternative based on Debian, UCS provides robust features such as Active Directory Authentication and Integration, DHCP Server, DNS Management, Single Sign-On (SAML), Docker support, LDAP Services, and comprehensive Server Management.
Sophos UTM
Sophos UTM integrates complete security software within a single appliance, offering a commercial ClearOS alternative for comprehensive network protection. Available on Linux and Web platforms, it allows users to choose only the protection they need, making it a flexible and powerful solution for network security and threat management.
CacheGuard-OS
CacheGuard OS is an appliance-oriented operating system dedicated to Web traffic Security and Optimization. This commercial ClearOS alternative runs on various platforms including Windows, VirtualBox, VMware vSphere Hypervisor, Microsoft Hyper-V Server, and Proxmox Virtual Environment, and features a robust Web Application Firewall for enhanced security.
Endian Firewall Community
Endian Firewall Community (EFW) is a "turn-key" Linux security distribution that transforms any system into a full-featured security appliance with Unified Threat Management. As a free and open-source ClearOS alternative, it provides essential features like Gateway and VPN, offering a robust and easy-to-deploy security solution for various network sizes.
Choosing the right ClearOS alternative depends on your specific requirements, whether it's a dedicated firewall, a versatile NAS, or a comprehensive server OS. Explore these options to find the best fit for your network and gateway server needs, balancing features, platform compatibility, and open-source status to make an informed decision.