OPNsense is an open-source firewall and routing platform based on FreeBSD, for self-hosted, web, and API use.
Best Virtual Routers Software in 2026
Virtual router software provides routing functions in software deployments. Compare deployment type, routing protocols, maximum throughput, VPN support, high availability and cloud-platform coverage. Check platform details before choosing. Android, iOS, Linux, web, self-hosted and API options appear in this category, but phone support can differ by product. If you need Android access, confirm that the product has an…
IPFire is a free, open-source firewall and security platform for networks, from home offices to large enterprises.
- 4
OpenWrt
OpenWrt is a Linux operating system for embedded devices, most often wireless routers.
Free planOpen sourceAndroidWebAPILinux7.8Free plan - 5
TNSR
TNSR is Linux software acting as a terabit router and VPN concentrator for high-speed routing and VPN workloads.
Free planAPILinuxSelf-hosted7.3Free plan - 6
NVIDIA DSX Air
WebAPI6.3 - 7
VyOS
VyOS is an open-source networking operating system for bare-metal, virtualized, cloud, and edge deployments.
APILinuxSelf-hosted6.3 - 8

FortiGate
Self-hosted6.1 - 9
Juniper Security Director
Juniper Security Director centralizes network security policy management for Juniper SRX deployments through a web interface.
WebSelf-hosted5.9 - 10
FRRouting
FRRouting (FRR) is a free, open-source routing protocol suite for Linux and Unix platforms.
Free planLinuxSelf-hosted5.8Free plan - 11
IP Infusion OcNOS-DC
WebLinuxmacOSWindows5.0 - 12
6WIND Virtual Service Router
WebLinux4.7 - 134.7
- 144.7
- 154.6
- 164.6
- 174.5
- 184.5
- 19
Arista CloudEOS
Linux4.4 - 20
Arrcus ArcOS
Linux4.4 - 214.4
- 22
Juniper vMX
Linux4.4 - 23
RtBrick RBFS
Linux4.4 - 244.4
- 254.3
Choosing well
Check platform access
Confirm where the software runs before comparing features. Listed platform types include Linux, web, self-hosted, API, Android and iOS.
If you need to manage routing from a phone, verify Android or iOS support on the product page rather than assuming a web or Linux option includes a mobile app.
Compare free and paid terms
A free plan is available from software in this category. Paid products can show prices on request, so check the listed pricing model before planning a deployment.
Trial terms differ. For example, 6WIND Virtual Service Router lists a 30-day trial; confirm the trial length and conditions for the product you are considering.
Match routing requirements
Compare the routing protocols and maximum throughput with the requirements of your network. These fields help distinguish a lightweight test setup from a larger deployment.
Check VPN support and high-availability capabilities when continuity or encrypted links matter.
Review deployment and cloud fit
Deployment type shows whether a product suits Linux, web, self-hosted or API-based management. Match that choice to the systems you already operate.
Review cloud-platform coverage before committing to a hosted design, especially when the router must run across a particular cloud environment.
Check licence and source
Open-source code is available from software in this category. If you need to read or change the code, check the licence and project details before adoption.
Questions people ask
Can I use virtual router software on Android?
Android is a listed platform in this category, but support differs by product. Check the product page for a dedicated Android app.
Are free virtual router options available?
Yes. Software in this category includes products with a free plan, alongside paid products.
Do virtual router products offer trials?
Trial availability and terms differ. 6WIND Virtual Service Router lists a 30-day trial; verify terms for the product you choose.
Which platforms are covered?
Listed platform types include Linux, web, self-hosted, API, Android and iOS. Product-level support should be checked before deployment.
What should I compare between routers?
Compare free plan, paid-from details, deployment type, routing protocols, maximum throughput, VPN support, high availability and cloud platforms.

