VyOS
Operating systems
Virtual routers
WAN edge infrastructure software
Business VPN software
Network security software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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What is VyOS
VyOS is an open-source network operating system used to build virtual routers, firewalls, and VPN gateways on commodity hardware or virtual machines. It targets network engineers and IT teams that need routing, NAT, stateful firewalling, and site-to-site or remote-access VPN in data center, cloud, and branch/WAN edge deployments. VyOS uses a unified CLI and configuration system designed for repeatable changes and automation, and it supports common routing protocols and tunneling technologies.
Router and firewall feature set
VyOS provides core routing and edge functions such as static routing, policy-based routing, NAT, and stateful firewalling. It supports common dynamic routing protocols (for example BGP and OSPF) used in enterprise and service-provider environments. It also includes VPN capabilities (for example IPsec and WireGuard) and can act as a WAN edge gateway in virtualized or cloud deployments.
Automation-friendly configuration model
VyOS uses a structured configuration system with commit/rollback semantics that helps reduce configuration drift. The CLI is designed to be consistent across features, which supports repeatable operational workflows. This approach typically fits infrastructure-as-code and scripted change management better than ad-hoc configuration methods.
Flexible deployment options
VyOS runs on standard x86 hardware and common virtualization platforms, enabling use as a virtual router or firewall appliance. It can be deployed in on-prem environments, labs, and public cloud instances where supported. This flexibility can simplify standardizing edge routing and VPN services across mixed environments.
Support depends on edition
VyOS has both community and subscription-based distribution models, and the level of vendor-backed support depends on what is purchased. Organizations that require guaranteed SLAs, long-term maintenance commitments, or certified support processes may need a paid subscription. Community-only usage can increase operational risk for production environments with strict support requirements.
Not a general-purpose OS
VyOS is a specialized network OS rather than a desktop or server operating system. It is not intended to run general business applications, endpoint management, or typical server workloads. Teams expecting a full general-purpose OS experience may find the scope narrower than mainstream operating systems.
Operational learning curve
Operating VyOS effectively requires networking expertise in routing, firewall policy design, and VPN architecture. Troubleshooting often involves understanding Linux networking concepts and protocol behavior. Organizations without dedicated network engineering resources may face longer deployment and maintenance cycles.
Plan & Pricing
Software Subscriptions (tiered-plan)
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate | $8,000 / year (annual); 3‑yr: $7,200 / year (10%); 5‑yr: $6,400 / year (20%) | Unlimited on‑premises deployments within a single company/jurisdiction; access to images for bare‑metal & virtual platforms; best‑effort support via email/web portal; SLA add‑ons available; Request Quote on vendor site. |
| Global | $15,000 / year (annual); 3‑yr: $13,500 / year (10%); 5‑yr: $12,000 / year (20%) | Unlimited on‑premises deployments across multiple affiliates/regions; access to images including cloud‑init; next‑business‑day support via email/web portal; SLA add‑ons available; Request Quote. |
| Alliance (CSPs / MSPs) | Contact sales / Request Quote | Designed for managed & cloud service providers; tailored benefits (TAM, APT repo access, professional services); contact vendor for pricing. |
Support Subscriptions (tiered-plan)
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $2,000 / year per device (annual); 3‑yr: $1,800 / year; 5‑yr: $1,600 / year | Single instance deployment; Next‑business‑day SLA for Severity 1/2; support via email/portal; access to Universal ISO; Request Quote. |
| Production | $3,000 / year per HA pair (annual); 3‑yr: $2,700 / year; 5‑yr: $2,400 / year | High‑availability pair deployments; 4‑hour SLA for Severity 1/2; support via email, private chat (Slack/MS Teams) and meetings; access to all LTS images; Request Quote. |
| Mission Critical | $6,000 / year per HA pair (annual); 3‑yr: $5,400 / year; 5‑yr: $4,800 / year | HA pair; 1‑hour SLA for Severity 1/2; phone + real‑time channels; dedicated Technical Account Manager; priority bug fixes; access to LTS images; Request Quote. |
Cloud / Pay-as-you-go (usage-based)
Pricing model: Pay-as-you-go Free tier/trial: None stated (PAYG instances available for testing but billed by cloud provider) Example costs: From $0.20 / hour per CPU core (billing handled by cloud marketplace/provider) Discount options: Private Offer (upfront annual prepay starting at $30,000) with discounts: Starter $30K/year (~30% off PAYG), Growth $75K/year (~50% off), Enterprise $150K/year (~75% off); Request Private Offer.
Notes: All pricing and discount tiers/commitments are shown on the vendor's official subscription pages; many items (Alliance pricing, some SLA add‑ons) require contacting sales or requesting a quote.
Seller details
VyOS Project (open-source) / VyOS Networks
Unsure
Open Source
https://vyos.io/
https://x.com/vyosnetworks
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vyos-networks/
