That makes sense. If that's why most people use these things --- to repurpose old hardware in their basement rather than ordering a new router --- then pfSense makes some sense to me.

Doesn't have to be just re-purposing old hardware for it to make sense IMHO.

I started using pfSense on old hardware to get rid of Verizon's router, however I plan to replace it with a brand new box that will likely be $250-500.

I have gigabit FiOS coming into the ONT outside, and from there I get an Ethernet port that comes straight to the pfSense box. No Verizon router present at all.

Besides pfSense, what other open source options do I have to run a firewall that can handle gigabit ethernet with VPN? DD-WRT? Tomato?

Sure, I can setup a Debian box with iptables in my sleep, but pfSense is much nicer.

I’m in a similar boat (ATT fiber) and really curious as well. I’ve considers pfsense with dual gigabit nic but honestly I’d rather have a dedicated box that can handle the routing and firewall features.

OpenWRT is standard for routers, you can even run it on x86 just fine, and unlike PFSense it won't shit a brick and sit in a broken state at console just because a secondary ethernet interface disappears.

PFSense really is targeted at the prosumer market. If your happy to haul a screen out on every upgrade or minor hardware change, PFSense is fine. Otherwise, going Openwrt is a solid choice as you can actually debug it remotely.

Nice, first post and all I get is downvotes. Screw this place!