OpenBSD vs FreeBSD: Key Differences Between the Security-Focused BSDs

OpenBSD vs FreeBSD: Key Differences Between the Security-Focused BSDs

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5 min read

OpenBSD and FreeBSD are both open-source Unix-like operating systems descended from Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD), developed at UC Berkeley in the 1970s-1990s.

Both projects focus on security, stability and server use. But OpenBSD and FreeBSD have diverged significantly over the years in their approach, priorities and target users.

In this guide, we'll compare the two BSD cousins across various factors like installation, documentation, security focus, hardware support and more. Read on to determine whether OpenBSD or FreeBSD is better suited to your needs.

Installation and Setup

The installation process sets the tone for getting started with OpenBSD vs FreeBSD.

OpenBSD features a minimal, text-based installer aimed at expert users. You boot into a console, launch the install program, partition disks, select filesets and configure users entirely via the terminal. There's no live environment or graphical installer.

FreeBSD offers a more polished, user-friendly installation program with console graphics. While still text-based, the guided formatting, partitioning and setup process is easier for BSD newcomers to follow.

Winner: FreeBSD - Its installation routine is less daunting for first-time BSD users.

Stated Purpose and Target Users

OpenBSD developers focus obsessively on security and code correctness above all else. The project's creed is "only two remote holes in the default install, in a heck of a long time!". OpenBSD powers high-security applications like firewalls.

FreeBSD emphasizes performance, scalability and versatility for a range of server, desktop and embedded uses. It powers servers at Netflix, WhatsApp, Apple and others. FreeBSD aims for a wider audience versus OpenBSD's security purists.

Winner: Tie - Both BSDs target servers and experts but have slightly different design goals.

Documentation and Learning Resources

OpenBSD's documentation like FAQs and man pages are thorough but terse and dated in appearance. The assumption seems to be that users already have Unix familiarity. Resources focus on security configuration.

FreeBSD offers an excellent Handbook covering everything from installation to administration with tutorials and references. Man pages are also well-written. FreeBSD's docs are more inviting for newcomers.

Winner: FreeBSD - Its official documentation is far more extensive and beginner-friendly.

Security and Privacy Focus

OpenBSD's zealous focus on security through code auditing and best practices like malloc hardening and W^X earns it an unparalleled reputation for system integrity. Pf packet filter adds powerful firewall capabilities.

FreeBSD also integrates Pf and other advanced security features but balances them with a more generalized approach. Both BSDs have solid credentials but OpenBSD is obsessive about security hardening.

Winner: OpenBSD - No other open source project rivals its fanatical security commitment.

Desktop Environments and Usability

OpenBSD runs a simple Window Manager From Scratch setup by default but can support lightweight options like xfce or KDE. The focus is clearly on servers and not user experience.

FreeBSD utilizes the same DEs as Linux - GNOME, KDE, xfce etc. FreeBSD-based desktop distros like GhostBSD provide ready-to-use desktops. FreeBSD is more viable for casual desktop use.

Winner: FreeBSD - More polished options for desktop users versus OpenBSD's spartan offerings.

Hardware Support

OpenBSD supports most server-grade Intel, AMD, ARM hardware but lacks commercial graphics drivers from Nvidia or AMD. A range of Wi-Fi/network drivers are available.

FreeBSD also supports an extensive range of server, desktop and embedded hardware including commercial GPU drivers. Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth etc work out-of-the-box on most systems.

Winner: FreeBSD - You'll have an easier time getting fully functional hardware support.

Performance and Scalability

OpenBSD prides itself on providing security and reliability over raw performance and scalability. Systems tend to favor stability and security hardening.

FreeBSD emphasizes high performance and supports advanced features like jails, ZFS/Bhyve for virtualization, advanced storage with NVMe/AHCI drivers etc. It scales better for demanding server roles.

Winner: FreeBSD - You can better leverage powerful modern hardware capabilities.

Package Management and Software

OpenBSD uses pkg_add and pkg_info to manage binary packages. Software selection is targeted firmly towards security and sysadmin tools.

FreeBSD utilizes pkg which offers a more Linux-like experience. Thousands of apps are available in binary packages or ports. FreeBSD provides more well-rounded software selection.

Winner: FreeBSD - Finding needed software is a better experience on FreeBSD.

Community and Learning Resources

OpenBSD has a small but dedicated following of security-focused admins and developers. Being a niche OS, community resources are relatively limited.

FreeBSD has a large global community of developers, documenters, users etc. There are extensive learning resources like Handbook, FAQs, wikis, guides and conferences.

Winner: FreeBSD - You'll have an easier time finding help and support.

When to Choose OpenBSD Over FreeBSD

Consider OpenBSD if your top priorities are:

  • Building ultra-secure systems like firewalls and routers.

  • Appreciate minimal, clean system design focused on security.

  • Programming close to the metal for high performance and correctness.

  • Supporting open source values like software freedom.

When to Go With FreeBSD Over OpenBSD

Prefer FreeBSD for features like:

  • Wide hardware support, especially for desktops and laptops.

  • ZFS, jails, Bhyve, and other advanced functionality.

  • Large package repository of the latest apps.

  • Beginner-friendly installation and documentation.

  • Support from large companies like Netflix and Apple.

Both projects are secure but make differing design trade-offs. Evaluate their relative strengths against your needs.

Conclusion

OpenBSD and FreeBSD offer two excellent yet meaningfully different takes on the BSD operating system philosophy. While they have common lineage in original BSD, their priorities have diverged over the decades.

For most server, desktop and even embedded applications today, FreeBSD provides a more approachable experience and broader hardware support. Corporate sponsorship also assures its future viability.

But for ultra-paranoid security, OpenBSD remains unparalleled in its fixation on code hardening, vulnerability mitigation and best practices like W^X. Just don't expect a polished desktop experience.

Carefully weigh their differing strengths as you choose the right BSD distro for your application.