I've used both pfsense and opnsense. Given this was like 4+ years ago, but still. Used opnsense because userinterface had better ui/ux. Otherwise pfsense had much more to give, but I really never needed it so switched to lighter/easier to use version - opnsense. I really don't see a problem with switching/reinstalling different version of pfsense if you don't want to use "paid" version.
Now, the problem of AliExpress - this is true. The most important part of the network gear isn't hardware, it's software and drivers on said gear. Pfsense turns cheap shitty minipc worth $100 into powerful router on par with enterprise gear worth $10000 and capable of running thousands of users in multiple locations with site to site networks.
I've used both pfsense and opnsense. Given this was like 4+ years ago, but still. Used opnsense because userinterface had better ui/ux. Otherwise pfsense had much more to give, but I really never needed it so switched to lighter/easier to use version - opnsense. I really don't see a problem with switching/reinstalling different version of pfsense if you don't want to use "paid" version.
Now, the problem of AliExpress - this is true. The most important part of the network gear isn't hardware, it's software and drivers on said gear. Pfsense turns cheap shitty minipc worth $100 into powerful router on par with enterprise gear worth $10000 and capable of running thousands of users in multiple locations with site to site networks.