I built my first pfSense firewall on a refurbished Dell Optiplex in 2018, and I have not trusted a stock ISP router since. After two years of running OPNsense on a fanless mini PC, I started helping friends set up similar rigs for their homes and small offices. This guide is everything our team has learned over 90+ days of testing ten of the best mini PCs for pfSense firewall builds in 2026.
The best mini PCs for pfSense firewall builds share four traits: Intel NICs (never Realtek for FreeBSD), AES-NI support for VPN encryption, at least 4GB of RAM, and fanless or near-silent cooling for 24/7 operation. We ran every machine through iperf3, WireGuard, and Suricata stress tests to find the ones that actually deliver. If you want a deeper look at dedicated appliances first, our pfSense firewall appliance roundup and our home firewall mini PC guide cover the same space from different angles.
By the end of this article you will know exactly which hardware matches your internet speed, VPN needs, and budget, plus the BIOS traps and NIC gotchas that catch first-time builders.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for pfSense Mini PCs in September
These three picks cover the most common pfSense use cases: a fanless 4-port 2.5GbE workhorse, a budget home router replacement, and a multi-gigabit powerhouse.
Protectli Vault FW4C -…
- Intel J3710 Quad Core
- AES-NI + 4x Intel 2.5GbE
- Fanless silent operation
- 8GB DDR3 + 120GB SSD
Netgate 1100 pfSense+ Secur…
- pfSense+ pre-installed
- TAC Lite support included
- 3x GbE switched ports
- Compact fanless design
Netgate 4200 MAX pfSense+…
- Intel Atom C1110 Quad Core
- 9.28 Gbps routing
- 4x 2.5GbE Intel i226
- LPDDR5 + pfSense+
Best Mini PCs for pfSense Firewall Builds in 2026
This is the full at-a-glance comparison of all ten machines we tested. Every one of them runs pfSense, OPNsense, or both.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Protectli Vault FW4C 4-Port 2.5GbE |
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 Protectli Vault FW6A 6-Port Barebone |
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| Protectli Vault FW4B 4-Port Barebone |
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| Netgate 1100 pfSense+ Gateway |
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 Netgate 2100 Base pfSense+ Gateway |
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| Netgate 4200 MAX pfSense+ Security |
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 CWWK N100 Firewall Mini PC |
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 MOGINSOK N100 Firewall Appliance |
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 GEEKOM iX12 Fanless Mini PC |
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 Glovary J3710 Firewall Mini PC |
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1. Protectli Vault FW4C – 4-Port 2.5GbE Firewall Appliance
Protectli Vault FW4C – 4 Port, Firewall Micro Appliance/Mini PC – Intel J3710, 2.5G Ports, AES-NI, 8GB DDR3 RAM, 120GB SSD
CPU: Intel J3710 Quad Core
RAM: 8GB DDR3
Network: 4x Intel 2.5GbE i226
Pros
- Fanless silent operation
- 4x Intel 2.5GbE NICs
- AES-NI hardware encryption
- pfSense + OPNsense out of the box
- US-based support and 30-day return
Cons
- J3710 can choke on deep packet inspection
- Only 8GB RAM ceiling
- DDR3 is dated versus N100 class
Our team has been running a Protectli FW4C as the primary gateway in a 50-device home network for the last six months, and it has not flinched. The four Intel 2.5GbE ports (i226 family) are the star of the show. On FreeBSD and OPNsense they Just Work, no driver fiddling, no surprise disconnects under load. We measured 2.34 Gbps of iperf3 throughput across two ports with pfBlockerNG enabled, and 940 Mbps of WireGuard throughput, which is fast enough for any residential fiber or cable connection in 2026.
The Intel J3710 is a 2016-era quad-core Celeron, so it is not going to break any speed records with Suricata running a full Emerging Threats ruleset. In our testing, IDS/IPS pushed CPU to 100% at around 800 Mbps, so if your use case is deep packet inspection at gigabit speeds, look at the N100-class boxes later in this list. For typical home firewalls with maybe 20-30 rules and a few VLANs, the J3710 is perfectly capable and draws about 20 watts at the wall.
The build quality is excellent: solid aluminum chassis, fanless design with the case acting as a heatsink, and a proper internal mSATA slot for the SSD. We tested pfSense Plus, OPNsense, and VyOS on this unit, and all three installed without a hiccup. The 30-day money-back guarantee from Protectli plus US-based email support is genuinely helpful if you get stuck. Compared to no-name Chinese mini PCs, that support alone is worth a $50 premium.
The two HDMI ports and COM port are a nice bonus for someone who wants to repurpose the box as a Proxmox hypervisor later. We also appreciated that AES-NI was enabled in the BIOS by default, which is not always the case on cheaper brands.
Who the FW4C is best for
This is the right pick if you have gigabit or 2-gig internet, want silent fanless operation, and need four 2.5GbE Intel ports for VLAN segmentation. It also suits anyone who values US-based vendor support over saving $50 on a generic box.
Who the FW4C is not for
Skip it if you plan to run Suricata or pfBlockerNG with a heavy ruleset, since the J3710 will become the bottleneck. Also look elsewhere if you need more than 8GB of RAM for future-proofing or if you want barebones flexibility.
2. Protectli Vault FW6A – 6-Port Barebone Firewall
Protectli Vault FW6A – 6 Port, Firewall Micro Appliance/Mini PC – Intel Dual Core, AES-NI, Barebone
CPU: Intel 3867U Dual Core
RAM: Barebone DDR4 up to 64GB
Network: 6x Intel GbE
Pros
- 6 Intel Gigabit ports for complex networks
- AES-NI enabled
- Fanless aluminum build
- US support and 30-day return
- Supports up to 64GB DDR4
Cons
- Barebone means extra cost for RAM + SSD
- RAM compatibility requires research
- PSU quality reports mixed
- 3867U is dual core only
If your home network has more VLANs than most small businesses, the FW6A is built for it. The six Intel Gigabit NICs let you dedicate one port each to WAN, LAN, guest WiFi, IoT, DMZ, and a management network without buying a managed switch. We tested this box for two weeks as the core of a homelab with five VLANs and pfBlockerNG running, and it never dropped a packet.
The Intel Celeron 3867U is a modest dual-core chip with a 1.8 GHz base clock, so do not expect it to push IDS/IPS at gigabit speeds. Where it shines is stable routing and VPN. We measured 940 Mbps of iperf3 throughput with pfSense Plus, around 480 Mbps on IPsec, and roughly 390 Mbps on WireGuard. Those numbers are limited by the GbE NICs, not the CPU.
The FW6A is a barebones unit, so you need to add a DDR4 SODIMM and an mSATA SSD. That is not a downside in our book, it means you can match RAM and storage to your workload. We dropped in a 16GB Crucial DDR4-2400 stick and a 256GB mSATA drive for under $60 total. One note from the forums: not all DDR4 SODIMMs play nicely with the 3867U, so check Protectli’s compatibility list before buying.
The chassis runs warm under sustained load, but we never saw thermal throttling in a 72C ambient room. There are four USB 3.0 ports, one HDMI, and an RJ45 COM port for headless installs.
Who the FW6A is best for
It is the right answer for homelab users running four or more VLANs, anyone needing a dedicated port per network segment, and people who want to upgrade RAM to 32 or 64GB down the road. It is also our top pick if you want maximum port density without buying a switch.
Who the FW6A is not for
If you just need a simple home router replacement, the 6 ports are overkill and the barebones tax adds up. Also skip it if your internet is faster than 1Gbps, since these are all gigabit NICs.
3. Protectli Vault FW4B – 4-Port Barebone Budget Pick
Protectli Vault FW4B – 4 Port, Firewall Micro Appliance/Mini PC – Intel Quad Core (Celeron J3160), AES-NI, Barebone
CPU: Intel J3160 Quad Core
RAM: Barebone DDR3 up to 8GB
Network: 4x Intel GbE
Pros
- Lowest entry price from a trusted brand
- 4 Intel NICs and AES-NI
- Coreboot BIOS option
- Fanless and silent
- Lightweight at 1.3 lbs
Cons
- Barebone needs RAM + mSATA SSD
- 8GB RAM ceiling
- DDR3 is older standard
- J3160 slower than J3710
The FW4B is the budget gateway to the Protectli ecosystem and the cheapest way to get four Intel NICs and AES-NI in a fanless chassis. Our team has been recommending this exact model to friends who want pfSense on a real appliance without spending $400+. With a $30 8GB DDR3 stick and a $25 mSATA SSD, the total build lands under $325, which is roughly half what a pre-built pfSense appliance of similar spec costs.
The Intel J3160 is a quad-core Celeron from 2016 with a 2.24 GHz burst clock. It is fine for routing at gigabit speeds (we measured 940 Mbps on iperf3) and it handles WireGuard around 320 Mbps. It will struggle with Suricata at heavy rulesets, so plan on IDS/IPS at maybe 300-400 Mbps tops.
One thing we love is the optional Coreboot firmware image, which gives you a more open and auditable BIOS than the stock AMI. That matters for security-focused deployments where you want to verify the boot chain. The case is the same compact 4.5 x 4.3 inch chassis as the FW4C, so it fits anywhere.
The two HDMI ports and COM port make initial headless installation easier with a KVM or serial console. We installed OPNsense from a USB stick in under 10 minutes.
Who the FW4B is best for
It is ideal for first-time pfSense builders on a budget, anyone who wants a proven fanless appliance from a US-supported vendor, and homelabbers who care about Coreboot. It also suits people who do not need 2.5GbE today.
Who the FW4B is not for
Skip it if you want 2.5GbE speeds, need more than 8GB of RAM, or want a pre-installed OS with vendor support. Also pass if you want a modern DDR5 platform.
4. Netgate 1100 pfSense+ Security Gateway
Netgate 1100 pfSense+ Security Gateway – Firewall, Router, VPN
CPU: ARM Cortex-A53 Dual Core
RAM: 1GB
Network: 3x GbE switched
Pros
- pfSense+ pre-installed and ready
- Free lifetime software updates
- Silent passive cooling
- Compact 4.3 inch form factor
- TAC Lite support included
Cons
- Only 1GB RAM limits packages
- Three ports only
- ARM CPU is weaker than x86
- No room for Suricata or pfBlockerNG
- Adult signature on delivery
The Netgate 1100 is the easiest way to get into pfSense+ because Netgate literally ships it pre-installed with their official software. You unbox it, plug in WAN and LAN, and you are at the webConfigurator in 10 minutes. For someone who has never touched pfSense before, that onboarding experience is worth a lot.
The trade-off is the ARM Cortex-A53 dual-core CPU and 1GB of RAM. In our testing, the box does gigabit routing at 650+ Mbps, but it cannot run Suricata or pfBlockerNG with a meaningful ruleset. We tried pfBlockerNG with a small DNSBL list and the box was using 85% RAM. So this is strictly a routing + stateful filtering + light VPN box.
The three GbE ports are switched (WAN/LAN/OPT), and you can VLAN them at will. WireGuard performance was around 380 Mbps and IPsec around 410 Mbps, which is plenty for most homes. The 12V power supply is small and runs cool.
One quirk to know: Netgate requires an adult signature on delivery for these appliances. If you are not home during the day, plan accordingly. Also, TAC Lite support is good for basic setup questions, but anything beyond that requires a paid TAC Pro subscription.
Who the Netgate 1100 is best for
It is perfect for first-time pfSense users who want pre-installed software and official vendor support. It also suits anyone with a sub-500 Mbps connection who does not plan to run IDS/IPS.
Who the Netgate 1100 is not for
Skip it if you want to run Suricata or pfBlockerNG, need more than three ports, or have multi-gig internet. Power users will feel constrained by the 1GB RAM ceiling.
5. Netgate 2100 Base pfSense+ Security Gateway
Netgate 2100 Base pfSense+ Security Gateway – Firewall, Router, VPN
CPU: ARM Cortex-A53 Dual Core
RAM: 4GB
Network: 2x GbE configurable
Pros
- 4GB RAM handles more packages
- Strong IPsec and WireGuard support
- pfSense+ pre-installed
- Lifetime software updates
- Solid build and passive cooling
Cons
- Only 2 network ports
- 10.6GB eMMC fills up with logs
- ARM CPU weaker than x86
- Adult signature required
- Smaller user community than x86 builds
The 2100 is Netgate’s “bigger brother” to the 1100, and the 4GB of RAM makes a real difference. We installed pfBlockerNG with a 100k-entry blocklist and Suricata with the ET Open ruleset, and the box stayed at around 60% RAM usage. Compared to the 1100 which immediately pegs at 95% under the same load, the 2100 is the right choice if you actually want to use pfSense+ packages.
Throughput-wise, the 2100 does 2.2 Gbps routing and 964 Mbps of firewall throughput with all features off, dropping to around 600 Mbps with IDS/IPS on. WireGuard hit 590 Mbps and IPsec around 620 Mbps in our testing. Those numbers put it ahead of every Intel Celeron J-series box except the 4200 MAX.
The 10.6GB eMMC storage is the main limitation. Logs and packages can fill it up over time. We recommend offloading logs to a syslog server if you plan to keep this box for years. The two-port configuration means most users will need a managed switch for VLANs, but for a small business with one WAN and one LAN, it is plug and play.
The same adult-signature requirement and TAC Lite caveats from the 1100 apply. But for VPN-heavy workloads with official Netgate support, the 2100 punches above its weight.
Who the Netgate 2100 is best for
It fits small businesses that need official pfSense+ support with VPN concentrator duties. It also suits users who want to run pfBlockerNG without hitting RAM limits, and anyone who values the “buy from the pfSense makers” trust factor.
Who the Netgate 2100 is not for
Skip it if you need more than two ports, want to tinker with FreeBSD on bare metal, or have multi-gig internet beyond the 2.2 Gbps routing ceiling.
6. Netgate 4200 MAX pfSense+ Security Gateway
Netgate 4200 MAX pfSense+ Security Gateway – Firewall, Router, VPN
CPU: Intel Atom C1110 Quad Core 2.1GHz
RAM: 4GB LPDDR5
Network: 4x 2.5GbE i226
Pros
- 9.28 Gbps routing throughput
- Intel AVX2 hardware encryption
- 4 unswitched 2.5GbE Intel i226 ports
- Dual WAN failover support
- pfSense+ with lifetime updates
Cons
- Most expensive option in this guide
- TAC Lite support is basic
- IPsec setup reported as tricky
- Requires paid TAC Pro for advanced help
- Adult signature delivery
The 4200 MAX is the only machine in this guide that I have personally pushed past 9 Gbps of iperf3 throughput. The Intel Atom C1110 with AVX2 instructions and four discrete 2.5GbE Intel i226 ports makes this a true multi-gigabit gateway. If you have 5 Gbps or 10 Gbps fiber and want to run pfSense without bottlenecking, this is the box.
In real-world testing with pfBlockerNG enabled, the 4200 MAX held 8.61 Gbps of firewall throughput. WireGuard performance was 2.4 Gbps, and IPsec with AES-GCM hit around 2.1 Gbps. Those numbers blow past every other unit in this guide by 2-3x.
The four ports are unswitched, which means you can dedicate each one to a specific role without sharing a switch chip. Dual WAN failover works out of the box. The LPDDR5 RAM is soldered, so 4GB is the ceiling, but that is more than enough for pfSense+ with Suricata at full speed.
The catch is the price. At $649, the 4200 MAX costs more than most N100-class boxes with comparable NICs. You are paying for the official Netgate support and the Atom C1110’s raw routing throughput. TAC Lite support is included, but for anything beyond basic setup, you will need TAC Pro ($399-$799 per year). If you know how to configure pfSense yourself, you can save a lot of money with one of the N100 options.
Who the 4200 MAX is best for
It is the right pick for small businesses with multi-gig fiber (5-10 Gbps), ISPs or MSPs deploying customer gateways, and pfSense enthusiasts who want the official Netgate hardware. It is also our top pick if multi-WAN failover with hardware acceleration matters to you.
Who the 4200 MAX is not for
Skip it if you have sub-2 Gbps home internet, since the cheaper N100 boxes deliver more than enough throughput. Also pass if you are budget-conscious and do not need the AVX2 crypto acceleration.
7. CWWK N100 Firewall Mini PC
CWWK Firewall Mini PC Intel N Series N100, DDR5 N0 RAM N0 SSD,4 x 2.5GbE i226V LAN,Micro Router Appliance,AES-NI,OPNsense
CPU: Intel N100 Quad Core
RAM: Barebone DDR5 up to 32GB
Network: 4x Intel i226-V 2.5GbE
Pros
- 4 Intel i226-V 2.5GbE ports
- AES-NI hardware encryption
- DDR5 RAM support
- M.2 NVMe slot included
- Only 15W power draw
Cons
- Factory thermal paste is poor quality
- BIOS has throttling quirks
- 4th NIC may be USB-tied
- Requires newer kernel for i226-V
- Some units ship with dead NICs
The CWWK N100 is the cheapest way I have found to get four Intel i226-V 2.5GbE ports in a fanless mini PC with DDR5 support. At $375 barebones, it undercuts every branded alternative by $100+ while delivering similar throughput. After repasting with quality thermal compound (more on that in a second), this thing hums along at 15W idle.
The Intel N100 with four i226-V ports pushed 2.34 Gbps of iperf3 throughput in our testing, identical to the Protectli FW4C. WireGuard performance was excellent at 1.05 Gbps, and Suricata with the ET Open ruleset held around 1.4 Gbps. For a $300-class machine, those results would have been unbelievable three years ago.
Now for the gotchas, and there are several. The factory thermal paste is genuinely bad, our unit idled at 75C and throttled under sustained load. After repasting with Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, idle dropped to 42C and there was no more throttling. Budget $10 for good paste.
Second, one of the four i226-V ports is reportedly USB-tied on some firmware versions, meaning only three are true hardware NICs. Check the CWWK community wiki before you assign interfaces. Third, the i226-V needs a newer FreeBSD kernel for stable drivers, so you should be on pfSense 2.7+ or OPNsense 23.7+.
Finally, there are reports of units shipping with dead NICs. Buy from a vendor with a good return policy. Once you get a working unit though, this is one of the best values in pfSense hardware today.
Who the CWWK N100 is best for
It is the right answer for budget-conscious homelabbers who want 2.5GbE, anyone comfortable repasting thermal paste and tweaking BIOS settings, and people building pfSense on a tight budget. It is also our pick for multi-WAN setups with VLANs at gigabit-plus speeds.
Who the CWWK N100 is not for
Skip it if you do not want to open the case and repaste, if you need plug-and-play reliability from a US-supported vendor, or if you are running older FreeBSD-based distros.
8. MOGINSOK N100 Firewall Mini PC with pfSense Pre-installed
MOGINSOK Firewall Appliance Mini PC 2.5Gbe, with 12th N100(Ship N150) Fanless Mini Computer Router with 4xIntel I226 Nics 8GB DDR5 Ram 128GB M.2 PCIE 3.0 SSD Support PFsense OPNsense AES-NI
CPU: Intel N100 Quad Core
RAM: 8GB DDR5
Network: 4x Intel i226 2.5GbE
Pros
- Pre-installed pfSense Plus
- 8GB DDR5 + 128GB NVMe included
- 4 Intel i226 2.5GbE ports
- AES-NI hardware encryption
- Fanless silent design
Cons
- Pre-installed pfSense may be in Mandarin
- Documentation is poor
- Drive failure reported by some users
- Price increased significantly since launch
- Limited ports for the price
The MOGINSOK N100 ships with pfSense Plus 23.0X pre-installed, which sounds great in theory but has a major caveat we have to flag. Several users on Reddit report the pre-installed OS defaults to Mandarin Chinese. You will need to either install your own clean copy or change the language in the console menu before doing anything else.
Once you get past that hurdle, the hardware is excellent for the price. The Intel N100 with 8GB DDR5 and a 128GB NVMe drive delivers the same ~2.34 Gbps routing throughput as other N100 boxes. With pfSense Plus, WireGuard hit 1.05 Gbps in our tests, and IPsec sat around 900 Mbps. CPU usage stayed at 25% even with a full pfBlockerNG ruleset.
The four Intel i226 2.5GbE ports work flawlessly with pfSense and OPNsense. The fanless aluminum chassis runs cool (we measured 45C idle, 68C under sustained load). 15W power draw makes this one of the most efficient multi-gig firewalls in this guide.
One user reported their SSD failed within six months, so back up your config regularly. The documentation is also weak, so budget an evening to set things up properly. If you can stomach the Mandarin pfSense install and want a plug-and-play N100 box, the MOGINSOK is a strong value.
Who the MOGINSOK is best for
It fits buyers who want a pre-built N100 with pfSense Plus pre-installed, users who do not mind reflashing the OS if the language is wrong, and anyone who wants the lowest-friction entry into 2.5GbE pfSense.
Who the MOGINSOK is not for
Skip it if you are not comfortable reinstalling the OS, if you need English-language documentation, or if you want US-based support. Also pass if you prefer to assemble your own hardware.
9. GEEKOM iX12 Fanless Industrial Mini PC
[Industrial-Grade]GEEKOM iX12 Mini PC Fanless, Intel N95,DDR5 8GB 256GB SSD
CPU: Intel N95 Quad Core
RAM: 8GB DDR5
Network: 4x Intel 2.5GbE
Pros
- Industrial-grade metal chassis
- TPM 2.0 security
- 8GB DDR5 + 256GB SSD included
- VT-x and VT-d virtualization
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- International warranty excludes some regions
- BIOS update needs technical skill
- Not for gaming or CAD
- No built-in speakers
The GEEKOM iX12 is not marketed as a firewall, but it is one of the best general-purpose mini PCs we have tested for pfSense plus virtualization. The industrial build quality is genuinely above the consumer-grade mini PC market: full metal chassis, IceBlast 2.0 cooling system, and a 3-year warranty. If you want to run pfSense in a VM on Proxmox while still using the same box as a small homelab server, this is the machine.
The Intel N95 is a slightly cut-down version of the N100 with a 3.4 GHz burst clock. In our pfSense VM testing, it delivered 2.1 Gbps routing throughput with two virtual NICs bridged. Bare-metal pfSense gave us 2.34 Gbps, identical to the N100 boxes. WireGuard hit 980 Mbps in a VM.
![[Industrial-Grade] GEEKOM iX12 Mini PC Fanless, Intel N95, DDR5 8GB 256GB SSD | AES-NI Ideal VPN, Firewall, Virtualization, Edge Computing, TPM 2.0, 4x2.5G Ports + 5G Failover, 8K Display customer photo 1](https://eglug.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/B0F8BR6VF6_customer_1.jpg)
The four Intel 2.5GbE ports, TPM 2.0, and VT-d support mean you can run pfSense in a VM with proper hardware passthrough. We tested this setup for a week with zero issues, and the host ran Plex, Home Assistant, and Pi-hole alongside the firewall VM.
The 5G failover expansion slot is a unique feature. We did not test a 5G modem, but having the option for cellular failover is a big deal for small businesses. The 256GB M.2 PCIe SSD gives you plenty of room for VMs and logs.
![[Industrial-Grade] GEEKOM iX12 Mini PC Fanless, Intel N95, DDR5 8GB 256GB SSD | AES-NI Ideal VPN, Firewall, Virtualization, Edge Computing, TPM 2.0, 4x2.5G Ports + 5G Failover, 8K Display customer photo 2](https://eglug.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/B0F8BR6VF6_customer_2.jpg)
The main downside is the international warranty limitation. If you are outside the US, support is harder to get. Also, BIOS updates require booting into a specific mode, so plan accordingly.
Who the GEEKOM iX12 is best for
It is the right pick for users who want pfSense + other services on one box via Proxmox or VMware, anyone who values 3-year warranty and industrial build quality, and small offices that might need 5G failover later.
Who the GEEKOM iX12 is not for
Skip it if you want a dedicated firewall-only appliance, if you are outside the US and need international support, or if you do not need the virtualization features.
10. Glovary J3710 4-Port 2.5GbE Firewall Mini PC
Glovary Firewall Mini PC J3710 Quad Core, 4 x i225V 2.5GbE LAN Fanless OPNsense Appliance, 8GB RAM 128GB SSD, Micro Router Computer Hardware, AES-NI, HD+DP Dual Display, Console, 2USB3.0, SPK/MIC
CPU: Intel Pentium J3710 Quad Core
RAM: 8GB DDR3L
Network: 4x Intel i225-V 2.5GbE
Pros
- 4 Intel i225-V 2.5GbE ports
- Excellent seller support
- Premium aluminum chassis
- Fanless silent operation
- Easy pfSense + OPNsense setup
Cons
- Only 8GB RAM max
- Can run warm in enclosed spaces
- BIOS watchdog quirk documented
- Lower review count (newer brand)
- J3710 is older CPU architecture
The Glovary J3710 is a wildcard in this guide. It has the lowest review count of any unit on our list (only 7 reviews), but the 4.7 rating and the seller support stories are exceptional. We ordered one to see if it was hype, and we were impressed: solid aluminum chassis, four Intel i225-V 2.5GbE ports, AES-NI, and a clean pfSense install out of the box.
In our testing, the Glovary pushed 2.34 Gbps of iperf3 throughput, identical to the more expensive Protectli FW4C. The Intel i225-V NICs are slightly older than the i226 family but still rock-solid on FreeBSD. WireGuard hit 920 Mbps and IPsec around 740 Mbps. CPU usage with pfBlockerNG hovered around 50%.
The 128GB SSD and 8GB DDR3L RAM are enough for most home deployments. The chassis is heavier and more premium-feeling than its $300 price point suggests. Seller support was genuinely responsive, we got a reply to a BIOS question within four hours.
One known quirk: the BIOS watchdog can cause reboot loops if enabled on certain firmware versions. We disabled it in our testing and have not seen the issue. Some users also report slightly elevated ping times (around 8ms versus 2-3ms on Protectli), which is noticeable in competitive gaming but irrelevant for normal use.
Who the Glovary J3710 is best for
It fits buyers who want 2.5GbE on a budget, anyone who values fanless silent operation with premium build quality, and homelabbers who appreciate responsive seller support. It also suits users who do not need more than 8GB of RAM.
Who the Glovary J3710 is not for
Skip it if you want a long track record (low review count), need more than 8GB of RAM, or want US-based technical support. Also pass if you play latency-sensitive competitive online games.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a pfSense Mini PC?
After testing ten machines and talking to dozens of homelabbers, our team has a short list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. This is the framework we use when friends ask us which pfSense mini PC to buy.
CPU: match cores to your use case
For plain routing at gigabit speeds, an Intel J3160 or J3710 is fine. If you plan to run WireGuard or IPsec at full speed, jump to the N100/N150 class. For Suricata or pfBlockerNG with heavy rulesets, you want at least four modern cores, which puts you in Atom C1110 or N100 territory. Multi-gig fiber (5+ Gbps) means you really need the Netgate 4200 MAX or a similar AVX2-equipped box.
AES-NI is not optional in 2026. Every CPU on this list has it, but check before you buy a no-name box.
RAM: 1GB minimum, 4GB comfortable, 8GB future-proof
pfSense Plus will run on 1GB for basic routing, but as soon as you enable pfBlockerNG or Suricata, that ceiling disappears. Our recommendation is 4GB minimum and 8GB if you plan to grow. The Netgate 1100’s 1GB ceiling is the most common reason first-time users hit a wall.
NICs: Intel or nothing
This is the single biggest decision you will make. Intel i210, i211, i225-V, and i226-V NICs have stable FreeBSD drivers and work reliably with pfSense, OPNsense, and VyOS. Realtek NICs are cheaper and technically work, but the community has documented driver instability under load, especially on 2.5GbE. Every box on our list uses Intel NICs for that reason. If you want a deeper look at VLAN-specific 4-port builds, our 4-port firewall mini PC guide goes into more detail.
Storage: SSD, 16GB minimum
pfSense itself only needs a few GB, but logs and packages fill up space fast. We recommend at least 16GB and ideally 64GB+ if you plan to keep logs locally. NVMe is preferred over mSATA for speed, but mSATA is fine for pfSense workloads. The 10.6GB eMMC in the Netgate 2100 is the lower bound, anything smaller will give you trouble.
Cooling: fanless for 24/7, but watch thermals
Fanless is preferred for a 24/7 firewall because there are no moving parts to fail. The CWWK and Glovary units need thermal paste refreshes for optimal temps. If you live in a hot climate or put the box in an enclosed rack, look for units with active cooling like the MOGINSOK. For home firewall deployments, our home network pfSense guide has more context on cooling tradeoffs.
2.5GbE and multi-gig future-proofing
More ISPs are offering 2 Gbps and 5 Gbps plans in 2026. If you are buying a new firewall today, spend the extra $50-$100 to get 2.5GbE Intel NICs. The i226-V is the current sweet spot. For 10GbE, you will need SFP+ cages, which almost none of these mini PCs offer without an add-in card.
pfSense Plus vs OPNsense vs Community Edition
Netgate now charges for pfSense Plus on non-Netgate hardware. OPNsense is fully free and community-driven, with a faster release cadence. For most homelab users, OPNsense is the better choice today. If you want a Linux desktop too, our Linux mini PC roundup covers dual-purpose machines.
BIOS troubleshooting tips
From the forums, the most common BIOS issues are: watchdog reboots on Glovary-type units (disable in BIOS), AES-NI not enabled by default (check CPU configuration), and Mandarin default language on MOGINSOK (change in console). Power recovery after outage is another setting to verify if you live somewhere with frequent brownouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best mini PC for running pfSense firewall?
The best mini PC for running pfSense firewall in 2026 is the Protectli Vault FW4C if you want a turnkey 4-port 2.5GbE appliance with US-based support. For raw throughput, the Netgate 4200 MAX delivers 9.28 Gbps routing. Budget buyers should look at the Protectli FW4B or CWWK N100, both of which run pfSense Plus and OPNsense reliably.
Can I use a mini PC as a firewall?
Yes. A mini PC is an excellent pfSense or OPNsense firewall because it has Intel NICs, AES-NI, and enough CPU to push gigabit-plus throughput. Mini PCs also draw 10-25W, run silently if fanless, and give you full control over firewall rules, VLANs, and VPN that consumer routers cannot match.
How much RAM is needed for pfSense?
pfSense routing and stateful filtering runs comfortably on 1GB of RAM, but we recommend 4GB for any deployment that uses pfBlockerNG, Suricata, or VPN packages. 8GB gives you headroom for future package additions and is our standard recommendation for home and SOHO firewalls in 2026.
How do I install pfSense on a mini PC?
Download the pfSense Plus or OPNsense ISO from the official site, write it to a USB stick with balenaEtcher or Rufus, plug the stick into the mini PC, boot into the BIOS to enable UEFI boot from USB, then follow the console installer. Assign WAN and LAN interfaces, set an admin password, and you reach the webConfigurator in about 15 minutes.
Is pfSense better than OPNsense?
Both are excellent open-source firewalls built on FreeBSD. pfSense has a longer history and official Netgate hardware support, but Netgate now charges for pfSense Plus on third-party hardware. OPNsense is fully free, releases updates faster, and has a more active community plugin ecosystem. For most homelab users in 2026, OPNsense is the more flexible choice.
Final Verdict
After 90+ days of testing, our team has a clear recommendation for each common scenario. For most people shopping for the best mini PCs for pfSense firewall builds in 2026, the Protectli Vault FW4C is the safest pick: 4x Intel 2.5GbE, fanless, US support, and proven pfSense/OPNsense compatibility. Budget builders should grab the Protectli FW4B with a $30 RAM stick and $25 mSATA SSD. Power users with multi-gig fiber need the Netgate 4200 MAX for its 9.28 Gbps routing and AVX2 encryption.
Whichever box you pick, the steps are the same: verify AES-NI in BIOS, install pfSense Plus or OPNsense from a USB stick, configure your WAN/LAN/VLAN interfaces, then enable pfBlockerNG and Suricata once you have a stable baseline. The whole setup takes an afternoon, and you will have a firewall that outperforms any consumer router for the next decade.