Best Mini PCs for Firewall in 2026: 15 Picks Ranked by Specs
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Dedicated network hardware protects your home or office routing environment. Finding the best mini PCs for firewall setups comes down to port counts, physical cooling, and processor efficiency.
The Glovary Fanless 4-LAN Mini PC takes the top spot because its Intel N100 processor and four 2.5GbE interfaces deliver silent, multi-gigabit routing. We compared 15 products using only the specifications published on their listings. This guide helps you decide which port speed, memory size, and cooling design fit your network.
Quick picks
The best fit for you
- You want balanced multi-gigabit networking in a fanless chassis Glovary Fanless 4-LAN Mini PC It delivers an Intel N100 chip, 8GB RAM, and four 2.5GbE network ports.
- You need maximum memory for routing and local virtualization MOGINSOK N100 4-Port 2.5GbE Firewall PC Its 32GB of RAM provides substantial capacity alongside four 2.5GbE network interfaces.
- You need high-speed 10GbE fiber networking for your gateway UDPTCP N300 Dual 10GbE SFP+ Firewall Mini PC It features dual 10GbE SFP+ ports alongside three 2.5GbE connections for fiber setups.
- You prefer a barebone system for custom hardware components UDPTCP Celeron N5105 Barebone Firewall Mini PC The barebone chassis includes four 2.5GbE ports and lets you supply memory and storage.
Our 15 picks
Glovary Fanless 4-LAN Mini PC
Best for: multi-gigabit fanless firewall and routing setups
- Use
- Firewall (what this guide is about)
- Processor
- Intel N150
- Installed RAM
- 8GB
- Storage Capacity
- 256GB
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- Graphics
- Intel UHD Graphics
This Glovary appliance runs an Intel N150 quad-core processor paired with 8GB of DDR5 memory and a 256GB NVMe SSD. It features four 2.5GbE Intel i226-V Ethernet ports, making it suitable if you need multi-gigabit routing and traffic filtering for open-source firewall platforms like OPNsense or OpenWrt. The fanless aluminum chassis delivers silent operation, while dual 4K video outputs provide direct console display access.
Pros
- Four Intel i226-V 2.5GbE network interfaces
- Intel N150 quad-core processor with 6W TDP
- Fanless aluminum alloy chassis for silent passive cooling
- Dual 4K display output via HDMI and DisplayPort
Cons
- SATA 3.0 slot cannot be used simultaneously with the multi-function M.2 slot
- Single DDR5 SO-DIMM slot restricts memory to single-channel operation
Good fit if
- You need four 2.5GbE ports for multi-gigabit firewall routing.
- You want a completely silent, passive-cooled hardware appliance.
- You plan to deploy OPNsense, OpenWrt, or Linux network software.
Skip if
- You require 10GbE SFP+ fiber interfaces.
- You need to use a 2.5-inch SATA drive alongside a secondary M.2 drive.
Verdict: Glovary N150 Fanless 4-Port 2.5GbE Mini PC provides an efficient quad-core platform with four 2.5GbE interfaces for multi-gigabit network security. Its fanless aluminum build and DDR5 memory make it a capable choice for open-source firewall deployments.
Protectli Vault 4-Port Fanless Mini PC
Best for: silent open-source Gigabit firewall setups
- Use
- Firewall (what this guide is about)
- Processor
- Intel Celeron J3160
- Installed RAM
- 4GB
- Storage Capacity
- 32GB
- Memory Type
- DDR3L
- Ethernet Ports
- 4x Gigabit
The Protectli Vault is a compact, fanless mini PC built for network security. It features four Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports, an Intel Celeron J3160 quad-core processor with AES-NI hardware support, 4GB of DDR3L RAM, and a 32GB mSATA SSD. You receive hardware ready for open-source routing operating systems without pre-installed software. It suits you if you need a silent, dedicated physical appliance to run your custom firewall setup.
Pros
- Four Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Intel Celeron J3160 processor with AES-NI support
- Fanless, silent operation
- Optional coreboot BIOS support
Cons
- Comes with no pre-installed operating system
- Limited to 1GbE speeds without 2.5GbE networking
- Small 32GB mSATA internal storage
Good fit if
- You plan to install open-source firewall platforms like pfSense or OPNsense.
- You need a silent, fanless appliance with four Gigabit network interfaces.
- You require hardware AES-NI acceleration for encrypted network traffic.
Skip if
- You need high-speed 2.5GbE or 10GbE network interfaces.
- You want an operating system pre-installed out of the box.
- You need large local storage beyond the included 32GB drive.
Verdict: Protectli Vault 4-Port Gigabit Firewall Mini PC delivers dependable silent operation and four dedicated Intel network ports for custom routing setups. It provides hardware crypto acceleration and multiple display outputs in an ultra-compact footprint.
Glovary Fanless Quad-LAN Mini PC
Best for: silent Gigabit firewall and home lab routing
- Use
- Industrial, Firewall (what this guide is about)
- Processor
- Celeron J4125
- Installed RAM
- 8GB
- Storage Capacity
- 128GB
- Memory Type
- DDR4
- Graphics
- UHD Graphics 600
This Glovary fanless unit functions as a dedicated network router and hardware appliance. It runs on a quad-core Intel Celeron J4125 processor paired with 8GB of DDR4 memory and a 128GB SSD. Four Intel i211 Gigabit Ethernet ports give you physical interfaces for routing, multi-LAN configurations, and virtualization. Its passive aluminum chassis runs silently, making it a practical choice if you need quiet, continuous routing in a home lab or small office.
Pros
- Four Intel i211 Gigabit Ethernet ports for multi-LAN routing
- Fanless aluminum alloy chassis operates silently
- Expandable storage via 2.5-inch SATA bay and mSATA slot
- Single DDR4 SO-DIMM slot supports upgrades up to 32GB RAM
Cons
- Ethernet ports top out at 1Gbps rather than 2.5GbE
- Uses an mSATA SSD slot rather than faster NVMe M.2 storage
- Internal 4G module and SIM card are not included
Good fit if
- You need four dedicated 1GbE network ports for router or firewall duties.
- You require a silent, fanless appliance for a desk or home lab setup.
- You want the option to add an extra 2.5-inch SATA drive for internal storage.
Skip if
- You need multi-gigabit network speeds exceeding 1Gbps.
- You require built-in cellular connectivity out of the box.
Verdict: Glovary Fanless 4-Port Gigabit Firewall Mini PC delivers dependable quad-core processing and four Gigabit ports in a completely silent enclosure. It is a capable choice for standard Gigabit networking, firewalls, and small virtualization tasks.
VNOPN Fanless 4-Port Firewall Mini PC
Best for: silent multi-gigabit home routing
- Use
- Firewall (what this guide is about)
- Processor
- Intel Pentium J3710
- Installed RAM
- 8GB
- Storage Capacity
- 128GB
- Memory Type
- DDR3
- Ethernet Ports
- 4 x 2.5GbE
The VNOPN Fanless 4-Port 2.5GbE Firewall Mini PC is a dedicated network appliance featuring four Intel i226-V 2.5GbE ports and a 6W Intel Pentium J3710 quad-core processor with AES-NI. Preconfigured with 8GB of DDR3 RAM and a 128GB mSATA SSD, it operates silently without moving fans. It suits you if you need reliable multi-gigabit throughput for a low-power home or small office firewall running systems like pfSense or OPNsense.
Pros
- Four Intel i226-V 2.5GbE network ports
- Fanless aluminum alloy chassis with 6W CPU TDP
- Hardware AES-NI encryption support
- Pre-installed 8GB RAM and 128GB mSATA SSD
Cons
- Memory capacity is capped at 8GB DDR3
- Internal storage does not support 2.5-inch SATA drives
Good fit if
- You need four dedicated 2.5GbE ports for local network segmentation.
- You want a completely silent, low-power appliance running 24/7.
- You run open-source firewall platforms like OPNsense or pfSense.
Skip if
- You need more than 8GB of RAM for multi-VM virtualization.
- You require high-capacity internal 2.5-inch hard drives.
Verdict: VNOPN Fanless 4-Port 2.5GbE Firewall Mini PC delivers multi-gigabit routing capability in a silent, low-power hardware footprint.
MeLE Quieter Dual LAN Fanless Mini PC
Best for: silent dual-port 2.5GbE firewall setups
- Use
- Firewall (what this guide is about)
- Processor
- N150
- Installed RAM
- 8GB
- Storage Capacity
- 128GB
- Memory Type
- DDR4
- Ethernet Ports
- Dual 2.5GbE
The MeLE Quieter DL is an ultra-slim fanless mini PC powered by the Intel N150 processor. For firewall duties, you get dual Intel I226-V 2.5GbE ports, 8GB of DDR4 memory, and 128GB of eMMC storage. It also includes an open M.2 2280 NVMe slot for expansion. This appliance suits you if you need a silent, low-power edge router for OPNsense or pfSense in a compact office or home lab.
Pros
- Dual Intel I226-V 2.5GbE Ethernet controllers
- Completely fanless cooling with 0dB operation
- Internal M.2 2280 NVMe slot expandable up to 4TB
- Low power draw between 6W idle and 12W full load
Cons
- Only two physical Ethernet interfaces
- Base internal storage is eMMC flash rather than NVMe
Good fit if
- You need a completely silent dual-port firewall appliance.
- You want low power consumption under 12W for continuous 24/7 operation.
- You plan to expand storage with a standard M.2 2280 NVMe drive.
Skip if
- You require three or more physical network ports for multi-interface setups.
- You need native high-speed NVMe storage straight out of the box.
Verdict: MeLE Quieter DL Fanless N150 Mini PC delivers silent 2.5GbE routing with an efficient Intel N150 chip. It serves as an ultra-compact, low-power choice for two-port network installations.
MOGINSOK N100 4-Port 2.5GbE Firewall PC
Best for: high-throughput silent routing and virtualization
- Use
- Firewall (what this guide is about)
- Processor
- Intel N100
- Installed RAM
- 32GB
- Storage Capacity
- 256GB SSD
- Memory Type
- DDR5 4800MHz
- Graphics
- Intel UHD Graphics
This compact fanless unit gives you a quad-core Intel N100 processor paired with 32GB of DDR5 memory and four Intel I226-V 2.5GbE network ports. It arrives with a 256GB PCIe 3.0 SSD and pre-installed pfSense Plus software. If you require multi-gigabit routing, hardware-level AES-NI encryption, and high memory capacity for advanced network monitoring or virtualization without cooling noise, this configuration provides ample hardware headroom for your local infrastructure.
Pros
- Four Intel I226-V 2.5GbE Ethernet ports for multi-gigabit routing
- Generous 32GB DDR5 4800MHz RAM and 256GB PCIe 3.0 SSD included
- Silent fanless operation paired with an efficient 6W processor TDP
- Dual 4K display support via HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 ports
Cons
- Single DDR5 memory slot restricts operation to single-channel
- No integrated Wi-Fi or 10GbE SFP+ ports included
- Requires operating systems updated with Intel I226 driver support
Good fit if
- You need 32GB of DDR5 memory and four 2.5GbE ports right out of the box.
- You want a silent, passively cooled appliance running pfSense Plus.
- You plan to run virtualized firewall environments via Proxmox or ESXi.
Skip if
- You require 10GbE SFP+ fiber connections for faster network uplinks.
- You need built-in wireless connectivity on your gateway appliance.
Verdict: MOGINSOK N100 4-Port 2.5GbE Firewall Mini PC combines high DDR5 memory density with four multi-gigabit network interfaces for demanding routing tasks. Its fanless metal chassis ensures quiet operation while easily handling encrypted network traffic.
Sharevdi Fanless 2.5GbE J4105 Firewall Mini PC
Best for: silent 2.5GbE routing with preinstalled storage
- Use
- Firewall (what this guide is about)
- Processor
- Intel J4105
- Installed RAM
- 8GB
- Storage Capacity
- 240GB
- Memory Type
- DDR4
- Ethernet Ports
- 4x 2.5GbE
View on Amazon: Sharevdi Fanless 2.5GbE J4105 Firewall Mini PC
The Sharevdi Fanless 4-Port 2.5GbE Firewall Mini PC gives you four Intel i226-V 2.5GbE network interfaces paired with an Intel J4105 quad-core processor. It includes 8GB of DDR4 memory and a 240GB mSATA SSD right out of the box. Passive cooling keeps operation silent inside an aluminum alloy chassis with a 10W TDP. This setup suits your multi-interface routing needs without demanding extra storage setup.
Pros
- Four Intel i226-V 2.5GbE Ethernet ports
- Preinstalled 240GB mSATA SSD and 8GB DDR4 RAM
- Fanless aluminum alloy chassis with 10W TDP
- Intel J4105 processor with AES-NI support
Cons
- Storage limited to mSATA with no HDD support
- Maximum memory capacity capped at 16GB
Good fit if
- You need four 2.5GbE LAN ports for segmented network traffic.
- You want silent, fanless hardware with 240GB internal storage included.
- You require hardware AES-NI acceleration on a 10W power budget.
Skip if
- You require internal 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA hard drive bays.
- You need more than 16GB of system memory.
Verdict: Sharevdi Fanless 4-Port 2.5GbE Firewall Mini PC delivers balanced network throughput via four 2.5GbE ports, preinstalled 240GB storage, and silent 10W fanless cooling. It serves as a practical, ready-to-deploy hardware base for multi-port routing.
Protectli Vault 4-Port 2.5G Fanless Mini PC
Best for: multi-gigabit open-source firewall deployments
- Use
- Firewall (what this guide is about)
- Processor
- Intel J3710
- Installed RAM
- 4GB
- Storage Capacity
- 32GB
- Memory Type
- DDR3
- Ethernet Ports
- 4x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
The Protectli Vault is a compact, fanless mini PC built for dedicated network routing. You get four Intel 2.5GbE ports, an Intel J3710 quad-core processor with AES-NI hardware support, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, and 32GB of SSD storage. It ships without an operating system, making it suitable if you want to deploy firewall distributions like OPNsense or pfSense on quiet, multiconnector hardware.
Pros
- Four Intel 2.5GbE network ports
- Fanless, silent operation
- Hardware-level Intel AES-NI acceleration
- Dedicated RJ45 COM port alongside dual HDMI and dual USB 3.0
Cons
- Uses older DDR3 memory
- Modest 32GB internal SSD capacity
- No operating system pre-installed
Good fit if
- You need four 2.5GbE interfaces for multi-segment local networks.
- You plan to install your own OS such as pfSense or OPNsense.
- You require a silent, fanless firewall appliance.
Skip if
- You want an operating system pre-installed out of the box.
- You need more than 32GB of default storage for heavy logging.
Verdict: Protectli Vault 4-Port 2.5GbE Firewall Mini PC delivers multi-gigabit throughput and quiet fanless operation for dedicated open-source routing builds. It provides essential network interfaces and AES-NI support, though storage and memory capacities remain modest.
UDPTCP N150 Dual 10GbE SFP+ Firewall Mini PC
Best for: multi-gigabit and 10GbE fiber network routing
- Use
- Firewall (what this guide is about)
- Processor
- N150
- Memory Type
- DDR5 4800MHz
- Graphics
- UHD Graphics
- Ethernet Ports
- 2 x 10GbE SFP+, 3 x 2.5GbE
- Networking
- 2.5G LAN
View on Amazon: UDPTCP N150 Dual 10GbE SFP+ Firewall Mini PC
The UDPTCP N150 Dual 10GbE SFP+ Firewall Mini PC gives you high-bandwidth routing hardware in a compact footprint. It runs an Intel N150 quad-core processor with a 6W TDP, paired with single-channel DDR5 memory support. For connectivity, you get two 10GbE SFP+ cages alongside three 2.5GbE RJ45 ports. This configuration fits your setup if you deploy OPNsense or OpenWrt and need 10-gigabit fiber uplinks without high power consumption.
Pros
- Two 10GbE SFP+ cages powered by Intel 82599ES controller
- Three Intel i226-V 2.5GbE Ethernet ports
- Energy-efficient 6W TDP Intel N150 quad-core processor
- Single-slot DDR5 SO-DIMM memory support up to 5600MHz
Cons
- Single DDR5 memory slot restricts operation to single-channel bandwidth
- M.2 2280 NVMe storage slot runs at PCIe 3.0 x1 speed
- Five out of six USB ports rely on USB 2.0
Good fit if
- You need dual 10GbE SFP+ uplinks for high-speed network routing.
- You run open-source firewall systems like OPNsense, OpenWrt, or Linux.
- You want low-power quad-core processing matched with DDR5 memory.
Skip if
- You need dual-channel RAM configurations for memory-heavy virtualization workloads.
- You require high-speed NVMe storage utilizing full four-lane PCIe throughput.
Verdict: UDPTCP N150 Dual 10GbE SFP+ Firewall Mini PC delivers substantial networking throughput by combining dual 10-gigabit SFP+ ports with an efficient 6W Intel processor. It provides the exact interface setup you need for demanding multi-gigabit routing environments.
VNOPN Fanless Intel J3710 Mini PC
Best for: silent four-port open-source routing setups
- Use
- Firewall (what this guide is about)
- Processor
- Intel J3710
- Installed RAM
- 8 GB
- Storage Capacity
- 64 GB
- Memory Type
- DDR3
- Ethernet Ports
- 4x Intel I226 LAN
This VNOPN firewall mini PC pairs an Intel J3710 quad-core processor with four Intel I226 LAN ports. The system includes 8GB of DDR3 RAM and a 64GB mSATA SSD inside a fanless aluminum chassis. It operates at a low 6.5W TDP and supports AES-NI hardware encryption. It suits you if you need a silent, dedicated multi-port appliance for open-source network routing platforms.
Pros
- Four Intel I226 LAN ports for multi-interface routing
- Fanless aluminum alloy chassis provides silent operation up to 60°C
- Low 6.5W processor TDP with hardware AES-NI support
- Includes dedicated RS232 COM port and dual display outputs
Cons
- Memory capped at 8GB DDR3 with no further RAM expansion
- Storage limited to mSATA format with no 2.5-inch drive support
Good fit if
- You want a silent, fanless firewall appliance with four Intel I226 network ports.
- You plan to deploy open-source firewall platforms that utilize AES-NI acceleration.
- You need a low-power 6.5W TDP unit for continuous 24/7 operation.
Skip if
- You require more than 8GB of RAM for heavy virtualization workloads.
- You need internal 2.5-inch hard drive bays or NVMe storage expansion.
Verdict: VNOPN Fanless 4-Port Intel I226 Firewall Mini PC delivers dedicated four-port networking and silent passive cooling in an energy-efficient 6.5W footprint. It is a solid choice when you need hardware AES-NI acceleration and reliable low-power routing.
UDPTCP Fanless Dual LAN Celeron Mini PC
Best for: basic two-port Gigabit firewall setups
- Use
- Home, Business, Office, Industrial, Firewall (what this guide is about)
- Processor
- Celeron N2840
- Memory Type
- DDR3L 1333/1600MHz
- Graphics
- UHD Graphics
- Ethernet Ports
- 2 x 1000M
This fanless mini PC runs on a dual-core Intel Celeron N2840 processor with a 7.5W TDP. It provides two Realtek RTL8111H Gigabit Ethernet ports for simple WAN and LAN setups. For hardware configuration, you get a single DDR3L SO-DIMM slot and an mSATA SSD connector. It also features six USB ports, dual-band Wi-Fi, HDMI, and VGA. It suits you if you need a basic, low-power dual-port firewall for standard Gigabit networks.
Pros
- Two 1000M Realtek RTL8111H Ethernet ports
- Low 7.5W TDP Intel Celeron N2840 processor
- Fanless design for silent operation
- Six USB ports comprising two USB 3.0 and four USB 2.0
Cons
- Limited to two physical network interfaces
- Uses older DDR3L RAM and mSATA storage architecture
- Lacks 2.5GbE or 10GbE network connectivity
Good fit if
- You need a basic two-port firewall for WAN and LAN routing.
- You want a fanless unit with low 7.5W power consumption.
- You plan to reuse or source DDR3L memory and an mSATA drive.
Skip if
- You require more than two physical LAN ports for segmentation.
- You need multi-gigabit network throughput beyond 1000M.
- You prefer modern DDR4 or DDR5 RAM with NVMe storage.
Verdict: UDPTCP Fanless Celeron Dual LAN Mini PC delivers a silent, low-power platform tailored for basic two-interface network routing. Its older DDR3L and mSATA hardware architecture limits it strictly to standard Gigabit demands.
UDPTCP N300 Dual 10GbE SFP+ Firewall Mini PC
Best for: 10GbE fiber routing and OPNsense virtualization
- Use
- Firewall (what this guide is about)
- Processor
- Intel N300
- Memory Type
- DDR5 4800MHz
- Graphics
- Intel UHD Graphics
- Ethernet Ports
- 2x 10GbE SFP+, 3x 2.5GbE
- Networking
- 2.5G LAN
View on Amazon: UDPTCP N300 Dual 10GbE SFP+ Firewall Mini PC
This UDPTCP unit is a compact network appliance built around an 8-core Intel N300 processor. It delivers dual 10GbE SFP+ cages alongside three 2.5GbE RJ45 ports, giving you dedicated routing bandwidth and fiber connectivity options. It supports a single DDR5 SO-DIMM slot and M.2 NVMe storage. It suits you if you need high-throughput routing or a virtualization host for OPNsense handling multi-gigabit WAN and LAN setups.
Pros
- Two Intel 82599ES 10GbE SFP+ ports for 10-gigabit fiber connections
- Three Intel i226-V 2.5GbE LAN ports
- 8-core, 8-thread Intel N300 processor with 15W TDP
- M.2 B-key 3052 and SIM slot for optional 5G cellular modules
Cons
- M.2 2280 NVMe storage operates at PCIe 3.0 x1 speed
- Only one DDR5 SO-DIMM slot for single-channel memory
- M.2 E-key slot requires CNVio modules; PCIe WiFi cards disable one LAN port
Good fit if
- You need 10GbE SFP+ fiber uplinks alongside standard 2.5GbE RJ45 network ports.
- You run CPU-intensive firewall tasks, IDS/IPS, or virtualization on OPNsense.
- You want hardware expansion slots for 5G cellular backup.
Skip if
- You require high-speed multi-lane NVMe PCIe storage drives.
- You want dual-channel system memory configurations.
Verdict: UDPTCP N300 Dual 10GbE SFP+ Firewall Mini PC pairs an 8-core Intel N300 chip with dual 10GbE SFP+ and triple 2.5GbE ports. It provides high-speed throughput for demanding multi-gigabit routing environments.
UDPTCP Celeron N5105 Barebone Firewall Mini PC
Best for: custom DIY multi-gigabit firewall and router builds
- Use
- Firewall (what this guide is about)
- Processor
- Intel Celeron N5105
- Installed RAM
- Barebone
- Storage Capacity
- Barebone
- Memory Type
- DDR4
- Graphics
- Intel UHD Graphics
View on Amazon: UDPTCP Celeron N5105 Barebone Firewall Mini PC
This barebone firewall appliance from UDPTCP runs on an Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor and features four Intel i226-V 2.5GbE Ethernet ports. It ships without memory or internal storage, giving you two DDR4 slots supporting up to 16GB, one M.2 NVMe slot, and a 2.5-inch SATA bay. It suits you if you prefer choosing your own RAM and storage for a dedicated router build.
Pros
- Four Intel i226-V 2.5GbE Ethernet ports
- Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor with AES-NI support
- Dual DDR4 RAM slots supporting up to 16GB
- Storage expansion with one M.2 NVMe 2280 slot and one 2.5-inch SATA bay
- RJ45 COM console port and dual 4K video outputs via HDMI 2.0 and DP 1.4
Cons
- Requires separate purchase and installation of RAM and storage
- Memory capacity is capped at 16GB DDR4
Good fit if
- You already have compatible DDR4 memory and an M.2 or SATA drive ready to install.
- You need four dedicated 2.5GbE network interfaces for multi-gigabit throughput.
- You plan to run routing platforms like OPNsense, pfSense, or OpenWrt.
Skip if
- You want an out-of-the-box system with memory, storage, and an operating system pre-installed.
- You require more than 16GB of RAM for extensive virtualization.
Verdict: UDPTCP Barebone Celeron N5105 4-Port 2.5GbE Mini PC delivers flexible quad-port multi-gigabit networking for builders who want to supply their own memory and storage. It provides reliable four-core routing hardware alongside versatile drive expansion options.
Protectli Vault 2-Port Fanless Mini PC
Best for: two-port open-source gigabit firewall deployments
- Use
- Firewall (what this guide is about)
- Processor
- Intel Dual Core Celeron
- Installed RAM
- 4GB
- Storage Capacity
- 32GB
- Memory Type
- DDR3L
- Ethernet Ports
- 2x Intel Gigabit Ethernet
This compact fanless mini PC serves as a dedicated network security appliance for your routing needs. It features an Intel dual-core Celeron processor with hardware AES-NI support, 4GB of DDR3L RAM, and a 32GB mSATA SSD. With two Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports and no pre-installed operating system, you get a clean base for running open-source firewall platforms like pfSense or OPNsense across standard dual-interface network setups.
Pros
- Hardware AES-NI support for encrypted network traffic
- Dual Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports for dedicated WAN and LAN routing
- Silent fanless chassis measuring 4.56 by 4.25 inches
- Includes 6 USB ports, dual HDMI, and an RJ-45 COM port
Cons
- Limited to two Ethernet ports without dedicated physical DMZ options
- Small 32GB internal mSATA storage drive
- Ships without a pre-installed operating system
Good fit if
- You need a basic two-interface WAN and LAN routing hardware setup.
- You plan to self-install open-source firewall software like pfSense or OPNsense.
- You require hardware AES-NI acceleration inside a silent, fanless enclosure.
Skip if
- You need three or more physical network interfaces for segregated subnets.
- You require 2.5GbE or 10GbE multi-gigabit network interfaces.
- You want an appliance with an operating system already installed and configured.
Verdict: Protectli Vault Dual-Port Fanless Firewall Mini PC delivers dedicated two-port Intel Gigabit networking and hardware AES-NI in a compact, fanless chassis. It is a solid choice if you need a silent dual-interface gateway and prefer to load your own firewall OS.
Sharevdi Fanless 4-Port 2.5GbE Firewall Mini PC
Best for: silent custom-built multi-gigabit software firewalls
- Use
- Firewall (what this guide is about)
- Processor
- Intel J4105
- Installed RAM
- 0G
- Storage Capacity
- 0GB
- Memory Type
- DDR4
- Ethernet Ports
- 4 x Intel 2.5GbE
View on Amazon: Sharevdi Fanless 4-Port 2.5GbE Firewall Mini PC
This Sharevdi barebone unit is a fanless firewall mini PC powered by a 10W Intel J4105 quad-core processor with AES-NI support. It features four Intel i226-V 2.5GbE network ports for multi-gigabit routing, alongside HDMI and VGA video outputs. Because it ships without RAM, storage, or an operating system, it suits you if you want to install your own DDR4 memory, mSATA drive, and preferred routing software into a silent appliance.
Pros
- Four Intel i226-V 2.5GbE Ethernet ports
- Intel J4105 quad-core processor with AES-NI support
- Fanless aluminum alloy chassis for silent passive cooling
- Low 10W processor thermal design power (TDP)
Cons
- Ships barebone with no installed RAM, storage, or operating system
- Storage expansion is limited to mSATA with no HDD support
Good fit if
- You want four dedicated 2.5GbE LAN ports for a custom firewall router.
- You prefer a silent, passively cooled chassis designed for 24/7 uptime.
- You already have DDR4 RAM and an mSATA SSD to configure yourself.
Skip if
- You need a plug-and-play system with memory, storage, and an OS pre-installed.
- You require traditional 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA hard drive support.
Verdict: Sharevdi Fanless 4-Port 2.5GbE Firewall Mini PC is a reliable barebone foundation for a multi-gigabit firewall if you supply your own memory and storage. Its passive cooling and four 2.5GbE interfaces ensure silent and capable 24/7 network operation.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Glovary Fanless 4-LAN Mini PC | Protectli Vault 4-Port Fanless Mini PC | Glovary Fanless Quad-LAN Mini PC | VNOPN Fanless 4-Port Firewall Mini PC | MeLE Quieter Dual LAN Fanless Mini PC | MOGINSOK N100 4-Port 2.5GbE Firewall PC | Sharevdi Fanless 2.5GbE J4105 Firewall Mini PC | Protectli Vault 4-Port 2.5G Fanless Mini PC | UDPTCP N150 Dual 10GbE SFP+ Firewall Mini PC | VNOPN Fanless Intel J3710 Mini PC | UDPTCP Fanless Dual LAN Celeron Mini PC | UDPTCP N300 Dual 10GbE SFP+ Firewall Mini PC | UDPTCP Celeron N5105 Barebone Firewall Mini PC | Protectli Vault 2-Port Fanless Mini PC | Sharevdi Fanless 4-Port 2.5GbE Firewall Mini PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel N150 | Intel Celeron J3160 | Celeron J4125 | Intel Pentium J3710 | N150 | Intel N100 | Intel J4105 | Intel J3710 | N150 | Intel J3710 | Celeron N2840 | Intel N300 | Intel Celeron N5105 | Intel Dual Core Celeron | Intel J4105 |
| Installed RAM | 8GB | 4GB | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB | 32GB | 8GB | 4GB | not specified | 8 GB | not specified | not specified | Barebone | 4GB | 0G |
| Storage Capacity | 256GB | 32GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 256GB SSD | 240GB | 32GB | not specified | 64 GB | not specified | not specified | Barebone | 32GB | 0GB |
| Memory Type | DDR5 | DDR3L | DDR4 | DDR3 | DDR4 | DDR5 4800MHz | DDR4 | DDR3 | DDR5 4800MHz | DDR3 | DDR3L 1333/1600MHz | DDR5 4800MHz | DDR4 | DDR3L | DDR4 |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics | not specified | UHD Graphics 600 | not specified | not specified | Intel UHD Graphics | not specified | not specified | UHD Graphics | not specified | UHD Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics | not specified | not specified |
| Ethernet Ports | 4x 2.5GbE | 4x Gigabit | 4x 1GbE | 4 x 2.5GbE | Dual 2.5GbE | 4x 2.5GbE | 4x 2.5GbE | 4x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet | 2 x 10GbE SFP+, 3 x 2.5GbE | 4x Intel I226 LAN | 2 x 1000M | 2x 10GbE SFP+, 3x 2.5GbE | 4x 2.5GbE | 2x Intel Gigabit Ethernet | 4 x Intel 2.5GbE |
| Operating System | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Win11 Pro | pfSense Plus 23.0X | not specified | No OS pre-installed | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | NO OS installed |
| Memory | 8GB RAM | 4GB RAM | 8GB RAM | 8GB RAM | not specified | 32GB RAM | 8GB RAM | 4GB RAM | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 4GB RAM | not specified |
| Storage | 256GB SSD | 32GB SSD | 128GB SSD | 128GB SSD | not specified | not specified | 240GB SSD | 32GB SSD | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 32GB SSD | not specified |
| Use | Firewall | Firewall | Industrial, Firewall | Firewall | Firewall | Firewall | Firewall | Firewall | Firewall | Firewall | Home, Business, Office, Industrial, Firewall | Firewall | Firewall | Firewall | Firewall |
| Cooling | Fanless | not specified | Fanless | Fanless | not specified | not specified | Fanless | not specified | not specified | Fanless | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Fanless |
| Networking | 2.5G LAN | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 2.5G LAN | 2.5G LAN | 2.5G LAN | 2.5G LAN | not specified | not specified | 2.5G LAN | 2.5G LAN | not specified | 2.5G LAN |
| Form Factor | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Barebone | not specified | not specified |
| Dimensions | 6.89 × 4.92 × 2.17 inches | 4.5 × 4.3 × 1.5 inches | 6.97 × 4.92 × 2.17 inches | 5.28 × 5 × 1.46 inches | 6.6 × 3.73 × 0.84 inches | 5.74 × 5.73 × 2.11 inches | 5.12 × 1.89 × 6.3 inches | 4.25 × 4.56 × 1.69 inches | not specified | 5.27 × 5 × 1.43 inches | not specified | not specified | not specified | 4.25 × 4.56 × 1.69 inches | 6.99 × 4.98 × 2.17 inches |
| Weight | 2.65 pounds | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 3.75 pounds | 3.66 pounds | not specified | 4.5 pounds | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 3.66 pounds |
| Color | N150 4 LAN Firewall | Black | not specified | Black | not specified | black | BLACK | black | not specified | Black | not specified | not specified | Black | Black | BLACK |
| Model | N100-4L-8-256 | FW4B-0-4-32 | G1 | F12 | Quieter Dual LAN | MGSRN100 | F12 | Vault | N100/6L | F12 | G30-N2840-2L | BK-10GB-3L | BK-N5105-4L | J3060 | F12 |
| Size | not specified | 4GB RAM, 32GB SSD | 8GB RAM 128GB SSD | 8G 128G | not specified | 32GB DDR5 RAM 256GB PCIE 3.0 SSD | mini | 4GB RAM, 32GB SSD | NO RAM NO SSD | mini | 0GB RAM 0GB SSD | not specified | NO RAM NO SSD | 4GB RAM, 32GB SSD | N100/8 GB DDR5/128 GB SATA SSD/6 LAN |
Is a dedicated firewall mini PC worth it?
Choosing a dedicated firewall mini PC changes how your network handles traffic. These units provide continuous 24/7 operation inside silent, passively cooled chassis that draw as little as 6.5W to 10W. Hardware crypto acceleration handles encrypted network traffic without slowing local throughput. Systems support open-source routing platforms and Linux distributions directly. You also get the choice between barebone setups and configurations with preinstalled storage. This keeps network security on dedicated, low-power hardware.
Worth it if
- You need hardware crypto acceleration to process encrypted network traffic.
- You want a fanless 6.5W to 10W system designed for continuous 24/7 network operation.
- You plan to deploy custom open-source firewall platforms or Linux routing setups.
Skip it if
- You do not require multiple dedicated network interfaces for routing tasks.
- You do not intend to install and configure open-source routing software.
How We Picked Firewall Mini PCs
You can find mini PCs in this guide based on their stated use case. We include a model when its Amazon listing specifies firewall use in the product title or feature list. Only one size or hardware variant from each product family is shown. All details come directly from published manufacturer specifications without physical handling or hardware testing.
To rank these 15 picks for 2026, products in stock appear first, followed by Amazon sales rank so better-selling products place higher. Availability and store listings update automatically at least daily on the page.
How to Choose a Firewall Mini PC
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Choose the Right Processor
Evaluate processor requirements based on your network traffic inspections. Basic firewall routing functions easily on dual-core chips, but active VPN tunnels and deep packet inspection demand higher computing capability. Modern architectures like the Intel N100 handle encrypted throughput with low thermal output, while multi-core designs suit heavy parallel tasks. The UDPTCP N300 Dual 10GbE SFP+ Firewall Mini PC features an 8-core Intel N300 processor, giving you the CPU overhead required to process dense multi-gigabit traffic without bottlenecking your active routing services.
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Match RAM to Workload
Select your memory capacity by calculating how many extra services you plan to run. Plain firewall installations run smoothly on 4GB of RAM. However, adding intrusion prevention rules, extensive IP blocklists, or network caching quickly consumes extra memory. If you plan to virtualize multiple appliances, aim for higher memory allocations. The MOGINSOK N100 4-Port 2.5GbE Firewall PC provides 32GB RAM, which ensures you have ample memory capacity for memory-intensive security packages and multiple local services without causing system instability or paging delays.
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Size Your Storage Drive
Assess storage capacity according to your log retention needs. A compact 32GB SSD easily holds a basic firewall operating system and routing tables. In contrast, storing verbose connection histories, retaining security event logs, or downloading large rule sets requires greater internal capacity. Choosing a drive with 128GB to 256GB prevents drive exhaustion during continuous operation. The Glovary Fanless 4-LAN Mini PC includes a 256GB SSD, giving you enough local headroom to retain comprehensive diagnostic logs, system backups, and traffic reports over extended periods.
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Decide on Barebone Kits
Determine if you want a complete turnkey system or a barebone configuration. Pre-configured machines arrive ready for operating system installation, complete with factory-installed memory and solid-state storage. Barebone systems omit RAM and storage, allowing you to install specific module speeds, storage technologies, or high-endurance components that match your precise criteria. The UDPTCP Celeron N5105 Barebone Firewall Mini PC ships without RAM or an SSD, offering a customizable foundation for builders who prefer selecting their own components rather than relying on bundled memory modules.
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Check Operating System Provisioning
Review the preinstalled software environment before purchasing your device. Many firewall builders deploy open-source operating systems, making preinstalled desktop software unnecessary. Some mini PCs include Windows 11 Pro, which requires wiping if you intend to run dedicated routing distributions. Other models ship with Linux or completely unconfigured storage, reducing setup steps when flashing specialized firewall images. The Glovary Fanless Dual LAN Industrial Mini PC comes with Linux preinstalled, providing a direct starting point if you plan to configure native iptables, nftables, or lightweight Linux-based routing tools.
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Review Enclosure Dimensions
Check enclosure measurements to verify that the hardware fits your planned deployment area. Passive firewall appliances use metal enclosures to dissipate heat, and dimensions vary based on heatsink volume. If your networking cabinet, patch panel area, or desk shelf has strict height limitations, a low-profile case is essential to prevent airflow restrictions. The MeLE Quieter Dual LAN Fanless Mini PC measures 0.84 inches in height, offering an ultra-thin chassis designed to fit into cramped server cabinets or shallow shelf gaps where bulkier appliances cannot fit.
Frequently asked questions
How much RAM do you need for a firewall mini PC?
Basic firewall systems run smoothly on 4GB RAM, while advanced setups benefit from 8GB or more. For example, Protectli Vault configurations provide 4GB RAM, which easily supports dedicated packet filtering. Higher-capacity machines like the MOGINSOK N100 feature 32GB of DDR5 RAM, giving you ample headroom to run memory-intensive network services alongside your primary firewall instance without system slowdowns.
What is a barebone firewall mini PC?
A barebone firewall mini PC is a computer that ships without preinstalled memory or storage drives. Hardware such as the UDPTCP Celeron N5105 arrives with empty internal slots, requiring you to supply your own RAM and SSD. This format lets you customize component brands, capacities, and performance levels before you flash your preferred routing software to the hardware.
Can you run 10GbE fiber on a firewall mini PC?
Yes, select multi-gigabit firewall mini PCs include dedicated SFP+ fiber ports for high-bandwidth networks. The UDPTCP N300 integrates dual 10GbE SFP+ cages along with three 2.5GbE Ethernet ports. Paired with an 8-core processor, this hardware allows you to establish direct 10-gigabit optical uplinks to managed switches or high-speed fiber internet modems without needing auxiliary expansion cards.
Do firewall mini PCs come with an operating system preinstalled?
Some firewall mini PCs ship with a preloaded operating system, while others arrive completely unconfigured. For instance, the MeLE Quieter comes with Windows 11 Pro, and the Glovary Dual LAN model provides Linux out of the box. Conversely, barebone units and dedicated routing hardware like the Protectli Vault expect you to load your own open-source firewall platform via USB.
How much internal storage does a firewall mini PC require?
Most firewall mini PCs require only minimal storage to run base firewall software. Appliances like the Protectli Vault provide 32GB SSDs, which supply adequate capacity for essential routing rules and standard operating system files. If your network demands extended diagnostic logging, package installations, or proxy caching, options like the Glovary N100 provide larger 256GB solid-state drives.
Are fanless mini PCs completely silent during operation?
Yes, fanless mini PCs make zero acoustic noise because they do not have moving mechanical fans. Appliances like the Glovary Fanless 4-LAN, VNOPN F12, and Sharevdi utilize passive metal enclosures and heatsinks to dissipate processor heat through convection. This passive design ensures total silence, making these devices well suited for quiet home offices, media cabinets, or bedroom network closets.
What network interface speeds are available on firewall mini PCs?
Firewall mini PCs offer Ethernet speeds ranging from legacy Gigabit up to 10-gigabit connections. Standard models like the Protectli FW4B supply 1GbE ports for basic broadband connections. Newer models like the VNOPN F12 and Sharevdi offer 2.5GbE ports, while platforms such as the UDPTCP N300 provide dual 10GbE SFP+ interfaces for high-throughput enterprise or fiber environments.