Best Mini PCs with Linux in 2026: 2 Picks Ranked by Specs

Quick picks

The best fit for you

• You need a silent Linux firewall with dual Gigabit ports UDPTCP Fanless Industrial Mini PC It features dual Gigabit Ethernet ports and fanless operation for silent performance.
• You want a compact Linux router with hardware encryption MOGINSOK N5105 4x 2.5GbE Firewall PC This model includes 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and 2.5G LAN ports.
• You prefer a small form factor under two pounds MOGINSOK N5105 4x 2.5GbE Firewall PC It weighs only 1.76 pounds and measures 5.31 by 6.1 inches.

Our 2 picks

1 Best overall

UDPTCP Fanless Industrial Mini PC

Best for: Linux firewall and soft router setups

Operating System

Linux (what this guide is about)

Processor

Celeron N2840

Installed RAM

No RAM

Storage Capacity

No SSD

Memory Type

DDR3L 1333MHz

Graphics

UHD Graphics

View on Amazon: UDPTCP Fanless Industrial Mini PC Affiliate link

This fanless industrial mini PC uses a dual-core Celeron N2840 processor for Linux-based networking tasks. It features two Gigabit Ethernet ports and supports OPNsense or OpenWrt. The system includes dual display outputs via HDMI and VGA. You get a compact, stable platform with rich I/O options like RS232 COM ports. Note that this specific unit ships without installed RAM or SSD storage.

Pros

• Dual-core Celeron N2840 processor with 2.58 GHz turbo
• Two 1000M Realtek Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Fanless design for silent industrial operation
• Supports Linux, OPNsense, and OpenWrt systems

Cons

• No RAM or SSD included in this configuration
• Only 4GB or 8GB memory options available
• Uses older DDR3L memory standard

Good fit if

• You need a dedicated Linux firewall appliance
• You require dual Gigabit Ethernet for routing
• You want a fanless industrial PC

Skip if

• You need high-end desktop performance
• You want a pre-built system with storage
• You require modern DDR4 or DDR5 memory

Verdict: UDPTCP Celeron N2840 Fanless Mini PC fits users building a lightweight Linux router or firewall who need dual Gigabit ports and silent operation. It is not suitable for general desktop use due to its limited memory and lack of included storage.

2 Best budget

MOGINSOK N5105 4x 2.5GbE Firewall PC

Best for: Linux firewall and router setups

Operating System

Linux (what this guide is about)

Processor

Intel Celeron N5105

Installed RAM

8GB

Storage Capacity

128GB M.2 NVMe SSD

Memory Type

DDR4 3200MHz

Graphics

Intel UHD Graphics

View on Amazon: MOGINSOK N5105 4x 2.5GbE Firewall PC Affiliate link

The MOGINSOK MGCN51N is a fanless mini PC built for Linux networking tasks. It features an Intel Celeron N5105 processor and four 2.5GbE ports, making it ideal for firewall or router roles. You get 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 128GB NVMe SSD. The unit supports multiple storage slots and includes hardware encryption via AES-NI. It runs silent without a fan.

Pros

• Four 2.5GbE Ethernet ports for high-speed networking
• Intel Celeron N5105 with AES-NI hardware encryption
• Fanless design ensures silent operation
• Expandable storage with M.2 and 2.5-inch slots
• Supports Linux distros like pfSense and OPNsense

Cons

• Only 8GB of installed RAM
• Small 128GB storage capacity
• No Wi-Fi included in this configuration

Good fit if

• You need a dedicated Linux firewall appliance
• You require four 2.5GbE network connections
• You want silent operation without moving parts

Skip if

• You need more than 8GB of RAM
• You require built-in Wi-Fi capability
• You need a high-performance gaming CPU

Verdict: MOGINSOK Celeron N5105 Firewall PC fits users who need a quiet, multi-port Linux router with hardware encryption. It is not suitable for those needing high RAM or wireless connectivity.

Specifications side by side

Is Linux worth it for your mini PC build?

Linux on these mini PCs targets specific networking roles rather than general desktop use. The listings indicate these units come with Linux pre-installed, suited for firewalls or soft routers. You get silent, fanless operation or compact hardware with hardware encryption. This setup excludes general desktop tasks due to limited memory or lack of included storage. It is a specialized choice for users building lightweight network infrastructure who need dual Gigabit or multi-port 2.5G Ethernet connections.

Worth it if

• You are building a lightweight Linux router or firewall.
• You need silent, fanless operation for network equipment.
• You require multiple wired Ethernet ports for routing.

Skip it if

• You want a general-purpose desktop computer.
• You need high RAM for heavy multitasking.
• You require wireless connectivity options.

How We Selected Linux Mini PCs

We identified these models by scanning Amazon listings for the Linux operating system in titles or feature lists. You can trust that each entry explicitly supports Linux, ensuring compatibility for your firewall or router needs. We excluded Windows variants to keep this list focused strictly on your requirement.

The ranking considers availability first. Next, we used the listing's overall rating weighted by review count. Finally, we sorted by how many relevant specs, such as processor type and network ports, each product meets. All data comes directly from published specifications. We did not handle or test these units personally.

How to Choose the Right Linux Mini PC

1. Check Network Port Count

   Start by counting the Ethernet ports. If you need a standard home firewall, two Gigabit ports are usually enough. The top pick offers dual Gigabit connections for reliable traffic management. However, if you require higher throughput or more interfaces, look for models with multiple 2.5G LAN ports. The second option provides four 2.5G ports, which helps if you plan to connect many devices or need faster internal network speeds. Match the port count to your specific routing needs.

2. Verify Processor Performance

   The CPU determines how well the system handles network tasks. Celeron processors are common in these units. The first choice uses an N2840 chip, which is sufficient for basic routing duties. The second model features an N5105 processor, offering slightly more power for heavier workloads. Ensure the processor matches your expected traffic volume. Higher-end chips handle more concurrent connections but may cost more. Stick to the specs listed to avoid underpowered setups for your Linux environment.

3. Assess Memory and Storage

   Memory and storage vary significantly between models. The top pick comes without RAM or an SSD, meaning you must purchase these separately. This suits users who already have compatible parts. The second option includes 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, providing a more complete out-of-the-box experience. Check the size label carefully. If you need immediate usability without extra purchases, choose a model with pre-installed memory and storage. Verify compatibility if you plan to upgrade later.

4. Consider Cooling Method

   Cooling affects noise and reliability. Fanless designs operate silently, which is ideal for home offices or bedrooms. The top pick uses a fanless industrial design, ensuring zero noise during operation. This is crucial for devices placed in living spaces. Other models may use fans, which can generate sound. Check the product description for terms like fanless or industrial. Silent operation is a key benefit for Linux firewalls running continuously. Choose based on your tolerance for background noise.

5. Confirm Linux Compatibility

   Ensure the unit runs Linux natively. Both listed models come with Linux pre-installed, simplifying setup. The first is marked for industrial use, while the second is optimized for firewalls. Verify the operating system in the specifications before buying. This avoids the need to install drivers or configure the OS manually. Linux support is critical for firewall software compatibility. Check the listing details to confirm the OS version and supported architectures. This ensures your chosen software will run smoothly without additional configuration steps.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best mini PCs under 150
• best mini PCs under 200
• best dell mini PCs
• best ACEMAGIC mini PCs