Protectli Vault 4-Port 2.5G Fanless Mini PC Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared
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The protectli vault fw4c alternatives list helps you find similar fanless mini PCs for network security tasks. This guide compares 6 options that share key specifications with the original Protectli Vault FW4C, such as multiple 2.5G Ethernet ports and silent operation. The FW4C excels at providing four 2.5G ports in a compact, passive-cooled chassis. It includes an Intel J3710 processor and hardware AES-NI support for secure firewall deployments. However, you might want a different spec, size, feature or brand if you need more processing power, additional ports, or larger storage capacity.
The alternatives in this list were chosen because their specs overlap with the original. Some options offer newer processors like the Intel N100 or J6413 for better performance. Others provide more RAM or higher-density networking with six ports. You may also prefer a different form factor or brand if the Protectli design does not fit your rack space. Each pick here is evaluated strictly by its published specifications to help you match the hardware to your specific network requirements without compromise.
Our top pick: Protectli Vault 4-Port 2.5G Fanless Mini PC.
How alternatives compare to FW4C
Protectli Vault 4-Port Fanless Mini PC
The Protectli Vault FW4B keeps the same 4GB RAM and 32GB SSD storage as the FW4C but upgrades the processor from the Intel J3710 to a higher-tier chip. It retains four gigabit Ethernet ports, though these are standard 1G speeds rather than the 2.5G ports found on the original. The dimensions are nearly identical, measuring 4.3 by 4.5 inches. You should choose this model if you need a quiet firewall for basic network security but do not require the faster 2.5G network throughput. It sacrifices modern networking speeds for a familiar, compact form factor.
Protectli Vault 2-Port Fanless Mini PC
The Protectli Vault FW2B reduces the port count from four to two Ethernet connections, making it suitable only for smaller networks. It uses the Intel J3060 processor, which is less powerful than the J3710 in the FW4C. Like the original, it includes 4GB of RAM and 32GB of SSD storage. The physical size remains consistent at 4.56 by 4.25 inches. This unit is best for users who need a silent firewall but have limited network cabling needs. It gives up the high-density connectivity of the FW4C in favor of a lower price point and simpler setup.
ASUS Fanless Chromebox 4
The ASUS Fanless Chromebox 4 differs significantly by targeting commercial displays and kiosks rather than network firewalls. It features an Intel Celeron processor and lacks multiple 2.5G Ethernet ports, relying instead on standard connectivity. The unit is thinner at 0.89 inches and includes an RS232 port for legacy device support. You should pick this model if you need passive cooling for a digital signage application. It gives up the specialized networking hardware of the FW4C, making it unsuitable for building a robust network security appliance.
Glovary N150 6-Port Fanless Mini PC
The Glovary N150 offers six 2.5G Ethernet ports, providing more connectivity than the four ports on the FW4C. It uses the Intel N100 processor, which is faster than the J3710, and includes 8GB of DDR5 RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. The chassis is larger, measuring 7.09 inches in length. This model is ideal for home labs requiring high-density networking and silent operation. It gives up the ultra-compact footprint of the FW4C but delivers significantly more processing power and network flexibility for advanced firewall tasks.
MOGINSOK N100 4-Port 2.5GbE Firewall PC
The MOGINSOK N100 provides 32GB of DDR5 RAM, vastly exceeding the 4GB in the FW4C, while retaining four 2.5G Ethernet ports. It uses the Intel N100 processor for better performance. The storage is 256GB, offering more space than the original. The unit is heavier and slightly larger, measuring 5.74 inches in length. You should choose this model if your network security tasks require heavy multitasking or virtualization. It sacrifices the minimal size of the FW4C for substantial memory and processing upgrades.
Glovary J6413 2.5G Firewall Mini PC
The Glovary J6413 includes four 2.5G Ethernet ports, matching the connectivity of the FW4C. It uses the Intel J6413 processor, which offers more cores than the J3710. Storage is 128GB, and RAM is 8GB, both improvements over the original. The chassis is slightly larger, measuring 6.97 inches in length. This model fits users who want quiet operation and multiple 2.5G ports but need more processing headroom. It gives up the smaller footprint of the FW4C in exchange for better performance and expanded memory capacity.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Protectli Vault 4-Port 2.5G Fanless Mini PC
Best for: Compact 4-port 2.5G firewall appliances
- Processor
- Intel J3710
- Installed RAM
- 4GB
- Storage Capacity
- 32GB
- Memory Type
- DDR3
- Ethernet Ports
- 4x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
- Operating System
- No OS pre-installed
View on Amazon: Protectli Vault 4-Port 2.5G Fanless Mini PC Affiliate link
This fanless mini PC features four 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, making it a compact choice for network security. It uses an Intel J3710 processor and includes 4GB of DDR3 RAM with a 32GB SSD. The unit comes without a pre-installed operating system, allowing you to install pfSense or OPNsense. It is designed for users who need multiple high-speed LAN connections in a silent, small form factor.
Pros
- Four Intel 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Fanless and silent operation
- Supports AES-NI hardware encryption
- Compact dimensions of 4.56 x 4.25 x 1.69 inches
Cons
- Only 4GB of DDR3 RAM
- Small 32GB SSD capacity
- Older Intel J3710 processor
Good fit if
- You need four 2.5G LAN ports for a firewall
- You prefer silent, fanless hardware
- You plan to install open-source network OS software
Skip if
- You require more than 4GB of RAM
- You need a pre-installed operating system
- You want the latest high-performance CPU
Verdict: Protectli Vault FW4C Fanless Mini PC is a specialized tool for building a compact, silent firewall with four 2.5G ports. It fits users who prioritize network connectivity and hardware security features over raw processing power.
Protectli Vault 4-Port Fanless Mini PC
Best for: basic firewall and network security tasks
- Processor
- Intel Celeron J3160
- Installed RAM
- 4GB
- Storage Capacity
- 32GB
- Memory Type
- DDR3L
- Ethernet Ports
- 4x Gigabit
- Use
- Firewall
View on Amazon: Protectli Vault 4-Port Fanless Mini PC Affiliate link
The Protectli Vault FW4B is a fanless mini PC designed for firewall applications. It features an Intel Celeron J3160 quad-core processor running up to 2.2GHz. You get four gigabit Ethernet ports for network connectivity. The system includes 4GB of DDR3L RAM and a 32GB mSATA SSD. It comes without a pre-installed operating system, allowing you to install open-source solutions like pfSense or OPNsense directly.
Pros
- Fanless design for silent operation
- Four gigabit Ethernet ports
- AES-NI hardware support for encryption
- Compatible with open-source firewall software
Cons
- Older Intel Celeron J3160 processor
- Only 4GB of DDR3L RAM
- Small 32GB mSATA SSD capacity
Good fit if
- You need a dedicated firewall appliance
- You prefer silent, fanless hardware
- You want to install open-source software
Skip if
- You require high-performance computing
- You need more than 4GB of RAM
- You want a pre-installed operating system
Verdict: Protectli Vault FW4B Fanless Mini PC suits users who need a quiet, dedicated firewall with four gigabit ports and do not require high processing power.
Protectli Vault 2-Port Fanless Mini PC
Best for: Small networks needing a silent, 2-port firewall
- Processor
- Intel Dual Core Celeron
- Installed RAM
- 4GB
- Storage Capacity
- 32GB
- Memory Type
- DDR3L
- Ethernet Ports
- 2x Intel Gigabit Ethernet
- Use
- Firewall
View on Amazon: Protectli Vault 2-Port Fanless Mini PC Affiliate link
The Protectli Vault FW2B is a compact, fanless firewall appliance designed for secure network management. It features an Intel Dual Core Celeron processor and 4GB of DDR3L RAM. The unit includes two Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports, making it suitable for smaller setups. With 32GB of mSATA storage, it provides basic capacity for firewall software. This model is ideal for users needing a silent, low-power device for pfSense or OPNsense.
Pros
- Fanless design ensures silent operation
- Two Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports
- AES-NI hardware support for security
- Compatible with open-source firewall software
Cons
- Only two Ethernet ports limit expansion
- 4GB RAM is lower than competitors
- No operating system pre-installed
Good fit if
- You need a compact firewall for a small network
- You prefer silent, fanless operation
- You plan to install pfSense or OPNsense
Skip if
- You require more than two LAN ports
- You need high-performance processing for heavy workloads
- You want a device with an OS pre-loaded
Verdict: Protectli FW2B 2-Port Fanless Mini PC fits users needing a basic, silent firewall with limited ports. It is not suitable for larger networks or those requiring pre-installed software.
ASUS Fanless Chromebox 4
Best for: Commercial displays and legacy RS232 devices
- Processor
- Intel 5205U
- Installed RAM
- 4GB
- Storage Capacity
- 32GB
- Memory Type
- DDR4
- Operating System
- Chrome OS
- Cooling
- Fanless
View on Amazon: ASUS Fanless Chromebox 4 Affiliate link
This ASUS fanless mini PC runs ChromeOS on an Intel Celeron 5265U processor. It includes 4GB of DDR4 RAM and 32GB of eMMC storage. The unit features a fanless extruded-aluminum chassis for passive cooling. It offers four USB ports, two HDMI 2.0 outputs, and a USB-C port for multi-display setups. It also includes an RS232 interface for legacy devices.
Pros
- Fanless extruded-aluminum chassis for passive cooling
- Intel Celeron 5265U processor with 4GB DDR4 RAM
- Supports up to three simultaneous displays via dual HDMI and USB-C
- Includes RS232 interface via RJ50 for legacy devices
Cons
- Only 4GB of RAM limits multitasking and application usage
- 32GB eMMC storage is small for local file retention
- ChromeOS restricts you to web apps and Android apps only
Good fit if
- You need a fanless device for a commercial kiosk
- You require legacy RS232 connectivity for specific hardware
- You want a compact system for multi-display setups
Skip if
- You need Windows or Linux for desktop software
- You require more than 4GB of RAM
- You need high-capacity local storage
Verdict: ASUS Fanless Chromebox 4 is a specialized fanless unit for users who need RS232 support and passive cooling. It fits commercial displays or kiosks but lacks the RAM and storage for general desktop use.
Glovary N150 6-Port Fanless Mini PC
Best for: six-port silent firewall setups
- Processor
- Intel N150
- Installed RAM
- 8GB
- Storage Capacity
- 256GB SSD
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- Graphics
- Intel UHD Graphics
- Ethernet Ports
- 6x 2.5GbE
View on Amazon: Glovary N150 6-Port Fanless Mini PC Affiliate link
This fanless mini PC features the Intel N150 processor with 4 cores and up to 3.6 GHz speed. It includes 8GB of DDR5 RAM and a 256GB SSD for storage. The chassis provides six 2.5GbE LAN ports for robust networking. You get triple display support via HDMI and Type-C. The aluminum body ensures quiet operation without active cooling fans.
Pros
- Six 2.5GbE LAN ports for high-speed networking
- Intel N150 processor with up to 3.6 GHz boost
- 8GB DDR5 RAM for efficient multitasking
- 256GB SSD storage capacity
- Fanless aluminum design for silent operation
Cons
- Only four USB ports total
- No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity
- Limited to 2.5G LAN speeds
Good fit if
- You need six Ethernet ports for a home lab
- You require silent operation for a living space
- You want DDR5 RAM performance
Skip if
- You need built-in Wi-Fi for wireless devices
- You require more than six network interfaces
- You prefer active cooling for heavy sustained loads
Verdict: Glovary N150 6-Port Fanless Mini PC offers six 2.5GbE ports and DDR5 RAM for users needing quiet, high-density networking. It fits home labs requiring silent, wired infrastructure.
MOGINSOK N100 4-Port 2.5GbE Firewall PC
Best for: network security with 32GB RAM
- Processor
- Intel N100
- Installed RAM
- 32GB
- Storage Capacity
- 256GB SSD
- Memory Type
- DDR5 4800MHz
- Graphics
- Intel UHD Graphics
- Ethernet Ports
- 4x 2.5GbE
View on Amazon: MOGINSOK N100 4-Port 2.5GbE Firewall PC Affiliate link
This fanless mini PC uses the Intel N100 processor and includes 32GB of DDR5 RAM. It features four 2.5GbE ports and comes with pfSense Plus pre-installed. The unit is ready for firewall or virtualization tasks without needing extra memory upgrades. You get a compact, silent device focused on network security and routing efficiency.
Pros
- Includes 32GB DDR5 RAM
- Four 2.5GbE Ethernet ports
- Pre-installed pfSense Plus OS
- Fanless silent operation
Cons
- Only one M.2 storage slot
- Barebone model excludes SSD in some variants
- Driver compatibility notes for newer systems
Good fit if
- You need 32GB RAM for virtualization
- You require four 2.5G network ports
- You want pfSense pre-installed
Skip if
- You need more than four LAN ports
- You prefer Windows over pfSense
- You need multiple M.2 slots
Verdict: MOGINSOK N100 4-Port 2.5G Firewall PC suits users needing high RAM and multiple 2.5G ports for network security.
Glovary J6413 2.5G Firewall Mini PC
Best for: Network security setups needing 4x 2.5G ports
- Processor
- Celeron J6413
- Installed RAM
- 8GB
- Storage Capacity
- 128GB SSD
- Memory Type
- DDR4
- Graphics
- UHD Graphics
- Ethernet Ports
- 4 x 2.5GbE
View on Amazon: Glovary J6413 2.5G Firewall Mini PC Affiliate link
This fanless mini PC uses the Intel Celeron J6413 processor with 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 128GB SSD. It features four 2.5GbE LAN ports for robust networking. The aluminum chassis keeps noise levels low. It supports dual displays via HDMI and USB-C. This unit suits users needing reliable firewall performance with ample storage expansion options.
Pros
- Four 2.5GbE LAN ports for high-speed networking
- 128GB SSD storage capacity
- Fanless aluminum design for quiet operation
- Dual display support via HDMI and USB-C
Cons
- Celeron J6413 processor is less powerful than newer N-series chips
- 8GB RAM is lower than some competitors offering 16GB
- No mention of built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
Good fit if
- You need four 2.5G Ethernet ports for a home lab
- You prefer a fanless device for silent operation
- You want expandable storage with two NVMe slots
Skip if
- You require a high-performance CPU for heavy virtualization
- You need built-in wireless connectivity options
- You want more than 8GB of RAM pre-installed
Verdict: Glovary J6413 2.5G Firewall Mini PC is a solid choice for network enthusiasts who prioritize multiple 2.5G ports and quiet operation over raw processing power.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Protectli Vault 4-Port 2.5G Fanless Mini PC | Protectli Vault 4-Port Fanless Mini PC | Protectli Vault 2-Port Fanless Mini PC | ASUS Fanless Chromebox 4 | Glovary N150 6-Port Fanless Mini PC | MOGINSOK N100 4-Port 2.5GbE Firewall PC | Glovary J6413 2.5G Firewall Mini PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel J3710 | Intel Celeron J3160 | Intel Dual Core Celeron | Intel 5205U | Intel N150 | Intel N100 | Celeron J6413 |
| Installed RAM | 4GB | 4GB | 4GB | 4GB | 8GB | 32GB | 8GB |
| Storage Capacity | 32GB | 32GB | 32GB | 32GB | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD | 128GB SSD |
| Memory Type | DDR3 | DDR3L | DDR3L | DDR4 | DDR5 | DDR5 4800MHz | DDR4 |
| Graphics | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | Intel UHD Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics | UHD Graphics |
| Ethernet Ports | 4x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet | 4x Gigabit | 2x Intel Gigabit Ethernet | not stated | 6x 2.5GbE | 4x 2.5GbE | 4 x 2.5GbE |
| Operating System | No OS pre-installed | not stated | not stated | Chrome OS | not stated | pfSense Plus 23.0X | not stated |
| Memory | 4GB RAM | 4GB RAM | 4GB RAM | 4GB RAM | 8GB RAM | 32GB RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Storage | 32GB SSD | 32GB SSD | 32GB SSD | 32GB SSD | 256GB SSD | not stated | 128GB SSD |
| Use | Firewall | Firewall | Firewall | not stated | Firewall | Firewall | Firewall |
| Cooling | not stated | not stated | not stated | Fanless | Fanless | not stated | not stated |
| Networking | 2.5G LAN | not stated | not stated | not stated | 2.5G LAN | 2.5G LAN | 2.5G LAN |
| Dimensions | 4.25 × 4.56 × 1.69 inches | 4.5 × 4.3 × 1.5 inches | 4.25 × 4.56 × 1.69 inches | 5.75 × 4.11 × 0.89 inches | 7.09 × 4.92 × 2.17 inches | 5.74 × 5.73 × 2.11 inches | 6.97 × 4.92 × 2.17 inches |
| Weight | not stated | not stated | not stated | 2.2 pounds | 2.65 pounds | 3.75 pounds | not stated |
| Size | 4GB RAM, 32GB SSD | 4GB RAM, 32GB SSD | 4GB RAM, 32GB SSD | 4GB RAM | 32GB eMMC | not stated | 32GB DDR5 RAM 256GB PCIE 3.0 SSD | 8GB RAM 128GB SSD |
| Color | black | Black | Black | BLACK | N150 6 LAN Firewall | black | not stated |
| Model | Vault | FW4B-0-4-32 | J3060 | CHROMEBOX4-FC017U | N100-6L-8-256 | MGSRN100 | J6413-4L-I226V-2.5GB-8-128 |
If you also need a workspace setup, review the tangkula 48 alternatives to compare dimensions and load specifications.
Frequently asked questions
Which Protectli alternative has the most Ethernet ports?
The Glovary N150 offers six 2.5G LAN ports, making it the highest-density option in this list. It uses an Intel N100 processor and includes 8GB of DDR5 RAM. This setup fits home labs that require silent operation and extensive wired connectivity for network security tasks.
Is there a fanless mini PC with higher RAM than the standard 4GB?
Yes, the MOGINSOK N100 4-Port model comes with 32GB of DDR5 RAM. It also includes a 256GB PCIe 3.0 SSD. This configuration suits users who need substantial memory for network security applications while maintaining a fanless, silent design for their home lab.
Can I find a fanless PC with RS232 support?
The ASUS Fanless Chromebox 4 includes RS232 support, which is rare in this form factor. It features a fanless design and an Intel Celeron processor. This unit is ideal for commercial displays or kiosks that require legacy serial device connections alongside passive cooling.
Which option provides the largest SSD storage capacity?
The MOGINSOK N100 4-Port model includes a 256GB SSD. The Glovary N150 also offers 256GB of storage. Other options in this list provide smaller capacities, such as 32GB or 128GB, making these two the best choices for users needing more local storage space.
Do any alternatives use DDR5 RAM instead of DDR4?
The Glovary N150 and the MOGINSOK N100 both utilize DDR5 RAM. This newer memory standard can offer improved performance for network security tasks. The other listed models, including the Protectli Vaults and the ASUS Chromebox, do not specify DDR5 in their published specifications.
What is the smallest physical size among these fanless PCs?
The ASUS Fanless Chromebox 4 is the thinnest option at 0.89 inches in height. It measures 4.11 inches wide and 5.75 inches long. While compact, it lacks the RAM and storage needed for general desktop use, fitting better for specialized commercial or kiosk applications.
Which mini PC is best for a basic 2-port firewall setup?
The Protectli FW2B is the designated choice for small networks needing a silent, 2-port firewall. It includes 4GB of RAM and a 32GB SSD. It is not suitable for larger networks or users requiring pre-installed software, serving as a basic, dedicated security appliance.