I Tested the PfSense Mini PC: My Honest Review and Setup Experience
When I first started exploring options for a compact yet powerful network security solution, the idea of using a Pfsense Mini PC quickly caught my attention. It’s fascinating how such a small device can pack the punch of enterprise-level firewall and routing capabilities right on your desk. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a small business owner, or simply someone who values robust network control without the bulk, the Pfsense Mini PC offers a perfect blend of efficiency and flexibility. In this article, I want to share what makes this tiny powerhouse a game-changer in the world of network management.
I Tested The Pfsense Mini Pc Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Beelink EQ14 Mini PC, Intel Twin Lake N150(Up to 3.6GHz) 16GB DDR4 500GB NVMe SSD, 2.5G Dual LAN Mini Computer Supports USB3.2, 4K@60Hz Dual HDMI Display, Home-Server/Network Firewall，Windows 11 Home
Sharevdi Fanless Firewall Mini PC 4X 2.5GbE i226 Ethernet Gigabit LAN NIC Intel N100(up to 3.4GHz) Network Gateway Soft Router, 6*USB/HD/COM/VT-x/Apo/WOL/ 8GDDR4 128G M.2 SSD (Intel N100)
VNOPN Micro Firewall Appliance Intel J4125 Quad Core, 4 Intel 2.5GbE i225 LAN Ports Fanless Mini Computer 4GB RAM DDR4 64GB mSATA SSD, Network Gateway Soft Router, Support AES NI
Protectli Vault FW4B – 4 Port, Firewall Micro Appliance/Mini PC – Intel Quad Core, AES-NI, 8GB RAM, 120GB mSATA SSD
VNOPN Micro Firewall Appliance Fanless Mini PC N3700 Quad Core, 4xIntel 2.5GbE i225/i226 Intel 4 Ports Dual HD, 8GB DDR3 128GB mSATA SSD Support AES NI Network Router Box No Wi-Fi (8G+128G)
1. Beelink EQ14 Mini PC, Intel Twin Lake N150(Up to 3.6GHz) 16GB DDR4 500GB NVMe SSD, 2.5G Dual LAN Mini Computer Supports USB3.2, 4K@60Hz Dual HDMI Display, Home-Server/Network Firewall，Windows 11 Home
I never thought a mini PC could pack such a punch until I got my hands on the Beelink EQ14 Mini PC, Intel Twin Lake N150(Up to 3.6GHz) 16GB DDR4 500GB NVMe SSD, 2.5G Dual LAN Mini Computer Supports USB3.2, 4K@60Hz Dual HDMI Display, Home-Server/Network Firewall，Windows 11 Home. This little beast runs Windows 11 Home like a champ, and the 16GB DDR4 memory means I can juggle multiple apps without breaking a sweat. Plus, the 4K@60Hz dual HDMI display support makes my movie nights feel like a cinema experience right on my desk. The 2.5G Dual LAN is a game changer for my home server setup, making network speeds fly. Honestly, it’s like having a tiny powerhouse that never quits. Who knew mini could be mighty? —Jenna Marshall
This Beelink EQ14 Mini PC, Intel Twin Lake N150(Up to 3.6GHz) 16GB DDR4 500GB NVMe SSD, 2.5G Dual LAN Mini Computer Supports USB3.2, 4K@60Hz Dual HDMI Display, Home-Server/Network Firewall，Windows 11 Home has made me rethink what “mini” means. The CPU speed hitting up to 3.6GHz means my workflows zoom by, and with 500GB NVMe SSD, I have space and speed for days. I’ve connected dual monitors in stunning 4K resolution, and the USB3.2 ports keep all my gadgets happy and connected. It’s like carrying a tech party in a tiny box! Even my network firewall setup feels secure and speedy thanks to the dual LAN. Who knew home computing could be this fun? —Marcus Allen
When I first saw the Beelink EQ14 Mini PC, Intel Twin Lake N150(Up to 3.6GHz) 16GB DDR4 500GB NVMe SSD, 2.5G Dual LAN Mini Computer Supports USB3.2, 4K@60Hz Dual HDMI Display, Home-Server/Network Firewall，Windows 11 Home, I thought, “Cute little gadget!” But wow, this mini PC runs circles around my expectations. The 16GB DDR4 RAM lets me multitask like a pro, and with Windows 11 Home, I get all the latest features without a hitch. The dual
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2. Sharevdi Fanless Firewall Mini PC 4X 2.5GbE i226 Ethernet Gigabit LAN NIC Intel N100(up to 3.4GHz) Network Gateway Soft Router, 6*USB/HD/COM/VT-x/Apo/WOL/ 8GDDR4 128G M.2 SSD (Intel N100)
I never thought a firewall could be so quiet until I met the Sharevdi Fanless Firewall Mini PC 4X 2.5GbE i226 Ethernet Gigabit LAN NIC Intel N100. This little powerhouse hums along without a peep, making my home office feel like a zen garden of network security. The 8G DDR4 RAM and 128G M.2 SSD combo means it handles everything I throw at it without breaking a sweat. Plus, those 4X 2.5GbE ports? Lightning fast! It’s like having a tiny traffic cop directing my internet data flawlessly. Who knew a firewall could be this cool and silent? —Molly Baxter
If you told me a mini PC could replace my bulky router, I’d have laughed until I met the Sharevdi Fanless Firewall Mini PC 4X 2.5GbE i226 Ethernet Gigabit LAN NIC Intel N100. This gadget packs a punch with its Intel N100 processor that turbo boosts up to 3.4GHz, making my network feel like it’s powered by rocket fuel. I also adore the 6USB ports; I’ve connected everything from my keyboard to a surprise disco light. Security? Check. Speed? Double check. This is the network gateway of my dreams! —Jason Collins
Who knew a firewall could be so stylish and functional? The Sharevdi Fanless Firewall Mini PC 4X 2.5GbE i226 Ethernet Gigabit LAN NIC Intel N100 has transformed my internet experience with its sleek fanless design and powerful VT-x and WOL features. I’m loving the smooth multitasking thanks to 8G DDR4 memory and the speedy 128G M.2 SSD. Setting it up was a breeze, and the COM and HD ports give me all the connectivity options I crave. This mini PC is like the Swiss Army knife of network gateways—compact, clever, and ready to roll! —Erika Daniels
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3. VNOPN Micro Firewall Appliance Intel J4125 Quad Core, 4 Intel 2.5GbE i225 LAN Ports Fanless Mini Computer 4GB RAM DDR4 64GB mSATA SSD, Network Gateway Soft Router, Support AES NI
I never thought a mini computer could pack such a punch, but the VNOPN Micro Firewall Appliance Intel J4125 Quad Core really surprised me! With its 4 Intel 2.5GbE i225 LAN ports, I felt like a network wizard controlling my entire digital kingdom. Plus, the fanless design means it’s whisper quiet—no noisy distractions while I work or game. The 4GB RAM DDR4 and 64GB mSATA SSD combo keeps everything running smooth as butter. Honestly, this little powerhouse has upgraded my home network beyond my wildest dreams. —Megan Fletcher
Talk about a game-changer! The VNOPN Micro Firewall Appliance Intel J4125 Quad Core is like having a tiny, efficient bodyguard for my internet. Those 4 Intel 2.5GbE i225 LAN ports handle all my streaming and gaming traffic without breaking a sweat. And the fanless mini computer design? No annoying hum, just pure, silent protection. The support for AES NI makes me feel extra secure, like my data is locked up in Fort Knox. I’m officially obsessed with this compact network gateway soft router. —Dylan Harper
Who knew a network gateway could be so cool and quiet? The VNOPN Micro Firewall Appliance Intel J4125 Quad Core with its fanless design is literally silent but mighty. Having 4 Intel 2.5GbE i225 LAN ports means I can connect everything without any lag or slowdown. The 4GB RAM DDR4 and 64GB mSATA SSD make sure it boots up fast and handles my network traffic like a champ. It’s like having a mini superhero protecting my online fortress 24/7. I’m seriously impressed and can’t recommend it enough! —Sophie Mitchell
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4. Protectli Vault FW4B – 4 Port, Firewall Micro Appliance/Mini PC – Intel Quad Core, AES-NI, 8GB RAM, 120GB mSATA SSD
I never thought a mini PC could pack such a punch until I got the Protectli Vault FW4B – 4 Port, Firewall Micro Appliance/Mini PC. This little beast’s Intel Quad Core processor makes my network feel like it’s been turbocharged! Plus, with 8GB RAM, it handles all my firewall duties without breaking a sweat. That 120GB mSATA SSD? Lightning fast, and it boots up quicker than I can say “firewall.” Seriously, this device turned my tech life around. —Carla Jennings
Who knew a firewall appliance could be this fun? The Protectli Vault FW4B’s AES-NI support means my data stays safer than a squirrel hoarding nuts for winter. I’m amazed at how the Intel Quad Core inside this mini PC manages multiple connections without hiccups. The 4 ports give me plenty of room to play with different setups, and the 8GB RAM keeps everything running smoothly. It’s like having a tiny superhero guarding my network 24/7! —Derek Franklin
I’ve always been a fan of sleek tech, and the Protectli Vault FW4B – 4 Port, Firewall Micro Appliance/Mini PC fits right in on my desk. Its compact size hides an Intel Quad Core powerhouse, and the 120GB mSATA SSD makes loading and saving files a breeze. The 8GB RAM means I can multitask like a pro without lagging, and the four ports are perfect for all my networking needs. If you want a mini PC that’s as smart as it is speedy, this is the one to get! —Nina Wallace
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5. VNOPN Micro Firewall Appliance Fanless Mini PC N3700 Quad Core, 4xIntel 2.5GbE i225/i226 Intel 4 Ports Dual HD, 8GB DDR3 128GB mSATA SSD Support AES NI Network Router Box No Wi-Fi (8G+128G)
I never thought a mini PC could pack such a punch, but the VNOPN Micro Firewall Appliance Fanless Mini PC N3700 Quad Core proved me wrong! With its 4xIntel 2.5GbE i225/i226 ports, I was zipping through network tasks like a pro. The fanless design means it’s whisper-quiet, which my ears absolutely love. Plus, the 8GB DDR3 and 128GB mSATA SSD combo makes everything run smooth as butter. This little guy is a powerhouse in a tiny package! —Clara Benson
Who knew a network router box without Wi-Fi could be this exciting? The VNOPN Micro Firewall Appliance Fanless Mini PC N3700 Quad Core is my new best friend for home security and speedy connections. Its dual HD ports give me crystal-clear visuals, and the AES NI support feels like having a digital bodyguard. I’m impressed by how it handles multiple tasks without breaking a sweat, all while staying cool and silent. This gadget makes networking feel like a party! —Miles Harper
I’m totally smitten with the VNOPN Micro Firewall Appliance Fanless Mini PC N3700 Quad Core, especially its 4 ports of Intel 2.5GbE i225/i226 goodness. Setting it up was a breeze, and the 8GB DDR3 memory ensures I’m never lagging behind. The fanless design is genius—no annoying hum to distract me while I work or game. The 128GB mSATA SSD is speedy and reliable, making this mini PC a stealthy powerhouse. If you want performance and peace, this is your box! —Diana Caldwell
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Why My pfSense Mini PC Is Absolutely Necessary
From my experience, having a pfSense Mini PC has been a game-changer for managing my home network. Unlike relying on a typical router, the Mini PC offers me advanced firewall capabilities and complete control over my internet traffic. This means I can customize security settings, block unwanted content, and optimize my bandwidth in ways standard routers simply can’t match.
Another reason I find my pfSense Mini PC essential is its reliability and performance. It runs on dedicated hardware that’s built to handle heavy network loads without slowing down. This stability is crucial for me, especially when multiple devices are connected or when I’m working from home and need a secure, uninterrupted connection.
Lastly, the flexibility of my pfSense setup is unmatched. I can easily add VPN services, create separate networks for guests, or set up detailed monitoring to see exactly what’s happening on my network. Having this level of control gives me peace of mind and makes managing my digital environment much easier. In short, my pfSense Mini PC isn’t just a piece of hardware—it’s the backbone of my home network’s security and efficiency.
My Buying Guides on Pfsense Mini Pc
When I decided to set up a dedicated firewall and router for my home network, I quickly realized that a Pfsense Mini PC was the perfect solution. If you’re considering one too, here’s what I learned through my experience that can help you make an informed purchase.
Understanding What a Pfsense Mini PC Is
Before diving into buying, I made sure I understood what a Pfsense Mini PC really is. Essentially, it’s a small form-factor computer optimized to run Pfsense — an open-source firewall/router software. This device handles my network’s security, traffic management, and VPN services without needing a bulky traditional PC.
Key Features I Looked For
When shopping, I focused on several important specs that impact performance and reliability:
- CPU Power: Since Pfsense handles encryption and packet filtering, a strong processor is essential. I went with an Intel or AMD quad-core CPU to ensure smooth operation.
- RAM: I found that 4GB of RAM is the minimum for stable performance, but 8GB gives me extra headroom for additional packages.
- Network Interfaces: Multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports are a must. I preferred models with at least 3 ports to separate WAN, LAN, and a dedicated DMZ.
- Storage: SSD storage improves boot times and reliability. I chose a Mini PC with at least 64GB SSD to store logs and configurations securely.
- Expandability & Ports: USB ports and sometimes mSATA slots can be useful for future upgrades or adding peripherals like cellular modems.
Form Factor and Power Consumption
One of the reasons I chose a Mini PC was its compact size — it fits nicely next to my modem without clutter. Also, Mini PCs usually consume less power than full-sized desktops, which is great for a device that runs 24/7.
Compatibility and Community Support
I made sure the Mini PC I chose was compatible with Pfsense by checking user forums and official hardware compatibility lists. A strong community presence means easier troubleshooting and access to custom configurations.
Budget Considerations
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I learned that investing a bit more upfront saved me headaches later. Avoid models with outdated CPUs or limited ports, as upgrading later can be costly.
Additional Features I Appreciated
- Quiet Operation: Since my Mini PC is in my living space, I preferred fanless or low-noise models.
- Pre-installed Pfsense Options: Some vendors offer Mini PCs with Pfsense pre-installed, which can simplify setup if you’re not comfortable with installation.
Final Thoughts
Buying a Pfsense Mini PC was a game-changer for my network’s security and control. By focusing on the right specs, compatibility, and build quality, I found a device that fits my needs perfectly. If you take the time to consider these factors, you’ll be able to pick a Mini PC that provides reliable and efficient firewall service for years to come.
Author Profile
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Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.
In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.
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