10 Best Pfsense Router 2025 in the United States

The Protectli Vault FW4B is designed for users seeking a compact and efficient firewall solution. With its Intel Quad Core Celeron J3160 processor and 8GB of RAM, it delivers decent performance for network security tasks, making it suitable for home users or small businesses looking to protect their networks. The four Gigabit Ethernet ports ensure that you can connect multiple devices, allowing for a robust wired network setup.

One of the notable strengths of the FW4B is its fanless design, which means it operates silently and consumes less power, making it an environmentally friendly choice. The 120GB mSATA SSD provides ample storage for pfSense and other open-source software, although users should be aware that no operating system comes pre-installed, so some technical setup is needed.

On the downside, the Celeron processor is relatively modest, which may limit its performance in more demanding scenarios, particularly for advanced users who require higher throughput or have multiple high-bandwidth tasks running simultaneously. Additionally, while it supports various software solutions, those unfamiliar with network configurations might find the initial installation and setup a bit challenging. In terms of dimensions, its compact size (4.5 x 4.3 x 1.5 inches) makes it easy to fit into tight spaces, but it may not have the extensive hardware expandability options that some users might expect from larger systems.

The Protectli Vault Pro VP2420 is a well-designed mini PC that serves as an excellent pfSense router, ideal for users seeking a secure and compact networking solution. One of its standout features is the Intel Celeron J6412 processor, which offers decent performance for routing tasks, especially with its quad-core design and AES-NI hardware support for encryption. The inclusion of 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 120GB SSD ensures that the device can handle multiple connections and tasks efficiently, making it suitable for small to medium-sized networks.

The four 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports are a significant plus, allowing for high-speed wired connections, which is essential for optimizing network performance. Its fanless and silent design means it can be placed in any environment without adding noise, making it a good choice for home or office settings.

There are some drawbacks to consider. While the device is OS agnostic, requiring users to install their preferred open-source software can be a hurdle for those who are not tech-savvy. Additionally, the lack of pre-installed software may lead to a steeper learning curve for users unfamiliar with networking configurations. The absence of wireless capabilities (notably, it's reliant on wired connections) might also limit its appeal for users looking for a fully wireless router solution. The form factor is compact, measuring just 5.75 x 5 x 2 inches, making it easy to fit into tight spaces. The Protectli Vault Pro VP2420 is a commendable option for those looking for a reliable, compact pfSense router, especially if they're comfortable setting up the software themselves.

The Netgate 4200 is a solid choice for those in need of a pfSense router, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses or tech-savvy home users looking for robust network security and management features. It boasts a powerful 4-core Intel Atom C1110 CPU and 4GB of RAM, enabling impressive routing and firewall throughput that can handle demanding network traffic. The four flexible WAN/LAN ports allow for versatile configuration, making it suitable for various networking needs.

One of the great advantages of this router is its ease of use; it comes pre-loaded with pfSense Plus software, allowing users to quickly set it up and start customizing their network security. The passive cooling system ensures quiet operation, which is perfect for office or home environments where noise can be a concern.

While the Netgate 4200 is packed with features, there are a couple of drawbacks to consider. The RAM, while adequate for many scenarios, may not be sufficient for users with exceptionally high demands or extensive multitasking across numerous devices. Additionally, the reliance on technical support that requires a paid service may not appeal to those who prefer fully self-sufficient solutions. Power consumption is low, making it an eco-friendly option, but the compact size could also mean limited expansion options compared to larger routers. The router is well-suited for users seeking a secure, efficient router with a focus on VPN and firewall capabilities, but should be approached with an understanding of its limitations regarding scalability and potential support costs.