10 Best Pfsense Router 2025 in the United States

The Netgate 1100 is a compact pfSense router that stands out for its ease of setup and efficient performance. With a dual-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor running at 1.2 GHz, it delivers impressive routing speeds, making it suitable for home users who need solid internet performance without excessive complexity. The device is pre-loaded with pfSense Plus software, allowing users to get started quickly with minimal configuration, which is great for those who may not be tech-savvy.

One of the key strengths of the Netgate 1100 is its low power consumption, making it an energy-efficient option for users who want to run their routers constantly without worrying about energy bills. Its compact form factor and silent operation mean it can easily fit into various setups, whether on a desk or mounted on a wall or rack, without being intrusive.

The router features three 1GbE switched ports, providing flexibility for different connections, which is beneficial for users with multiple devices. The included lifetime technical support and hardware warranty add value, ensuring users have ongoing support for their networking needs. The 1 GB of RAM may limit performance in more demanding scenarios, particularly for users with numerous connected devices or heavy data usage. Additionally, while the router supports wired connections, it lacks advanced wireless capabilities, such as dual-band or newer Wi-Fi standards, which may not meet the needs of users looking for extensive wireless coverage.

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.