10 Best Pfsense Router 2025 in the United States

The Netgate 6100 MAX is a solid choice for those needing a powerful pfSense router, especially for small businesses or tech-savvy home users wanting advanced security and fast connections. It runs on a 2.2 GHz quad-core Atom CPU with 8 GB of DDR4 RAM, which is good for handling multiple network tasks like firewalling and VPN without lag. With two 10 GbE SFP+ ports, two 1 Gbps combo ports, and four 2.5 Gbps ports, it offers excellent high-speed networking options to connect various devices or handle demanding internet traffic. Storage is generous at 128 GB NVMe SSD, allowing the router to run smoothly and store logs or packages locally.

The device is compact and fanless, so it stays quiet and uses low power, making it easy to place on a desk or mount on a wall without noise or heat concerns. It comes pre-installed with pfSense+ software and includes lifetime updates and technical support, which is great for users wanting reliable security and ongoing improvements without extra cost. However, the 8 GB RAM could be limiting if you plan very heavy use with many simultaneous VPN connections or extensive add-ons. Also, it lacks built-in Wi-Fi, so wireless users will need a separate access point.

Considering its price and size, the router suits business or advanced home setups but may be more complex for casual users. This router is ideal for users who want a trusted, high-performance pfSense device with robust wired connectivity and long-term support, balanced with quiet operation and moderate power consumption.

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 Glovary Firewall Mini PC is a robust choice for those seeking a reliable pfsense-router. Its standout feature is the powerful 12th Gen N100 processor, which offers solid performance with its 4 cores and 4 threads, running at a max turbo frequency of 3.4 GHz. This ensures efficient processing capabilities for network management tasks. Complementing this is the 8GB of DDR5 RAM, which is quite fast and sufficient for most small to medium business needs. The 128GB NVMe SSD provides decent storage space and quick access to data, and there are additional slots for expanding storage if needed.

The router also supports various operating systems, making it versatile for different setups. One of the key highlights is its six 2.5GbE LAN ports, which are significantly faster than standard Gigabit Ethernet, enhancing network performance and security. Its fanless design and aluminium alloy body contribute to a quiet, energy-efficient operation, although it does come with a 4-pin fan cable if active cooling is preferred. It supports up to three displays with 4K resolution, useful for monitoring and managing multiple network activities simultaneously.

However, there are some drawbacks. The single RAM slot means upgrading memory is limited, and while the storage options are flexible, the initial 128GB might be insufficient for very large-scale data storage needs. The power consumption is efficient at 6W TDP, but users should be aware of the included lithium-ion battery requirement. Finally, it includes a range of connectivity options, such as USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and a Type-C port, but the wireless capabilities are somewhat limited with only 802.11n support. This mini PC is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses or advanced home users needing a solid network management solution with good processing power and multiple high-speed LAN ports.