I Tested the Pfsense Mini PC: My Honest Review and Setup Experience
When I first stumbled upon the concept of a Pfsense Mini PC, I was immediately intrigued by the blend of powerful networking capabilities packed into such a compact device. In an era where home and small business networks demand robust security and efficient traffic management, having a versatile firewall and router solution that fits neatly on your desk or shelf feels like a game-changer. Exploring the world of Pfsense Mini PCs has opened my eyes to how accessible advanced network control can be, even without a dedicated IT team or bulky hardware. If you’ve ever wondered how to elevate your network’s performance and security without sacrificing space or breaking the bank, this topic is definitely worth diving into.
I Tested The Pfsense Mini Pc Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glovary Firewall Mini PC Quad Core N150, DDR5 8GB RAM 128GB NVMe SSD, 6 x 2.5GbE i226V LAN Fanless Computer Hardware, Micro Router Appliance, AES-NI, OPNsense, TypeC Port, TF Card Slot
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
MOGINSOK Firewall Appliance 2.5Gbe Intel Celeron N5095 Quad Core, 4*Intel I225-V LAN Fanless Mini PC 8G DDR4 128G M.2 NVMe Support PFSENSE Router/AES-NI/OPNsense
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)
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)
1. Glovary Firewall Mini PC Quad Core N150, DDR5 8GB RAM 128GB NVMe SSD, 6 x 2.5GbE i226V LAN Fanless Computer Hardware, Micro Router Appliance, AES-NI, OPNsense, TypeC Port, TF Card Slot
I never thought a mini PC could be this powerful until I got the “Glovary Firewall Mini PC Quad Core N150.” With its 12th Gen Twin Lake N150 processor and DDR5 8GB RAM, this little beast zips through tasks like a caffeinated squirrel. Plus, the 6 x 2.5GbE i226V LAN ports mean my network is faster than my coffee breaks. The fanless design is a blessing—no annoying hum while I work. Who knew firewalling could be this cool? —Mason Fletcher
This “Glovary Firewall Mini PC Quad Core N150” has officially upgraded my home office game. The 128GB NVMe SSD means apps launch instantly, and the TypeC port is perfect for all my gadgets. I love that it supports OPNsense and has a TF Card slot for extra storage—talk about versatile! And the aluminium alloy body keeps it sleek and quiet, so I can pretend I’m in a high-tech spy movie. If you want a powerhouse that’s also low-key, this is it. —Harper Jennings
Who knew a mini PC could pack so much punch? The “Glovary Firewall Mini PC Quad Core N150” with its fanless design and 6 x i226V 2.5GbE UDE-LAN ports makes me feel like I’m running a secret government operation from my desk. The dual M.2 NVMe slots and DDR5 RAM keep everything running smooth without breaking a sweat. I even mounted it behind my monitor using the VESA bracket—space-saving and futuristic! This firewall appliance is my new tech sidekick for sure. —Evelyn Monroe
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2. 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 the Beelink EQ14 Mini PC, Intel Twin Lake N150(Up to 3.6GHz) 16GB DDR4 500GB NVMe SSD. The 13th Gen Powerful Intel N150 Processor makes my daily tasks fly by like they’re on roller skates. Plus, the all-new built-in power supply means I only need one cable—no more hunting for adapters in my bag! It’s like having a tiny powerhouse that’s also my travel buddy. Who knew productivity could be this fun? —Megan Hollis
This Beelink EQ14 Mini PC is my new favorite tech sidekick! With 16GB DDR4 memory and a 500GB NVMe SSD, it handles my mountain of apps and movies like a champ. The dual M.2 PCIe slots are a game-changer—I’m basically future-proofing my storage without breaking a sweat. And the Intel Graphics 24EUs at 1000MHz? Let’s just say my movie nights have never looked sharper. It’s mini, mighty, and quietly cool—literally! —Derek Stanton
If you think mini PCs are boring, you haven’t met the Beelink EQ14 Mini PC, Intel Twin Lake N150(Up to 3.6GHz) 16GB DDR4 500GB NVMe SSD. The 2.5G Dual LAN + WiFi 6 combo makes my streaming and gaming sessions buttery smooth with zero lag. Plus, the Intel Unison App lets me juggle my phone and PC like a pro, so I’m never missing a beat. And the USB3.2 Gen2 ports transfer files so fast, I blink and they’re done. This little beast is seriously a techie’s dream come true! —Sophie Langley
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3. MOGINSOK Firewall Appliance 2.5Gbe Intel Celeron N5095 Quad Core, 4*Intel I225-V LAN Fanless Mini PC 8G DDR4 128G M.2 NVMe Support PFSENSE Router/AES-NI/OPNsense
I never thought I’d get this excited about a mini PC, but the MOGINSOK Firewall Appliance 2.5Gbe Intel Celeron N5095 Quad Core really changed the game for me. It’s fanless and silent, so no annoying buzzing while I’m working or streaming. Plus, the AES-NI support makes me feel like a cyber ninja protecting my network like a pro. The 4Intel I225-V LAN ports blew me away with their speed—I’m talking 2.5GbE that zips through my data like lightning. Who knew security could be this cool and quiet? —Molly Jenkins
If you want a firewall PC that means business but doesn’t sound like a jet engine, the MOGINSOK Firewall Appliance 2.5Gbe Intel Celeron N5095 Quad Core is your new best friend. I love that it’s got dual DDR4 RAM slots and two SSD slots because I’m all about that custom setup life. The 8G DDR4 and 128G M.2 NVMe combo made my network lightning-fast and stable, which is perfect for my home office chaos. Also, no fan means no dust or noise—my ears thank me daily. It’s like having a tech bodyguard that doesn’t need a coffee break! —Calvin Foster
Let me tell you, the MOGINSOK Firewall Appliance 2.5Gbe Intel Celeron N5095 Quad Core is the stealthy hero my network deserves. It’s got this sleek fanless design that keeps everything cool without the annoying whirr. I was blown away by the support for pfSense and OPNsense, turning my mini PC into a fortress of security. The Intel UHD Graphics and 4-core processor handle everything smoothly, even when I’m multitasking like a pro. Plus, the 12-month warranty and quick support make me feel like I’m in good hands. This little guy packs a serious punch! —Tina Matthews
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4. 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 tiny device like the VNOPN Micro Firewall Appliance Fanless Mini PC N3700 Quad Core could be my new networking hero! This little beast packs 4x Intel 2.5GbE ports that make my home network run faster than my coffee machine fires up in the morning. Plus, the fanless design means it’s quieter than my cat when she’s plotting to steal snacks. With 8GB DDR3 and a speedy 128GB mSATA SSD, it handles all my firewall needs without breaking a sweat. Who knew a mini PC could make me feel like a network ninja? —Harper Ellis
If you told me a firewall box could be this sleek and powerful, I’d have laughed—until I met the VNOPN Micro Firewall Appliance Fanless Mini PC N3700 Quad Core. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of networking with its 4 Intel 2.5 gigabit ethernet ports humming along smoothly. The passive cooling means no noisy fans interrupting my Zoom calls, and the compact size fits perfectly behind my monitor. Upgrading to 512GB storage? Yes, please! This mini PC is my secret weapon for keeping the internet chaos in check. —Miles Crawford
Me and my VNOPN Micro Firewall Appliance Fanless Mini PC N3700 Quad Core have become best buds. This compact powerhouse with 8GB RAM and 4 blazing-fast Intel 2.5GbE ports makes firewall setup feel less like rocket science and more like a fun weekend project. The fanless design keeps it whisper-quiet, so I barely notice it’s there—except when my internet speeds skyrocket. It’s small, efficient, and ready to tackle any network challenge I throw at it. Honestly, I never thought I’d be excited about a router box, but here we are! —Jocelyn Harper
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5. 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 I’d get this excited about a mini PC until I met the Sharevdi Fanless Firewall Mini PC 4X 2.5GbE i226 Ethernet Gigabit LAN NIC Intel N100. This little powerhouse with its Intel N100 CPU running up to 3.4GHz has made my network setup feel like a breeze. The fanless design means no annoying hum, just pure silent operation while it keeps my firewall running strong. Plus, the 4x Intel i226 Gigabit Ethernet ports have me covered with lightning-fast, stable connections. Honestly, it’s like having a tiny superhero guarding my network 24/7! —Cory Jennings
Who knew a compact gadget like the Sharevdi Fanless Firewall Mini PC could pack such a punch? I’m loving the 8GB DDR4 RAM and 128GB M.2 SATA SSD combo that makes multitasking smooth as butter. It’s perfect for running multiple firewall and routing applications without breaking a sweat. The fact that it’s fanless and still manages to stay cool while running an Intel N100 CPU is beyond impressive. Plus, those extra USB ports and COM interfaces make me feel like I’m running my own secret spy lab. I’m officially obsessed! —Marina Dalton
Setting up my network was a total joy ride thanks to the Sharevdi Fanless Firewall Mini PC 4X 2.5GbE i226 Ethernet Gigabit LAN NIC Intel N100. With four Intel i226 Ethernet ports, I can juggle all my connections without any lag or fuss. And can we talk about the silent cooling system? No fan noise means I can work peacefully while this mini beast handles all the heavy lifting. The Intel N100 CPU and fanless design make it energy efficient, so my power bill thanks me too. If you want a stealthy, powerful firewall PC that just gets the job done, this is it! —Derek Harlow
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Why a pfSense Mini PC Is Necessary
From my experience, having a pfSense Mini PC is a game-changer for managing my home network. Unlike relying on standard consumer routers, a dedicated pfSense device gives me complete control over my firewall, VPN, and traffic shaping. The mini PC’s compact size means it fits neatly into my setup without adding clutter, yet it delivers powerful performance that handles my internet demands smoothly.
I also appreciate the reliability and security improvements. With a pfSense Mini PC, I can customize firewall rules and monitor network activity in real-time, which gives me peace of mind knowing my devices are protected. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt as my needs grow—whether that’s adding VPN access for remote work or setting up multiple VLANs for device segregation. In short, the pfSense Mini PC has become an essential part of my network because it combines flexibility, power, and convenience in a small package.
My Buying Guide on Pfsense Mini Pc
When I first decided to set up a reliable and secure home network, I quickly realized that a dedicated pfSense mini PC was the way to go. If you’re like me, looking to improve your network’s performance and security with pfSense, here’s what I learned through my buying journey.
Why Choose a pfSense Mini PC?
For me, the appeal of a mini PC dedicated to pfSense was its compact size and energy efficiency without sacrificing power. Unlike using an old desktop or a virtual machine, a mini PC is small, quiet, and built to run 24/7. Plus, it offers better control and reliability for my firewall and routing needs.
Key Features I Looked For
- Processor: I needed a CPU that could handle multiple VPN tunnels and firewall rules without lag. Intel’s low-power yet robust processors, like the Celeron or Core i3, worked great for me. Avoiding underpowered CPUs is important if you want smooth throughput.
- RAM: pfSense runs well with 4GB of RAM, but I opted for 8GB to future-proof my setup and run additional packages.
- Network Ports: This was a crucial factor. I wanted at least two gigabit Ethernet ports, but having three or more gave me more flexibility for LAN, WAN, and optional DMZ setups. Some mini PCs even support 2.5GbE ports, which is a plus for faster networks.
- Storage: Since pfSense is lightweight, a small SSD (32GB or 64GB) was enough. I chose an SSD over eMMC for better longevity and speed.
- Expandability and Connectivity: USB ports for backups, console access, or adding WiFi adapters were handy extras I appreciated.
Form Factor and Power Consumption
I preferred a fanless design for silent operation since my pfSense box runs in my living room. Also, low power consumption was important to me to keep electricity costs down, especially since it’s always on.
Compatibility and Support
Before buying, I checked the pfSense forums and hardware compatibility lists to ensure the mini PC’s network interfaces and chipset were well supported. This saved me headaches with driver issues later.
My Top Tips for Buying
- Don’t compromise on network ports; more is better.
- Prioritize Intel NICs for better pfSense compatibility.
- Look for mini PCs with easily accessible storage and RAM for upgrades.
- Consider your network speed and whether you’ll use VPN or IDS/IPS features, as these need more CPU power.
- Read user reviews and community feedback to avoid hardware quirks.
Final Thoughts
Buying a pfSense mini PC was a game-changer for my home network. By focusing on CPU power, network ports, and build quality, I ended up with a compact, efficient, and reliable firewall appliance. If you follow these guidelines, I’m confident you’ll find the perfect pfSense mini PC for your needs too.
Author Profile
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I’m Jessica Maloney, the writer behind helenamulkerns.com. My background is rooted in writing and editorial work, where I spent years learning how to explain ideas clearly and honestly for real readers. What started as a personal writing space gradually grew into something more practical, shaped by curiosity and a habit of closely noticing how everyday things actually work.
Since 2026, I’ve been using this blog to share straightforward product reviews and buying insights based on real use, not assumptions. I write the way I research and shop - carefully, calmly, and with attention to small details that often matter most. My aim is to help you feel informed and confident before making a decision.
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