Best small computers for an OPNsense or OpenWrt router
Two or more network ports, ideally Intel 2.5 GbE: the boxes that make a good home router and firewall.
Editorial opinionReviewed Oct 28, 2026
To replace your ISP router you need at least two network ports. Intel i226 controllers are the safe choice for OPNsense and pfSense; Arm boards run OpenWrt instead.
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#1 · Best overall
Beelink EQ14
Highly recommended- Processor
- Intel N150
- RAM
- 16 GB
- Network
- 2 × 2.5 GbE
- Great fit for
- Home Assistant · Media server · Router / firewall
from $385 (typical price)
Editorial opinionOverall 8.4/10Two Intel i226-V 2.5 GbE ports and Quick Sync for other jobs.
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#2 · Silent
ZimaSpace ZimaBoard 2
Recommended- Processor
- Intel N150
- RAM
- 16 GB
- Network
- 2 × 2.5 GbE
- Great fit for
- Home Assistant · Media server · Router / firewall
from $279 (typical price)
Editorial opinionOverall 7.8/10Fanless, two Intel 2.5 GbE ports and a PCIe slot for more.
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#3 · Best for OpenWrt
FriendlyElec NanoPi R6S
Recommended- Processor
- Rockchip RK3588S
- RAM
- 8 GB
- Network
- 3 × 2.5 GbE
- Great fit for
- Router / firewall
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Editorial opinionOverall 7.6/10Three ports in a fanless case, for little money.
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#4 · For 10 GbE
Minisforum MS-01
Recommended- Processor
- Intel Core i9-13900H
- RAM
- 96 GB
- Network
- 4 × 10 GbE
- Great fit for
- Media server · Homelab / Proxmox · Router / firewall · Desktop
from $679 (typical price)
Editorial opinionOverall 8.3/10Two SFP+ 10 GbE and two 2.5 GbE ports, with power to spare for VMs.
How we chose
- Two ports or more, 2.5 GbE for fibre above 1 Gbps.
- Intel controllers for OPNsense and pfSense.
- Low power and no noise: it runs all day.