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Netgate 2100 pfSense+ Security Gateway vs Protectli Vault Pro VP2420

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against firewalls at a similar price

The Protectli Vault Pro VP2420 scores 6.1/10 overall, ahead of the Netgate 2100 pfSense+ Security Gateway at 5.9/10.

The Netgate 2100 pfSense+ Security Gateway leads on software and features and running costs.

The Protectli Vault Pro VP2420 leads on throughput and ports and networking.

They score the same on security record.

Netgate 2100 pfSense+ Security Gateway

Netgate 2100 pfSense+ Security Gateway

5.9/10verdict: good, not the best

The Netgate 2100 is for people who want a supported, fanless pfSense Plus firewall for a small office or home network. It suits those who value low running costs and a no-subscription core over inspection headroom. Buyers planning IPS on a full gigabit line should check the throughput evidence first.

Typically about £436 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Protectli Vault Pro VP2420

Protectli Vault Pro VP2420

6.1/10verdict: good, not the best

The Protectli Vault Pro VP2420 suits homelabbers and small offices who want a four-port 2.5GbE box to run pfSense or OPNsense themselves. It fits people who care more about VPN speed, build quality and low power draw than heavy intrusion prevention. Buyers should check stock first, because the manufacturer says the VP2420e has replaced it.

Typically about £569 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightNetgate 2100 pfSense+ Security GatewayProtectli Vault Pro VP2420
Throughput25%4/105/10
Ports and networking20%5/107/10
Software and features20%8/106/10
Security record20%5/105/10
Running costs15%9/108/10
Overall5.9/106.1/10

Specifications

SpecNetgate 2100 pfSense+ Security GatewayProtectli Vault Pro VP2420
PortsOne 1 GbE WAN (RJ45/SFP combo) plus four 1 GbE LAN ports, five total4x Intel I226-V 2.5G Ethernet RJ-45; 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A; console port
SoftwarepfSense Plus with lifetime upgradesNot a fixed OS; vendor states compatibility with a variety of operating systems including open source firewall projects; AMI or coreboot BIOS
VPN throughputIPsec VPN, 254 Mbps iPerf3pfSense WireGuard ~2250Mbps (vendor test; conflicts with the ~1200Mbps OPNsense WireGuard figure, test conditions not fully stated)
ProcessorMarvell Armada 3720 (88F3720) dual-core ARMv8-A Cortex-A53 at 1.2 GHzIntel Celeron J6412, 4 cores/4 threads, 2.0 GHz base, up to 2.6 GHz burst, 1.5M cache, AES-NI, VT-x/VT-d
Memory4 GB DDR4, not expandable1x SO-DIMM slot, DDR4-3200, max 32GB
Subscriptions neededNo subscription required for core software; TAC Lite included; TAC Professional $399/yr; TAC Enterprise $799/yrNo paid subscription listed; 2-year factory warranty, extendable

Strengths and weaknesses

Netgate 2100 pfSense+ Security Gateway

  • + No subscription needed for core software
  • + Fanless, with an owner report of 6 W
  • + Near line-rate iPerf3 firewall throughput of 964 Mbps
  • − IMIX firewall throughput is only 249 Mbps
  • − IPS throughput is not published
  • − Five 1GbE ports only, no faster options listed

Skip it if:

  • Buyers wanting full gigabit throughput with IPS enabled
  • Anyone who needs 2.5GbE or SFP+ ports
  • Buyers who need more than five 1GbE ports without adding a switch
Read the full Netgate 2100 pfSense+ Security Gateway review ›

Protectli Vault Pro VP2420

  • + Four 2.5GbE Intel I226-V ports
  • + No paid subscription listed; two-year warranty
  • + Owners report strong power efficiency for the performance
  • − Owners report limited CPU headroom under heavy IDS/IPS
  • − Listed as out of stock; replaced by VP2420e
  • − One SO-DIMM slot, no SFP+ listed

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want heavy IDS/IPS inspection on a fast line
  • Anyone who needs SFP+ ports or a pre-installed firewall OS
  • Buyers planning several virtual machines on the same box
Read the full Protectli Vault Pro VP2420 review ›

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