Protectli Vault Pro VP2420 4-Port Firewall Mini PC - Silent Secure

In this review of the Protectli Vault Pro VP2420 the bottom line is clear: this compact, fanless mini firewall is aimed at small offices, home labs and security-conscious power users who want reliable, low-noise perimeter protection. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of an Intel Celeron J6412 with hardware AES-NI and four Intel 2.5G Ethernet ports, which together deliver solid throughput for software firewalls like pfSense or OPNsense without taking up rack space or generating fan noise.

Key Features

• CPU and performance: The Intel Celeron J6412 quad core CPU provides steady performance for packet processing and VPNs while supporting bursts up to 2.6 GHz for spike loads.
• Hardware encryption: Built-in Intel AES-NI accelerates VPN and encryption tasks, reducing CPU overhead for secure tunnels and IDS/IPS workloads.
• Multi-gig networking: Four Intel 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports allow higher throughput and flexible network segmentation for small office and multi-WAN setups.
• Fanless design: The compact, silent chassis is suitable for quiet environments and continuous operation where audible noise is a concern.
• Ports and expandability: Includes USB 3.0 Type A ports, USB-C 3.2, HDMI and DisplayPort for console access, appliance configuration and occasional local management.
• OS flexibility: No OS is pre-installed so the unit is compatible with pfSense, OPNsense, Untangle and other open-source firewall distributions tested by the manufacturer.

Who It's For

The Vault Pro VP2420 is best for small businesses, remote offices, and lab enthusiasts who need a dedicated, always-on firewall appliance with multi-gig NICs and hardware encryption. It fits environments where silence matters and where administrators are comfortable installing and configuring open-source firewall software.

It is less suitable for users who want a plug-and-play commercial OS pre-installed or who require low-case temperatures in constrained enclosures; some customers report the unit can run warm under sustained load, so organizations wanting the coolest possible hardware should consider more heavily cooled options.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Fanless, silent operation that works well in quiet offices and home labs.
• Four Intel 2.5G ports and AES-NI deliver strong network throughput and secure VPN performance.
• Solid hardware baseline with 8GB RAM, 120GB SSD and an onboard 8GB eMMC for flexible storage options.
• Vendor support in the US and a 30-day money back guarantee for peace of mind.

Cons

• No operating system pre-installed, so initial setup requires time and some familiarity with firewall distributions.
• Several users report the device runs hot under load, which can be a concern in poorly ventilated locations.

Specifications

Model	Vault Pro VP2420
CPU	Intel Celeron J6412 (quad core, 2.0 GHz up to 2.6 GHz)
Hardware AES	Intel AES-NI
Network Ports	4x Intel 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
Memory & Storage	8GB RAM, 120GB SSD, 8GB eMMC onboard
External I/O	2x USB 3.0 Type A, 1x USB-C 3.2, HDMI, DisplayPort
OS	No OS pre-installed; tested with pfSense, OPNsense, Untangle

Our Verdict

The Protectli Vault Pro VP2420 is a focused firewall appliance for technically minded users who need multi-gig NICs, hardware-accelerated encryption and a silent, compact chassis. Its lack of a pre-installed OS means it targets administrators who will install pfSense or OPNsense; for those buyers it represents good value because it pairs tested compatibility with solid networking hardware, though buyers should account for its tendency to run warm under sustained heavy use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the unit include an operating system?
No, the Vault Pro VP2420 ships with no OS pre-installed and is intended for use with pfSense, OPNsense, Untangle or similar distributions.

How many and what speed are the Ethernet ports?
The appliance includes four Intel 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet NIC ports to support higher-than-gigabit local links and segmented networks.

Is the device noisy and suitable for an office?
Yes, the fanless design makes it effectively silent in normal operation, but note that several users report the chassis can run warm under load so ensure adequate ventilation.