The original Firewalla Gold is a wired firewall and router for people who want detailed control over home-network security—not a Wi-Fi router. It can replace a router or operate alongside existing equipment, but either setup takes planning, and its extensive controls may overwhelm anyone who wants a simple plug-and-play appliance.
What the original Firewalla Gold does
The original Gold is a small, wired appliance that sits in your network path and provides firewall, routing, monitoring, and security features. It does not provide Wi-Fi, so if it replaces your main router, you will still need separate wireless access points. It can also be deployed as an add-on to an existing network, depending on the chosen mode and topology.
Reviewers described capabilities including attack blocking, malware alerts, parental controls, ad blocking, traffic prioritization, network monitoring, and remote VPN access. These are review-era descriptions of the original Gold; check Firewalla’s current documentation for the availability and behavior of specific features on current software and hardware.
Setup: choose the network role before buying
Router mode
In Router mode, the Gold takes on the primary routing role. That makes it a more central part of the network and means you should plan how your modem or internet gateway, the Gold, switches, and Wi-Fi access points will connect. TechRadar’s January 2021 review described an app-led setup with Router and Simple/DHCP options and found the process straightforward. Dong Ngo’s January 2021 review found router-mode use more complicated than expected for his home. These are individual experiences, not a guarantee that setup will be effortless for every network.
#1 Best Overall
- Output Voltage: DC 12V; Input Voltage: AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz; Connecter Size: Barrel Tip (Refer to the pictures)
- 12V AC Adapter Compatible with Firewalla Gold Plus 2.5G Cyber Security Firewall Router
- Features: Low interference and noise. Advanced technology and high quality. High efficiency and reliability
- Safety& Reliability: PowerHOOD products has been tested many times for providing protection, featuring overcharging, overheating, overvoltage and short circuit protection, which will charge your devices efficiently and keep you and your devices safe
Add-on deployment
Some owners may prefer keeping their existing router and using the Gold in an add-on configuration. The right mode depends on the equipment and topology already in place; do not assume every mode offers identical visibility or control. Dong Ngo reported a week of add-on use in his setup. If you are unsure how the Gold will fit, map your current network and consult Firewalla’s Gold Series Installation Guide before changing connections.
Controls and usability
The Gold’s appeal is the breadth of its network controls: it is intended for owners who want to inspect activity and configure security and family-network rules rather than accept only a few fixed settings. That breadth comes with a learning curve. Reviewers noted technical terminology, a potentially overwhelming amount of information, and notification volume. PCWorld also raised concerns about transparency and third-party services used in filtering; those are that publication’s review findings, not proof of a universal defect.
Rank #2
TechRadar’s Mike Williams summarized the target audience in his January 20, 2021 review: “Firewalla Gold is a professional and highly configurable hardware firewall and router, with plenty of features for the most technical and demanding users to explore.” That description is useful if you enjoy managing a network; it is also a warning if you want the appliance to make decisions without much attention from you.
Performance: one reported test, not a universal benchmark
Dong Ngo reported no slowdown during a week of add-on use on his 700 Mbps Comcast connection in 2021. That is one reviewer’s observation on one connection and configuration—not a current benchmark, a guarantee for router mode, or evidence of performance at other internet speeds. Actual results depend on network setup, enabled features, and the rest of the equipment.
Original Gold versus current Gold Plus
Do not treat the original Gold and Gold Plus as interchangeable. Firewalla’s current product pages describe Gold Plus with four 2.5 Gbit interfaces and software packet processing rated at 5 Gbps; the comparison page distinguishes up to 5 Gbps with link aggregation from a 2.5 Gbps single-port figure. Those specifications belong to Gold Plus, not the original Gold reviewed here.
Firewalla’s comparison, updated September 28, 2026, lists these prices for current Gold-family models. Prices and availability can change, and the table does not establish a current price or availability for the original Gold.
Rank #4
- Output Voltage: DC 5V; Input Voltage: AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz; Connecter Size: USB Type-C(Refer to the pictures)
- 5V USB Type-C Charger Replacement for Firewalla Gold SE Multi-Gigabit Cyber Security Firewall Router, Firewalla Purple SE Cyber Security Firewall VPN Router 5VDC DC5V 5volt 5.0 Volts USB-C Power Supply Cord Wall Plug Cable PSU Mains
- Features: Low interference and noise. Advanced technology and high quality. High efficiency and reliability
- Safety& Reliability: PowerHOOD products has been tested many times for providing protection, featuring overcharging, overheating, overvoltage and short circuit protection, which will charge your devices efficiently and keep you and your devices safe
| Model | Listed price | Relevant distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Plus | $629 | Four 2.5 Gbit interfaces; up to 5 Gbps with link aggregation and 2.5 Gbps single-port speed, according to Firewalla’s comparison updated September 28, 2026. |
| Gold SE | $519 | Current Gold-family option; the cited comparison lists the price. |
| Gold Pro | $939 | Current Gold-family option; the cited comparison lists the price. |
Firewalla’s Gold Plus product page lists a quad-core 2 GHz 64-bit Intel CPU, 4 GB RAM, 32 GB storage, four 2.5 Gbit interfaces, 5 Gbit software packet processing, and a one-year warranty for Gold Plus specifically. Packet-processing figures are not the same as guaranteed internet throughput on every configuration; also consider the speed of each interface and whether your setup uses link aggregation.
If shopping for a used or marketplace original Gold, verify that the listing is actually for the original generation rather than Gold Plus, Gold SE, or Gold Pro. The original-generation reviews cited here date from 2021 and 2022, so they should not be read as tests of today’s newer models.
Placement and mounting
The installation guide covers mounting the original Gold and Gold Plus with a rack and screws. Firewalla says the passively cooled unit needs a well-ventilated location, so avoid enclosing it where airflow is restricted. Confirm that a rack tray or other accessory is compatible with your particular Gold revision before buying; Firewalla lists a Gold Rack Mount separately in its Gold Plus and accessories collection.
Who should buy the original Gold?
- Consider it if you want a wired firewall/router with extensive monitoring and security controls, are comfortable planning a network topology, and can confirm that the original-generation unit suits your speed and interface needs.
- Look elsewhere or choose a simpler setup if you need Wi-Fi built in, want minimal configuration, or do not want to manage alerts and detailed network settings.
- Compare current models carefully if you need faster interfaces or are buying new: Gold Plus and other current models have their own specifications and pricing, and the original Gold’s historical reviews do not establish their performance.
TechRadar’s January 2021 review noted no ongoing subscription at the time it was written. That is a historical observation, not confirmation of current subscription policy; check Firewalla’s present terms before purchase.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
