Kemp LoadMaster vs. WatchGuard Network Security

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Kemp LoadMaster
Score 8.9 out of 10
N/A
LoadMaster from Kemp Technologies in New York is an application delivery controller.
$1,720
per year
WatchGuard Network Security
Score 8.7 out of 10
N/A
WatchGuard Network Security is a network security and firewall software. WatchGuard includes secure Wi-Fi, multi-factor authentication, and network intelligence products and services designed for SMB’s.N/A
Pricing
Kemp LoadMasterWatchGuard Network Security
Editions & Modules
VLM-500
1,720
per year
VLM-500
2,000
perpetual license
VLM-3000
3,050
per year
VLM-3000
4,000
perpetual license
VLM-MAX
7,610
per year
VLM-MAX
10,000
perpetual license
Support
Contact sales team
Contact sales team
Basic Security
Contact sales team
Contact sales team
Total Security
Contact sales team
Contact sales team
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Kemp LoadMasterWatchGuard Network Security
Free Trial
YesNo
Free/Freemium Version
YesNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
YesNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Kemp LoadMasterWatchGuard Network Security
Considered Both Products
Kemp LoadMaster
Chose Kemp LoadMaster
Previously we [were] using the Microsoft Network Load Balancer. It was providing only [a] load balancing solution to our servers. We decided to move to Kemp solution which matches our business needs.
WatchGuard Network Security

No answer on this topic

Features
Kemp LoadMasterWatchGuard Network Security
Firewall
Comparison of Firewall features of Product A and Product B
Kemp LoadMaster
-
Ratings
WatchGuard Network Security
8.2
532 Ratings
5% below category average
Identification Technologies00 Ratings8.5488 Ratings
Visualization Tools00 Ratings7.0481 Ratings
Content Inspection00 Ratings8.4512 Ratings
Policy-based Controls00 Ratings8.9528 Ratings
Active Directory and LDAP00 Ratings8.7445 Ratings
Firewall Management Console00 Ratings8.6519 Ratings
Reporting and Logging00 Ratings7.0516 Ratings
VPN00 Ratings8.9509 Ratings
High Availability00 Ratings8.3463 Ratings
Stateful Inspection00 Ratings8.2475 Ratings
Proxy Server00 Ratings8.0341 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Kemp LoadMasterWatchGuard Network Security
Small Businesses
NGINX
NGINX
Score 9.1 out of 10
pfSense
pfSense
Score 8.6 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
NGINX
NGINX
Score 9.1 out of 10
Quantum Firewalls and Security Gateways
Quantum Firewalls and Security Gateways
Score 9.2 out of 10
Enterprises
NGINX
NGINX
Score 9.1 out of 10
Palo Alto Networks Virtualized Next-Generation Firewalls - VM Series
Palo Alto Networks Virtualized Next-Generation Firewalls - VM Series
Score 9.1 out of 10
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User Ratings
Kemp LoadMasterWatchGuard Network Security
Likelihood to Recommend
9.0
(64 ratings)
8.6
(547 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
8.6
(4 ratings)
7.9
(43 ratings)
Usability
9.0
(26 ratings)
8.0
(121 ratings)
Availability
-
(0 ratings)
8.9
(6 ratings)
Performance
-
(0 ratings)
7.8
(6 ratings)
Support Rating
8.2
(28 ratings)
9.5
(30 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
7.3
(5 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(3 ratings)
Implementation Rating
9.1
(1 ratings)
8.2
(267 ratings)
Configurability
8.2
(1 ratings)
8.8
(5 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
7.1
(5 ratings)
Product Scalability
-
(0 ratings)
8.5
(6 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
9.1
(1 ratings)
9.2
(4 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
9.1
(1 ratings)
9.2
(4 ratings)
User Testimonials
Kemp LoadMasterWatchGuard Network Security
Likelihood to Recommend
Kemp Technologies
Loadmaster is very powerful and flexible load balancer. Variety of options allows to create a complex network of rules and routes. During our website rollout Loadmaster allowed us to run multiple generations of the website simultaneously and seamlessly by doing the content switching on the fly. Powerful API allows easy integration into any development lifecycle.
Read full review
WatchGuard Technologies
One scenario where WatchGuard Network Security is well-suited for a task is when a site needs to be whitelisted. For example, if a site is whitelisted and hosted in a country blocked by geolocation, we can bypass the block and route traffic to the site. This is particularly helpful with CDN's.
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Pros
Kemp Technologies
  • Where the LoadBalancer excels is the multiple levels at which you can load balance servers. We currently use layer 7 LB, but others are available as well.
  • I particularly like the ability for the LB to know when servers are down, and if all are offline then you can create a redirect to a static HTML page or some other destination that is more informative.
  • The ease in which a service can be created and deployed using already pre-canned templates makes it a very convenient setup process.
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WatchGuard Technologies
  • Incoming Torrent attempts were blocked, but outgoing (by a user) were permitted. Similarly, other direct attempts were summarily blocked.
  • provides full administrative support for analysis of usage and scope.
  • strong Wi-Fi support and security - area wi-fi maps
  • They think of all the things secure and I don't have to worry about it.
  • I have not identified anything else that needs improvement - I am well satisfied.
Read full review
Cons
Kemp Technologies
  • Ability to 'clone' existing Virtual Services for rapid deployment of similar ones.
  • A better API for ease of automation.
  • Simplification of Certificate management.
  • Better explanations of Kemp implementations of industry standard protocols like VRRP (or CARP)
  • More control over device factory reset configuration and forcibly breaking HA pairs at boot time
Read full review
WatchGuard Technologies
  • Better integration with VoIP services, such as templates for policies handling traffic for Bria or Asterisk endponts and servers.
  • Get webblocker to work without breaking secure websites.
  • Lower cost on endpoint agents for antivirus and include application control and webblocker with the agents.
  • Make the cost per endpoint with TDR and Netowrk access control lower than the cost of Antivirus licensing that is not integrated.
  • Make it easier to set up network access control and VLAN assignment by device, perhaps with templates.
  • Get webblocker and application control working with QUIC.
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Likelihood to Renew
Kemp Technologies
I'm very pleased with the support I've received as well as the quality of the product.
Read full review
WatchGuard Technologies
We have been renewing and purchasing new equipment for the last 20 years. This is because the equipment is easy to use and manage and also quite affordable. Compared to other products, Watchguard just works and has not had the issues with device security seen in other products. They have been a reliable partner.
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Usability
Kemp Technologies
Kemp makes it very easy to setup, configure and manage the LoadMaster without needing a lot of help from their engineers. The interface is very easy to understand and intuitive to use. We like how it is not complicated - I can easily have one of my techs login and they can figure out how to setup/configure virtual services for load balancing without needing a manual or tech support.
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WatchGuard Technologies
Although it might take some time to figure out, we have been able to use WatchGuard's online reference library and tech support to create/implement/modify all of our filtering rules and exceptions needed. There really has not been a shortcoming other than perhaps a learning curve.
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Reliability and Availability
Kemp Technologies
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
Availability has always been a strong point of this product, it is rare that watchguard does not have a solution for customers' network monitoring needs.
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Performance
Kemp Technologies
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
The performance of WatchGuard Network Security is very good, in the years that we have used the solution we have only had a single error and Watchguard itself was able to solve it. Furthermore, when purchasing any product, the partner always evaluates the capacity of the solution to recommend the most appropriate product for our needs.
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Support Rating
Kemp Technologies
Support has been easy to deal with; I have only need[ed] to contact them a few times during setup. Once its been in place and operational, we have not need[ed] to mess with the system [which] is a huge advantage. I like system[s] that do not break and require constant attention in a production environment.
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WatchGuard Technologies
We have only had to contact them once during the initial set up to help bring the internet back on line. After that for the most part our systems have been automated, and could easily be checked form their online FAQ and Knowledge base that they provide. Everything else is easily handled from their browser based interface
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In-Person Training
Kemp Technologies
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
We participate to a in person training and the three days of learning was really useful and complete to gain skill to solve the major part of the problem we encounter during our life. And more the in person training give us the opportunity to create a network with other WatchGuard partner.
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Online Training
Kemp Technologies
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
Online training is good for learning how to use the product. It does not teach security strategy because that is not its intent.
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Implementation Rating
Kemp Technologies
The installation was straight forward. Once i installed it, their technical support team helped me with configuration
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WatchGuard Technologies
I had my key information for setting up the firewall, and they assisted me in finding the settings and appropriate places to enter data. They also helped troubleshoot when I didn't understand some of their feature concepts, and we got it running.
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Alternatives Considered
Kemp Technologies
We chose Kemp LoadMaster because it is 1/10 the price of the competition and MUCH easier to deploy and configure and WORKS. We have had ZERO issues with the product since installation. Their engineers and their sales team have both reached out post-install to check in and see if everything is working as expected.
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WatchGuard Technologies
I was not involved with the decision making for WatchGuard versus another product. However, I know WatchGuard is significantly less expensive than other brands. My overall preference would be Ubiquiti due to their continuous improvement of the product with tons of great features. I know WatchGuard is making great advances, but the progress seems slower in comparison.
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Scalability
Kemp Technologies
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
This product is very scalable since previously everything related to Watchguard was on premises but that has now changed with the inclusion of watchguard cloud. Now the product has evolved to have full control of firewalls at the cloud level.
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Return on Investment
Kemp Technologies
  • We used Kemp LoadMaster for many projects. For a lot of customers, load balancers were too expensive or too complicated before we introduced Kemp products.
  • It's not a overly complicated product, so we were able to train many engineers on it and have them get a certification.
Read full review
WatchGuard Technologies
  • WatchGuard provides the features we need at a great price point.
  • Good technical support saves time by preventing unnecessary time taken up managing the product and resolving issues.
  • The appliance helps us meet minimum cybersecurity requirements for doing business with our clients.
Read full review
ScreenShots

WatchGuard Network Security Screenshots

Screenshot of WatchGuard Cloud Customizable DashboardScreenshot of Threat Monitoring SummaryScreenshot of Device Security SummaryScreenshot of Automated ReportingScreenshot of User Authentication SummaryScreenshot of Endpoint Protection Summary