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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    SonicWall NSA Series

    Score8.4 out of 10
    N/AThe SonicWall NSA Series is the company's mid-range next generation firewall (NGFW).N/A

    WatchGuard Network Security

    Score8.8 out of 10
    N/AWatchGuard 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
    SonicWall NSA SeriesWatchGuard Network Security
    Editions & Modules
    No answers on this topic
    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
    SonicWall NSA SeriesWatchGuard Network Security
    Free Trial
    NoNo
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoNo
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    NoNo
    Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional Details
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    SonicWall NSA SeriesWatchGuard Network Security
    Considered Both Products
    SonicWall
    Chose SonicWall NSA Series
    SonicWall NSA series interface is way better than either Watchguard or Checkpoint. Even though people want to dismiss SonicWall NSA, they have the advanced features of its competitors, but with the easy interface. With all things being equal, I consider Palo Alto Networks to be …
    Incentivized
    WatchGuard Technologies
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    Sonicwall offered weaker security and integration
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    Easier, simpler, cheaper, faster, more reliable.
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    For some customers, WatchGuard Network Security was the preferable choice. Its price point, compactness, portability, accessibility, ease of design, installation, implementation, configuration, management, monitoring, alerting, user education, technician training, power usage, …
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    WatchGuard Network Security is in league with SonicWall regarding value and features but is not as robust as Sophos or Fortinet. It is also not as simple to configure as Sophos or Fortinet. We selected WatchGuard based solely on the recommendation of an outside party, and that …
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    Night and day comparison. Sonicwall is clunky, outdated, lacks good reporting facilities. Network traffic management is painful. And doesn't have the extensive services provided by default by WatchGuard

    Cisco is just horrible. Includes nothing as standard. Scared to touch …
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    I find the watchguard interface and central management much more intuitive and informative. The ease of use of the watchguard products and services are second to none. The support behind their products also adds a value that is indispensable. The hardware itself has always …
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    We had previously deployed Sonicwall appliances and found that Watchguard's were simpler to configure and troubleshoot, monitor and were far more reliable. Our experience with Sonicwall's was that they worked well, but the initial configuration of rules and policies could be …
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    Reports and ease of use.
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    they’re niche players, but it worth to check out their solutions. Best choice for SMB
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    WatchGuard makes the setup easy. Their best-in-class alliances make the system secure using trusted partners.
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    Most 'UTM' or Layer-7 firewalls share the same feature set. They mostly offer the same security layers like Web filtering, basic packet inspection, proxied layer 7 inspection, anti-malware, and some integrated portal. Basic VPN features, et cetera. What sets WatchGuard …
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    WatchGuard products are much simpler to configure and provide ongoing maintenance.
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    Sophos is a relic now, SonicWall is too pricey, and PFSense is too "roll your own." Watchguard sits at the sweet spot of fully functional and easily managed.
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    The client-server management tool provides better efficiency on the daily tasks when having a lot of firewalls. The policy manager tool is very easy to use, making it easy the understand and change the actual policy rules The multi-wan feature is a more robust and flexible …
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    Honestly, the ease of setup and simplicity in the setup is wayyyyy better than Fortinet. Things just *work*. You don't need to get into CLI to get your site to site working. The initial setup wizard leaves you at a VERY good spot to get up and running and then season to your …
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    It is much better. I like the ability to have a system manager. I also like the ability to have trafficked monitor.
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    We found WatchGuard [Network Security] has a great combination of deep down controls of traffic when desired but [is] still easy to configure and maintain. We also trust their published throughput numbers compared to specialty configs needed to match published throughput with …
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    WatchGuard provided better options for product cost, features, and implementation for our organization.
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    Watchguard is much easier to manage at a much better price point. Fortinet is very good, but complex and needs more knowledge to manage. Sonicwall is not straightforward at all to use. Meraki is too basic.
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    I prefer WatchGuard [Network Security] because it offers better reporting services, best policy options, and more efficient ways to manage the policies.
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    WatchGuard has in the past always been one step ahead of new security needs for network perimeters. They have managed to do this, and continue to have high throughput with all security turned on, while many of its competitors will not show you what [their] speed is with all …
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    Cisco: Watchguard is easier to configure and manage also less expensive. Fortinet: Watchguard has a better policy management GUI. Sonicwall: Watguard Client VPN is great, and works for PC, Mac, and non-IOS devices as well.
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    I haven't really had issues with any of the firewalls I have used in the past. Once you know the purpose of a firewall it's just a matter of finding the settings you need.
    Incentivized
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    100%
    Would buy again
    6 Answers
    96%
    Would buy again
    423 Answers
    Delivers good value for the price
    100%
    Delivers good value for the price
    6 Answers
    96%
    Delivers good value for the price
    407 Answers
    Happy with the feature set
    100%
    Happy with the feature set
    6 Answers
    98%
    Happy with the feature set
    432 Answers
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    100%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    6 Answers
    95%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    362 Answers
    Implementation went as expected
    100%
    Implementation went as expected
    6 Answers
    97%
    Implementation went as expected
    401 Answers
    Features
    SonicWall NSA SeriesWatchGuard Network Security
    Firewall
    Comparison of Firewall features of SonicWall NSA Series and WatchGuard Network Security
    Feature
    SonicWall NSA Series
    8.7
    6 Ratings
    1% above category average
    WatchGuard Network Security
    8.1
    537 Ratings
    6% below category average
    Identification Technologies7.46 Ratings8.4493 Ratings
    Visualization Tools8.26 Ratings6.9485 Ratings
    Content Inspection7.35 Ratings8.3517 Ratings
    Policy-based Controls9.26 Ratings8.9533 Ratings
    Active Directory and LDAP9.35 Ratings8.7448 Ratings
    Firewall Management Console9.86 Ratings8.6524 Ratings
    Reporting and Logging8.26 Ratings6.8521 Ratings
    VPN10.06 Ratings8.8514 Ratings
    High Availability10.06 Ratings8.2467 Ratings
    Stateful Inspection9.35 Ratings8.0479 Ratings
    Proxy Server7.01 Ratings7.8344 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    SonicWall NSA SeriesWatchGuard Network Security
    Small Businesses
    pfSense
    Score8.5 out of 10
    SonicWall NSA Series
    Score8.4 out of 10
    Medium-sized Companies
    Barracuda CloudGen Firewall
    Score9.6 out of 10
    Barracuda CloudGen Firewall
    Score9.6 out of 10
    Enterprises
    Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software
    Score9 out of 10
    Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software
    Score9 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    SonicWall NSA SeriesWatchGuard Network Security
    Likelihood to Recommend
    8.2
    (6 ratings)
    8.7
    (555 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.0
    (45 ratings)
    Usability
    8.5
    (2 ratings)
    7.9
    (123 ratings)
    Availability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.9
    (7 ratings)
    Performance
    -
    (0 ratings)
    7.5
    (7 ratings)
    Support Rating
    9.0
    (2 ratings)
    9.4
    (32 ratings)
    In-Person Training
    -
    (0 ratings)
    7.3
    (5 ratings)
    Online Training
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.2
    (3 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.1
    (269 ratings)
    Configurability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.6
    (6 ratings)
    Ease of integration
    -
    (0 ratings)
    6.8
    (5 ratings)
    Product Scalability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.8
    (7 ratings)
    Vendor post-sale
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.1
    (5 ratings)
    Vendor pre-sale
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.3
    (5 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    SonicWall NSA SeriesWatchGuard Network Security
    Likelihood to Recommend
    SonicWall
    This is a higher-end firewall, built for a medium to large business. It handles traffic and scanning and protection well but it would be a bit of a budget-buster and probably overkill for a small to (barely) medium sized business. SonicWall makes SoHo devices for those use cases and they would be more appropriate.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    WatchGuard Technologies
    It's well suited for businesses that want better features than a standard router, but are willing to pay the extra price for the product and someone to configure, set up and maintain the router. It's probably less desirable for home users or very small home offices or unqualified network users.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Pros
    SonicWall
    • Relatively inexpensive compared to some of the higher-end products, like Palo Alto Networks.
    • Easy to set up, as the SonicWall NSA interface is consistent across all models.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cons
    SonicWall
    • Ideal with smaller businesses. Would have to examine for more complex needs of larger businesses.
    • Scalability might be an issue for super large organizations.
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Likelihood to Renew
    SonicWall
    No answers on this topic
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Usability
    SonicWall
    There is room for improvement when it comes to learning the UI, but the UI is overall pretty good. It doesn't take long to learn if you are famaliar with firewalls.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Reliability and Availability
    SonicWall
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Performance
    SonicWall
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Support Rating
    SonicWall
    Most of the time, calling SonicWall NSA Support, you get an expert who can help resolve your issues. RMAs are pretty easy once they determine there is an issue with the hardware. Support is available 24x7, which makes emergency calls easy. The only downside is the support engineers may have thick accents; however, their expertise more than makes up for any language barriers.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    In-Person Training
    SonicWall
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Online Training
    SonicWall
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Implementation Rating
    SonicWall
    No answers on this topic
    WatchGuard Technologies
    WatchGuard Network Security offers varied methods of implementation. Their devices are very easy to set up manually, and for a more automated setup where many devices need to be deployed, they have different offerings like RapidDeploy (prepopulate a config for a specific device in the portal), registering the device's serial number to manage it through cloud services on first boot (including the option to populate a USB stick with basic interface setup if required) and the ability to run your own Management Server and register to be deployed serial numbers, so the device connects to your own hosted management server on first boot.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Alternatives Considered
    SonicWall
    We compared the FortiGate to Sonicwall and continued with Sonicwall as we were a mid-size school where the Sonicwall was performing adequately, and the learning curve was steep to switch platforms. The Sonicwall offered everything the FortiGate did, and was not as costly, both in the appliance and in licensing.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Scalability
    SonicWall
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Return on Investment
    SonicWall
    • Was affordable, allowing for advanced routing and security.
    • Enabled us to build VPNs without purchasing additional services
    • Was simple enough to manage in house without external support.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    WatchGuard Technologies
    • We are blocking about 90% of malicious traffic coming into our network.
    • Our firewall allows us to setup a secondary WAN interface for redundancy.
    • We can isolate issues and determine whether traffic is being dropped outside our network or on the LAN.
    Incentivized
    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