SonicWall TZ vs. WatchGuard Network Security

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
SonicWall TZ
Score 8.7 out of 10
N/A
SonicWall TZ is a NGFW for small to mid-sized companies. It is a Unified Threat Management solution, with additional native decryption and deep-packet inspection capabilities.
$414.04
per month
WatchGuard Network Security
Score 9.3 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
SonicWall TZWatchGuard Network Security
Editions & Modules
SonicWall TZ270 High Availability
$329.60
SonicWall TZ270 (hardware only)
$414.04
SonicWall TZ370 High Availability
$493.04
SonicWall TZ270 Wireless-AC (hardware only)
$502.57
SonicWall TZ370 (hardware only)
$618.34
SonicWall TZ270 TotalSecure - Essential Edition (1 Year)
$689.16
SonicWall TZ370 Wireless-AC (hardware only)
$708.23
SonicWall TZ270 TotalSecure - Advanced Edition (1 Year)
$769.52
SonicWall TZ470 High Availability
$776.33
SonicWall TZ270 Wireless-AC TotalSecure - Essential Edition (1 Year)
$796.76
SonicWall TZ270 Wireless-AC TotalSecure - Advanced Edition (1 Year)
$930.24
SonicWall TZ370 TotalSecure - Essential Edition (1 Year)
$973.82
SonicWall TZ470 (hardware only)
$973.82
SonicWall TZ570 High Availability (HA) Unit
$988.80
SonicWall TZ470 Wireless-AC (hardware only)
$1063.71
SonicWall TZ370 TotalSecure - Advanced Edition (1 Year)
$1085.50
SonicWall TZ370 Wireless-AC TotalSecure - Essential Edition (1 Year)
$1107.29
SonicWall TZ370 Wireless-AC TotalSecure - Advanced Edition (1 Year)
$1232.60
SonicWall TZ570
$1240.77
SonicWall TZ670 High Availability (HA) Unit
$1273.46
SonicWall TZ570 Wireless-AC
$1356.54
SonicWall TZ570 with 8x5 Support (1 Year)
$1450.51
SonicWall TZ570 Wireless-AC with 8x5 Support (1 Year)
$1588.07
SonicWall TZ470 TotalSecure - Essential Edition (1 Year)
$1596.25
SonicWall TZ670
$1596.25
SonicWall TZ470 Wireless-AC TotalSecure - Essential Edition (1 Year)
$1729.72
SonicWall TZ470 TotalSecure - Advanced Edition (1 Year)
$1805.99
SonicWall TZ670 with 8x5 Support (1 Year)
$1867.28
SonicWall TZ470 Wireless-AC TotalSecure - Advanced Edition (1 Year)
$1876.82
SonicWall TZ570 TotalSecure - Essential Edition (1 Year)
$2006.20
SonicWall TZ570 Wireless-AC TotalSecure - Essential Edition (1 Year)
$2192.80
SonicWall TZ570 TotalSecure - Advanced Edition (1 Year)
$2200.97
SonicWall TZ570 Wireless-AC TotalSecure - Advanced Edition (1 Year)
$2442.04
SonicWall TZ670 TotalSecure - Essential Edition (1 Year)
$2574.15
SonicWall TZ670 TotalSecure - Advanced Edition (1 Year)
$2868.34
Support
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Basic Security
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Total Security
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Offerings
Pricing Offerings
SonicWall TZWatchGuard Network Security
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional DetailsSee pricing link for TZ Series (Gen6) editions. All prices have been converted from pounds. Conversion rates may change.
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
SonicWall TZWatchGuard Network Security
Considered Both Products
SonicWall TZ
Chose SonicWall TZ
SonicWall and WatchGuard are both fine appliances, but I am accustomed to the Barracuda NG. The Barracuda Control Center is so powerful and useful that it beats out the other two. SonicWall does a great job of dividing up firewall rules and NAT policies, but this is a …
WatchGuard Network Security
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
We use SonicWall TZ boxes in our small branch offices for their simplicity and low cost and Watchguard in our larger head office due to its scalability, we find both products work well together when configuring WAN's using branch office VPN's.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
While I truly believe all of the products can provide a suitable solution, I had previous experience with SonicWall TZ and was less than impressed. Fortinet was extremely expensive and I couldn't justify the additional cost. Again, WatchGuard's centralized Cloud solution …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard is hands down better, from state side service, to pricing and performance in most cases, to ease of management.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard is better than other firewalls I have used. Simpler, faster and less headaches all around.
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 …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
It happens to need to interact with or manage other vendors' products when it's not possible to change immediately: WatchGuard systems are easier to configure and manage.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
We used Sonicwall appliances for a number of years and, generally speaking, found them ok to work with except for in two areas. Sonicwall's seem to make even simple tasks complex to complete, creating opportunities for missed steps and headaches. We also found that the …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Easier administration generates massive positive ROI vs competitors. Fundamental technologies are competitive,and strategic, they had an affordable MFA'd VPN solution (AuthPoint) out, before we / our customers were ready for it.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard was much easier to implement and once I switched to WatchGuard I have never looked back. The Technical Support is much better than Sonicwall and I think both the WebUI and the WSM are much easier to use. The initial setup was not easy, but after that, it became …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
for the other vendors that I have used setting up policies can be a nightmare, what should be simple some have made complex.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
We have found that WatchGuard provide better support and has been more responsive than SonicWall. We have had issues in the past where vendors approach our clients directly to renew subscriptions, but this has never occurred with WatchGuard and they have fully supported us …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard [Network Security] is far superior to all SonicWall products I've used.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
All around appliance with attractive cost and maintenance expense. Easy setup for simple or simpler networks with limited sites and remote users. Complex network configuration could be challenging.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
We like WatchGuard for its reliability and uptime. They really are 'set and forget. Although from a configuration perspective we do prefer Sonicwall and Fortinet even more so. Once deployed we use the Dimension solution in most cases to manage the devices and to create …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
We are a former partner of Sonciwall but we had switched to Watchguard [Network Security] because his policy selling is more clear for us and our client. All the services available every day are reliable and affordable and the renewal is easy. The possibility of trade up and …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Overall, the two products are very comparable to one another. In the end, it came down to throughput vs cost. WatchGuard [Network Security] came in at around half the cost for the device that provided the amount of throughput that we needed. All of the other features were neck …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Primary reasons we selected WatchGuard were:
- Easy to use
- Feature-rich
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Only Cisco has a system like TDR, and it requires a server be set up (where WatchGuard has cloud servers in place).
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard devices are so much easier to use than SonicWall devices. I find SWs to be obtuse and require a lot of extra clicking/navigating to accomplish the same tasks. The Total Security Suite that is available for WatchGuard is simply unparalleled in a cost-to-features ratio.
Top Pros
Top Cons
Features
SonicWall TZWatchGuard Network Security
Firewall
Comparison of Firewall features of Product A and Product B
SonicWall TZ
8.4
9 Ratings
1% below category average
WatchGuard Network Security
8.9
308 Ratings
5% above category average
Identification Technologies9.09 Ratings9.0280 Ratings
Visualization Tools7.68 Ratings8.0281 Ratings
Content Inspection7.99 Ratings9.0300 Ratings
Policy-based Controls8.09 Ratings9.3307 Ratings
Active Directory and LDAP8.79 Ratings9.0262 Ratings
Firewall Management Console10.09 Ratings9.0303 Ratings
Reporting and Logging7.29 Ratings8.3298 Ratings
VPN10.09 Ratings9.3294 Ratings
High Availability7.99 Ratings9.1270 Ratings
Stateful Inspection7.99 Ratings9.1281 Ratings
Proxy Server8.07 Ratings9.0205 Ratings
Best Alternatives
SonicWall TZWatchGuard Network Security
Small Businesses
WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard Network Security
Score 9.3 out of 10
SonicWall TZ
SonicWall TZ
Score 8.7 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard Network Security
Score 9.3 out of 10
Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Score 9.2 out of 10
Enterprises
Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Score 9.2 out of 10
Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Score 9.2 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
SonicWall TZWatchGuard Network Security
Likelihood to Recommend
9.0
(15 ratings)
9.2
(321 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
9.7
(27 ratings)
Usability
-
(0 ratings)
9.6
(112 ratings)
Availability
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(1 ratings)
Performance
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(1 ratings)
Support Rating
9.5
(13 ratings)
6.5
(28 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
9.4
(4 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
8.5
(3 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
9.4
(343 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
7.3
(1 ratings)
Product Scalability
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(1 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(1 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(1 ratings)
User Testimonials
SonicWall TZWatchGuard Network Security
Likelihood to Recommend
SonicWall
Based on my experience, this is a solid platform for a small to mid sized company, especially when there is someone who has IT experience, or can get outsourced IT help. I would not recommend for someone who is a technology novice. Also, this is a competent device for someone who is looking to add VPN services for remote workers.
Read full review
WatchGuard Technologies
Well-Suited Scenarios:
  • Organizations that require a comprehensive and integrated approach to network security, including multiple layers of defense, threat intelligence, and advanced analytics.
  • Organizations that have a distributed network infrastructure with multiple locations and remote workers, and require secure VPN connectivity.
Less appropriate: Small businesses with limited budgets and basic security needs Organizations that requir a highly customizable and flexible security solution may find Watchguard is not as customizable as some other solutions on the market
Read full review
Pros
SonicWall
  • If you have multiple sites and you want the connect the sites through secure medium this is best firewall for you.
  • There are very advanced features helps you to connect the device easily and securely.
  • Easy to connect the sites through advanced routing protocols.
Read full review
WatchGuard Technologies
  • Intuitive and easy to use management of firebox devices, tasks that can be overly complicated with other vendors are simple and easy to manage with Watchguards
  • Quiet and efficient network devices for small businesses. The T range of fireboxes is perfectly suited for small businesses providing a secure experience in a neat package.
  • Watchguard fireboxes provide a seamless experience across the whole range meaning you can create a policy on a smaller Tbox and then if you decide to upgrade the policy and settings can be seamlessly imported into a larger model.
Read full review
Cons
SonicWall
  • management is confusing has many items that could be improved to facilitate the work to the network administrator
  • in the diagnostic tool I would improve the response times, that is, if a ping test is required, it should be quick, since in cases of failures it is sought to minimize the impact as much as possible.
  • each function has a different license item, I would place a single license package for all team functions
Read full review
WatchGuard Technologies
  • For those who would like top level security and deployment of their security and protection, I would recommend easier quicker to use interfaces for users at smaller companies that do not have the experience with the provided services, so they can better utilize and deploy the software/equipment.
  • Have easy to understand, easy to access tutorials from the web interface to help new users and non IT Professionals to use the services provided.
  • Streamline the interface more to allow for easier understanding for all users, appealing to others so they feel less intimidated by the interaction with your services goes far, especially with smaller companies who have owners who want to know, have basic understanding of managing it, especially if they do not have an IT Professional or IT Consultant readily on staff. Not every company even knows they need this kind of protection, and trying to explain it to them, with the very technical and unique lexicon of words Information Technology and Security provides does at times prove to be difficult.
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Likelihood to Renew
SonicWall
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
I'm giving this note to WatchGuard Network Security due to its ease of daily support (after acquiring necessary knowledge in the solution), which allows agility in configuration changes, its integration of several reliable security features (such as SSL VPN, VPN Virtual Interfaces between companies, and others) and functional and stability in operation, with no downtime in the equipment due to problems or malfunctions
Read full review
Usability
SonicWall
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
WatchGuard Network Security firewalls have a very convenient way of managing them. Their live logging makes it very easy to quickly monitor traffic and see what's going on and what changes might be needed to be done to get something to work. In most cases, it was the WatchGuard Network Security logging that helped us find an issue when getting the device to work with a competitor's device (i.e. setting up VPN) because the other side lacked easy-to-understand yet detailed debug information.
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Reliability and Availability
SonicWall
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
Applications errors should always be expected in any kind of technology. What matters most is the way you find to resolve it.
Read full review
Performance
SonicWall
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
Compared to another platform (not NGFW native), WatchGuard's performance runs fine and do not slow down user browsing experience
Read full review
Support Rating
SonicWall
I have used the SonicWall TZ 350 for years and I can say that it is an excellent and complete firewall. It is easy to configure and administer because it has a friendly interface. It is safe, it offers several types of security features, VPN, and also protection against malware. Support and warranty also recommended. It's fast and the problem was solved in less than 1 day.
Read full review
WatchGuard Technologies
For something that is considered business critical they should be far more responsive. Security isn't something to take lightly in today's work environment and so long as its working you are happy. But when it doesn't and you need that professional assistance, they weren't always there and I ultimately resolved my issues with the help of Google.
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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.
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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.
Read full review
Implementation Rating
SonicWall
No answers on this topic
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.
Read full review
Alternatives Considered
SonicWall
SonicWall and WatchGuard are both fine appliances, but I am accustomed to the Barracuda NG. The Barracuda Control Center is so powerful and useful that it beats out the other two. SonicWall does a great job of dividing up firewall rules and NAT policies, but this is a preference among engineers.
Read full review
WatchGuard Technologies
We use SonicWall TZ boxes in our small branch offices for their simplicity and low cost and Watchguard in our larger head office due to its scalability, we find both products work well together when configuring WAN's using branch office VPN's.
Read full review
Scalability
SonicWall
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
The entire organization didn't face any trouble to integrate the technology into our workforce.
Read full review
Return on Investment
SonicWall
  • VPN access allowed employees to be more flexible and being able to get internal resources from anywhere.
  • Lower licensing price compared to competitors saved some money.
  • Protecting from unnecessary connections increased performance and uptime.
  • One of the firmware versions caused CPU performance degradation that slowed down the Internet speed which caused issues in the call center.
Read full review
WatchGuard Technologies
  • WatchGuard Network Security gives us peace of mind that networks are safe allowing ourselves and our clients to fully focus on their core business.
  • WatchGuard security runs with minimal oversite.
  • WatchGuard Network Security reporting allows an easy overview of security performance without being overloaded with less helpful information.
Read full review
ScreenShots

WatchGuard Network Security Screenshots

Screenshot of Subscription DashboardScreenshot of Subscriber Device SummaryScreenshot of Subscription DashboardScreenshot of Executive Dashboard