SonicWall TZ vs. WatchGuard Network Security

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
SonicWall TZ
Score 7.3 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 8.6 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 TZ is good at some things but overall I would pick Fortinet and UDM-Pro appliances most of the time and their VPN solution does not require paid license. Interface more modern and intuitive. Overall, better bang for your buck.
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
Our tech had previous experience with WatchGuard Network Security and the Fortinet devices we were using weren't functioning to the standards we needed them to. As costs have increased with WatchGuard Network Security and across the board, we are looking for a different vendor …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
We are moving away from WatchGuard Network Security due to issues with Web interface and more cloud possibilities with the competitors.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
I haven't selected WatchGuard over SonicWall. These devices were already installed in the environment when I arrived. I had to learn to set up and configure WatchGuard products, and I did not enjoy the process.
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
Compared to the meraki that I've worked with in the past, I like that I'm not paying Cisco tax and there is a lot more functionality with WG. For me, the Sophos Hardware is not hefty enough to handle their OS because the UI is so slow. Ubiquiti doesn't even compete and …
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
The log and rules are very useful than other products
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
I find the WatchGuard products easier to configure than the similar SonicWall and Cisco products. I would rather spend time securing the rest of my network, than trying to get a network setup with the non-WatchGuard devices. SonicWall is not that complex either, but I trust …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
SonicWall devices have some of the same features as WatchGuard Network Security but I feel the interface is harder to navigate. Also they do not have the management app available to manage their devices so the only option is the web client.
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
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
Simply better support and easier to use
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
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.
Top Pros
Top Cons
Features
SonicWall TZWatchGuard Network Security
Firewall
Comparison of Firewall features of Product A and Product B
SonicWall TZ
5.6
11 Ratings
40% below category average
WatchGuard Network Security
8.3
455 Ratings
2% below category average
Identification Technologies7.011 Ratings8.3416 Ratings
Visualization Tools7.010 Ratings7.4413 Ratings
Content Inspection6.011 Ratings8.2439 Ratings
Policy-based Controls4.511 Ratings8.6452 Ratings
Active Directory and LDAP5.511 Ratings8.1383 Ratings
Firewall Management Console5.011 Ratings8.1445 Ratings
Reporting and Logging5.511 Ratings8.1442 Ratings
VPN5.511 Ratings8.9436 Ratings
High Availability5.010 Ratings8.7394 Ratings
Stateful Inspection6.011 Ratings8.7408 Ratings
Proxy Server5.08 Ratings8.6295 Ratings
Best Alternatives
SonicWall TZWatchGuard Network Security
Small Businesses
pfSense
pfSense
Score 9.6 out of 10
pfSense
pfSense
Score 9.6 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
pfSense
pfSense
Score 9.6 out of 10
pfSense
pfSense
Score 9.6 out of 10
Enterprises
Sophos UTM
Sophos UTM
Score 9.2 out of 10
Sophos UTM
Sophos UTM
Score 9.2 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
SonicWall TZWatchGuard Network Security
Likelihood to Recommend
7.3
(18 ratings)
8.3
(470 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
8.5
(35 ratings)
Usability
6.0
(2 ratings)
8.7
(117 ratings)
Availability
-
(0 ratings)
9.6
(3 ratings)
Performance
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(3 ratings)
Support Rating
6.0
(8 ratings)
8.5
(28 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(4 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(3 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
9.5
(263 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(2 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(2 ratings)
Product Scalability
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(3 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(2 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(2 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
WatchGuard Network Security is well suited for everyone's needs but isn't well suited for a price conscience consume. They are overpriced for what they are and have a semi enclosed licensing model, so it's hard to use them after their 5-year life cycle has expired. You are forced into another model once your device is EOL even if the device is more than what you need hardware wise.
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
  • 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
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
  • Sometimes, it is not very intuitive. You'll not know how to use certain features unless you read the documentation.
  • Some settings in the firebox are not visible unless you enter edit mode. This can cause inadvertent issues if you make a change when you just want to review the settings.
  • The use of blocks in the design of the Firewatch interface can be confusing. A better design could have been used.
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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
Very easy to use and setup. The VPN features just work without having to fuss with them. The ability to use IPSEC or SSL VPN types is nice.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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
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.
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.
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
I honestly feel they're best in class, I've used other platforms but when it comes to comprehensive security I don't think they offer as many features, or the level of security that we needed. Again the support has been excellent for us too, and keeping our firewalls up to date has proven simple and pretty straight forward.
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.
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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
  • Increased Productivity - uptime has greatly increased form old system. I believe the percentage would be a decrease in downtime of 35 to 40 percent.
  • Compliance and regulatory ROI has helped financially offering the WatchGuard Network Security setup for protection to our insurance company. This proof of security has saved us thousands of dollars on our liability insurance.
  • On the negative side - Performance overhead when implementing deep packet inspection and VPN encryption effect performance of WatchGuard Network Security.
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