SonicWall TZ vs. WatchGuard Network Security

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
SonicWall TZ
Score 8.1 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 8.9 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
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 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
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.
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 …
Top Pros
Top Cons
Features
SonicWall TZWatchGuard Network Security
Firewall
Comparison of Firewall features of Product A and Product B
SonicWall TZ
8.3
9 Ratings
2% below category average
WatchGuard Network Security
8.6
402 Ratings
1% above category average
Identification Technologies9.09 Ratings8.6367 Ratings
Visualization Tools7.58 Ratings7.7364 Ratings
Content Inspection7.79 Ratings8.6387 Ratings
Policy-based Controls8.09 Ratings8.7400 Ratings
Active Directory and LDAP8.89 Ratings8.5337 Ratings
Firewall Management Console10.09 Ratings8.6394 Ratings
Reporting and Logging6.99 Ratings8.1391 Ratings
VPN10.09 Ratings8.9384 Ratings
High Availability7.79 Ratings8.6346 Ratings
Stateful Inspection7.79 Ratings9.0361 Ratings
Proxy Server8.07 Ratings9.0258 Ratings
Best Alternatives
SonicWall TZWatchGuard Network Security
Small Businesses
pfSense
pfSense
Score 9.2 out of 10
pfSense
pfSense
Score 9.2 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Score 9.3 out of 10
Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Score 9.3 out of 10
Enterprises
Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Score 9.3 out of 10
Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Score 9.3 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
SonicWall TZWatchGuard Network Security
Likelihood to Recommend
8.0
(16 ratings)
8.8
(416 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
9.7
(32 ratings)
Usability
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(114 ratings)
Availability
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(2 ratings)
Performance
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(2 ratings)
Support Rating
9.6
(7 ratings)
2.6
(26 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
9.2
(4 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(3 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
9.4
(263 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
7.3
(1 ratings)
Product Scalability
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(2 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
I can't think of any place where WatchGuard isn't well suited, unless the customer is cheap. I have used WatchGuard devices in a two person office up to enterprise environments. Because they are not overly complicated to use, I prefer them to a name brand I'm not willing to mention, but most will know.
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
  • Help with a better solution for working with MS Exchange on-prem so that we can secure the ECP and OWA from the outside without losing functionality for active sync for cell phones and such.
  • Even more affordable smaller boxes for home use.
  • Built-in ways to handle the newer network protocols/features such as QUIC protocols that services like google are using so that we don't have to block all of that type of traffic just to be able to block youtube from loading for users that we don't want using it.
Read full review
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
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
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
WatchGuard works seemlessly and so in the background you don't realize it's there until you need it!
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
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
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.
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
At 3 of my locations I use both a Sonic Wall and a watch guard. In my experience, the sonic wall has a much better interface. I feel it was much easier for someone that has never accessed a fire wall to be able to make changes and learn very quickly. I feel the Watchguard has better built in applications and the VPN was easier to use and access.
Read full review
Scalability
SonicWall
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
We scaled it exactly as we needed it to be! Easy, money-saving, and we didn't end up with features or options that we'd never use or worry about.
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
  • The VPNs are very easy to configure, less time to loose at new implementation.
  • The traffic monitor can be improved, I can't see the ISO layers to do a faster diagnosis.
  • Having an ADDS authentication is a plus, can use it with rules and vpn for remote access. Very useful.
  • The dimension feature can be developed as a website + database for NGINX, Apache2, IIS, etc., I feel traped on that linux vm only.
  • Most of the customers doesn't like to pay for a solution like this. They will accept only after beign attacked. WatchGuard can improve the sales with a demo (hacking, active security, etc.).
Read full review
ScreenShots

WatchGuard Network Security Screenshots

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