Sophos Firewall vs. WatchGuard Network Security

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Sophos Firewall
Score 8.7 out of 10
N/A
Sophos XG Firewall provides comprehensive next-generation firewall protection powered by deep learning and Synchronized Security. Sophos Firewall supplies insights and exposes hidden user, application, and threat risks on the network, and say the product is differentiated by its ability to respond automatically to security incidents by isolating compromised systems, with Security Heartbeat™.N/A
WatchGuard Network Security
Score 8.8 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
Sophos FirewallWatchGuard 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
Sophos FirewallWatchGuard Network Security
Free Trial
YesNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Sophos FirewallWatchGuard Network Security
Considered Both Products
Sophos Firewall

No answer on this topic

WatchGuard Network Security
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
they implemented AI features to their services and devices, but they lack of options to act as a backup appliance that have less complicated functions and setup progress
so WatchGuard Network Security have these as advantages
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
i did not, i feel like watchguard is budget firewall but better than home firewall
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
I liked Sophos web interface, mainly because it was what I learned on. But WatchGuard made it easy for me to switch and learn. As far as the product, Fireboxes have been significantly more reliable.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Mature product offering and competitive pricing, although some other brands offer very seductive swap options where the firewall is almost free when purchasing the highest tier security solution for 3 years. This has affected our decision, especially at end of life. When we …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
It's not bad, it's got exceptional. It's an excellent option in the small business market. Less so as the company grows larger and the complexity and requirements increase. It's an ok product without any huge glaring weaknesses. That said, there are better products and …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Based on bang for dollar, WatchGuard Network Security fits our business needs and budget.
Only drawback was integrations with other security solutions.
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
reliability. a lot of time, other products, crash after updates. cluster members fail after reboot.Rules not works properly or stop working until you reboot the device.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard provides a cost competitive product stack against all their main competitors, in many cases coming in cheaper, with a more impressive feature set. The range of models available allows you to match the right sized appliance to any office.
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
The WatchGuard Network Security suite comes in at a very competitive price point, with a model that matches every size of site. The feature set is rich, and all integrates really well. With both on-prem (WSM) and cloud management options, you can use the product suite in …
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
Primary reasons we selected WatchGuard were:
- Easy to use
- Feature-rich
Features
Sophos FirewallWatchGuard Network Security
Firewall
Comparison of Firewall features of Product A and Product B
Sophos Firewall
9.2
14 Ratings
6% above category average
WatchGuard Network Security
8.6
511 Ratings
1% below category average
Identification Technologies9.114 Ratings8.6468 Ratings
Visualization Tools8.914 Ratings7.7463 Ratings
Content Inspection9.114 Ratings8.5493 Ratings
Policy-based Controls9.314 Ratings9.2508 Ratings
Active Directory and LDAP9.213 Ratings8.5431 Ratings
Firewall Management Console9.514 Ratings8.4499 Ratings
Reporting and Logging8.914 Ratings8.1495 Ratings
VPN8.814 Ratings9.1489 Ratings
High Availability9.314 Ratings8.9444 Ratings
Stateful Inspection9.214 Ratings8.6456 Ratings
Proxy Server9.611 Ratings8.3329 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Sophos FirewallWatchGuard Network Security
Small Businesses
pfSense
pfSense
Score 8.8 out of 10
pfSense
pfSense
Score 8.8 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Quantum Firewalls and Security Gateways
Quantum Firewalls and Security Gateways
Score 9.3 out of 10
Quantum Firewalls and Security Gateways
Quantum Firewalls and Security Gateways
Score 9.3 out of 10
Enterprises
Palo Alto Networks Virtualized Next-Generation Firewalls - VM Series
Palo Alto Networks Virtualized Next-Generation Firewalls - VM Series
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
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Sophos FirewallWatchGuard Network Security
Likelihood to Recommend
9.4
(14 ratings)
8.6
(526 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
8.0
(39 ratings)
Usability
9.7
(5 ratings)
8.3
(120 ratings)
Availability
-
(0 ratings)
8.9
(6 ratings)
Performance
-
(0 ratings)
8.0
(6 ratings)
Support Rating
9.1
(2 ratings)
9.5
(30 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
7.3
(5 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(3 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
8.6
(266 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
8.8
(5 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
7.4
(5 ratings)
Product Scalability
-
(0 ratings)
8.6
(6 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
-
(0 ratings)
9.3
(4 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
-
(0 ratings)
9.3
(4 ratings)
User Testimonials
Sophos FirewallWatchGuard Network Security
Likelihood to Recommend
Sophos
It is well-suited for small, medium, and large organizations looking for comprehensive cybersecurity protection. It will not only safeguard their network from cyberattacks but also provide them with many advanced features like deep packet inspection, centralized management, web filtering, application control, etc. in one place. It will help them optimize bandwidth and ensure continued connectivity.
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WatchGuard Technologies
We recently had an issue with our Microsoft patch management that resulted in severely high bandwidth usage. We reached out to Microsoft, for support, which was useless. WatchGuard Network Security helped us create a firewall rule to fix the image the same day. Customer support is US centric and quick to respond. Support team is very friendly and knowledgeable.
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Pros
Sophos
  • Web filtering. This allows us to monitor web usage and block certain categories from being access at the perimeter.
  • Application Control. With application control we can block certain applications that get categorized from working accessing the Internet.
  • Synchronized Security. When utilizing the Sophos Endpoint product you can use Synchronized Security to minimize Lateral Movement in a network. If a machine is shows a Red status you can auto-isolate it and it is unable to communicate with anything else on the network.
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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.
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Cons
Sophos
  • If using Endpoint security and the Firewall it would be nice to have an easier back and forth between the portals rather than have two separate tabs open. Especially if using more than one in multiple locations.
  • If dealing with different revisions options are moved around and sometimes in places that doesn't normally seem like they should be there.
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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
Sophos
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
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Usability
Sophos
Because this is a user-friendly interface, and anyone can use it there are multiple articles and guidelines available, it has advanced-level security features. they provide VPN solutions all the features are very practical, SSID MAC-based authentications web control, Firewall rules segregation of the rules and policies, On-premises Active directory single sign-on feature is also available.
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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
Sophos
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
Sophos
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
Sophos
As we are all addicted to graphics-oriented interfaces for all our life products. Easy to manage and access as a good way of using anything
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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
Sophos
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
Sophos
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
Sophos
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.
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Alternatives Considered
Sophos
I was a big fan of Cisco ASA products, but when I saw all of the security feature differences between both firewalls, I moved to Sophos devices. Its sandbox, IPS, and many more features are really advanced. Cisco does not provide features like this.
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WatchGuard Technologies
WatchGuard is what I use exclusively now. I have removed all other firewalls. WatchGuard is easier to maintain and easier to set up, PLUS WatchGuard Tech Support is very responsive and helpful. I am very familiar with both the System Management software and the Web-based access to the firewalls, and feel comfortable with the programming and troubleshooting in both areas.
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Scalability
Sophos
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
Sophos
  • True UTM device.
  • Very Active customer help for any help.
  • Easy license and cost effective.
  • Should [do] more work on logging and reporting.
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WatchGuard Technologies
  • WatchGuard is a well-established company in the industry, and we are confident in its security solutions.
  • This solution meets/exceeds our security objectives for CMMC and the DoD standards.
  • I wish their cloud management were much stronger and provided more features similar to those of Meraki. If it did, we would exclusively sell these devices.
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ScreenShots

Sophos Firewall Screenshots

Screenshot of Sophos Firewall v17.5 Control Center

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