UniFi WiFi Access Points vs. WatchGuard Network Security

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
UniFi WiFi Access Points
Score 9.0 out of 10
N/A
Ubiquiti Networks in San Jose provides the UniFi wi-fi access points. The enterprise products support 1,000+ client capacity, long-range 6 GHz performance, and 10 GbE PoE connectivity with native high availability architecture for critical enterprise environments.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
UniFi WiFi Access PointsWatchGuard Network Security
Editions & Modules
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Support
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Basic Security
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Total Security
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Offerings
Pricing Offerings
UniFi WiFi Access PointsWatchGuard 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
UniFi WiFi Access PointsWatchGuard Network Security
Considered Both Products
UniFi WiFi Access Points
Chose UniFi WiFi Access Points
Unifi trails the competitors in the switch/gateway category but exceeds all competitors in WiFi and IP cameras.
Cisco Meraki equipment is too expensive along with monthly costs. Netgear equipment is fine for simple networks but a small increase in upfront spend will get you …
WatchGuard Network Security
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
We use both Synology and Ubiquiti products and have noticed they offer firewall and security features. We have not considered using their services due to being satisfied with Watchguard. Also, Watchguard is solely based out of the USA. Which is nice. We very much like and …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard Network Security provides the most utility by providing many services on one device and an easy to use interface. WatchGuard Network Security is also very easy to install.
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
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
Implemented WiFi controler
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
I would much prefer utilizing WatchGuard Network Security. When stacked against any Unifi product, WatchGuard Network Security is vastly superior. When compared with Meraki, I have much greater control over WatchGuard Network Security Fireboxes. When compared to fortinet or …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
We found WatchGuard Network Security to provide the best protection and function combined in one device.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
We have also worked a lot with Unifi and their cloud Unifi Cloud. It works well but it feels like a solution for a bit smaller businesses. Some customer have grown out of their Unifi solutions and there WatchGuard Network Security is ready to take over and fill a gap.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
In comparison to Ubiquiti's UniFi system, WatchGuard Network Security allows for a much more developed system simply by nature of the amount of information they make readily available for all users. Answers I'm searching for usually come quickly when looking through …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
pfSense was initially replacing WatchGuard, but then we couldn't get the old Admin password and there was no hardware reset, so removed that from the system. Have Ubiquiti UC-CK in place now as a stop gap until we can upgrade our WatchGuard or our pfSense device.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
After deploying Meraki and SonicWall in our environment, we decided to go with WatchGuard due to the value in cost and ease of deployment when compared to the two. Meraki was relatively more expensive and SonicWall's solutions did not stack up well against the features provided …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
They are very similar in results but Fortinet is way easier to manage. They are equally complex when it comes to managing multiple devices across the globe but Fortinet has a better monitor solution. Also FortiGate has some firewalls capable of Virtual Firewall that helps when …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Performed very well, though had similar learning challenges but due to the similarities of services it was not very difficult to learn.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
We have used Cisco Firewalls and Ubiquiti in the past but we preferred the interface and ease of use of the WatchGuard firewalls. The Cisco devices are complex to configure and leave room for error. The Ubiquiti devices did not have enough features to provide the level of …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard was selected due to product familiarity; their free training courses mean we have all our technicians qualified in their use. Support has always been top-notch. And security is their focus; there's no trying to sell additional HW or add-ons. Although somewhat from …
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] has some facility and feature that hasn't comparisons, for that, I choose WatchGuard [Network Security]
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard's Network Security firewalls offer comparable security and processing capabilities at a cost-effective price point. When comparing the packet handling on DPI, VPN, and simple packet filtering, Watchguard will usually test above the other competitors; especially when …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
We haven't set up the WG cloud interface, but I do enjoy the cloud interface of Ubiquiti is does make programming new devices as well a replacing existing simple. Not having a yearly subscription to receive security updates is also nice.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
We evaluated Ubiquiti security gateways in place of WatchGuard since we use their products for our wifi network. Ultimately, we chose WatchGuard because we felt that each company had its strengths and we wanted to capitalize on those. Ubiquiti makes great wifi products and we …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
We also have a one Security Gateway. Works good for a low end product but doesn't have a lot of features that WatchGuard does.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
I have always found that the WatchGuard device software has been way easier to understand traffic flow, policy management and how its services operate. The System Manager and WebUI have come a long way, and I feel that competitors are lacking those components.
Features
UniFi WiFi Access PointsWatchGuard Network Security
Firewall
Comparison of Firewall features of Product A and Product B
UniFi WiFi Access Points
-
Ratings
WatchGuard Network Security
8.5
511 Ratings
2% below category average
Identification Technologies00 Ratings8.5468 Ratings
Visualization Tools00 Ratings7.6463 Ratings
Content Inspection00 Ratings8.5493 Ratings
Policy-based Controls00 Ratings9.2508 Ratings
Active Directory and LDAP00 Ratings8.5431 Ratings
Firewall Management Console00 Ratings8.3499 Ratings
Reporting and Logging00 Ratings8.1495 Ratings
VPN00 Ratings9.1489 Ratings
High Availability00 Ratings8.8444 Ratings
Stateful Inspection00 Ratings8.6456 Ratings
Proxy Server00 Ratings8.3329 Ratings
Best Alternatives
UniFi WiFi Access PointsWatchGuard Network Security
Small Businesses
WatchGuard Secure Wi-Fi Cloud
WatchGuard Secure Wi-Fi Cloud
Score 9.1 out of 10
pfSense
pfSense
Score 8.8 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points (discontinued)
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points (discontinued)
Score 9.8 out of 10
Quantum Firewalls and Security Gateways
Quantum Firewalls and Security Gateways
Score 9.3 out of 10
Enterprises
Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
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 9.2 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
UniFi WiFi Access PointsWatchGuard Network Security
Likelihood to Recommend
9.0
(51 ratings)
8.5
(526 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(39 ratings)
Usability
9.0
(5 ratings)
8.4
(120 ratings)
Availability
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(6 ratings)
Performance
-
(0 ratings)
8.1
(6 ratings)
Support Rating
2.4
(7 ratings)
9.4
(30 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
7.3
(5 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(3 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
8.7
(266 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
8.8
(5 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
7.6
(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
UniFi WiFi Access PointsWatchGuard Network Security
Likelihood to Recommend
Ubiquiti Networks
I love the equipment for small-scale commercial solutions and quality without the price tag. I might not recommend their products for a large organization with multiple locations and servers. However, the GUI interface will allow remote access and setup across the network. I think this is a great solution for small businesses and families or home office solutions, provided there is some IT knowledge for setup and maintenance.
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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
Ubiquiti Networks
  • Ubiquti WLAN is very easy on setup for fast deployment.
  • The monitoring software is offered at different level. Cloudkey, or just throwing up their free controller on a PC somewhere.
  • It also does a great job of publishing timely updates to firmware, and addressing bug issues.
  • The ease of the interface, without adding a bunch of fluff, makes this literally the best out there in my opinion.
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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
Ubiquiti Networks
  • Initial configuration of access points can be rather tricky. Each one I have installed was a complete pain to get setup and connected with the UniFi Controller software. I never worked out what causes me problems, but thankfully once I've stumbled through the correct procedure, it does work completely reliably after that, for years on end.
  • The UniFi Controller software will nag you to share usage data. When offered to opt-in, I choose not to do so, but you'll eventually be nagged again on a future login.
  • Some of the 'tooltips' within the Controller software could be more informative.
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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
Ubiquiti Networks
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
Ubiquiti Networks
Ubiquiti makes great Access points at various tiers provided far better coverage and throughput than consumer-grade wireless repeaters and routers. We have not had any performance complaints from guests or from the administration who use the wifi on a daily basis.
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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
Ubiquiti Networks
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
Ubiquiti Networks
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
Ubiquiti Networks
Ubiquiti support is minimal, which is said to help decrease the cost of the equipment. However, with many reports of emails going directly to the Ubiquiti support line taking days to hear a response, you're better off either engaging with the community forums for help from fellow UniFi users or reaching out to a reseller that has training on the equipment that can assist.
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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
Ubiquiti Networks
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
Ubiquiti Networks
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
Ubiquiti Networks
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
Ubiquiti Networks
Ubiquiti is overall easier to work with. There is no special training needed to accomplish many of the things required with a Cisco product. Since my time is stretched thin, I need something that I can manage without being weighed down by command-line communications. Also, I am able to use my wireless devices to maintain every Ubiquiti device on my network.
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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
Ubiquiti Networks
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
Ubiquiti Networks
  • Can't say it enough, prices are awesome, so ROI is very high IMHO.
  • Remote cloud management allows me to service more clients at greater distances.
  • Project estimates become much more attractive when you can show the savings vs more expensive solutions.
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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

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