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UniFi WiFi Access Points vs. WatchGuard Network Security

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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    UniFi WiFi Access Points

    Score8.9 out of 10
    N/AUbiquiti 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

    Score8.8 out of 10
    N/AWatchGuard 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
    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
    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
    Ubiquiti Networks
    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 …
    Incentivized
    WatchGuard Technologies
    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 …
    Incentivized
    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.
    Incentivized
    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 …
    Incentivized
    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.
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    Implemented WiFi controler
    Incentivized
    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 …
    Incentivized
    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 …
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    We found WatchGuard Network Security to provide the best protection and function combined in one device.
    Incentivized
    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.
    Incentivized
    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 …
    Incentivized
    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.
    Incentivized
    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 …
    Incentivized
    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 …
    Incentivized
    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.
    Incentivized
    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 …
    Incentivized
    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 …
    Incentivized
    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 …
    Incentivized
    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.
    Incentivized
    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 …
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    WatchGuard [Network Security] has some facility and feature that hasn't comparisons, for that, I choose WatchGuard [Network Security]
    Incentivized
    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.
    Incentivized
    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 …
    Incentivized
    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.
    Incentivized
    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.
    Incentivized
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    85%
    Would buy again
    33 Answers
    96%
    Would buy again
    423 Answers
    Delivers good value for the price
    95%
    Delivers good value for the price
    36 Answers
    96%
    Delivers good value for the price
    407 Answers
    Happy with the feature set
    87%
    Happy with the feature set
    34 Answers
    98%
    Happy with the feature set
    432 Answers
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    84%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    31 Answers
    95%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    362 Answers
    Implementation went as expected
    87%
    Implementation went as expected
    34 Answers
    97%
    Implementation went as expected
    401 Answers
    Features
    UniFi WiFi Access PointsWatchGuard Network Security
    Firewall
    Comparison of Firewall features of UniFi WiFi Access Points and WatchGuard Network Security
    Feature
    UniFi WiFi Access Points
    -
    Ratings
    WatchGuard Network Security
    8.1
    537 Ratings
    6% below category average
    Identification Technologies00 Ratings8.4493 Ratings
    Visualization Tools00 Ratings6.9485 Ratings
    Content Inspection00 Ratings8.3517 Ratings
    Policy-based Controls00 Ratings8.9533 Ratings
    Active Directory and LDAP00 Ratings8.7448 Ratings
    Firewall Management Console00 Ratings8.6524 Ratings
    Reporting and Logging00 Ratings6.8521 Ratings
    VPN00 Ratings8.8514 Ratings
    High Availability00 Ratings8.2467 Ratings
    Stateful Inspection00 Ratings8.0479 Ratings
    Proxy Server00 Ratings7.8344 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    UniFi WiFi Access PointsWatchGuard Network Security
    Small Businesses
    WatchGuard Secure Wi-Fi Cloud
    Score9.1 out of 10
    SonicWall NSA Series
    Score8.4 out of 10
    Medium-sized Companies
    Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points (discontinued)
    Score8.5 out of 10
    Barracuda CloudGen Firewall
    Score9.6 out of 10
    Enterprises
    Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
    Score9.2 out of 10
    Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software
    Score9 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    UniFi WiFi Access PointsWatchGuard Network Security
    Likelihood to Recommend
    9.0
    (51 ratings)
    8.7
    (555 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.0
    (45 ratings)
    Usability
    9.0
    (5 ratings)
    7.9
    (123 ratings)
    Availability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.9
    (7 ratings)
    Performance
    -
    (0 ratings)
    7.5
    (7 ratings)
    Support Rating
    2.4
    (7 ratings)
    9.4
    (32 ratings)
    In-Person Training
    -
    (0 ratings)
    7.3
    (5 ratings)
    Online Training
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.2
    (3 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.1
    (269 ratings)
    Configurability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.6
    (6 ratings)
    Ease of integration
    -
    (0 ratings)
    6.8
    (5 ratings)
    Product Scalability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.8
    (7 ratings)
    Vendor post-sale
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.1
    (5 ratings)
    Vendor pre-sale
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.3
    (5 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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    WatchGuard Technologies
    It's well suited for businesses that want better features than a standard router, but are willing to pay the extra price for the product and someone to configure, set up and maintain the router. It's probably less desirable for home users or very small home offices or unqualified network users.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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.
    Incentivized
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Likelihood to Renew
    Ubiquiti Networks
    No answers on this topic
    WatchGuard Technologies
    We have been renewing and purchasing new equipment for the last 20 years. This is because the equipment is easy to use and manage and also quite affordable. Compared to other products, Watchguard just works and has not had the issues with device security seen in other products. They have been a reliable partner.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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.
    Incentivized
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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.
    Incentivized
    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
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Implementation Rating
    Ubiquiti Networks
    No answers on this topic
    WatchGuard Technologies
    WatchGuard Network Security offers varied methods of implementation. Their devices are very easy to set up manually, and for a more automated setup where many devices need to be deployed, they have different offerings like RapidDeploy (prepopulate a config for a specific device in the portal), registering the device's serial number to manage it through cloud services on first boot (including the option to populate a USB stick with basic interface setup if required) and the ability to run your own Management Server and register to be deployed serial numbers, so the device connects to your own hosted management server on first boot.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    WatchGuard Technologies
    I was not involved with the decision making for WatchGuard versus another product. However, I know WatchGuard is significantly less expensive than other brands. My overall preference would be Ubiquiti due to their continuous improvement of the product with tons of great features. I know WatchGuard is making great advances, but the progress seems slower in comparison.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    WatchGuard Technologies
    • We are blocking about 90% of malicious traffic coming into our network.
    • Our firewall allows us to setup a secondary WAN interface for redundancy.
    • We can isolate issues and determine whether traffic is being dropped outside our network or on the LAN.
    Incentivized
    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