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WatchGuard Network Security

WatchGuard Network Security

Overview

What is WatchGuard Network Security?

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.

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Recent Reviews

Firebox

10 out of 10
February 20, 2024
Incentivized
Upgraded my network security by replacing my old SonicWall firewall with a WatchGuard firebox. So much easier to manage and confidence is …
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WatchGuard Security

10 out of 10
February 16, 2024
Incentivized
Have used WatchGuard for about 10 years and currently on my 3rd model as the various models and technologies are improved. Support has …
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WatchGuard Firewalls

8 out of 10
February 09, 2024
Incentivized
As a small business owner, dealing with sensitive data, it is imperative that I protect access to my systems. I have used different …
Continue reading

Great Security products

9 out of 10
February 08, 2024
Incentivized
We use WatchGuard Network Security throught Total Suite Security to manage all of traffic from our 50 external site and filter all of VLAN …
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WatchGuard just Works

10 out of 10
February 05, 2024
Incentivized
I had a customer I hadn't heard from in a few years needing a VPN solution between his two locations. Setting up two WatchGuard firewalls, …
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My Watchguard Review

10 out of 10
February 03, 2024
Incentivized
We use WatchGuard Network Security hardware and security services at the perimeter of the network to protect our users from accessing …
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Awards

Products that are considered exceptional by their customers based on a variety of criteria win TrustRadius awards. Learn more about the types of TrustRadius awards to make the best purchase decision. More about TrustRadius Awards

Popular Features

View all 11 features
  • Policy-based Controls (398)
    8.7
    87%
  • Firewall Management Console (392)
    8.6
    86%
  • Content Inspection (385)
    8.6
    86%
  • Reporting and Logging (389)
    8.1
    81%

Reviewer Pros & Cons

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Pricing

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Support

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On Premise
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Basic Security

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On Premise
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Total Security

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On Premise
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Entry-level set up fee?

  • No setup fee
For the latest information on pricing, visithttps://www.watchguard.com/wgrd…

Offerings

  • Free Trial
  • Free/Freemium Version
  • Premium Consulting/Integration Services
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Features

Firewall

A firewall is a filter that stands between a computer or computer network and the Internet. Each firewall can be programmed to keep specific traffic in or out

8.6
Avg 8.5
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Product Details

What is WatchGuard Network Security?

WatchGuard Network Security is a network security and firewall software. WatchGuard's advanced network security platform offers IT security professionals enterprise-grade security and threat visibility tools suitable for all organization. In addition to network security, WatchGuard includes secure Wi-Fi, multi-factor authentication, and network intelligence products and services.

WatchGuard Network Security Features

Firewall Features

  • Supported: Identification Technologies
  • Supported: Visualization Tools
  • Supported: Content Inspection
  • Supported: Policy-based Controls
  • Supported: Active Directory and LDAP
  • Supported: Firewall Management Console
  • Supported: Reporting and Logging
  • Supported: VPN
  • Supported: High Availability
  • Supported: Stateful Inspection
  • Supported: Proxy Server

WatchGuard Network Security Screenshots

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

WatchGuard Network Security Videos

Watchguard Security
WatchGuard Network Security

WatchGuard Network Security Technical Details

Deployment TypesOn-premise
Operating SystemsWindows, Linux, Mac
Mobile ApplicationNo
Supported CountriesGlobal
Supported LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Japanese, Chinese

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Fortinet FortiGate, Sophos SG Firewall Appliances, and Cisco Meraki MX are common alternatives for WatchGuard Network Security.

Reviewers rate Stateful Inspection and Proxy Server highest, with a score of 9.

The most common users of WatchGuard Network Security are from Small Businesses (1-50 employees).
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Comparisons

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Reviews and Ratings

(751)

Attribute Ratings

Reviews

(1-25 of 415)
Companies can't remove reviews or game the system. Here's why
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
ResellerIncentivized
WatchGuard Network Security provides a well-rounded suite of network security services. We use their firewall appliance to provide edge protection and their endpoint security on our internal systems to provide an additional layer of security. The WatchGuard Network Security firewall provides intelligent security proxies with features like gateway antivirus, DDOS protection, persistent threat detection, website filtering, and detection of malicious patterns of behavior. The fine level of granular control over application-based access control is also a very welcome addition to help with issues like critical data egress. Effective support of VLANs provides us the flexibility we desire to partition our internal networks. The management interfaces are excellent and help make complicated configurations much easier to track and understand. Clearly, a lot of thought has gone into the engineering of these systems. The endpoint protection is centrally managed via a cloud interface that lets us have multiple profiles that can be assigned on a per-device basis. Someone in engineering can have an endpoint profile that's different from someone in shipping, for example. A nicely integrated system designed to solve sticky problems easily.
  • Outstanding firewall management both detailed and easy to understand
  • Endpoint cloud management that enabled customized settings based on roles
  • Keeps the "bad guys" out of our network
  • VLANs done right keeps departments partitioned where it makes sense
  • Comprehensive VPN support lets me use VPNs my way
  • WatchGuard Network Security WiFi access points are very good but also very expensive
  • Webblocker can sometimes be too aggressive at blocking
WatchGuard Network Security is excellent in implementing a multi-site secure network. It is also great for environments where you may need to fall back on an alternate network connection; the failover is very effective.
February 20, 2024

Firebox

Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Upgraded my network security by replacing my old SonicWall firewall with a WatchGuard firebox. So much easier to manage and confidence is much higher. The vpn is worlds better. The Sonicwall would drop vpn connections constantly, have not had any of those issues since moving to the WatchGuard.
  • The interface is easy to navigate.
  • The mobile VPN is easy to config and very stable.
  • Content filtering is very reliable.
  • Add chat support option.
I can't describe any scenarios where it would be less appropriate as I have only used it in one company, and it is very appropriate. Our previous Sonicwall had issues with dropping vpn connections as well as not failing over to backup isp. The WatchGuard has fixed both of those issues.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
It is our Firewall, we also use it for Branch Office VPN's so all sites can connect to one other, and we use VPN with Authpoint for MFA to VPN in
  • Updates
  • No access unless you create a rule to allow it
  • Geo Blocking, IP Blocking
  • VLAN's
  • DHCP
  • DNS Forwarding
  • When trying to access from external side and no rule is set to allow connection, you get a SSL sign in page. I would rather I just got a 404 error or some other message stating the site is not available
  • Cost, for business its not to bad. But for home use it is too much
I can't remember the exact threats but usually when a large threat comes out that is scaring the whole tech world within a week or 2 WatchGaurd has a patch to help prevent the threat the best as possible.
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We needed an enterprise grade security appliance that was easy to manage/deploy, but also included a full feature set of security tools/features. WatchGuard fit the bill nicely, not only was it easy to put into place, but it also worked seamlessly with our other platforms. It was almost an immediate ROI.
  • Easy to deploy
  • Licensing/activation seamless
  • Fits in nicely with other solutions
  • We have not experienced any pain points
  • A lot easier to manage than other solutions
I don't see any scenarios where it wouldn't be a good fit as they offer an entire suite of options/solutions, regardless if you are a single point or enterprise organization with several locations.
February 16, 2024

WatchGuard Security

Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Have used WatchGuard for about 10 years and currently on my 3rd model as the various models and technologies are improved. Support has been always been very good and the ability to configure the firewalls are straightforward through a great GUI with easy to follow menus. Also, I have used their online videos as needed. They have served as great edge protection.
  • Variety through various models dependent on business needs
  • Ease of use whether updating, configuring, or logging
  • Support has always been great
They offer a variety of models based on user needs, various suites of protection, and keep you protected through updates and notifying you about the EOL of your product.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use it to monitor and limit traffic to our self-hosted websites. We also use it for VPN access to our self hosted data and as a redundancy system. We use multiple providers to ensure we have internet access 24/7 (as most businesses) and the features provided by the WatchGuard seem to be perfect for that
  • Traffic Monitor
  • VPN
  • Interfaces
  • Migrating from older systems
  • SSO
  • More documentation
Medium sized companies, where the IT demands can be handled by one person or a small team seems to be perfect for the device we have at our offices. I've taken a look at some other products that you offer but can't speak about their capabilities and or functionalities. Not entirely sure how well a WatchGuard device would do for a 1000+ employee company
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Firewall and VPN access
  • Good interface
  • Set it and forget it, very little maintenance
  • Lots of documentation for various settings
  • traffic monitor could be easier to use/understand
Well suited for our small business. Handles many VPN connections, both hardware and software based. Easy set up to have guest wifi separate from main protected network.
February 09, 2024

WatchGuard Firewalls

Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
As a small business owner, dealing with sensitive data, it is imperative that I protect access to my systems. I have used different firewall products over the last 30 years and find WatchGuard to not only fill the needs I have, but also have a very good price point for the 'Enterprise' SMB market. VPN and traffic security are my main concerns and I find the firewalls combined with AuthPoint to work fantastic. It is a 'all' inhouse solution.
  • Cloud Management
  • VPN Security with AuthPoint
  • Firewall Rules
  • Customer Support / Product Issues
  • Cloud Based online help and instructions
  • Customer Support - Cloud Issues
  • Customer Support - License Issues
Not for the basic user and small company with no or limited IT support.
SMB with IT support (External or Internal) and an understanding of what they are getting into...
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
ResellerIncentivized
WatchGuard firewalls are our choice to implement perimetral security with security services. We implement WatchGuard AuthPoint to setup 2FA on VPN-SSL access to trusted networks.
  • Perimetral security
  • IPsec VPNs
  • SSL-VPN
  • Security services
  • WatchGuard Cloud
WatchGuard Policy Manager and Proxy are the best tools to implement the configuration of firewall services
February 08, 2024

Great Security products

Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use WatchGuard Network Security throught Total Suite Security to manage all of traffic from our 50 external site and filter all of VLAN with all of Security layer of WatchGuard Network Security. We use the authentication WatchGuard Network Security SSO to identify and manage all of our flows from internal, external and BOVPN. Very easy and explicit diagnostics to troubleshoot access issues.
  • Sso
  • Flows Diagnostics
  • Rules
  • Webblocker
  • Proxys
Manage and filter all the flows with rules or SSO. We can easy write a scenario then apply with all of the function like SSO, BOVPN NAT, custom objets, and use traffic monitor to view and easy correct a wring configuration. The auto sort rules is easy to use and you can use custom object to make the perfect rule.
February 05, 2024

WatchGuard just Works

Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I had a customer I hadn't heard from in a few years needing a VPN solution between his two locations. Setting up two WatchGuard firewalls, I had him up and running in a matter of hours (because one of the locations was two hours away). Simple install, firmware upgrade, and cloud integration. He contacted me a few days later, saying there was an issue because one of the sites he used regularly was blocked. Got into the firewall and, using Traffic Monitor, could see what was blocked and quickly made a rule to allow the traffic to pass. I love the simplicity of WatchGuard while also knowing it gives security on the same level as other larger companies without the complexity that isn't needed. They just work.
  • Traffic monitoring in a easy to read interface
  • Policy creation in a few clicks
  • Drag and drop VPN
  • Cloud integration
  • Bridging ports, after the firewall is setup, isn't as easy as it could be.
  • Cloud integration for management requires recreating the entire device. It should just convert the current config.
  • Adding a Proxy policy should be on a different page from the other policy creation page.
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.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
ResellerIncentivized
WatchGuard Network Security T20W Firebox firewall is one of the most versatile internet security devices on the market. It give you all the security features of the other major brands, and then some. I love that it has the ability to be managed via the WatchGuard Network Security System Manager client app plus the web interface. At no additional cost this device also allows you to configure site-site VPN and also mobile IPsec VPN and WatchGuard Network Security has their own VPN client software to make the connection even more secure. I would say this device is probably the best bank for the buck you will get on the market and the support service are also amazing. Keep up the good work WatchGuard Network Security Team.
  • VPN Site to Site
  • VPN Mobile
  • Traffic Throughput
  • Packet Filtering
  • VPN to Azure or AWS
  • Cloud management features of firewall
  • Notifications should be built into basic config
I have used WatchGuard Network Security products in alot of healthcare environments the require a bit more robust performance and security features in the IT infrastructure. Being able to have the flexibility to do VLANs and VPNs even in the lower end models in amazing. The ability to do WAN failover for multi-wan environments is also a bonus.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I currently use Watchguards at all 6 of my locations for network security and also as a means to link these locations together via branch office VPN. My watchguards handle both my network policies to determine what end users can access as well as being able to remote in to the internal network from an outside source.
  • Network security
  • network policies
  • VPN
  • Network monitoring
  • integrated active directory support
  • gui interface
  • better SSL VPN access
  • better way to view network traffic
  • better response times
I've used my watch guards to be able to easily connect users from a new location we just opened back to our main location using a branch office VPN. This allows them to access resources such as shared drives and servers. Im also able to view any alerts in my email if any problems arise.
February 03, 2024

My Watchguard Review

Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use WatchGuard Network Security hardware and security services at the perimeter of the network to protect our users from accessing malicious sites and or content. With the IPS system we are able to have malicious network traffic detected and blocked to protect our valuable information. We also use the mobile VPN client with the WatchGuard firewall to allow end users access to company resources in a secure fashion.
  • Easy to use
  • Centralized management
  • Performance and scalability
  • Integration with 3rd party solutions
  • simplified licensing
  • enhanced reporting and analytics
I find WatchGuard Network Security very suitable for small to mid sized business and companies with remote/branch offices. Setting up connectivity between office is straight forward and performs very well. The security service packages also add a ton of value and protections to users and company data and also help meet specific compliance requirements that are in place.
Anders Gidlund | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
ResellerIncentivized
We have a customer that needed full redundancy of their Internet accessess from two ISP and they would also like to make use of both the ISP's gigabit bandwith capacity. The solution was 2 Firebox M390 in a FireCluster setup hooked up to an Aruba VSF stack. The two WAN interfaces was combined in a SDWAN in addition to configuring them with failover. WatchGuard Network Security nailed it!
  • Active/Passive Cluster
  • Cloud Management
  • Intelligent Security features
  • High Speed Throughput
  • Awesome Red Paintjob, the best looking firewalls on the market.
  • LACP support in WatchGuard Network Security Gloud
  • Better sorting/fliltering of Firewall Policies
  • Certificate based authentication for mobile IPSec VPN
  • Support for Integrated Windows Authentication with IPSec VPN
Its well suited for Enterprise networks but also for SMB's. Its in particular a go-to choice for customers with high capacity bandwidth demands and need for redundancy. A customer with many branch offices and no need for advanced networking functions would strongly benefit from managing all their devices in WatchGuard Network Security Cloud.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Next Gen Firewalls at all our offices. Units designed for our head office as well as very small offices. Advanced Threat Protection, Web filtering, and Application Control
  • Web filtering with several categories, specific addresses, exceptions.
  • Easy to configure Intrusion Prevention
  • WatchGuard Cloud for logging
  • WatchGuard System Manager for device management
  • WatchGuard Cloud for device management
  • Licensing options for centralized management through WatchGuard System Manager
  • Logging both in enabling and viewing
WatchGuard offer a wide range of cost-effective devices with enterprise level security that are well suited for the large offices as well as the small office or home office. Centralized Management allows you to create security templates that can easily be pushed to all devices. Security features are easy to set up with their default protection and they offer the granular control for those who need it.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use WatchGuard firewalls and MFA service to protect our networks and to connect all of our company branches together in a secured way via site to site VPN. The ease of configuration and its intuitivity makes it a very flexible and user friendly product. Additionally, their support is great.
  • Protects the internal network
  • Connects branches offices securely
  • Permits remote users connections via VPN
  • The logging system could be improved
  • Easier ways to configure syslog
  • The notification system could be a looot better
WatchGuard Network Security is extremely suitable for all type of companies, specially medium level ones. They have all kind of appliances customized for the amount of connections and employees, so you can get what you want at a very reasonable price. Not sure for a very complex and big organization if they are the best option.
Janet Richmond | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
WatchGuard has been an essential tool in our internet safety for many years. We have recently started using the VPN for our remote access and it has been the best change we have made. It is easy to set up and their support is top-notch.
  • Browser restrictions
  • Virus protection
  • Remote Access-VPN
  • simplify the user setup for VPN
The cost of using WatchGuard's VPN for our remote access is well worth it. It has decreased our expenses for other HIPAA compliant programs and the ease of use makes it easy for everyone to use.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I have used WatchGuard firewalls for 20 years and they have never let me down. Connecting over 30 BOVPNs to a central firewall and having the security it offers has made my life less stressful. With covid, we have utilized secure mobile vpn more often than ever. The firewall is as good as the policies you build into it.
  • BOVPN
  • Mobile VPN
  • Port Forwarding
  • WatchGuard System Manger limited to only 20 firewalls.
  • Easier roll out of mass changes.
  • Easier mass updates.
The firewalls have been great for our mid sized corporate location and smaller remote locations.
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We have used WatchGuard technologies for perimeter security in our corporate infrastructure.
The problem was about protecting the traffic for our data.
We needed to separate the traffic for back office users (sensitive data) and for the technicians (general purpose data) without losing performance and security.
We also used the captive portal features with WatchGuard access points for managing guest traffic with mobile devices.
  • Policy configuration
  • Vendor knowledge base
  • Monitoring tools
  • Security profile configuration
  • Logging tools configuration (dimension)
  • Single sign on integration with 3rd party services
It is quite easy and intuitive to get a basic working configuration but in some cases, it is slightly challenging to make a granular configuration in the security profiles.
Some settings are nested in comparison to other technologies such as Fortinet and it takes much time to achieve the same result in terms of quality.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We are a partner and have customers who use WatchGuard for their VPNs. We are recently taking the opportunity to showcase the total security license and talk about its great benefits. We also use WatchGuard in our company and its benefits with the different types of VPNs that can be created.
  • More securiry because the comunication is encrypted
  • Promove the remote workforce
  • Advanced Malware Protection
  • enterprise-grade security and threat visibility tools suitable for any organization
  • Integrated
  • adapts to any size, complexity and budget
Its very good
January 19, 2024

Great devices

Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
ResellerIncentivized
Firewall
VPN
ROUTER
DHCP
WIFI

-The only problem I gave encountered was setting up a vpn to a sonic wall unit.
  • VPN
  • ROUTER
  • FIREWALL
  • VPN FEATURES
  • DEVICE SETUP
  • SYNC ISSUES TO WATCHGUARD LICENSE ACTIVATION
The firewall is good for medium sized buisness use.
I have never had a firewall fail on me.
Good for setting up vpn access between sites.
Great as a router / firewall device.
Setup can be a bit complicated especially the activation process.
No internet on multiple devices until activated can be quite confusing and not detailed in any setup guides I've seen with the device.
January 19, 2024

WatchGuard - ultra easy

Tom Davis | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I use a WatchGuard firewall to manage my incoming and outgoing internet and to manage our wireless access points.
  • Easy to manage.
  • Easy to monitor.
  • And keeps out the boogers.
  • Pass the tests.
  • I would like to see an app for my mobile phone to monitor my WatchGuard.
I think WatchGuard is well suited for any business small to large.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Reseller
Firebox installation and configuration, policies activation, Wifi 6 Access Point installation, Watchguard Cloud and Authpoint configuration. watchguard products addressee Customer needs like multi layer protection of the network, multi factor Authentication, remote worker VPN connection. License handling of the products is really clear and simple. no hidden costs. Central management with WATCHGUARD cloud.
  • Security Management
  • Easy of use
  • Solutions integration
  • Technical support
  • License distribution
  • Cloud management
  • Application control rules exception
WATCHGUARD Network Security is well suited in office scenario from small to big company with a wide range of hardware and software solutions. Remote users are well supported by VPN with AuthPoint. Probably less appropriate in industrial scenario where is necessary to protect old equipment. Ruggedized hardware are available from Watchguard?
January 18, 2024

WatchGuard at its best.

Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Reseller
We use WatchGuard firewalls and security features every day at our company. We also sell and manage this brand on our customers. Of all the brands on the market, WatchGuard is always our first cyber security option to secure and protect all kind of networks. WatchGuard was an will be our best firewall to fight against cyber threats.
  • Firewall management with WGSM.
  • WatchGuard Cloud from anywhere.
  • Simple and flexible add/remove features.
  • WatchGuard can starting make switches with central management.
  • Improve the WatchGuard Cloud, make it more "friendly".
  • Show, in the traffic monitor, a popup with all the levels information like CheckPoint or similar.
WatchGuard is good for any company size, but in small business there's not a "tiny" or "cheap" option for thoose who wants to improve their security but doesn't have the resources to adquire one of the best solutions in the market. The NV5 doesn't count because this model doesn't have all the features.
So, I can say WatchGuard is good for 15+ devices (servers, computers), and not affordable for less than 10. It deppends of course the company and its resources.
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