WatchGuard Network Security

We are an SMB and have been using WatchGuard products across Canada to secure our headquarters, branch offices, and remote workers. …

WatchGuard 2024

10 out of 10

April 22, 2024

We use WatchGuard as our network firewall both for ourselves and for about 50% of our managed services clients. The device serves as the …

The right value!

9 out of 10

April 22, 2024

As a managed service provider, we've used WatchGuard Network Security fireboxes as our "platform" of choice for our customer firewall …

WatchGuard Security Services and Firebox

9 out of 10

April 19, 2024

WatchGuard provides one of the most complete firewall products I've used. We use their products as our primary offering to clients to …

WatchGuard Systems Security

9 out of 10

April 19, 2024

Between our company and our clients, we have over 15 WatchGuard Firebox systems setup in various locations across the country. Have always …

Loving my WatchGuard

10 out of 10

April 15, 2024

WatchGuard's Total Security Suite features intrusion prevention, spam blocking, and DNS filtering, offering me enhanced network visibility …

WatchGuard appliances

10 out of 10

April 15, 2024

These devices provide the first line of defense for all web traffic into and out of the offices I manage. Traffic is scanned for viruses, …

Best Firewalls for the $$

10 out of 10

April 15, 2024

We are an MSP and utilize WatchGuard firewalls at many of our client's locations.

WatchGuard Network Security Implementation for Mid-Sized Businesses

9 out of 10

April 15, 2024

We utilize these WatchGuard Network Security devices at each of our locations, with a redundant cluster at our primary location. The sites …

WatchGuard Network Security Review

9 out of 10

April 14, 2024

We use WatchGuard Network Security Fireboxes to secure the boundary of our networks. These provide good security for cost, and with the …

Great Product

9 out of 10

April 13, 2024

Use several NGFW clustered in different countries, physical and virtual appliances as well. Same interface, with no learning curves. Used …

WatchGuard Network Security Review

9 out of 10

April 13, 2024

We are an MSP that supports around 30 businesses with WatchGuard Network Security firewalls. In most cases, we do not support the internet …

WatchGuard Network Security Review

9 out of 10

April 12, 2024

We use WatchGuard Network Security System Manager for all of our clients. I would say some of the problems would be that it is not the …

A Review of WatchGuard Cloud Products

10 out of 10

April 11, 2024

We use WatchGuard Network Security in our organization mainly to protect attacks on our network. We know using WatchGuard will prevent us …

WatchGuard should be your go to when choosing network security.

10 out of 10

April 11, 2024

We utilize the network security features to secure our internal network and to secure our user logins with firewalls and AuthPoint. We …

Read all reviews

How WatchGuard Network Security Differs From Its Competitors

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

Watchguard Cloud's best feature was the ability to save logs without dimension command. It trully has been a good investment (while using it or selling it).

WatchGuard Cloud

Theath sync trully has been a good gamble has well.

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

Single pane of glass experience without the need to manage multiple windows. Easy to manage.

WatchGuard Partner

I'm afraid I cannot speak to this because the system was already setup before I started with the company as far as implementation is concerned. However, I can say that we've worked with a few different resellers, one of which being CDW, and they have been fantastic on getting us our orders quickly.

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

WatchGuard's online client allows for a simplified, yet robust, means of maintaining devices and their licenses. This makes it much easier to keep said licenses up to date from the unified security platform. That said, if you make a mistake when creating an account, it is not easy to go back and …

WatchGuard Cloud

Unfortunately, we do not use the WatchGuard Cloud products suite. However, that said, I have evaluated the software included with the Cloud subscription, and I have seen nothing but great reviews and possibilities should the needs of the organization change accordingly. We simply just have other …

WatchGuard Partner

JSCM Group, we adore them and have no intention of working with anyone else!

WatchGuard Cloud

I don't do a ton with the Watchguard Cloud, although it really helps to be able to do firmware updates at night, settings those up in the Cloud interface.

WatchGuard Partner

Hardware was already installed and setup when I took on my position with this company.

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

We have only one device as a cloud managed device out of the 3 we have. I prefer the non cloud managed access, but would like to see the same level of configuration from the cloud portal.

WatchGuard Partner

M5systems.net Located in Arizona

I used him for the original Firewall implementation. I know that he has extensive knowledge with Microsoft Server implementation and problem solving, setting up Veeam Backup solution. He is knowledgeable in many areas.

I was very happy to use him, when ever needed.

WatchGuard Cloud

It has made life easier for me. When I had issues, Traffic monitor was helpful. The VPN setup was easy. I have remote users connecting either via box to box vpn or software vpn on their laptops.

WatchGuard Partner

I have had several partners over the years. But one person has been handling our system all that time (and has moved through different partners over time). That company is AMA Networks in San Diego. They have always provided quick response and excellent solutions for my needs. I'd be …

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

As expressed earlier, I try to keep my nose out of the details, rarely changing our base setup, and rely on WatchGuard support for that. I am confident that our network is safe and secure - very good value in that.

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

We only use firewalls and WiFi so far and it's been excellent. Open to other options.

WatchGuard Cloud

WatchGuard products make our job easier. Knowing that if we are in a bind, the team there will have our back is of critical importance.

WatchGuard Partner

I don't have WatchGuard partner for purchase with me and I'd like to have one if it's possible.

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

Simplicity is the key to organization and clarity. Having one place where you can manage all aspects of security just helps keep things in order and make sure nothing is missed. To us, it's a given than you would have one place-- or one that integrates with your other platforms-- to more easily …

WatchGuard Cloud

Using WatchGuard has made us all feel more at ease about our files and data being secure, which takes one more level of stress off our shoulders and lets us concentrate on our actual work versus also having to worry about keeping the rest of the world out while we deal with our own deadlines and …

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

Particularly the switch to cloud management has made remote management and monitoring far simpler, we can now just log into a central portal to make changes and check the status of devices. The UI is better than using the onboard interface, particularly when it comes to logging and managing WAPs.

WatchGuard Cloud

They have been working great so far, we've been able to further improve our efficiency by utilizing their cloud interfaces for monitoring/maintenance/configuration. Coming from years of experience configuring everything locally there was a slight learning curve to adapting to do all this in the …

WatchGuard Partner

Agility Technology Group - very pleased with their quote, sales, service and support

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

Being able to manage 4 locations (firewalls and equipment at the 4 locations) from my office is huge!!

WatchGuard Cloud

Consistent experiences across locations make for an easier learning curve.

WatchGuard Network Security Packaging and Licensing

This approach makes managing and maintaining the appliances much simpler as we no longer need to track multiple module licenses and ensure that these licenses are renewed and kept up to date across dozens of devices individually. We just need to keep track of the license level and renewal date for …

WatchGuard Partner

I worked with Digital Graffiti, an Amazon marketplace seller. They have been great!

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

I have yet to use this feature, but plan to in the future, with hopes it saves me time.

WatchGuard Cloud

We do not use any Watchguard Cloud products to my knowledge

WatchGuard Partner

We have been with Watchguard for years, last 2 purchases have been through DirectDial Canada

WatchGuard Cloud

Sorry we do not use their cloud products at this time

WatchGuard Partner

ANAX Tech is our managed services company. They did the purchase and implementation. Everything went smoothly.

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

The control panel UI is easy to use and navigate.

WatchGuard Partner

KooL-I.P. Solutions Corp. was very helpful and continues to be very knowledgeable and provides instant workarounds and fixes when we have any issues.

WatchGuard Cloud

IPSec tunnels are very reliable and easy to configure and manage.

WatchGuard Partner

No, prior IT guy did. I asked same group (in KY) to quote upgraded hardware, and they were double the online group that reached out to us from California.

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

From experience, I didn't find it to work integrally well with UniFi wi-fi system. Navigation of different interfaces felt older than newer GUI.

WatchGuard Cloud

We only had one product, the Firebox T15, and alone it did well. Already had UniFi pucks, so didn't want to invest in more hardware just to mesh better with WatchGuard.

WatchGuard Partner

the company I work for, is a WatchGuard Network Security Partner.

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

We can control update of our customers devices, manage the license, control logging and make report all from a single webpage.

WatchGuard Cloud

WatchGuard Network Security cloud is very helpful.
Unfortunately when you configure a new firewall device, you can't use both cloud and WSM.
The wifi platform and AuthPoint are very powerfull but not so intuitive.

WatchGuard Partner

We are autonomous and the France WatchGuard support is very attentive when we encounter technical problems

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

This simplifies the management of Wi-Fi hotspots and others by allowing the mass management of these devices

WatchGuard Cloud

We were able to link our on-premise AD via the gateway and set up MFA quite easilyImplement MFA

WatchGuard Partner

I went through CDW government using our assigned rep that reached out to watchguard and had a demo before the purchase. it was simple and easy, they made recommendations and helped determine the devices we needed.

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

I only have two of the four firewall devices that have the ability to connect to the web portal for management/reporting. The two sites that do not have this ability are small satellite offices for a maximum of two employees. I do like that I can look at the two main sites data though its helpful …

WatchGuard Cloud

I am not using any cloud products other than the ability to look at the edge devices. I have a very limited need at the moment. That may change in the future.

WatchGuard Partner

I believe we purchased our first WatchGuard through either Provantage or CDW. We had already done research and settled on WatchGuard before we started looking for a vendor so there wasn't a lot for either partner to do besides work on pricing with us and connecting us with a WatchGuard rep. We …

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

We haven't really used this per say. The only current product we have is a few of the Fireboxes connected via BOVPN. We have our endpoint solutions with another vendor mostly to prevent keeping all of our eggs in one basket. I would a unified console would be helpful if we had more of the …

WatchGuard Cloud

The cloud products we use are the ones such as DNS Watch to help keep our network more secure. There really isn't a lot of impact on our organization since setting this up in the cloud is kind of a set and forget with Firebox's TSS unless there is an issue that needs to be addressed.

WatchGuard Partner

We have always just sourced our purchases based on price. We are not in need of support from our vendors. Basically, we do our own need assessment and then procure bids for hardware only.

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

The Web UI appears all-encompassing as well as the System Manager. We use both, depending on the changes needed.

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

yes, thewebsite is easy to use and manage license details

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 (415)
8.7
87%
Firewall Management Console (409)
8.7
87%
Content Inspection (402)
8.6
86%
Reporting and Logging (406)
8.0
80%

Reviewer Pros & Cons

View all pros & cons

Traffic management
Reporting

Verified User

Professional in Information Technology

Human Resources Company, 51-200 employees

Web Filtering
Web filtering exceptions need to be entered twice due to the format

Steve Martin

Senior Systems Administrator

Devoted Technology Services (Information Technology & Services, 1-10 employees)

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

8.6
Identification Technologies
(382) Ratings
Policy-based visibility and control over applications, users and content
7.5
Visualization Tools
(378) Ratings
Visualization tools present administrators with data on applications traversing the network, who is using them, and the potential security impact.
8.6
Content Inspection
(402) Ratings
Inspecting permitted application traffic by means of threat prevention, URL filtering and data filtering
8.7
Policy-based Controls
(415) Ratings
Firewall policy controls enable administrators to create firewall policies controlling what data is allowed to traverse the firewall
8.5
Active Directory and LDAP
(349) Ratings
Integration with Active Directory and LDAP directories
8.7
Firewall Management Console
(409) Ratings
Either command-line or web-based interface for centralized control and management
8
Reporting and Logging
(406) Ratings
Custom and summary reports, and log files enabling analysis of security incidents, application usage and traffic patterns
8.9
VPN
(399) Ratings
VPN's implement encryption and anonymize IP addresses
8.7
High Availability
(359) Ratings
Built-in capacity to prevent exposure if primary firewall stops working
9.1
Stateful Inspection
(376) Ratings
Stateful inspection analyzes packet headers and contents of packets
9
Proxy Server
(269) Ratings
A proxy server changes your IP address and masks the origin of your network traffic

Product Details

About
Competitors
Tech Details
Downloadables
FAQs

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

WatchGuard Network Security Videos

Watchguard Security

WatchGuard Network Security

WatchGuard Network Security Competitors

WatchGuard Network Security Technical Details

Deployment Types	On-premise
Operating Systems	Windows, Linux, Mac
Mobile Application	No
Supported Countries	Global
Supported Languages	English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Japanese, Chinese

WatchGuard Network Security Downloadables

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Reviewers rate Stateful Inspection highest, with a score of 9.1.

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

Comparisons

View all alternatives

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Reviews and Ratings

(793)

Attribute Ratings

Reviews

(51-75 of 268)

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Companies can't remove reviews or game the system. Here's why

July 18, 2022

WatchGuard is our hospital internet guard

Sivashankar S

Deputy Manager IT - Infrastructure

G.Kuppusamy naidu Memorial Hospital (Hospital & Health Care, 501-1000 employees)

Score 9 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Implementation Rating

We didn't face any implementation issues by the time of installation, It was very smooth and took minimal downtime to install the product and apply the relevant policies for our setup. Same way while installing the High availability box installation also went very smoothly and was made online without any downtime. The policy application and reflection is happening immediately so the implementation was very smooth and safe

July 18, 2022

How improve your perimeter protection with better price and features

Sebrae Trust

Security Specialist

Trust Control (Information Technology & Services, 11-50 employees)

Score 9 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Implementation Rating

Improve performance of internet access by using multi wan feature Better internet control with the use of Web Blocker feature Reduce of trash traffic comes another country by using GeoLocation Feature Better user experience of main app and services with the use of QoS feature Flexibility of internet access in certain time like lunch and weekend

July 17, 2022

WatchGuard just makes sense

Christian Fast

Manager in Information Technology

Lakewood Water District (Utilities, 11-50 employees)

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Implementation Rating

Read the documentation and watch the videos. After one or two you will wonder why you waited.

July 15, 2022

WatchGuard Security to the rescue!

Verified User

Manager in Information Technology

Insurance Company, 51-200 employees

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Implementation Rating

July 09, 2022

WatchGuard is a great option for almost all business

Verified User

C-Level Executive in Information Technology

Information Technology & Services Company, 1-10 employees

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Implementation Rating

Deploy the firewall and endpoints in an information-gathering mode so you can lock down the network without breaking anyone's connections.

July 09, 2022

WatchGuard Protection Suite Good Value and Ease of Use once implemented

Verified User

Vice-President in Information Technology

Banking Company, 11-50 employees

Score 9 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Implementation Rating

I didnt my own implementation. WatchGuard needs to improve their setup guides

July 09, 2022

By far the best security appliance in function, ease of use and price compared to the other big players in the industry

Tom Gavin

IT Director

iVox Solutions (Telecommunications, 201-500 employees)

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Implementation Rating

BlueAlly and Watchguard implementation engineers were very helpful on the initial installation and configuration. We were able to implement a dual firewall HA configuration in a single day with full functionality.

July 09, 2022

Uncomplicated SMB Network Security

tyler dalzell

head of tech

alter ego (Broadcast Media, 11-50 employees)

Score 8 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Implementation Rating

Our needs for this new deployment relied on understanding the metrics of IOPS and the nature of latency-sensitive applications. Unfortunately, the metrics you have on your products; which are normally very useful in helping determine what appliance you would need, didn't help us decide which product we would want to get. Speaking to an engineer on your end about our specific setup did, however!

July 09, 2022

Simply Happy

Verified User

Administrator in Other

Retail Company, 51-200 employees

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Implementation Rating

I don't have any insights regarding the implementation of WatchGuard Network Security. The only thing I can really say is if you're having issues call WatchGuard Technical Support. It does indeed benefit to pay for the Technical Support. I have used it many times and often I can get any problems resolved via the WatchGuard Manage My Cases. It may take longer to get the problem resolved, but if it's not an urgent matter it saves waiting on the phone.

July 08, 2022

WatchGuard Network Security Comes Recommended

Verified User

General Manager in Information Technology

Industrial Automation Company, 51-200 employees

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Implementation Rating

Once the firewall is installed, slowly start enabling more security services and fine-tuning the devices to get the maximum value and security.

July 06, 2022

Powerful and Helpful.

Mike Carruthers

IT Director

First Baptist Church of Milford (Non-profit Organization Management, 51-200 employees)

Score 9 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Implementation Rating

July 04, 2022

Watchguard is an all-in-one network security package.

antonio gumba

IT Manager

One King West Hotel and Residence (Hospitality, 201-500 employees)

Score 9 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Implementation Rating

Watchguard implementation, in our case, was when we migrated our firewalls to the latest supported firebox firewalls. It was a key element of success to have a vendor like Insight Canada that connects us with Watchguard sales and experts to understand our migration or upgrade requirements. Once they have provided us the expert recommendation and costing, the WatchGuard online documentation is so effective in providing all the necessary information on the procedure of tasks in a Do-it-yourself manner. The WatchGuard support has always been on standby and available should we need assistance or encounter any issues along the way during the upgrade process until everything is successful.

July 02, 2022

WatchGuard Simplicity

Verified User

C-Level Executive in Corporate

Information Technology & Services Company, 11-50 employees

Score 8 out of 10

Vetted Review

Implementation Rating

I have had no issues implementing the security features and training my guys on the product and features.

July 01, 2022

WatchGuard Network Security is the real deal

Verified User

Team Lead in Information Technology

Machinery Company, 501-1000 employees

Score 8 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Implementation Rating

WatchGuard has great documentation to walk you through implementing any of their hardware or features there within. If you run into any roadblocks, their technical support is one phone call away. They usually have a solution pretty quick.

July 01, 2022

Security that delivers what it promises

Nicolas Doré

Senior Information Technology Manager

TechniPC Informatique (Information Technology & Services, 1-10 employees)

Score 9 out of 10

Vetted Review

Implementation Rating

The implementation went reasonably well considering most of the features we wanted worked right away but a little bit of tune-up had to be done to make sure all applications needed for the customer kept working after installing the equipment. We had an issue where the router was too permissive after some configuration so we had to make sure everything was working and the environment was still safe.

July 01, 2022

Peace of mind

Verified User

Supervisor in Information Technology

Hospital & Health Care Company, 51-200 employees

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Implementation Rating

Overall I think it’s a very user-friendly environment. At first since there are a lot of men and options to choose from and whether or not you wanna use the web UI version or the management program it could be a little tricky from the beginning. But once you understand what you’re looking for and where it’s at I think it is a breeze to go through and navigate.

July 01, 2022

Front Door Protection

Verified User

Administrator in Information Technology

Information Technology & Services Company, 1-10 employees

Score 9 out of 10

Vetted Review

Implementation Rating

We use a standard setup for our firewall across the customer base. This makes it easy to troubleshoot issues.

July 01, 2022

How likely am I to recommend WatchGuard products to others?

Mustafa Ahmed

Network System Administrator

ICT (Computer & Network Security, 11-50 employees)

Score 9 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Implementation Rating

It has thorough and multiple steps to completely set up, but nothing good comes easy.

June 30, 2022

WatchGuard Network Security

Michael Herud

Professional in Customer Service

PC-Rat (Information Technology & Services, 1-10 employees)

Score 9 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Implementation Rating

The implementation is very easy.

June 27, 2022

WatchGuard vs The World

Verified User

Manager in Information Technology

Information Technology & Services Company, 11-50 employees

Score 9 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Implementation Rating

WatchGuard support is very particular with their level of help, if it is not an issue per se they will refer you to their knowledge base, and rightly so. However, it would be nice to offer partners a session with an implementation specialist to assist rather than push you away.

June 24, 2022

My fav. Firewall

Waleed Alsadi

Senior System Administrator

ICTechnology (Information Technology & Services, 11-50 employees)

Score 8 out of 10

Vetted Review

Implementation Rating

The quick setup wizard is amazing, with VPN connections with other Watchguard firewalls and VOIP capabilities.

June 24, 2022

You won't have to constantly watch WatchGuard

Verified User

Administrator in Information Technology

Law Enforcement Company, 51-200 employees

Score 9 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Implementation Rating

Lockdown tightly initially and gradually relax rules as you have to make exceptions for business requirements.

June 21, 2022

Simple yet comprehensive, easy yet incredibly powerful

Douglas S Bush

Owner, IT Managed Services Provider, and Lead Consultant

Hearthside Business Systems (Information Technology & Services, 1-10 employees)

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Implementation Rating

Everything that I installed was Cloud-based and allowed 100% remote deployment and configuration and I had no issues whatsoever with the process.

June 15, 2022

WatchGuard Network Security from the Sys Admin's perspective

Verified User

Technician in Information Technology

Information Technology & Services Company, 11-50 employees

Score 8 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Implementation Rating

Implementation is really easy since the documentation is already provided and support is always available.

June 12, 2022

WatchGuard Firewalls are great and will meet your budget

Verified User

Engineer in Information Technology

Computer Networking Company, 11-50 employees

Score 7 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Implementation Rating

It's very easy and straightforward to plan and deploy a Watchguard firewall. All models use the same GUI, and that makes it very easy and attractive. The online documentation is great. l learned everything l needed from the Watchguard support guides online. Once you know how firewalls work, WatchGuard Network Security has been designed for ease of use and quick deployment.