WatchGuard Network Security

We use Watchguard Network Security and its products to protect our network from outside threats, manage our inside network, and handle …

great product

7 out of 10

May 06, 2024

We love WatchGuard products. It is easy to renew the license each year, and when it's time to replace them I have had great success with …

Experience with WatchGuard products

10 out of 10

May 02, 2024

In our organization, WatchGuard network security products are used to protect the perimeter and protect endpoints. Every day we filter out …

Great for SMBs

9 out of 10

April 22, 2024

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 …

Read all reviews

How WatchGuard Network Security Differs From Its Competitors

WatchGuard Partner

We worked with a local MSP, Charlie Bravo Group. Their tech was excellent and was able to implement our solution quickly. We have since gone on to use this company for all our IT needs. When they installed our firewall they also tied their VPN service into a MFA solution so we're even better …

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

We only have a single security product so we really didn't need to take advantage of this solution.

WatchGuard Partner

I usually work with new egg or cdw and the experience was good either way

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

The value is in the fact that I can do everything from a single pane of glass. In an age where services are typically split between solutions… this is a breath of fresh air.

WatchGuard Cloud

Ease of implementation and use has been most notable. They work impressively well together!

WatchGuard Partner

We work with LV Informatique. We are very satisfied with the service and support. They are à partner with à lot of experience in the WatchGuard products. They can remotely the Firebox, and they also do updates directly remotely. Firebox WatchGuard are serious competitor to PaloAlto, Cisco Meraki …

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

You can install WatchGuard Dimension on a VM, to archive the logs of all users. This can be interesting if you have an obligation to keep logs, with the GDPR for example. The WSM console allows you to configure, administer and monitor all appliances deployed on your network(s). This console …

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.

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 (417)
8.7
87%
Firewall Management Console (411)
8.6
86%
Content Inspection (405)
8.6
86%
Reporting and Logging (408)
8.0
80%

Reviewer Pros & Cons

View all pros & cons

Excellent support.
N/A

Verified User

Administrator in Information Technology

Oil & Energy Company, 11-50 employees

intrusion prevention
interface could be better

Verified User

Administrator in Other

Information Technology and Services Company, 11-50 employees

Pricing

View all pricing

Support

Contact sales team

On Premise

Contact sales team

Basic Security

Contact sales team

On Premise

Contact sales team

Total Security

Contact sales team

On Premise

Contact sales team

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

Product Demos

Tutorial: Get Started with a WatchGuard Firebox

YouTube

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
(385) Ratings
Policy-based visibility and control over applications, users and content
7.6
Visualization Tools
(381) 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
(405) Ratings
Inspecting permitted application traffic by means of threat prevention, URL filtering and data filtering
8.7
Policy-based Controls
(417) 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
(351) Ratings
Integration with Active Directory and LDAP directories
8.6
Firewall Management Console
(411) Ratings
Either command-line or web-based interface for centralized control and management
8
Reporting and Logging
(408) Ratings
Custom and summary reports, and log files enabling analysis of security incidents, application usage and traffic patterns
8.9
VPN
(401) Ratings
VPN's implement encryption and anonymize IP addresses
8.7
High Availability
(361) Ratings
Built-in capacity to prevent exposure if primary firewall stops working
9.1
Stateful Inspection
(378) Ratings
Stateful inspection analyzes packet headers and contents of packets
9
Proxy Server
(271) 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?

The WatchGuard Firebox family of firewalls offers critical network security solutions for businesses of all types and sizes, including tabletop and 1U rack-mounted appliances to Cloud and virtual firewalls. Firebox appliances deliver critical security services from standard IPS, URL filtering, gateway AV, application control, and antispam, to advanced protections such as file sandboxing, and DNS filtering. High-performance deep packet inspection (DPI) means users can leverage these security services against attacks attempting to hide in encrypted channels like HTTPS. Additionally, every Firebox offers SD-WAN right out of the box for improved network resiliency and performance.

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 WatchGuard Cloud Customizable Dashboard

Screenshot of User Authentication Summary

Screenshot of Endpoint Protection Summary

WatchGuard Network Security Video

WatchGuard Network Security

WatchGuard Network Security Competitors

WatchGuard Network Security Technical Details

Deployment Types	On-premise, Software as a Service (SaaS), Cloud, or Web-Based
Operating Systems	Windows, Linux, Mac
Mobile Application	No
Supported Countries	Global
Supported Languages	English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese

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

Compare with

Reviews and Ratings

(797)

Attribute Ratings

Reviews

(51-75 of 115)

Sort By *

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

September 14, 2019

WatchGuard - the Linus security blanket you always wanted - and need.

Paul Rose

Owner

InterLink Computer Services (Computer & Network Security, 1-10 employees)

Score 9 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

It's a well rounded product, but always room for improvement - not for basic end users it is well beyond their capabilities generally to use.

September 13, 2019

WatchGuard Review

Verified User

Consultant in Information Technology

Information Technology and Services Company, 11-50 employees

Score 8 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Usability

It is advanced, but robust.

September 13, 2019

WatchGuard Review

Randall E

Lead Sales Manager

Tarcsys Corp (Information Technology and Services, 1-10 employees)

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Usability

It fills a niche for true cloud-managed devices that provide dynamic security visibility and relationships between devices. We are currently offering this to some residential clients primarily for the mesh wireless with IPS features.

September 12, 2019

WatchGuard Network Security Device Review

Thomas Shemon

Senior Computer and Information Systems Manager

"Solutions" Inc (Information Technology and Services, 11-50 employees)

Score 7 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

Currently works great but there is always room for improvement.

September 11, 2019

WatchGuard is an outstanding product!

Verified User

Technician in Information Technology

Mental Health Care Company, 201-500 employees

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Usability

Very intuitive interface.

September 11, 2019

WatchGuard Firebox's Single Pane of Glass Dashboard Improves Perimeter Protection

Michael Ritsema

Principal & President

i3 Business Solutions, LLC (Computer & Network Security, 11-50 employees)

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Usability

The WatchGuard Firebox and its Dimension Dashboard provide excellent end-user experience to effectively secure the network perimeter.

September 09, 2019

Why WG and Me?

Simone Upham

AOS (Computer & Network Security, 51-200 employees)

Score 8 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

September 09, 2019

WatchGuard Partner Review

Verified User

Partner in Information Technology

Information Technology and Services Company, 1-10 employees

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

We're looking for products that are easily implemented, maintained and well supported. Watchguard fits those needs for us.

September 06, 2019

We feel secure with the lion watching us!

Verified User

Executive in Corporate

Telecommunications Company, 11-50 employees

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

The usability is tremendous. It is all in there. Basic options are easy to select and it is easy to customize. Additionally, incorporating the wireless access points, both new and existing, into the wireless security package is very effective. It means that we don't have to rip and replace which is savings for our clients and a time saver for us.

September 05, 2019

Watchguard Security as MSP solution

Tracy Atwood

Senior Support Specialist / Project Manager

Tech Help (Information Technology and Services, 1-10 employees)

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

WatchGuard Network Security usability isn't perfect, but we feel that they are a significant competitor in the network security world. They are constantly improving on their shortcomings and have proven time and time again that they are the vendor for our organization and our clients. Their interface has improved greatly, as well as their ability to log, track and monitor network events.

September 05, 2019

Our review of Watchguard Network Security and how it helps our clients and adds to our business value

Verified User

Paraprofessional in Sales

Information Technology and Services Company, 11-50 employees

Score 8 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

After many years of using WatchGuard Firewalls, we are comfortable with their solutions.

August 27, 2019

Watch over me

Rob Drickl

Systems Analyst

Jolee Electronics Inc. (Information Technology and Services, 11-50 employees)

Score 8 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

Dimension makes usability very easy. However, it does not (yet?) have functionality that was available in the past.

August 27, 2019

WatchGuard Security, The Best of the Best of What's Left.

Mike Hernandez

Operations Manager

BNB Technology (Information Technology and Services, 11-50 employees)

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

We've used other solutions in the past and WatchGuard beat them out for simplicity/cost/user-friendliness.

August 16, 2019

Watchguard Appliance

Verified User

Consultant in Information Technology

Government Administration Company, 51-200 employees

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

Ease of use and great support.

August 16, 2019

WatchGuard Review

Greg Merideth

IT Consultant

Tomorrows Financial Services (Financial Services, 51-200 employees)

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

Through either the WebUI, WatchGuard System Manger or Dimension Control the usability is well implemented. I would still like to see an Active Directory authentication test in WSM as this feature only exists in the WebUI.

August 13, 2019

WatchGuard Network Security Review

Verified User

Administrator in Information Technology

Computer Software Company, 51-200 employees

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Usability

August 12, 2019

Watchgaurd

Jason Knapton

IT Manager

Rebnord Technologies (Information Technology and Services, 1-10 employees)

Score 5 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

August 12, 2019

WatchGuard Network Security offers worry-free setup, protection, and management of critical networks.

Greg College

Network Administrator

TAC Computer (Information Technology and Services, 1-10 employees)

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

Usability is generally very good, with a few exceptions. The WatchGuard Policy Manager makes it incredibly easy for anyone with a little bit of know-how to create good policies and utilize features. However, the web interface is sometimes a bit lacking, in my opinion, and is more difficult to use. Setting up some features (such as AuthPoint) can be difficult for a novice, and online documentation is sometimes unavailable or out-of-date.

However, compared to other brands (such as SonicWALL), getting what you want done is infinitely easier, and requires far less navigation of menus. Setting up branch office VPNs with a WatchGuard is the easiest of any products I've used.

August 09, 2019

Watchguard for MSPs

David Brown

COO (Chief Operating Officer)

Infinity, Inc. (Computer & Network Security, 11-50 employees)

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

Good interface, single pane of glass.

August 09, 2019

WatchGuard Network Security Review

Jim Drummond

C.E.O.

MicroAge IT Solutions (Computer & Network Security, 11-50 employees)

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

Use it for customers and we have had no issues.

August 09, 2019

Seattle Computing, WatchGuard Technologies, PNW Originals!

Chris Nordstrom

EVP

Seattle Computing (Information Technology and Services, 11-50 employees)

Score 8 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User