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

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

WatchGuard Partner

I worked with Professional Computer Management (PCM). They did the best they could, though it was costing us a small fortune just to maintain the appliances. Eventually ended that contract and are currently in the process of replacing them with another brand.

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

Never seen this Unified platform nor have I heard of it.

WatchGuard Partner

Implementation, we did on our own. We purchased through CDW. We have purchased a lot from CDW in the past and the process is always easy going.

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

Being that most businesses are hybrid now, being able to manage our entire security and network from any location has been a huge help. Being able to also manage it from either web browser or mobile device is huge. One major company that we tried before only allows you to access your network …

WatchGuard Cloud

I wear the IT hat and the engineer hat at the company. So when I'm out doing field engineering, I occasionally get a call from the office that a setting needs to be changed for the network. The office doesn't have to wait until I'm back in the area to work on it. I can make changes from wherever …

WatchGuard Partner

We don't work with a WatchGuard partner because we are a partner.

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

We have attive a Dimension server to control clients devices, it's a powerfull tool to identify problems. We work just with this one.

WatchGuard Cloud

We find the fireboxes off point and mobile VPN to work well together

WatchGuard Partner

We always use Guardsite and they always take care of us

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

The unified security platform by WatchGuard has significantly streamlined our security management process. By centralizing the control of various security solutions, it has reduced the complexity and time spent on managing individual systems. This single-pane-of-glass approach has also enhanced …

WatchGuard Partner

Yes, it was pretty easy to setup and was simpler than other firewalls I've used

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

I did notice that WatchGuard has made an effort to have multiple tools and features in one place on the platform. It's nice not having to go to another platform to work on things.

WatchGuard Cloud

It's has a big impact on our cybersecurity and the overall secureness of the company.

WatchGuard Partner

My main supplier is ELMAT spa (Padua - ITALY), they are very good and reliable in both pre-sales and post-sales. They advise me on purchases and support me with any doubts or questions

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

It is very important to have everything centralized and at hand... there is no downtime and everything is under control

WatchGuard Cloud

the platform is very good, it allows you to interact on various devices.. everything is under control wherever I am

WatchGuard Partner

PC-Canada was supplier.
Support provided by Watchguard support directly and is typically fast and effective.

WatchGuard Partner

We purchase the units through a reseller but we get quotes and assistance directly from our WatchGuard Rep,

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

We typically manage the devices by logging directly into the device, However they do have a console which we will be acquiring soon. The Demo is very impressive.

WatchGuard Cloud

We have several clients with multiple locations. The site to site connections through the WatchGuards give access to the local servers from all points. This makes for a great return on the investment. One company has five sites with many outside sales persons, they all have a safe encrypted access …

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

It provides a whole suite of products in one unit allowing for less configuration and keeping the network simple.

WatchGuard Cloud

Using the Cloud products allows for easy upgrades and changes to units that I don't have direct contact with.

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

It's one of the best features. Can achieve easily wath we want from a single dashboard.

WatchGuard Cloud

We have a decentralized operation, with tech people and sales people working from home in diferent cities. And it's essential to have a way to access our tools from anywhere.

WatchGuard Partner

Being resellers of WatchGuard products and all the technicians being certified, we did not need any external form to advise and direct us. In our offices, we have implemented the firewall everywhere and also all the VPN functions. In some locations we have also successfully activated multi WAN, so …

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

I think it is essential to have a unified security solution. In this way you can have only one partner for management and assistance.Furthermore, incompatibility problems between various products are eliminated.Costs are also significantly reduced.

WatchGuard Cloud

As already mentioned in my previous answers, I have no negative comments to report. All WatchGuard solutions are of the highest quality, super tested and with very high compatibility between them. It is also excellent to be able to interface both hardware products and software products. …

WatchGuard Partner

We are a WatchGuard Partner and resell this to all of our customers.

WatchGuard Cloud

Very good. We can now manage and update our firewalls from 1 click of a button!

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

Firebox System Manager is along with WatchGuard System Manager are both valuable tools that make management of our overall WatchGuard deployment a breeze. We are not to keen on using the web interface, so having access to the desktop clients provided by WatchGuard is excellent, and we hope they …

WatchGuard Partner

I worked with our partner CDW for this product purchase and recent renewal. It was this partner (CDW) agent that jumped into action when my Firebox was rendered inoperable after the botched renewal process and was able to provide me with a temporary license until the permanent one was ready.

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

Being able to manage everything is one location is not only more efficient, it's also less time consuming.

WatchGuard Cloud

Being able to use the cloud product in different offsite offices was a game changer. I was able to use my WatchGuard products from different sites without a hitch.

WatchGuard Partner

I worked with Firewalls.com, their sales department is quick but their support service does not work after hours or weekends, so upgrading a firewall while being supported is not an option (since you cannot do it during working hours [at least in NY time]) so I paid for the implementation but …

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

It is valuable to do an inventory of your devices and it is relatively easy to use but this platform only takes care of the license management. It has some functionalities to be managed from the cloud but it is too vague, lacks of advanced configurations, so you will prefer to manage the firewall …

WatchGuard Cloud

I only use WatchGuard cloud because it was a requirement for implementing MFA in my firewalls. Other than that, cloud platform does not offer any advantage over locally web based interface. It actually lacs a lot of functions and I do not want to have my firewall information in a foreign server …

WatchGuard Partner

We worked with SecureTech to purchase and upgrade hardware and renew Total Security software licenses. They are competitive with pricing and efficient in working with us.

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

It's easier to use WatchGuard's unified threat management solution than to contract multiple security vendors who may or may not be compatible with one another. Time and cost savings go hand in hand with a vendor that offers a unified solution. I'd rather work with one provider rather than multiple.

WatchGuard Cloud

The WatchGuard Cloud products work well together, on their own, or in a quasi-hybrid manner with on-premise devices. The constant updates to cloud-based modules work on their own with little or no manual management.

WatchGuard Cloud

The peace of mind knowing that our networks are secure makes the cost worth every penny. Some clients know of other businesses that didn't have a good firewall in place. They were hit with ransomware and the cost was substantial.

WatchGuard Partner

Our current WatchGuard partner is Technologent. And so far, we are very happy with their service.

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

Centralized management streamlines workflows and processes. Our IT teams can efficiently configure security policies, monitor network activities, and respond to incidents without switching between different platforms. This efficiency leads to quicker response times and more effective threat …

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

It is always a good idea to control all product from one interface and I've been very happy with it

WatchGuard Cloud

I wish I could control the cloud product with the onsite interface tools as well. Especially the Access Points

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

We haven't used it. I would have to test it out to see how much value it can provide. Streamlining reporting and monitoring is always a big positive and high ROI.

WatchGuard Cloud

We use the physical firewalls only currently so I'm unable to provide feedback on their cloud products.

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

It's cool to have all our WatchGuard products in one platform

WatchGuard Cloud

AuthPoint and Firewall VPN are easy to combine and work perfect. The new Threatsync expand our system to XDR what's cool for our insurance

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

(76-100 of 115)

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

August 07, 2019

Watchguard beats Meraki

eric gunderson

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

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

August 07, 2019

10+ yrs experience with hundreds of Fireboxes, WatchGuard review

Felicia King

President

Quality Plus Consulting (Information Technology and Services, 1-10 employees)

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

Please see my responses to former survey questions.

August 06, 2019

WatchGuard makes managing complex security solutions easy!

Joshua Churchwell

Project Engineer

Echopath, LLC (Computer & Network Security, 11-50 employees)

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Usability

Most if not all of the products, features, and management software is very intuitive. If I have questions I normally check their support documentation and find the steps or fix for what I'm looking for.

August 06, 2019

WatchGuard Security Solutions are ideal for your business!

Verified User

C-Level Executive in Information Technology

Computer & Network Security Company, 1-10 employees

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

Once you have had some technical training, the product is fairly easy to use. It's not for beginners and you can make implementation mistakes and poor policies leading to security risks if you are not careful. There is no "config checker" to review your designs and tell you where there are security holes—this feature or service would make it a more complete solution and give us more peace of mind.

August 06, 2019

Best of breed

Verified User

C-Level Executive in Corporate

Computer & Network Security Company, 1-10 employees

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

Some aspects of management tools could be easier to use, but overall very good and better than competitors.

August 01, 2019

WatchGuard; simple yet effective next generation firewall appliances that are worth every penny!

Verified User

Technician in Information Technology

Information Technology and Services Company, 1-10 employees

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

Knowing the product line and using WatchGuard product for nearly 10 years leads me to believe that the usability is excellent. Knowing the features through self-learning via the NFR program really helps justify this rating.

July 20, 2019

WatchGuard makes powerful network security easy

Verified User

Consultant in Information Technology

Information Technology and Services Company, 1-10 employees

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

The thick client for management is my preferred method of management, maintenance, and troubleshooting. However, the web interface provides a better look and allows for easier graphical troubleshooting and system updates. Having to know which management interface to use for what task takes a bit of hands-on experience.

July 19, 2019

WatchGuard is a 10 out of 10 for implementation and security

Brian Gorenflo

Director

Sentry Global Technologies LLC (Computer & Network Security, 11-50 employees)

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

July 19, 2019

Review from a seasoned installer and advocate of the WatchGuard Network Security products

Verified User

Engineer in Information Technology

Computer Networking Company, 11-50 employees

Score 9 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

We have used this product in many different circumstances. We have not yet identified where we were not able to solve the problem needed with the Watchguard product.

July 12, 2019

Effective and Simple Security with WatchGuard

Verified User

Executive in Corporate

Computer & Network Security Company, 11-50 employees

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

The features in the admin console, reporting, and user interface are effective and easy to use.

July 10, 2019

WatchGuard is a hidden jewel

Bryan Dancer

Pres. & CEO

Allegiant Technology (Computer Networking, 11-50 employees)

Score 9 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

It really offers a lot of functionality in a single solution.

July 10, 2019

A complete end to end solution for your network security.

Verified User

Manager in Information Technology

Hospitality Company, 11-50 employees

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Usability

WatchGuard devices have always had easy to use and understand graphic user interfaces; These interfaces provide step by step processes for setting up the most common deployment scenarios. At times, understanding how to interface with non-WatchGuard devices can be problematic but WatchGuard support or online forums usually carry the proper use cases needed.

July 10, 2019

A WatchGuard Gold Partner's Praise!

Brad Wohlander

CEO (Chief Executive Officer)

Sentry Global Technologies, LLC (Computer Networking, 11-50 employees)

Score 8 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

July 01, 2019

WatchGuard Network Security is Our Go-To!

Verified User

Consultant in Information Technology

Information Technology and Services Company, 1-10 employees

Score 8 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Usability

Mostly due to the simplicity of the web UI on hardware appliances.

June 30, 2019

Watch Guard Network Security: Why look at anyone else? Just do it and move on.

Verified User

Director in Information Technology

Non-Profit Organization Management Company, 201-500 employees

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Usability

Have not had many issues with it as I am not a full-time security person, the times I need to use it, it seems to work well. As with any new interface, it took a little getting used to but now that I am used to it I wonder why all vendors don't standardize on this interface.

June 28, 2019

WatchGuard Network Security - Keeping the unwanted neighbors away

Verified User

Manager in Information Technology

Entertainment Company, 51-200 employees

Score 8 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Usability

Find the products I have fairly easy to use.

June 24, 2019

20 years of using a great product.

Verified User

Consultant in Information Technology

Information Services Company, 1-10 employees

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Usability

Becuase it has done everything for us that we desire and its a set it and forget it so I can handle other tasks.

June 21, 2019

WatchGuard Network Security - Ideal for small businesses

Verified User

Manager in Information Technology

Construction Company, 51-200 employees

Score 9 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Usability

I feel that WatchGuard meets all of my business needs, but like every security vendor, there is always room for improvement and the need to keep up with current threat trends.

June 19, 2019

Watchguard Firewalls - great for securing small networks

Verified User

Director in Information Technology

Government Administration Company, 51-200 employees

Score 9 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Usability

I have not had a scenario that WatchGuard was not cable of.

June 19, 2019

WatchGuard... The Good, The Bad, and the Cool Little Red Boxes!

Tim Messer

Information Technologies

Country Style Management (Hospital & Health Care, 201-500 employees)

Score 8 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Usability

WatchGuard does a good job with our security, I am happy with their products, and intend to continue doing business with them. However there is always a little room for improvement - like activating a product or renewing a subscription, a little less time consuming.

June 19, 2019

Typical Watchguard SMB Customer

Verified User

Director in Information Technology

Architecture & Planning Company, 51-200 employees

Score 9 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Usability

Again, using them is a change from other platforms so there is a bit of a learning curve.

June 18, 2019

WatchGuard:a time saver

Mitch Dowhower

IT Director

Parks Marina (Maritime, 51-200 employees)

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Usability

Early on, I had no training on Watchguard coming into this position. I had experience with multiple other enterprise level firewall companies. However, WatchGuard is managed quite differently than the rest. It took me a bit of time to figure out the workflows and tools to complete the tasks I was wanting to complete. Once I figure out that Watchguard did things differently, that ended up being the strength of the product and contributes to why I now favor it over the others.

May 28, 2019

Worth the money

Verified User

Consultant in Information Technology

Information Services Company, 11-50 employees

Score 8 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Usability

It is a solid product which is incredibly easy to set up and manages. Provides great network visibility.

May 27, 2019

Great products as long as you do your homework!

Josh Patten

Information Technology Manager

Westpark Communications, L.P. (Telecommunications, 51-200 employees)

Score 10 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Usability

It is easy to get technicians that don't have in-depth networking knowledge to be able to understand how WatchGuard products work.

May 27, 2019

Reliable and Complete for Small and Large Offices: Protects and Enables Data Flow -- WatchGuard

Christopher Stark

Division Network Support Specialist

The Salvation Army (Non-Profit Organization Management, 501-1000 employees)

Score 9 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Usability

WatchGuard's user interface at both the appliance level and the WatchGuard System Manager has changed over the years, but they have always strived for clarity and intuitive controls. The graphical layouts are clear and easily readable. Feature groupings and navigation controls are accessible and make sense. Configuration prompts simplify deployment procedures and ensure consistency.