Watchguard Firebox great device but with a yearly cost
November 19, 2021

Watchguard Firebox great device but with a yearly cost

Jake Bichler | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Reseller

Overall Satisfaction with WatchGuard Network Security

We are an MSP and have been using it with some of our customers. Having a robust firewall with service support is nice. Pricing and specifications for each watch guard firebox are clear and helpful. The subscription model makes sense for fireboxes make sense but I don't think it makes sense for APs to have a yearly subscription.

Pros

  • Technical support.
  • Intuitive software management.
  • Robust products.

Cons

  • Ability to have replacement firebox preloaded with a config to be able to direct ship to our customers.
  • A tier of free security updates without a technical support option.
  • Positive, peace of mind of uptime/turn around time for a replacement.
  • Interface being similar across all firebox models.
Ingram, turn around time to get a renewal license is pretty quick.
After a firebox is set up, I highly recommend keeping a backup of the configs whenever changes are made. This makes things super easy to get back online if a device is replaced. If you are planning on using additional access points go with a firebox model without built-in wifi.
Renewing a license makes it simple to have most features in one license package. I would prefer that the license would extend to individual access points instead of each of them needing their own license on top of the firebox needing a license. I do also appreciate if the license has lapsed that it can still be renewed but could be prorated for up to 6 months.
We haven't set up the WG cloud interface, but I do enjoy the cloud interface of Ubiquiti is does make programming new devices as well a replacing existing simple. Not having a yearly subscription to receive security updates is also nice.

Do you think WatchGuard Network Security delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with WatchGuard Network Security's feature set?

Yes

Did WatchGuard Network Security live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of WatchGuard Network Security go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy WatchGuard Network Security again?

Yes

In situations where advance firewall features are needed, fireboxes are a great fit. When needed having the ability for tech support as well next door replacement greatly helps reduce down times. I feel on some devices such as access points a yearly subscription for security updates is overkill. Also having the ability for Fireboxes with built in wireless to be able mesh with external access points.

WatchGuard Network Security Feature Ratings

Firewall
10.0
Identification Technologies
10
Visualization Tools
Not Rated
Content Inspection
10
Policy-based Controls
10
Active Directory and LDAP
10
Firewall Management Console
10
Reporting and Logging
10
VPN
10
High Availability
10
Stateful Inspection
10
Proxy Server
Not Rated

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