Watchguard Firebox: Rock-solid performance at a reasonable price
December 22, 2021
Watchguard Firebox: Rock-solid performance at a reasonable price
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with WatchGuard Network Security
Our Watchguard Firewall has become an integral part of our network security schema. It not only acts as a firewall for company-wide internet access but we also rely on it to perform a host of other functions as well. It provides VPN security and access for home users and branch office point-to-point VPN, Intrusion Protection, Geo-blocking, Web filtering, and protecting servers in our DMZ. The Watchguard has been a rock-solid product for us.
- Excellent VPN security for both SSL and IPSEC connections
- Easy set up for protected servers in the DMZ
- Comes with a host of included services: Geoblocking - Intrusion Protection - Web Filtering - Gateway Antivirus and more.
- Fantastic tech support via email or direct phone
- Their 2-factor (MFA) authentication is difficult to set up even for an experienced user. The MFA user guide and manual need some work.
- With many of our employees working at home due to Covid restrictions, we've been able to keep all of our offices open without any interruption because of the Watchguard VPN client.
- We accept incoming data from all over our state on a 24/7 basis and the Watchguard Firebox has been a rock-solid performer for us. I sleep at night and never have to worry about downtime.
- The Gateway Antivirus and Intrusion Detection and Prevention have been a lifesaver in this age of ransomware-based attacks. Every packet that comes in or out of my network is checked and scanned - and sometimes blocked if it flags as a dangerous file or connection.
I've worked directly with their support either through email or chat and they are very good about responding back with the appropriate instructions for either the initial set up of a new service or reconfiguration of an existing one. There have also been times when I've called for direct phone support and given them direct access to the device so they can work with me to make changes or add features. Watchguard support is top-notch.
A single appliance with a single license makes it easy to manage and maintain all of the features we want and need. It's nice that we can manage the single device without having to keep track of a half-dozen devices, all of which are performing different tasks with licenses that expire at different times. Really, who needs that kind of headache?
The Barracuda Web Filter was a decent device but we eventually outgrew its capabilities. As we kept restarting the Barracuda and tweaking its configuration to squeeze every drop of performance out of it, it just became more trouble than it was worth. Watchguard has a built-in web filter called Web blocker that does the same job as the Barracuda but better and faster, plus the Watchguard just hums along day after day without any micromanaging on our part.
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