WatchGuard for SMB - A wise choice
September 03, 2025

WatchGuard for SMB - A wise choice

Randal Wark | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review

Overall Satisfaction with WatchGuard Network Security

We use WatchGuard Network Security for our SMB clients as part of our standard security baseline. With LAW 25 in Quebec, CIS and NIST frameworks, we need to show due diligence in protecting the network infrastructure. WatchGuard addresses network perimeter security and allows for VPN access for the end-users. It's easy to setup and easy for the clients to use.

Pros

  • Intrusion Protection
  • VPN
  • IPS

Cons

  • The interface could be simplified but once you get used to it, it's not too bad. We've seen worse.
  • A free built in MFA solution for VPN would make this way better.
  • Extra features get expensive fast.
  • Definitely a financial incentive to resell hardware. The margin is within an acceptable range for this type of product.
  • Financial benefit at renewals, which are easy to do. Again, margin is acceptable.
  • ROI is also in our reputation offering a 1st tier product, which can't be underestimated
We purchase directly from distribution.
When a platform allows us to manage many devices and companies, such as an MSP would need, it's always welcome.

While we don't have an extensive amount of devices, to have then in one portal does save quite a bit of time and allows us to better manage renewals when they are needed.
We have not added Cloud products to our offering at this time.
Mature product offering and competitive pricing, although some other brands offer very seductive swap options where the firewall is almost free when purchasing the highest tier security solution for 3 years. This has affected our decision, especially at end of life. When we compared the pricing, it was occasionally better to use a competing product.

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

WatchGuard is a great choice, but if they need a VPN with MFA, we might find another solution without the extra cost of the MFA add-on. We tend to stick with one brand for technician familiarity, but we have no issues replacing a WatchGuard product with the next evolution of that same product. We usually look at user needs and budget and then offer our chosen solution based on these criteria.

WatchGuard Network Security Feature Ratings

Identification Technologies
8
Visualization Tools
7
Content Inspection
8
Policy-based Controls
8
Active Directory and LDAP
6
Firewall Management Console
7
Reporting and Logging
7
VPN
8
High Availability
6
Stateful Inspection
8
Proxy Server
5

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