Watchguard Review
We currently use WatchGuard firewalls in most of our offices to protect the network. The firewalls are easily configurable and have great …
Overview
What is WatchGuard Network Security?
WatchGuard Network Security is a network security and firewall software. WatchGuard includes secure Wi-Fi, multi-factor authentication, and network intelligence products and services designed for SMB’s.
Recent Reviews
How WatchGuard Network Security Differs From Its Competitors
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
- Policy-based Controls (427)8.787%
- Firewall Management Console (421)8.686%
- Content Inspection (415)8.585%
- Reporting and Logging (418)8.080%
Reviewer Pros & Cons
Pricing
Support
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On Premise
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Basic Security
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On Premise
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Total Security
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On Premise
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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
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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
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
- WatchGuard M290 & M390 Datasheet: UTM performance, ideal for small and midsize organizations with up to 250 users looking for a rack-mounted solution.
- WatchGuard M590 & M690 Datasheet: UTM performance, ideal for growing midsize organizations with up to 1,000 users.
- WatchGuard M4800 & M5800 Datasheet: Typically deployed at the corporate headquarters, these appliances serve as the “hub” appliance, responsible for managing and securing all communications between the head office and all remote employee and small business sites.
- WatchGuard Total Security Suite Brochure
- WatchGuard Network Security Case Study
- WatchGuard Corporate Brochure
Frequently Asked Questions
WatchGuard Network Security is a network security and firewall software. WatchGuard includes secure Wi-Fi, multi-factor authentication, and network intelligence products and services designed for SMB’s.
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.
The most common users of WatchGuard Network Security are from Small Businesses (1-50 employees).
Comparisons
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Reviews and Ratings
(813)Attribute Ratings
Reviews
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May 30, 2024
Powerful and Great Security Solution
In my organization, WatchGuard Network Security is used to efficiently control the use of our network and to be able to deliver under internet policies in the safest way for all our users. We apply application control policies, bandwidth management, and control via navigation proxy. In this way, we avoid improper use in our organization of internet resources.
- Internet packet filtering.
- Application policy control
- navigation control through proxy.
- Botnet Detection
- Intrusion Prevention
- Should improve control of who or what consumes the bandwidth.
- must improve to know which devices are connected to the network.
- DNS detection improve the captured data.
71%
7.1
- over the years we have used WatchGuard Network Security our perimeter security is very secure.
- The costs for this tool have been well spent knowing that it has kept our entire network secure.
I worked with Cstisa on the implementation of Watchguard, We are very happy with the implementation, it was a very efficient process and the partner was very responsible in each process. The service they gave us was very complete from start to finish. In the implementation as well as in the monitoring and then in the results. Today we continue to renew the service and Cstisa continues hand in hand with us with the advances we have with Watchguard.
If in terms of platform you are referring to Watchguard Cloud, I can say that it is a very interesting tool. It has grown quite a bit and gets even better every day. For us it is a very important ally because it allows me, in addition to updating my firewalls remotely, I can manage them and better monitor any eventuality that may arise.
As indicated, WatchGuard Cloud is an ideal complement for our organization, since we manage all our firewalls from the cloud. In addition to that, I can see in real time the network data of the firewalls, the data usage of the users connected to my firewall and if I wish I can remotely manage any firewall in our company.
For the purchase and implementation, we work hand in hand with Cstisa. At the moment we have found a very professional partnet and it always goes hand in hand with any questions or problems that arise using WatchGuard Network Security. I can say that I am very satisfied with the work that Cstisa has done.
I must say that licensing prices should be improved a bit to make them more attractive to more customers. Regarding packet filtering, I must say that WatchGuard performs very well in that function. In the policies that I have created, I have not had a problem, it has worked very well for me.
SolarWinds Network Firewall Security Management vs WatchGuard Network Security. We tried to apply the other solution but it was very complicated and had many requirements to work. Unlike WatchGuard Network Security. Everything was very easy to understand and use, a very comfortable tool compared to the one mentioned above which I do not recommend.
1
Network Security WatchGuard is only used by my service and operations coordinator. I use it with the firewalls on a day-to-day basis to create browsing policies, verify the use of the network by users and for any perimeter needs in our business network. This product is used daily by us, it is essential for the company.
1
It is a very easy tool to use for a person trained in the use of business networks. You must have extensive knowledge of network management.
- Network monitoring.
- Verification of navigation policies.
- Traffic control and threat prevention.
- To prevent network attacks.
- Know the network consumption of users.
- Control bandwidth consumption on the network.
- With more accessories in the cloud.
- With mobile devices.
No
- Scalability
- Ease of Use
Our decision to use WatchGuard Network Security was mainly because of the scalability we saw in the product and its use is very easy to learn. This motivated us to purchase the product and today we continue using it, which indicates that it was a correct decision. We are very happy with the product.
As indicated, our process was very good and we had no setbacks. The implementation was very effective since the provider who assisted us is very well trained in the use of the tool and therefore the entire process was excellent. The only thing I can indicate that should be added at the beginning is more training for the end user of the product.
- Third-party professional services
We use partner Cita to implement all of our Watchguard products, including watchguard cloud. Today we continue to use this partner for all our implementations and local support. They always provide us with excellent service in addressing our problems that arise on a daily basis.
No
Change management was minimal
- We had no problems since we did not have other products.
- No Training
The truth is that it is a very easy product to learn, I have not yet fully trained myself but with the advice and attention of my partner we have used the product for years and it is excellent to use and very easy to understand. I totally recommend it.
Have excellent knowledge of networks to be able to perfectly handle the different configurations that may arise.
No - we have not done any customization to the interface
No - the product does not support adding custom code
No, for now it is better to follow the configurations and recommendations indicated by the manufacturer for better product performance.
We acquire premium support to be able to count on the assistance of our provider at any time when any eventuality arises. This has been a very important decision because throughout the time that we have had Watchguard products, some better ones have been presented that without the help of premium support I think we would not have been able to implement.
Yes
Yes, we have reported bugs which have been resolved with new firmware versions for our firewalls. In our case I can assume that the process is normal since watchguard takes its time to test and deploy new firmware versions for the firewalls. But it is very important to report any bug that occurs in the day-to-day use of the products.
A few years ago we had a situation with one of our firewalls which restarted itself several times. After reporting the case to the local provider and validating everything on the equipment, we created the logs and opened a case to Watchguard directly. This case was evaluated and a bug was detected in the version of our firewall which required an improvement from Watchguard. In the end they were able to create the new version of the firewall and it was implemented in our firewall. Since that time we have not had any reboots on our firewalls.
- Network monitoring.
- Bandwidth usage check
- Enabling network ports.
- Verification of a user's exact real-time bandwidth consumption.
- Trellix Antivirus
At the moment it is a partial integration between the watchguard EDR and the Trellix Antivirus agent and they are working wonderfully.
- With Pc for remote control.
I have no knowledge, no.
Only with Trellix.
None by now.
Support and the advantages it can offer for the company and its needs are always negotiated. Additional there may be discounts on renewals.
For now, let them continue with that efficiency and commitment that characterizes them and which means that day after day we continue using the Watchguard products that they offer us.
Yes
Whenever I planned to update, I valid with the partner the new features and recommendations of the manufacturer for each firmware of my firewalls and so far I have not had problems in the update processes. It has been great to now be able to update from watchguard cloud, that has been a pretty big improvement.
- Better firewall management is watchguard cloud.
- Be able to manage and monitor users' bandwidth via Watchguard cloud.
No
No
January 19, 2024
WatchGuard - ultra easy
I use a WatchGuard firewall to manage my incoming and outgoing internet and to manage our wireless access points.
- Easy to manage.
- Easy to monitor.
- And keeps out the boogers.
- Pass the tests.
- I would like to see an app for my mobile phone to monitor my WatchGuard.
55.45454545454546%
5.5
- It's been very cost effective.
CDW
I do not like the unified management its a bit ugly
The cloud products work ok I really would like to keep all managment behind the firewall so I don't like the cloud managment
I worked with PCM/insight and they did an ok job. Probably would not use them in the future. I will use CDW from now on
It just makes things simpler. You have to a license for everything and they can not get the synced
I do like watchguard better then sonicwall
5
IT Managment
1
- keeping our network safe
- nothing unexpected
- remote office at other buildings
Yes
Sonicwall
- Ease of Use
I would not change a thing very happy
- Implemented in-house
No
- I did not have any problems
- No Training
yes
no
No - we have not done any customization to the interface
No - we have not done any custom code
no
yes I want 24/7 support
Yes
had a bug where we could not manage our AP's , they got it fixed really quick
everytime
- the web management works best for me
- there cloud AP setup sucks
- none
- no
nonne
I have none
just what the quoted me
no
Yes
it was easy they walked me right through it
- new firebox
- panda virus protection
No
No
November 19, 2021
The perfect security solution from SMB to Enterprise
We use WatchGuard [Network Security] on all our systems and also all our clients use WatchGuard as a primary security device. Mainly we use the WatchGuard firewall as edge security taking advantage of all possibilities given by the advanced features of UTM. The WatchGuard Dimension server is really useful for managing all the devices used by our client as MSP. We are proactive with updates, virus outbreaks, and security concerns thanks to this big and useful tool.
- edge antivirus check and act as good barrier against malware
- Is possible do avoid unwanted traffic thanks to powerful web filter
- With Dimension our work as MSP is easiest. One single point to check
- The SSL VPN is really easy to setup an to manage and based on OpenVPN
- Improve dashboard overview in Dimension server
- Make more easy the creation of site to site VPN between partner
- Make more easy to find the page blocked by web blocker
94.54545454545455%
9.5
- Watchguard [Network Security] gives us easy but high security with fast ROI
- Watchguard [Network Security] improves our trust between us and our client
- Watchguard [Network Security] is a vital component in the security environment of all our client.
We are a Watchguard partner
The simplified packaging with one device - one license system is really appreciated by our client because it gives an easy way to manage hardware refresh, license renewal, and upgrade needed to satisfy the new business need.
- SonicWall TZ, SonicWall VPN Clients, SonicWall Web Application Firewall and SonicWall Capture Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)
We are a former partner of Sonciwall but we had switched to Watchguard [Network Security] because his policy selling is more clear for us and our client. All the services available every day are reliable and affordable and the renewal is easy. The possibility of trade up and red to red upgrade are an exceptional selling driver.
5
The people in our company love haw easy is connect with VPN with provider client and the flexibility of OpenVPN that allow all users to connect with his own devices, like tablet or phone. All is able to use the on premise stuff without pain.
The protection that we have with gateway AV and Web protection is optimal and grant to us a good level of security, all of us appreciate all how fast is the check and the speed of the connection is not impacted also for big file to check.
We are a MSP and all of our client are really happy with all the features provided, for that reason we are really happy to provide Watchguard to all of our client
The protection that we have with gateway AV and Web protection is optimal and grant to us a good level of security, all of us appreciate all how fast is the check and the speed of the connection is not impacted also for big file to check.
We are a MSP and all of our client are really happy with all the features provided, for that reason we are really happy to provide Watchguard to all of our client
3
The management of all the WatchGuard solutions we have installed on our client are really easy to do. All the task are well documented in knowledge base and if we need to do some exotic configuration we where able to ask to the WathcGuard service desk and the support was all the time really great!
- SSL VPN is great solution
- Gateway Anti Virus work like a charm
- Web Blocker is granular and well maintained
- Firewall rule are easy to use
- Dimension is a plus really useful
- Connecting to AWS VPN is easy and well documented
- we can mange all client firewall from our office
- We can manage granularly the SD-WAN
- DNS firewall
- EDR
- MFA
Yes
We replaced SonicWall and Arkoon UTM because the management, the support, the cost and the quality of the subscription service are best in class in WatchGuard in respect of the one provided by Watchguard. And more the possibility to manage both with client or web are a plus really interesting.
- Price
- Product Features
- Product Usability
- Product Reputation
Respect the other brand the Quality and the features provided by WatchGuard are best in class with the right price for the service provided, and more the availability of free tool for VPN and centralized log is a plus in the offer that cannot be neglected.
We surely not change the choice of the WatchGuard Network Security as primary edge security solution. we are aware that we are using ine of the best UTM NGF in the market for SMB
- Implemented in-house
- Third-party professional services
We perform the implementation for many customer, and we implement and customize solutions for all of them. Because WatchGuard Network Security is also used in our company as main edge solution, we are interested to be updated, skilled and focused in keep all the devices and customer it as safe as possible.
No
Change management was minimal
- thanks to great logging feature we where able to prepare the firewall rule with a minimum or without disruption of services during implementation
- Set up Site to site VPN require some time because some router configuration with multiple NAR require a refined setup
- in-person training
No - we have not done any customization to the interface
No - we have not done any custom code
We had purchase premium support for WatchGuard Network Security because we need to have the best in class support. all the client that have subscribed the premium support are really happy with it. We as MSP are really happy to have such support as solution for emergency case.
No
We where blocked in an integration with Wildix phone in a network with high restrictions and we where blocked for days before ask to support that in a days give us the solution and make the client happy.
- The management of the firewall rules
- The management of VPN
- The log collection with Dimension
- modification of the proxy rules
- Modification of the port in proxy
No