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
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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
October 19, 2022
Overall deployment
WatchGuard Network Security is being used in my entire network: 2 datacenters and 10 ROBO. Each site has a cluster and all traffic is forwarded by SDWAN to the Headquarter.
- High performance.
- SD-WAN at low cost.
- Enterprise class firewall.
- L7 Firewall.
- Firecluster Monitor.
- Web interface + software.
84.54545454545455%
8.5
- Reduce cost.
- Increase security.
- Too much upgrade.
No. We are not using a provider.
We always bought with a backup cluster because we want high availability in all sites. It's not too [expensive] and you just add an appliance with zero configuration.
Several years ago we were searching a solution for a medium company target, with all security features and not too expensive.
After several years we renewed the solutions with new appliances.
After several years we renewed the solutions with new appliances.
2
IT Support
2
IT Technician with these skills:
- l7 ISO\OSI
- Networking
- Security
- l7 ISO\OSI
- Networking
- Security
- Traffic inside\outside company
- SDWAN to connect remote workers
- Security Loggin with Dimension
- Access Portal to collect many APP in a single webpage
- SDWAN connection to the HQ
- Many VPN client protocols are supported
- MFA
No
- Price
- Product Features
- Product Reputation
Product Features
Watchguard has got all advanced features as a NGFW (SD-WAN, Application Control, DNS Watch) in all appliance (Small, Medium, Large)
In our network we are using all features from T20\T40 up to M400
Watchguard has got all advanced features as a NGFW (SD-WAN, Application Control, DNS Watch) in all appliance (Small, Medium, Large)
In our network we are using all features from T20\T40 up to M400
i would look for something that has a global interface to manage all my devices
- Implemented in-house
- Third-party professional services
T.T. Tecnosistemi srl for the HQ with the XTM330. Then we upgraded the infrastructure independently
Yes
First of all we set-up the HQ using a cluster. Then we interconnect all sites with T35\T20\T40 appliances.
One year ago we enabled SDWAN feature to save cost on ISP connections and use all connections togheter
One year ago we enabled SDWAN feature to save cost on ISP connections and use all connections togheter
- Find the right Network design because Watchguard added features during the implementation
We have Total Security bundle for the HQ and the Standard support for the remote sites.
We want a fast support (and it's integrate into Total Security Service) to solve our issue but we are using a cluster infrastructure in all sites so we don't need fast replacement for all sites
We want a fast support (and it's integrate into Total Security Service) to solve our issue but we are using a cluster infrastructure in all sites so we don't need fast replacement for all sites
Yes
Yes
there was a bug in an old OS version and support told us to do a simple update because the cause was known and would be fixed with a minor update.
There was no impact in the infrastructure but the support was available to monitor the upgrade togheter.
there was a bug in an old OS version and support told us to do a simple update because the cause was known and would be fixed with a minor update.
There was no impact in the infrastructure but the support was available to monitor the upgrade togheter.
we had an issue to understand the dynamic routing between two sites. An Italian support representative called me via webmeeting and described me the logical function of the feature. Then we configured our appliances in the right way and we tested if everything was ok
Like an IT consultant!
Like an IT consultant!
- Create Rules
- Monitor the activities
- Too many difference between client SW and WEB
- There is not commit function on the web
No
Yes
When you upgrade Watchguard product you have no downtime due to cluster configuration
Anyway I upgrade my products only via WSM because the process via WebUI is not the same and it's not stable as WSM
Anyway I upgrade my products only via WSM because the process via WebUI is not the same and it's not stable as WSM
- New features
- More integrations
- Unified interface (via Web UI is preferred)
No
Yes
I changed my ROBO edition because I don't need all features