Sophos XGS Reviews

Name: Sophos XGS
Brand: Sophos
Rating: 4.0 (80 reviews)

4.0 out of 5

80 reviews
93% willing to recommend

What is Sophos XGS?

Sophos XGS is a comprehensive network security solution designed to protect organizations from advanced threats. It combines next-generation firewall capabilities with advanced threat protection, web filtering, and application control.

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Sophos XGS is the #15 ranked solution in best firewalls. PeerSpot users give Sophos XGS an average rating of 8.0 out of 10. Based on the analysis of the 80 most recent Sophos XGS reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 7.0. Sophos XGS is most commonly compared to Fortinet FortiGate: Sophos XGS vs Fortinet FortiGate. Sophos XGS is popular among the small business segment, accounting for 42% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 18% of all views.

Helped 817,457 peers since 2012

Featured reviews

MarounAbboud

Data Department Manager at BTC Networks

Having previously worked with the Astaro Security Gateway platform (now called Sophos UTM), I can attest that the configuration and dashboard for this older platform was easier to manage than that of both Sophos XG and XGS. If it were up to me, I would prefer to go back to the older SG dashboard. I am hoping that in future, the dashboard for Sophos XGS will be simpler and easier.

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AbhijitMukherji

IT Head at Dee Development

The interface is really showing up on the edge now. It needs to be more modern and faster, with more rules visible on a single screen for better details rather than just six rules. The threat detection system could be more GUI-based or provide templates for common threats. We also need more updated version 20 study materials.

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SelormAhiataku

System&Network Administrator at All Limited Solutions

The primary use case is for cybersecurity strategies. Sophos XGS is used for its strong features like IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) and application control Threat intelligence of Sophos benefits by providing site intelligence and integration of AI helps with security. Sophos offers strong…

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Sophos XGS mindshare

As of December 2024, the mindshare of Sophos XGS in the Firewalls category stands at 1.7%, up from 0.8% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Firewalls

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Nov 29, 2024

Valuable Features

Sophos XGS boasts valuable features such as ease of use, centralized management, strong threat management, and efficient routing capabilities. It excels in VPN solutions, application control, synchronized security, and reliable performance. Users appreciate its simplicity, scalability, and cost-effectiveness as well as integrated reporting, threat intelligence, and web filtering. Its dynamic roles, application visibility, and secure network features like IPS and SD-WAN policies enhance network security, providing robust protection against threats.

"Sophos has a centralized management system where I can manage and control all the Sophos firewalls at the same time."
"Some features are free."
"The stability of Sophos XGS is very high."

Room for Improvement

Sophos XGS requires improvement in integration with Active Directory and Azure AD, SD-WAN functionality, and user interface design. It has issues with configuration complexity, limited scalability, slower firmware updates, and less detailed reporting. Users face challenges with support responsiveness; hardware reliability and capacity should be enhanced, pricing is considered high, and the security features, including VPN, need enhancement. Inclusion of more automation and improved threat detection would be beneficial.

"There is no option for right-clicking on any feature after logging into the firewall. I am unable to open a feature in a new tab. In FortiGate, I can do it; in Sophos, I cannot."
"There is no option for right-clicking on any feature after logging into the firewall."
"In previous versions, NAT rules were easier to create. After version 18.5, creating a NAT rule has become more complex, requiring the creation of a separate policy and an additional component."

ROI

Sophos XGS is valued for its longevity and effectiveness in smaller businesses where it offers better speed. Users have noticed a return by preventing ransomware attacks, contributing to overall satisfaction with its performance. While larger companies may not see significant returns, Sophos XGS is appreciated for providing security, which users interpret as a worthwhile investment. Overall, it garners a mixed rating, with some assessing it around three out of five in terms of return.

Pricing

Sophos XGS pricing varies greatly, with appliance costs and functionality influencing total expenses. Many users find it reasonably priced for small to medium businesses, although some view it as high compared to competitors like Fortinet and Palo Alto. Licensing is required, often involving yearly fees or multi-year agreements, with additional costs for support and optional modules. Discounts are common, and competitive pricing can be achieved with strategic selections, making it cost-effective for many enterprises.

"We paid around 17,000 pounds for a three-year package."
"Sophos XGS is a very expensive solution."
"Sophos XGS is a cost-effective solution."

Popular Use Cases

Sophos XGS is used primarily as a next-generation firewall, offering security features such as threat management, antivirus, web filtering, and VPN services. Organizations deploy it for various purposes, including endpoint protection, network security, application control, and traffic management. It protects network infrastructures both on-premises and in cloud environments. Many entities utilize it for site-to-site VPN setups and as an internet gateway, and it integrates well with other security platforms.

Service and Support

Sophos XGS support has mixed feedback. Some users highlight responsive and helpful support, especially when properly informed. However, several users mention slow response times, language barriers, and lack of knowledgeable staff. Many note that issues often require escalation to higher-level support, causing delays. While some users find support satisfactory, others rate it poorly, citing delays and ineffectiveness, especially for critical business needs. Overall, users call for improved response times and knowledge in handling complex issues.

Deployment

Users found Sophos XGS's initial setup generally straightforward and user-friendly, particularly for basic configurations. Some noted complexity in advanced setups, especially when involving custom policies or larger environments. The setup time varied significantly, with simpler installations taking minutes while intricate deployments could extend to days or weeks. Technical expertise eased the process, but first-timers occasionally faced a learning curve. Availability of detailed documentation and support from service providers was beneficial in overcoming challenges.

Scalability

Sophos XGS is often cited as scalable by users, with flexibility offered through its virtual version. While many praise its ability to handle large numbers, others point to limitations, especially with hardware constraints. Different models and license options enhance its capacity, but expansion may require new hardware. Users value its adaptability in various environments, although some face challenges compared to competitors. The scalability is usually ranked high, reflecting its usage across diverse company sizes.

Stability

Sophos XGS is highly stable, receiving positive ratings. Users note it rarely experiences bugs, crashes, or freezes, making it reliable with good performance. Some mention the need for restarts during updates, while a few report occasional downtimes and issues when capacity is exceeded. Sophos XGS is especially commendable compared to previous versions and has been preferred over other solutions due to its consistent results. Stability ratings range from six to ten on a ten-point scale.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Sophos XGS Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

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Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

18%

Manufacturing Company

Comms Service Provider

Educational Organization

Financial Services Firm

Healthcare Company

Government

Construction Company

Retailer

Legal Firm

Media Company

Insurance Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Energy/Utilities Company

Hospitality Company

Non Profit

University

Outsourcing Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Transportation Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Consumer Goods Company

Performing Arts

International Affairs Institute

Logistics Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Engineering Company

Security Firm

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Learn more about Sophos XGS

XGS has powerful deep learning technology and can detect and block even the most sophisticated malware and ransomware attacks. It also offers granular control over web access, allowing organizations to enforce policies and prevent access to malicious or inappropriate websites. Additionally, XGS provides application control features, enabling organizations to manage and prioritize network traffic based on specific applications or user groups.

With its intuitive management interface and centralized reporting, XGS offers easy deployment and monitoring of network security.