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Surendra Golchha - PeerSpot reviewer
Director at Bhudeo Khadya Udyog Pvt Ltd
Real User
Top 10
Stable product with an efficient user management system
Pros and Cons
  • "The product’s most valuable feature is the user management system."
  • "The product's technical support services could be better."

What is most valuable?

The product’s most valuable feature is the user management system.

What needs improvement?

The product's technical support services could be better. 

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using Sophos XG for three to four years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate the product’s stability an eight or nine out of ten.

Buyer's Guide
Sophos XG
March 2025
Learn what your peers think about Sophos XG. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2025.
842,690 professionals have used our research since 2012.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have 15 to 20 Sophos XG users. I rate its scalability an eight or nine.

How are customer service and support?

We do not receive enough technical support services from Sophos XG.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Neutral

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was complicated because we didn’t have executives with proper expertise. It took us two months to complete.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I rate Sophos XG’s pricing a seven out of ten.

What other advice do I have?

I rate Sophos XG an eight out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1223154 - PeerSpot reviewer
IT Architect at a consultancy with 11-50 employees
Real User
Lacking security, poor search tool, but stable
Pros and Cons
  • "The performance of Sophos XG is generally good and it is stable."
  • "The security of Sophos XG could be improved."

What is our primary use case?

 Sophos XG is a firewall and we use it to create networking rules.

What needs improvement?

The security of Sophos XG could be improved.

Sophos wants to move all things to the cloud, including access to the end-user PCs and data from the cloud. What will be easier to hack for a customer with an outdated firewall, or the Sophos cloud could get hacked which has all the access and information from customers. With my experience, it's not a question of if they will hack it, but a question of when they will do it. I'm not happy with the direction Sophos is going on.

We have problems with the use of the user interface. You have a poor search engine for objects via which you can write new rules. You have to start at the beginning of the whole object name. With the Sophos UTM, you can start with a pattern, with part of the whole word. In Sophos UTM it will list you all the hits with parts of what you type, and that does not happen on the Sophos XG.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Sophos XG for approximately 10 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The performance of Sophos XG is generally good and it is stable. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I have found the scalability of Sophos XG the same as Sophos XG.

We have approximately 10 clients using this solution.

How are customer service and support?

Since Sophos XG moved the support from London to somewhere in the world, such as India, it's a little bit longer to receive a fast response. They are knowledgeable but they are slow to make decisions. For example, we had a firewall and the hardware was defect. It was really clear, but we had to have a long discussion for them to be able to send us the new firewall. It took one or two weeks until the supporter was able to talk to someone who can make the decision. This is too long, this process could be streamlined.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward . As long as you buy the appliances from Sophos, it works very well. However, in some cases, we have to use our own servers because they have more power and more network bandwidth.

What about the implementation team?

The amount of users needed for the implementation and maintenance depends on the size of the customer's infrastructure.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

There is a license required to use this solution and my customers pay for it annually.

What other advice do I have?

I am not amazed by this solution.

I rate Sophos XG a four out of ten.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Sophos XG
March 2025
Learn what your peers think about Sophos XG. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2025.
842,690 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Chief-Information-Technology-Officer at ABIG
Real User
Good Protection, scales well, and is easy to setup
Pros and Cons
  • "Web publishing is important, as well as the importance of the antivirus patch."
  • "Our clients use Karios, and while it integrates well with it, the integration could be improved."

What is our primary use case?

We use this solution for VPN, client VPN, malware filtering, and antivirus scanning.

How has it helped my organization?

It has definitely improved the way our organization functions. Previously only using free tools, and once we started using Sophos XG, the number of threats dropped dramatically. We had a lot of threats to our network, but they have dramatically decreased since we started using this solution.

What is most valuable?

All of the features in Sophos XG are valuable.

Web publishing is important, as well as the importance of the antivirus patch. 

The firewall is also essential, and the VPN.

What needs improvement?

Our clients use Karios, and while it integrates well with it, the integration could be improved.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Sophos XG for three years.

We are using the XG version.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We encountered an issue with the hardware when we first purchased this solution. We called Sophos, who replaced the device, and we have not had any issues since.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have no issues with the scalability of Sophos XG.

In our organization, we have 150 users, and all are required to maintain this solution.

We don't have plans to increase the usage at this time.

How are customer service and support?

We have not really used technical support. If we have an issue, we resolve it ourselves.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

Previously, we were using older versions of Microsoft. We used it for almost 10 years before switching to Sophos.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was easy.

We completed the installation ourselves. I took a maximum of two weeks.

What was our ROI?

I have not calculated our ROI.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

We have a three-year license.

What other advice do I have?

I am the Chief IT Officer. I don't have all of the technical details of this product. We have technical staff who use this solution for their daily routines and activities.

It's a very good product. I would rate Sophos XG an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
RathinVaidya - PeerSpot reviewer
Vice President (Technical) at Shaligram Infotech LLP
Reseller
Great antivirus software that's very easy to deploy and very user friendly
Pros and Cons
  • "Easy to deploy and user friendly."
  • "Could have a more simplified functionality for users."

What is our primary use case?

It's primarily for on-premise firewall functionality and functionality of internet lines.

What is most valuable?

The appeal to our IT team is that this is an easy to deploy, user friendly, and easy to work with solution that includes antivirus software.

What needs improvement?

I'd like to see a more simplified functionality for our customers. We also had a negative experience with the sales team of Sophos, which offered a three-year renewal to our customer. We'd suggested one year, keeping the customer's cashflow in mind and Covid. The result was that it affected our credibility with the customer. These are some of the irritants in the sales policy.  

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using this solution for four years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is stable. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have deployed it for 100 users to date, so it's quite scalable. We mainly work with small and medium size organizations. 

How was the initial setup?

The implementation is straightforward. It depends on your environment, and the number of users as well as the complex rules you're making. That aside, it is easy to deploy.

What other advice do I have?

I rate the solution eight out of 10. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer:
PeerSpot user
Network Administrator at a construction company with 51-200 employees
Real User
A stable and easy-to-deploy solution with a fair price and useful IPS and ATP features
Pros and Cons
  • "IPS and advanced threat protection (ATP) are the most valuable features. I am able to segment my network traffic and block incoming connections. It is also easy to use."
  • "I would like to have better SSL decryption and HTTP decryption. There should be filtering of SSL and HTTP traffic. Sophos XG consumes a lot of endpoint resources. It consumes a lot of RAM and CPU resources, and they should look into this."

What is our primary use case?

It is a firewall. It is used in my defense line. It provides defense and a form of security for my internal network.

What is most valuable?

IPS and advanced threat protection (ATP) are the most valuable features. I am able to segment my network traffic and block incoming connections. It is also easy to use.

What needs improvement?

I would like to have better SSL decryption and HTTPS decryption. There should be filtering of SSL and HTTPS traffic.

Sophos XG consumes a lot of endpoint resources. It consumes a lot of RAM and CPU resources, and they should look into this.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Its scalability is fine. We have about 40 users. We don't have any plan to increase its usage at the moment. However, it depends on recruitments and other things. If required, my company would change my box to a bigger one for better processing speed.

How are customer service and technical support?

Their technical support is okay. Sometimes, during the webinars, when I have some questions, they respond to them, but sometimes, I don't get any response.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have worked with Check Point before. Check Point is very expensive. At this time, we are not thinking of switching to another solution. If we were switching, Cisco Firepower would have been an option, but my colleagues, who have good experience with such solutions, would prefer to stay with Sophos XG. Cisco Firepower is a little bit complicated to use. It is also expensive. Cisco and Check Point have different boxes for different things, whereas Sophos brings everything into one box.

How was the initial setup?

It was straightforward.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Its price is fair. It is cheaper and way better than others.

What other advice do I have?

I like this solution. I would rate Sophos XG an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Samir Shah - PeerSpot reviewer
CEO / Managing Director at Infinity Access Technologies Pvt Ltd
Real User
Top 20
Stable product with easy setup well recommended, customer support and fiber options on smaller models could be improved
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution was able to be integrated well with exciting hardware and software and in multiple business sectors."
  • "They should include fiber ports on smaller product models and the tools should be improved for scalability."

What is our primary use case?

We were able to integrate the solution using existing infrastructure installed, such as different firewalls and security software. We have integrated the solution in multiple sectors, for example, the education and banking sectors. 

How has it helped my organization?

UTM appliances have generally improved organization networks and given away to multiple link management, identity management, and easy firewall options. SOPHOS has a better GUI and dashboard which can be easily understood and managed in an organization.

What is most valuable?

The solution was able to be integrated well with exciting hardware and software and in multiple business sectors.

What needs improvement?

With the proliferation of fiber connectivity becoming available at our homes, consumers should not have to go and buy another module for fiber to ethernet converters or another device to get the fiber options. I understand all UTM models should have direct SFP ports available so that FFTH is directly terminated to UTM for better management and uptime. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for the past five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I have found it to be a stable product.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I can say it is more stable rather than scalable. I do not think they have the ability for scalability with the options currently included esp in SMB segment. However, if they did have better options then I believe the product would have better scalability.

Some of our clients have been enterprise and SMB customers. Overall the range of our clients has been between medium and enterprise clients.

How are customer service and technical support?

The customer support is not that good. We found the support to be extremely slow in response.

I rate Sophos XG support a three out of ten.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We have used other products as well and we understand those products work well which has better and local support. In addition, it depends on the company's focus. SOPHOS has focused on small to enterprise customers but support needs improvement to be in the market. SOPHOS channel partnership program needs also improvement and commitment so that System Integrators and partners are able to pitch the products well in the market. 

How was the initial setup?

Setup is good and the integration is very easy. The technology creates several good products.

What about the implementation team?

We do the deployment and implementation of the solutions.

What was our ROI?

They should include fiber SFP ports on smaller product models as well and the tools should be improved for scalability.

What other advice do I have?

I can definitely recommend the product because it is good. There is no doubt.

I rate Sophos XG a 6 out of 10.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Channel Partner and Consultant to various Customers.
PeerSpot user
IT Project Consultant at a tech services company
Consultant
Very intuitive and easy-to-use interface making it much easier to setup access and business rules

What is most valuable?

  • URL Filtering: because of the importance of controlling what and individual might access from the organization’s network. Sophos XG has 90+ categories, providing a level of granularity that eliminates the need to create customized categories.
  • IPS (Intrusion Prevention System): because of the importance of preventing hackers from using exploits and other mechanisms that might compromise the network
  • Anti-malware: Sophos XG comes with two anti-malware engines: its own and Avira, making the UTM more effective at catching malicious code.
  • Control Center: an interface crammed with the most vital information like security issues, appliance performance, and Internet link status.

How has it helped my organization?

With a very intuitive and easy-to-use interface, it made it much easier to setup access and business rules, VPNs and to identify issues like Internet link outages and security issues.

What needs improvement?

Sophos XG lacks link load balancing options like ratio and spill over, both useful in some scenarios.

I also think they might consider improving the RAM of some of the appliances, since there are processes that are very memory intensive.

Lastly, I would say packet monitor is another area for improvement as it lacks capabilities like exporting the capture from inside the GUI tool.

For how long have I used the solution?

A year and a half.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Yes, on the SFOS Version 15, I had to upgrade the firmware of an appliance since it had a problem with the JAMVM process (an apparently known issue in which that process consumes almost all of the CPU resources).

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

No.

How are customer service and technical support?

I would say that Sophos Brazil has an excellent support team.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

No.

How was the initial setup?

It was very straightforward. And I credit that to the great job Sophos did on its OS interface, providing different ways of accessing the same option, hiding some of the complexities of a firewall system, and deploying it with many pre-built policies, objects and rules that for most of the environments makes it unnecessary to spend hours tuning the system.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Sophos is clearly trying to position itself as the market leader in the UTM niche. One way they are doing this is by having an aggressive pricing policy and this makes it a good moment to start using their products.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

Yes, FortiGate.

What other advice do I have?

Try to have the help of a Sophos Partner for the correct sizing and purchasing of an adequate licensing bundle.

In addition, I would recommend having a PoC in place in order to make sure that the solution is what the organization needs.

It is important to notice that the XG is available for a 30 days free trial and that there are virtual appliances available for the main virtualization platforms on the market.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
LauriLaanenurm - PeerSpot reviewer
Network and Security Engineer at Datafox OÜ
Real User
Simple implementation, useful synchronized security, and helpful support
Pros and Cons
  • "The stability of Sophos XG is very good. However, there have been some issues with other weaker models because they are limited in hardware in resources."
  • "Sophos XG could improve the connectivity with Microsoft 365 or Azure Active Directory(AD). It doesn't work directly as other solutions do, such as Fortinet FortiGate. The client needs a separate AD server which is a problem."

What is our primary use case?

Sophos XG can be deployed on-premise and on the cloud.

We use Sophos XG as a network firewall for many use cases, such as offices, residential, and data centers. 

What needs improvement?

Sophos XG could improve the connectivity with Microsoft 365 or Azure Active Directory(AD). It doesn't work directly as other solutions do, such as Fortinet FortiGate. The client needs a separate AD server which is a problem.

There is no endpoint software for Linux systems, only the server version runs on Linux.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Sophos XG for approximately fours years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability of Sophos XG is very good. However, there have been some issues with other weaker models because they are limited in hardware in resources.

How are customer service and support?

We had an issue, but after speaking to the technical support, I understood it was a problem with Sophos, not a firewall problem, but with the endpoint that was related to the encryption of the disc. The problem is if you have a computer controlled by Azure at the same time as Sophos, then there may be some incompatibility problem between them because both of them are trying to control the computer and the encryption of the hard drive.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have used other firewall solutions, such as Fortinet Foregate and Check Point.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of Sophos XG is simple, but Cisco Meraki is easier. 

Since I have used Sophos XG long time it is easier than Fortinet FortiGate or Check Point.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Sophos XG is not an expensive solution. If you are willing to pay more, then there is the Check Point firewall which is the best out of all the vendors.

What other advice do I have?

I would advise other Sophos XG is a great solution because it is synchronized security between the endpoint and firewall which is unique. I'm not sure if Fortinet FortiGate has this technology, but it is a good technology in Sophos XG. Sophos was perhaps the first to use this kind of technology. What it does is if your computer gets infected, then the endpoint tells the firewall that, it is infected and the firewall doesn't allow the use of the network at all. It'll lock it down on this computer.

I rate Sophos XG a nine out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
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Updated: March 2025
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