No more typing reviews! Try our Samantha, our new voice AI agent.
reviewer1483701 - PeerSpot reviewer
System Administrator at a retailer with 11-50 employees
Real User
Jan 1, 2023
Advanced defence tools that stop known and unknown malware threats
Pros and Cons
  • "WatchGuard is very user-friendly. It provides us with all of the security services we need."
  • "When it comes to live-monitoring, the user-interface could be improved to make things easier."

What is our primary use case?

We use WatchGuard for security services mostly.

How has it helped my organization?

WatchGuard has made a few improvements to its user interface which have improved the user experience. 

They also made a few improvements to their cloud platform which are good.

What is most valuable?

WatchGuard is very user-friendly. It provides us with all of the security services we need. 

What needs improvement?

When it comes to live monitoring, the user interface could be improved to make things easier.

Buyer's Guide
WatchGuard Firebox
March 2026
Learn what your peers think about WatchGuard Firebox. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2026.
885,728 professionals have used our research since 2012.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using WatchGuard for more than 10 years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

WatchGuard is very stable. I would compare it to other top solutions. We have never experienced any bugs or glitches.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I cannot speak about large deployments, but documentation-wise, WatchGuard is pretty scalable. It is easily scalable, you just have to choose the proper hardware — that's it. 

How are customer service and support?

The technical support is very fast and reliable. They are very professional. We have never had any issues with the technical support team.

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

I used to use FortiGate. The main difference between FortiGate and WatchGuard is their interfaces. FortiGate uses a web-based interface for configuration, whereas WatchGuard has a special application for management. WatchGuard also has a web-based interface but centralized management is done specially. Otherwise, they're pretty much the same product when it comes to functionality, user-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, etc.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was very easy, we experience no issues. It comes with very good documentation.

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

The price of WatchGuard is very good.

What other advice do I have?

Overall, on a scale from one to ten, I would give WatchGuard a rating of nine.

I would recommend WatchGuard or something from FortiGate. These two solutions are pretty similar and are very good in terms of quality and functionality. I have personally used both of them and they're great.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1082562 - PeerSpot reviewer
Information Systems Administrator at a logistics company with 51-200 employees
Real User
Sep 4, 2022
Highly stable, easy to use, and excellent support
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable feature of WatchGuard Firebox is its ease of use."
  • "WatchGuard Firebox is very scalable; we're using it in a redundant system with two stacked together, it has good redundancy and is good for failover, and our whole company of approximately 100 users is using the solution."
  • "WatchGuard Firebox could improve the speed of updates, such as new features or improvements. However, they are frequently improving the solution in many areas, such as geo-locations, definitions, and web blocking."
  • "WatchGuard Firebox could improve the speed of updates, such as new features or improvements."

What is our primary use case?

We're using WatchGuard Firebox for multi-factor authentication (MFA), layer three switching, and to segregate our industrial network from our corporate network.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature of WatchGuard Firebox is its ease of use.

What needs improvement?

WatchGuard Firebox could improve the speed of updates, such as new features or improvements. However, they are frequently improving the solution in many areas, such as geo-locations, definitions, and web blocking.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using WatchGuard Firebox for approximately six years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability of WatchGuard Firebox is very stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

WatchGuard Firebox is very scalable. We're using it in a redundant system with two stacked together. It has good redundancy and is good for failover.

Our whole company of approximately 100 users is using the solution.

How are customer service and support?

The support from WatchGuard Firebox is very good.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

What about the implementation team?

We have one system administrator doing the support and maintenance of the WatchGuard Firebox.

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

We license the WatchGuard Firebox annually. There are different types of subscriptions available. We are paying approximately $15,000 annually. The cost can increase if you purchase different subscriptions.

What other advice do I have?

You can purchase the solution without support, but I would strongly recommend the support. The support is great.

I rate WatchGuard Firebox an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
WatchGuard Firebox
March 2026
Learn what your peers think about WatchGuard Firebox. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2026.
885,728 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Andrew Keywood - PeerSpot reviewer
CEO at Specifix Limited
Reseller
Jul 13, 2022
A lower-end product that does the job, but doesn't do it very well
Pros and Cons
  • "The set up was quite straightforward and we handled it in-house. It took a few hours to deploy the product."
  • "The set up was quite straightforward and we handled it in-house."
  • "There is room for improvement in the threat protection, data packet inspection, and performance of the solution. Generally, it's just a lower-end product. It does the job but doesn't do it very well."
  • "Generally, it's just a lower-end product. It does the job but doesn't do it very well."

What is our primary use case?

It's mainly an internet gateway that is used for internet gateway protection and remote access.

What needs improvement?

There is room for improvement in the threat protection, data packet inspection, and performance of the solution. Generally, it's just a lower-end product. It does the job but doesn't do it very well.

Compared to Palo Alto, for example, some of the main differences are zero-day protection, performance, deep packet inspection, and App-ID. I'm not really a fan of WatchGuard. We only use it with one client and we're trying to get them to get rid of it. I prefer to use Palo Alto instead. Industry analysts have voted Palo Alto the number one firewall for the last eight consecutive years, so if you want good protection, it's a no-brainer.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with this solution for 18 months.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is reasonably stable. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I do not think the product is scalable.

How was the initial setup?

The set up was quite straightforward and we handled it in-house. It took a few hours to deploy the product. One a scale of one to five, one being very hard and five being very easy, I would rate the set up as a five.

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

It is an entry-level product, so the price is cheap.

What other advice do I have?

The program requires maintenance, including updates, patching, and subscriptions. 

My advice to someone considering this project would be to look into Palo Alto instead. 

I would rate this solution as a one out of ten.

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. Reseller
PeerSpot user
Project Consultant at SysGroup PLC
MSP
Mar 22, 2022
Reasonably priced, secure, and simple setup
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable features of the WatchGuard Firebox are all the security and updated features. You are able to configure the solution from the cloud platform and the application and web interface are very nice."
  • "The most valuable features of the WatchGuard Firebox are all the security and updated features."
  • "They are working on cloud-based options. However, they do not have the options fully functional in their solution at this time."
  • "They are working on cloud-based options. However, they do not have the options fully functional in their solution at this time."

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features of the WatchGuard Firebox are all the security and updated features. You are able to configure the solution from the cloud platform and the application and web interface are very nice.

Since I have been using this solution I have not been hacked or had any problems.

What needs improvement?

They are working on cloud-based options. However, they do not have the options fully functional in their solution at this time.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using WatchGuard Firebox for approximately five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

WatchGuard Firebox is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability of the WatchGuard Firebox is good.

How are customer service and support?

The technical support is good from WatchGuard Firebox.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was easy, and the time it took was a couple of hours.

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

The price of the WatchGuard Firebox is reasonable.

What other advice do I have?

I rate WatchGuard Firebox an eight out of ten.

Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Assistant Manager at a tech services company with 501-1,000 employees
Real User
Jan 26, 2022
Easy to configure and great for troubleshooting
Pros and Cons
  • "Watchguard Firebox is easy to use and easy to configure."
  • "The reporting could use improvement, because most of the firewalls available in the market come with the reporting built-in, with the memory and the hard disk capacity and all."

What is most valuable?

Watchguard Firebox is easy to use and easy to configure.

What needs improvement?

The reporting could use improvement, because most of the firewalls available in the market come with the reporting built-in, with the memory and the hard disk capacity and all. With WatchGuard, the models we use, none of them support that part. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for over 10 years.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It's really good for X and B level organizations due to the cost and the features. As a medium-level businesses, we are satisfied. 

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

We have a regional office in Hong Kong, and our director and the owner of the company lives there. He prefers this solution so both companies can have the same product. That makes it great for negotiation and troubleshooting.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was straightforward. 

What about the implementation team?

We use a local vendor, Blue Chip Sri Lanka, who is very good. 

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

Our license is for a three year subscription. 

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

I evaluated Sophos, but the cost was a little bit higher than this solution, so we went with this one instead. 

What other advice do I have?

I rate this solution a 10 out of 10. 

When choosing a product, make sure you understand your organizations requirements. Whatever the product you choose should ultimately match with your organization's number of users plus maintenance costs. 

Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Surjith Cs - PeerSpot reviewer
Sr.System Administrator at a computer software company with 201-500 employees
Real User
Jan 25, 2022
Improved our security at a lower price
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable features are the VPN and web blocker security."
  • "The technical support is very fast - when we raise an incident, we get a solution in no time."
  • "An area for improvement is that when we use a web administration link, there is no security."
  • "An area for improvement is that when we use a web administration link, there is no security."

What is our primary use case?

We use Watchguard as a firewall and a VPN.

How has it helped my organization?

WatchGuard has improved our security.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features are the VPN and web blocker security.

What needs improvement?

An area for improvement is that when we use a web administration link, there is no security.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using WatchGuard for the past five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Watchguard is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

This solution is scalable.

How are customer service and support?

The technical support is very fast - when we raise an incident, we get a solution in no time.

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

I previously used FortiGate.

How was the initial setup?

The installation was straightforward and took between one and two hours. I would rate our experience with the initial setup as four out of five.

What about the implementation team?

I installed this solution by myself.

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

We're currently renewing our license on a three-year basis. The licensing costs are comparatively lower than other providers, and I would rate the pricing as five out of five.

What other advice do I have?

I would give this solution a rating of eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1753128 - PeerSpot reviewer
IT Technician at a real estate/law firm with 11-50 employees
Real User
Jan 12, 2022
Excellent support, very stable, and fairly easy to use
Pros and Cons
  • "Their support is excellent, and the stability is very good."
  • "Their support is excellent, and the stability is very good."
  • "Some of the configuration options are somewhat confusing."
  • "Some of the configuration options are somewhat confusing."

What is our primary use case?

WatchGuard Firebox is our daily firewall. It gets used on a regular basis.

It is deployed locally. We are using its latest version.

What is most valuable?

Their support is excellent, and the stability is very good.

What needs improvement?

Some of the configuration options are somewhat confusing.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It has been very stable.

How are customer service and support?

Their support is excellent.

What other advice do I have?

It is very stable and fairly easy to use.

I would rate it an eight out of 10.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Director of Information Systems at Onomo hotels
Real User
Dec 1, 2021
Complicated setup, but reliable, and scalable
Pros and Cons
  • "The most important feature of this solution is the SLAs."
  • "The price of the solution is not expensive, it is less than FortiGate."
  • "Multi properties could be added to the solution in the future to make it better."
  • "The support could improve. I had to deal with support to give me new hardware and it took four weeks."

What is our primary use case?

I use WatchGuard Intrusion Prevention Service for all our properties for network security.

What is most valuable?

The most important feature of this solution is the SLAs.

What needs improvement?

Multi properties could be added to the solution in the future to make it better.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using WatchGuard Intrusion Prevention Service for approximately three 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?

WatchGuard Intrusion Prevention Service is scalable.

How are customer service and support?

The support could improve. I had to deal with support to give me new hardware and it took four weeks.

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

I have used Fortinet solutions and they are the best.

How was the initial setup?

The implementation is very complex, you install the application for WatchGuard.

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

The price of the solution is not expensive, it is less than FortiGate.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend this solution to others.

I rate WatchGuard Intrusion Prevention Service a five out of ten.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. partner
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free WatchGuard Firebox Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: March 2026
Buyer's Guide
Download our free WatchGuard Firebox Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.