# Page 8 | WatchGuard Firebox Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra

> Page 8 - Is WatchGuard Firebox the right Network Security solution for you? Explore 446 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/154706/Unified-Threat-Management/reviews

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WatchGuard Firebox

4.8 (446)

[View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/154706/Unified-Threat-Management/alternatives/)

Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/)

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Last updated March 13th, 2026

# Page 8 - Reviews of WatchGuard Firebox

## Showing most helpful reviews

Showing 176-200 of 446 Reviews

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Most Helpful

Rating

Company Size

Reviewer's Role

Length of Use

Frequency of Use

RB

Ray B.  
I.S. Specialist  
Medical Practice  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "The Watchguard Firebox is a solid performer"

April 18, 2023

5.0

We've used Watchguard products for years and they are great firewalls.

Pros

We push our Watchguard firewall to its absolute limit in our business and we use it for Firewall, VLAN, VPN, DMZ, internet access, home and remote workers and dozens of other things. I imagine we take advantage of almost every capability it has to offer and it never fails to deliver. Absolutely rock solid performance.

Cons

It would be nice if it had an easily accessible, built-in, searchable log. Troubleshooting a connection or path would be SO MUCH easier if it had that.

Review Source

Bob S.  
Head Of IT  
Logistics and Supply Chain  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Wholehearted support for WatchGuard Fireboxes"

May 31, 2023

5.0

I’ve used them for many years now, having had a number of generations from the 200/300 to the 270/370 to the 290 series. They work well, are so easy to use, are reliable and the support is fantastic.

Pros

The expansive feature set at a very competitive price makes the Firebox a really attractive option. The ease of deployment and management is, I believe second to none. However, it is the customer service behind the product that really makes it worth the money. I can’t state strongly enough how great the team there is.

Cons

Honestly nothing. Even the odd little feature, if it could be improved, the team there listen and often it gets the requested tweak.

Reason for choosing WatchGuard Firebox

I felt the WatchGuards did the job better and for a better price. The other vendors are fantastic, and wouldn’t have been a wrong choice, but I felt for the price and feature set, WatchGuard were the best option.

Review Source

JN

Jose N.  
Director of Operations  
Computer & Network Security  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Watchguard Firebox a very robust and cost-effective firewall."

November 28, 2023

5.0

Pros

Price and very straight forward licensing system. Basically, you have three types of licenses: Support, Basic, and Total Security. Nonetheless, you have the option of a-la-carte for some funcionalities.

Cons

The lower end models get a huge impact on performance if you decide to use a lot of the features. So, the Total Security license on those models is a waste of money.

Reason for choosing WatchGuard Firebox

Price and straight forward licensing was the main reason of chosing Watchguard firebox over the competition.

Review Source

DB

Daryl B.  
Cloud and Cyber Security Engineer  
Information Technology and Services  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Daily Driving WatchGuards"

May 2, 2024

5.0

Pros

They're easy to use and maintain. With powerful features that cover a wide array of use cases. They're capable of meeting every need and more.

Cons

As of right now we haven't come across any cons to using these firewalls. They have replaces all the existing systems we had in place.

Review Source

GB

Greg B.  
Installation manager  
Information Technology and Services  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "The Firebox is an Excellent Value"

April 30, 2024

5.0

Pros

Very straightforward setup. I had a couple of questions during the setup but located the needed info quickly online.

Cons

Activation of the license on the unit was a little awkward if you’ve never done it before (which I hadn’t).

Review Source

EF

Eugen F.  
Senior Solutions Analyst  
Information Technology and Services  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Easy use and deployment"

November 28, 2023

5.0

I've been using and administering Watchguard devices for over 15 years now. I've used and administered others, SonicWall, Cisco, and more, but I will never recommend any of the others over Watchguard. In the 15 years, and something like 40+ individual devices I've administered, we've only had four with physical issues in all that time. Two of them were past end of life when they died. Wish I could say the same for the off-the-shelf routers our end users have.

Pros

Once you have a configuration for a device, you can deploy it to multiple devices, even of different models. With Watchguard System Manager software, you can edit a device configuration offline, without affecting the running firewall. You can even deploy it to a completely different model for testing before applying it to the final production device. This is my favorite feature of Watchguard! My second favorite feature is that you don't \*have\* to control the device from the web (Watchguard Cloud), but you \*can\* if you want to. I absolutely \*hate\* systems that make you use their cloud service for deployment. You know who I'm talking about.

Cons

It has a little bit of a learning curve compared to some others, though not as much as some of the bigger name brand systems.

Reason for choosing WatchGuard Firebox

Prior knowledge, cost, ability to easily manage, and integration with other existing devices.

Review Source

SS

Stefanos S.  
IT Manager  
Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Watchguard Firebox- Your trustworthy partner"

October 26, 2023

5.0

We really feal secure with our pair of Fireboxes. We really like the offered VPN solution, which enabled us to work remotely over the pandemic period. We like the fact that the Fireware is getting often updates and new features are added all the time.

Pros

What we like the most about WatchGuard Firebox is the many features it does offer.

Cons

What we like the least about WatchGuard Firebox is the way "Explicit Proxy" was implemented. Although this is a great feature, the fact that it is meant to be only used once per user does decrease its value very much. We were hoping that we would be able to set allowed destinations in the "Explicit Proxy", but the default destination is "Firebox" and can't be an FQDN or IP, etc. Also the NATing does not work with the "Explicit Proxy", as there is a second hidden policy after the "Explicit Proxy", which is the one that defines the IP Address of the traffic, which can't be changed as it is hidden. The "Explicit Proxy" was the main reason why we chose the first pair of Fireboxes (have upgraded twice already) but we were disappointed because of it. However even as it is, it is better than nothing, as when we had done our research there was NO other firewall offering this option!!! So we are still both happy to have the feature / but disappointed because we expected it to be better. We are still hopping the "Explicit Proxy" will be redisigned as this is a unique feature not found on any other firewall!!!

Alternatives considered

[FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall](https://www.capterra.com/p/231835/FortiGate-Next-Generation-Firewalls/)

Reason for choosing WatchGuard Firebox

At the time we were looking for a replacement for our MS Forefront TMG which stopped being supported. The only Firewall that support this was the Firebox!

Review Source

BB

Brian B.  
Director of IT  
Government Administration  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "WatchGuard Technologies Firebox"

April 4, 2023

5.0

They are great to work with. The Firebox is a solid piece of equipment with little to no issues, ever. It just works!

Pros

The ease of installing the firebox is outstanding. The interface makes it easy to visualize what you are doing and what needs to be accomplished. It leaves no doubt as to what your policies are doing.

Cons

Sometimes support is hard to get a hold of. When you get them, they escalate quickly if needed and get you an answer. It's not a huge deal. They are always great to work with, and are well-versed in all the products. They will have an answer for you!

Alternatives considered

[Next Generation Firewall](https://www.capterra.com/p/254223/Next-Generation-Firewall/)

Reason for choosing WatchGuard Firebox

Cost, ease of use, local support.

Review Source

IK

Iain K.  
IT and Special Projects Manager  
Environmental Services  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "The first product I bought when starting my new role and re-designing the network"

March 8, 2024

5.0

I have used Watchguard for 20+ years - along with other vendors and I still gravitate to them because the products are truly business grade.

Pros

Watchguard appliances (When spec'd correctly) offer great value with uncompromised security, performance and features. Support has always been efficient and the community is a great resource when you are trying to work out if something is feasible. The integration - particularly with AuthPoint, takes away a lot of the headaches around MFA. The Cloud Portal is also a nice cost free feature (With the correct licence) and adds central alerting and remote scheduled upgrades of firmware.

Cons

It would be nice if the smaller devices were rackmountable without having to purchase a 3rd party product.

Switched from

[PortPro](https://www.capterra.com/p/214379/drayOS/)

Features, better security and performance.

Review Source

BP

Bruce P.  
Pres  
Farming  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Good value "

April 29, 2024

5.0

Pros

A tool that allowed the creation of a stable network for our organization, blocked unwanted/unauthorized use, and prevents intrusions.

Cons

No issues at this time with the product.

Review Source

LYM

Long Yin M.  
plumber  
Information Technology and Services  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "WatchGuard firewall, highly recommended"

February 8, 2024

4.0

Affordable price, it is good enough for small business.

Pros

Simple and easy to use Fast boot up time Simple licensing structure for subscription features

Cons

lack of feature or limitation comparing with others, e.g. multi VRF, multi system (context), support of NAT and SSL decryption even in bridge mode ...

Alternatives considered

[NG Firewall](https://www.capterra.com/p/149070/NG-Firewall/)

Reason for choosing WatchGuard Firebox

OpSense (with Zenarmor) - it is cheaper but difficult to use and less stable. I got bad experience with its URL filtering, I set it to block firstly seen sites category but it permitted it once and then it blocked it ! Untangle / NG firewall / Arista Again it is cheaper but less stable. Features are separeted by different applications. The level of integration is not enough.

Switched from

[Next Generation Firewall](https://www.capterra.com/p/254223/Next-Generation-Firewall/)

Too expensive even the lowest end model And my company is selling WatchGuard

Review Source

TW

Travis W.  
Owner  
Information Technology and Services  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "The perfect solution for SMB"

November 10, 2023

5.0

Support has always been great whenever I’ve had an issue, the trade up and or trade in programs are both very competitive to get you onto the WatchGuard platfofm. Call WatchGuard remains competitive in the space serves all of my clients needs while still remaining scalabale.

Pros

Competitive cost, ease of deployment and configuration, central management features

Cons

The lowest and models don’t have enough hardware resources to support a full UTM subscription, makes it difficult to deploy within smaller limited orgs.

Switched from

[Cisco AnyConnect](https://www.capterra.com/p/169495/VPN-and-Endpoint-Security-Clients/)[Sonicwall Network Security Manager](https://www.capterra.com/p/219070/Sonicwall-Network-Security-Manager/)

Both products are overly complicated to manage and have much higher licensing costs with fewer features. WatchGuard offers a solution that I can easily train a small business end-user to help maintain in a basic capacity

Review Source

mS

maaz S.  
System admin  
Computer Software  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "WatchGuard firebox"

May 10, 2024

5.0

Pros

I have user watchguard from last 2 years ,Its easy to understand ,user friendly GUI

Review Source

CT

Charlie T.  
Project enginner  
Computer Networking  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "My experience with Watchguard so far"

May 10, 2024

4.0

Pros

How easy they are to configure based on others I have used in the past

Cons

The cost of the rack mount kit for what it is and how it sits in a cabinet is untidy

Review Source

SS

Stephanie S.  
President  
Information Technology and Services  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Watchguard Firebox Firewalls provide outstanding quality in an intuitive interface"

September 23, 2021

5.0

The firebox provides the ability to establish the right balance of security and accessibility for my company's network. Since going with Watchguard we have had no incursions or viruses get through. No time wasted mitigating things that should have never happened. That's the value.

Pros

I love how easy it is to setup and how easy it is to manage. I love the alerts that help me get on top of things quickly and how the monitoring and reporting help me stay aware of how the network is running.

Cons

The Watchguar/NCP VPN client is a separately purchased item per-user

Reason for choosing WatchGuard Firebox

Watchguard provided the best value, though not the lowest price.

Review Source

FR

Frank R.  
IT Manager  
Government Relations  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "I have enjoyed using them for over 15 years"

April 12, 2024

5.0

Pros

Simple setup, very stable devices, no problems during operation, very good management

Cons

The change in the license model of the WLAN AP

Review Source

EA

Emanuele A.  
Cyber Security Manager  
Packaging and Containers  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Reliable product for SMB "

February 9, 2024

4.0

The products are reliable and the failure rate is really low. As a campus firewall it is more than fine. It is losing some competitiveness by comparing it to other competitors when installed as a perimeter firewall

Pros

Simplicity of use and ease of operation. The hardware is affibable and diagnostics in case of problems quite simple. The configuration is the same for all models, and the continuity between hardware and software is excellent

Cons

In my opinion, development has lost some steps in recent years. There is still a lack of clear level 7 policy management and a lack of counters to understand which policies are being used or not. The new cloud console is not ready and not a viable path for large entities

Alternatives considered

[Next Generation Firewall](https://www.capterra.com/p/254223/Next-Generation-Firewall/)[FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall](https://www.capterra.com/p/231835/FortiGate-Next-Generation-Firewalls/)

Reason for choosing WatchGuard Firebox

at the time for agressive pricing but we are reevaluating our choice to decide whether to continue with the vendor

Review Source

DJ

Dwight J.  
Network Admin  
Consumer Electronics  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "WatchGuard is a great firewall"

February 9, 2024

5.0

Its a solid firewall. Doesn't have 2 or 3 or even 4 versions of "current" Firmware due to many bugs (looking at you Fortigate!). Tech support is very good and responsive when you need it.

Pros

Easiest firewall policy editor around (still could be even more intuitive) vs. the competitors.

Cons

Would like the following features added: \* Speed Test right from the firewall. \* More granularity to viewing packets in the Traffic Monitor \* Logging of firewall policies to be enabled by default \* Recommended settings to be highlighted or chosen for you by default

Alternatives considered

[Cisco Secure Access](https://www.capterra.com/p/10010946/Cisco-Secure-Access/)[Next Generation Firewall](https://www.capterra.com/p/254223/Next-Generation-Firewall/)[Cisco Meraki](https://www.capterra.com/p/176649/Meraki-Systems-Manager/)[UISP](https://www.capterra.com/p/234674/UNMS/)[FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall](https://www.capterra.com/p/231835/FortiGate-Next-Generation-Firewalls/)

Reason for choosing WatchGuard Firebox

Best overall features, price and mostly ease of use compared to the hot mess of a GUI and still needing to occasionally use a CLI to administer a Fortigate.

Review Source

GP

Gary P.  
IT Manager  
Airlines/Aviation  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "WatchGuard Review from an Airline perspective"

September 18, 2023

5.0

Overall I find it an excellent product. Easy to use and configure (aside of some slightly tedious setup but that goes with all routers). Once deployed they really run themselves aside of some updates, etc which would be nice if we can set an automated update schedule check and deploy. Tech support is very easy work with and very thorough as well.

Pros

Watchguard is easy to configure and deploy. After deployed it is easy to update in terms of rules as well as firmware.

Cons

It is too bad you can't copy/paste a VPN and just change the IP addresses as well as rules. In the WG config there are rules. Copy one and paste to another WG or paste to the existing one and simply change some parameters. That would actually make config and ongoing support much

Reason for choosing WatchGuard Firebox

I have experience with WG for several years now. I have worked with other products but have never waivered in my choice to use WG. Wathguard is also a catch all (for the most part) device which is also a bonus!!!

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Magister Ciberseguridad  
Banking  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Opinion about Watchguard"

May 12, 2023

5.0

It has been very positive, Watchguard has allowed me to define suitable controls for my organization, as well as block malicious IPs, create security policies, block access to websites and applications, reserve IPs, create tunnels, users and VPN accesses.

Pros

How robust is the platform, how dynamic is the WEB UI, how can I make changes without any problem accompanied by the range of possibilities that WSM gives you, as well as all the functions that add value that I can carry out from Watchguard Cloud.

Cons

That to use Dimension I must configure a local server, I would like to be able to access it from the Cloud.

Reason for choosing WatchGuard Firebox

Because of how friendly the platform is and how comfortable and easy it is to use compared to others on the market.

Review Source

AA

Amir A.  
CEO  
Medical Practice  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "WatchGuard Firebox Overall Review"

April 29, 2024

5.0

I can't complaint about the features and quality. I don't access the admin daily. It does what it says.

Pros

Quick implementation. Mostly Plug and play, great support.

Cons

Price was higher than I expected comparing with similar product for the size of my company.

Reason for choosing WatchGuard Firebox

Kind of forced into it from the IT company that was referred to me. They told me this is the lowest cost solution they have.

Review Source

Steve K.  
President  
Computer Networking  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "WatchGuard User for over 25 years"

January 30, 2024

5.0

Pros

Initially the cost vs. Cisco. There were not many firewall vendors at the time

Cons

Everything has flaws. Sometimes tech support not easy, although often excellent.

Alternatives considered

[Sonicwall Network Security Manager](https://www.capterra.com/p/219070/Sonicwall-Network-Security-Manager/)

Review Source

WM

Wes M.  
IT Manager  
Furniture  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Very good firewall for the money"

November 6, 2023

4.0

Overall I am happy with the product and will continue to use them into the future.

Pros

The firebox is easy to deploy and configure, easy to support and comes at a good price point. The hardware is reliable and dependable.

Cons

The only issue I have with the WatchGuard Firebox is setting up Multicast routing across VLANs, but I am working with support on this.

Reason for choosing WatchGuard Firebox

I chose WatchGuard because I have heard positive feedback from my peers and a lot of them use the brand.

Switched from

[Sonicwall Network Security Manager](https://www.capterra.com/p/219070/Sonicwall-Network-Security-Manager/)

SonicWall had poor support and there were a lot of features that didn't work in the OS, also there were several instances where the software was vulnerable to active exploits forcing us to constantly upgrade and work with support.

Review Source

CH

Chris H.  
IT specialist  
Computer & Network Security  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Cost effective true nextgen Solution!"

November 13, 2023

4.0

WatchGuards customer support is fast prompt and knowledgeable. Most of our clientele is remote with limited access average response time from request to completion of support request i usually less than an hour.

Pros

The fact that a basic deployment can be configured in 5 minutes and implemented. Easy to select the right appliance to the right application.

Cons

Watch Guard clouds lack of granular control. We manage quite a few appliances better control at the cloud level would simplify changing multiple devices

Alternatives considered

[Next Generation Firewall](https://www.capterra.com/p/254223/Next-Generation-Firewall/)

Review Source

AH

Albert H.  
Sr. Network Engineer  
Aviation & Aerospace  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Exploring the Impact of WatchGuard Firebox"

November 10, 2023

5.0

WatchGuard Firebox is a feature-rich firewall solution with notable strengths in security, scalability, and user-friendliness. No complains....

Pros

WatchGuard Firebox offers a comprehensive set of security features, including intrusion prevention, application control, URL filtering, advanced threat protection, VPN highly secured and easy to use and deploy.

Cons

Some advanced features and services, such as threat intelligence feeds and certain security updates, may require additional subscription services

Alternatives considered

[Panorama](https://www.capterra.com/p/192172/Panorama/)

Reason for choosing WatchGuard Firebox

I am so used to it. Easy to manage, deploy and it's highly secured.

Review Source

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