FireMon vs. WatchGuard Network Security

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
FireMon
Score 7.9 out of 10
Enterprise companies (1,001+ employees)
FireMon is a real-time security policy management solution built for today’s complex multi-vendor, enterprise environments. Supporting the latest firewall and policy enforcement technologies spanning on-premises networks to the cloud, FireMon delivers visibility and control across the entire IT landscape to automate policy changes, meet compliance standards, to minimize policy-related risk. Since creating their policy management solution in 2004, FireMon states they've helped…N/A
WatchGuard Network Security
Score 8.7 out of 10
N/A
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.N/A
Pricing
FireMonWatchGuard Network Security
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
Support
Contact sales team
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Basic Security
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Total Security
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Offerings
Pricing Offerings
FireMonWatchGuard Network Security
Free Trial
YesNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeOptionalNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
FireMonWatchGuard Network Security
Considered Both Products
FireMon
Chose FireMon
FireMon gives us more flexibility when deploying the solution. Integrates with cutting-edge security solutions
Chose FireMon
We have only used firemon and there hasn't been a need to consider other products as we are satisfied with what Firemon can do.
Chose FireMon
Firewall Rule analyzer was used before I joined the company, but I have no experience with it.
Chose FireMon
OSSEC is open source and FM is much better from GUI and supportability stand points. Tufin and FireMon are very comparable
Chose FireMon
Best Compliance and Auditing tool to to identify the traffic that is hitting this rule.
Chose FireMon
I was not involved on the decision but having multiple brands in the company make sense to use a tool such as Firemon because it integrates easily with multiple vendors.
Chose FireMon
Infoblox DDI (BloxOne), Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud, Palo Alto Panorama, Palo Alto Networks Threat Protection, Palo Alto Networks WildFire, Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series and Fortinet FortiGate
Chose FireMon
Algosec and Tufin both are good tools but the cost involved for what they offer as services led us to go with Firemon.
Chose FireMon
i was not involved in the selection however i am quite happy with FireMon as the replacement of our aging product.
Chose FireMon
We have stuck with FireMon, and there is no reason to leave.
Chose FireMon
The Dell product ran on its own hardware, which failed often. The reports were not available to us in real-time, we had to request them. Many false detections of issues.
Chose FireMon
Both perform admirably with regards to providing that single pane of glass and visibility in a normalized view. They both provide great insight into where your organization stands in terms of compliance controls. In terms of upgrading and scalability, I would have to give the …
Chose FireMon
I has worked with Algosec and while they are very similar product, I find the FireMon is easier to understand and get rolling with. While both require some learning, FireMon is by far the easier one. Once you have an understanding of how things are arranged and labeled you can …
Chose FireMon
FireMon has the most supported devices.
The UI is easy to use and intuitive.
There is a comprehensive list of built in compliance controls that are missing in the competition.
Chose FireMon
To be blunt, at the time of purchase most of these products appeared to do the same things in the same ways. What really brought us to the table with FireMon six years ago was their willingness to earn our business, and to this day they remain just as committed to keeping our …
Chose FireMon
FireMon is way more flexible and the interface is tremendously better than any existing ones.
Chose FireMon
Algosec is a great tool, lower in cost as well.

FireMon has alot of capabilites, but our organization is not ready or have a use case yet for those features.
Chose FireMon
Tufin works much better with CheckPoint.
Chose FireMon
They are two very well done tools, FireMon is better suited for firewall rules evaluation, configuration and review, Tenable.io is better suited for CIS benchmarking. We ended up using both of them in the end, it really depends of your needs and what you are looking for, the …
Chose FireMon
Nothing like FireMon. We have other tools but 99% of them are looking at specific areas and not the enterprise security on a dashboard.
Chose FireMon
We performed a head-to-head PoC between FireMon and AlgoSec several years ago. Both platforms were well developed, but FireMon had the upper hand in three areas:
  1. Its UI was more unified and intuitive across the different components and products
  2. The reporting was better suited …
Chose FireMon
AlgoSec and Tufin both have initial issues during the POC stage, and FireMon even though with the changes they have made still works better and is more user friendly.
WatchGuard Network Security
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
For some customers, WatchGuard Network Security was the preferable choice. Its price point, compactness, portability, accessibility, ease of design, installation, implementation, configuration, management, monitoring, alerting, user education, technician training, power usage, …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
I'm not sure what else is out there, but our team is pretty good at researching and looking at the big picture. I've never had complaints about the experience with various Watchguard products, and am impressed by the new features they announce and integrate with relative …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Watchguard Network Security is easier to use and more effective that its competitors, with certifications you can trust and a good reputation, we can rest assured that our network security is in good hands. Competitors have also demonstrated poor aftersales support, which has …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
It has been the recommendation of our computer maintenance company due to their experience.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard Network Security allows for more in-depth customization and has better logging
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
We chose WatchGuard Network Security specifically because of the firewall implementation. It was easy for us to pick a product that had everything packaged together versus having to buy another firewall and network security software separately from the VPN software.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
AD users are synchronized with the cloud
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Each of these systems have already been in place at former employers when I transitioned. While each one has its benefits and drawbacks, as a whole, they all do a great job providing protection against malicious intent. I would say that WatchGuard Network Security is much …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
We are a small Technology business and WatchGuard Network Security is a solid affordable and easily implemented solution.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
As I mentionned before, the WSM tool and Dimension is the main reasons we stock with WatchGuard beside being satisfied with deployement results at our clients infrastructures.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Our tech had previous experience with WatchGuard Network Security and the Fortinet devices we were using weren't functioning to the standards we needed them to. As costs have increased with WatchGuard Network Security and across the board, we are looking for a different vendor …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
SonicWall TZ, pfSense, MikroTik Routers and Switches and Ubiquiti Networks UniFi
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
I honestly feel they're best in class, I've used other platforms but when it comes to comprehensive security I don't think they offer as many features, or the level of security that we needed. Again the support has been excellent for us too, and keeping our firewalls up to …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard Network Security blows them out of the water in my opinion just with the ease of use alone and the ability within the logs. The details of logs are better and help maintain better support. Some features like policies is just so far advanced for maintaining better …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
In comparison with other network security companies and its services', WatchGuard Network Security seems to be a more economic choice for our customers needs
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard Network Security is in league with SonicWall regarding value and features but is not as robust as Sophos or Fortinet. It is also not as simple to configure as Sophos or Fortinet. We selected WatchGuard based solely on the recommendation of an outside party, and that …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Our corporate parent company wants us to switch to Cisco products, but the value the Watchguard Security System brings is more than enough that our organization requires. It has great reporting and analytics and simplified updates and maintenance.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
with WatchGuard we have a long history of partnership precisely due to the close relationship with the commercial and technical people who work at WatchGuard. It is an excellent relationship of collaboration and growth that has allowed us to choose WatchGuard as our first …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard Network Security integrates multiple security functionalities (firewall, VPN, intrusion prevention, antivirus, application control, etc.) into a unified platform. This integration simplifies management, enhances visibility, and ensures consistent policy enforcement …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
I find WatchGuard's Network Security interface clunky and outdated. I’ve had to dig in multiple locations to find the answer to a question numerous times. Reviewing and reconfiguring a WatchGuard that has been deployed by someone else is time consuming compared to competitive …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard Network Security is easier to configure, support is better and the price is better.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
We are moving away from WatchGuard Network Security due to issues with Web interface and more cloud possibilities with the competitors.
Features
FireMonWatchGuard Network Security
Firewall
Comparison of Firewall features of Product A and Product B
FireMon
-
Ratings
WatchGuard Network Security
9.0
Ratings
4% above category average
Identification Technologies00 Ratings8.70 Ratings
Visualization Tools00 Ratings8.40 Ratings
Content Inspection00 Ratings9.10 Ratings
Policy-based Controls00 Ratings9.10 Ratings
Active Directory and LDAP00 Ratings8.80 Ratings
Firewall Management Console00 Ratings8.50 Ratings
Reporting and Logging00 Ratings9.00 Ratings
VPN00 Ratings9.50 Ratings
High Availability00 Ratings9.50 Ratings
Stateful Inspection00 Ratings9.30 Ratings
Proxy Server00 Ratings9.30 Ratings
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FireMonWatchGuard Network Security
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NinjaOne
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Score 9.0 out of 10
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Score 9.9 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
NinjaOne
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Score 9.0 out of 10
Quantum Firewalls and Security Gateways
Quantum Firewalls and Security Gateways
Score 9.6 out of 10
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Cisco Meraki MX
Cisco Meraki MX
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Palo Alto Networks Virtualized Next-Generation Firewalls - VM Series
Palo Alto Networks Virtualized Next-Generation Firewalls - VM Series
Score 10.0 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
FireMonWatchGuard Network Security
Likelihood to Recommend
7.9
(0 ratings)
8.4
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
6.8
(0 ratings)
7.7
(0 ratings)
Usability
7.3
(0 ratings)
7.9
(0 ratings)
Availability
7.3
(0 ratings)
9.2
(0 ratings)
Performance
9.1
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
7.7
(0 ratings)
9.5
(0 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
9.1
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
7.9
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
-
(0 ratings)
9.2
(0 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
-
(0 ratings)
9.2
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
FireMonWatchGuard Network Security
Likelihood to Recommend
FireMon is best used in a large environment (for example, I have >100
firewalls in my environment). It's best used when trying to improve
security posture and showing changes in firewall security over time. It
might not be the best choice for smaller environments or those that aren't concerned about security management.
Read full review
Watchguard is well suited for small businesses without significantly complex networks and infrastructure. WatchGuard firewalls perform well on IPv4 networks and offer basic security features that match other vendors that target the small business market. WatchGuard firewalls are less appropriate for mid-sized business and larger. There is limited IPv6 support, and the firmware often lacks some or all of more advanced features that businesses that size often need.
Read full review
Pros
  • PCI Reporting - After identifying which firewalls and rulesets are in scope, producing a report artifact to satisfy PCI requirements on Firewall reviews is literally a two-click operation.
  • Storing Rule Metadata - FireMon stores metadata (prefilled fields, standard fields, and custom fields) for each rule in each policy which is valuable for context during firewall reviews in particular
  • API - FireMon exposes most if not all of its functionality via REST API
Read full review
  • Incoming Torrent attempts were blocked, but outgoing (by a user) were permitted. Similarly, other direct attempts were summarily blocked.
  • provides full administrative support for analysis of usage and scope.
  • strong Wi-Fi support and security - area wi-fi maps
  • They think of all the things secure and I don't have to worry about it.
  • I have not identified anything else that needs improvement - I am well satisfied.
Read full review
Cons
  • Some features could be added to the existing functionality which include NAT rules usage
  • Rule expiration normalization from firewalls rather than entering them in rule documentation
  • .csv exports of the files from the firewall pane only gives usage for 30 days by default and that should be increased
Read full review
  • Better integration with VoIP services, such as templates for policies handling traffic for Bria or Asterisk endponts and servers.
  • Get webblocker to work without breaking secure websites.
  • Lower cost on endpoint agents for antivirus and include application control and webblocker with the agents.
  • Make the cost per endpoint with TDR and Netowrk access control lower than the cost of Antivirus licensing that is not integrated.
  • Make it easier to set up network access control and VLAN assignment by device, perhaps with templates.
  • Get webblocker and application control working with QUIC.
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
Once all the customization has been completed, the business is starting to see the return on investment. The visibility it provides into the network gear that is owned by other IT groups is immeasurable and has allowed us to apply standards across the board. The only thing I have concern with is their support documentation.
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I'm giving this note to WatchGuard Network Security due to its ease of daily support (after acquiring necessary knowledge in the solution), which allows agility in configuration changes, its integration of several reliable security features (such as SSL VPN, VPN Virtual Interfaces between companies, and others) and functional and stability in operation, with no downtime in the equipment due to problems or malfunctions
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Usability
It save me time and I'm able to have the review - review the rule independently with using my time.
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Although it might take some time to figure out, we have been able to use WatchGuard's online reference library and tech support to create/implement/modify all of our filtering rules and exceptions needed. There really has not been a shortcoming other than perhaps a learning curve.
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Reliability and Availability
FireMon has been relatively stable overall. However, there have been a handful of times where we had issues with the console. For example, we couldn't update which devices to include in a security assessment. The initial suggestion from support was to just reboot it. It seems like there weren't many other options available such as to restart services before going to the extreme of a complete reboot.
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Availability has always been a strong point of this product, it is rare that watchguard does not have a solution for customers' network monitoring needs.
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Performance
I'm not sure we have the largest implementation of FireMon out there but we do have a few 1000 devices being probed by FireMon. Overall, the system's performance has been rock solid. The console refreshes quickly and reports are generated within an expected timeframe.
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The performance of WatchGuard Network Security is very good, in the years that we have used the solution we have only had a single error and Watchguard itself was able to solve it. Furthermore, when purchasing any product, the partner always evaluates the capacity of the solution to recommend the most appropriate product for our needs.
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Support Rating
FireMon technical support is awesome! They respond quickly to our requests and they are well trained and very knowledgeable about the tool. Some issues have to be referred to the development team, but technical support largely provides solutions for any issues that we may have.
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For something that is considered business critical they should be far more responsive. Security isn't something to take lightly in today's work environment and so long as its working you are happy. But when it doesn't and you need that professional assistance, they weren't always there and I ultimately resolved my issues with the help of Google.
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In-Person Training
No answers on this topic
We participate to a in person training and the three days of learning was really useful and complete to gain skill to solve the major part of the problem we encounter during our life. And more the in person training give us the opportunity to create a network with other WatchGuard partner.
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Online Training
No answers on this topic
Online training is good for learning how to use the product. It does not teach security strategy because that is not its intent.
Read full review
Implementation Rating
Implementation is fairly simple. Most issues can be resolved by referencing manuals.
Read full review
I had my key information for setting up the firewall, and they assisted me in finding the settings and appropriate places to enter data. They also helped troubleshoot when I didn't understand some of their feature concepts, and we got it running.
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Alternatives Considered
I has worked with AlgoSec and while they are very similar product, I find the FireMon is easier to understand and get rolling with. While both require some learning, FireMon is by far the easier one. Once you have an understanding of how things are arranged and labeled you can easily import firewalls and begin to work on them to improve them
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I think the solutions are comparable, but the cloud management piece is critical for MSPs these days. We need to be able to schedule and push out updates as soon as they are stable and ready. Insurance companies and government regulations mandate this.
Read full review
Scalability
Firemon Is easily scalable and maintainable with any size team. Although it requires some tech debt, it is well worth the time to invest to ensure compliance is visible and reports are accurate. Although our environment is very large we do not fully utilize the scalability of the Firemon product.
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This product is very scalable since previously everything related to Watchguard was on premises but that has now changed with the inclusion of watchguard cloud. Now the product has evolved to have full control of firewalls at the cloud level.
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Return on Investment
  • It helps us save us time in determining what change was made and by whom.
  • Real time alerting is a great convenience in helping us know if something went wrong, we can immediately review the last report to determine what has changed.
  • Allows us to determine what rules are not used and if said rules are still required.
Read full review
  • at least 3-5X a year (that I know of), this device has single-handedly prevented members of our staff from inadvertently connecting to services they did not intend and could have resulted in security disruption
  • although you can never rule out human-behaviour-engineered threat, it's helpful to know that our network has a higher level, enterprise-class control and monitoring behind it
  • any time our network might be showing signs of abnormal performance, the WatchGuard control panel is the first place I turn to help identify the level of concern. It can quickly set my mind at ease and help to identify the specific device that might be out of compliance
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ScreenShots

WatchGuard Network Security Screenshots

Screenshot of WatchGuard Cloud Customizable DashboardScreenshot of Threat Monitoring SummaryScreenshot of Device Security SummaryScreenshot of Automated ReportingScreenshot of User Authentication SummaryScreenshot of Endpoint Protection Summary