Untangle NG Firewall vs. WatchGuard Network Security

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Untangle NG Firewall
Score 9.3 out of 10
N/A
Untangle NG Firewall is an open-source firewall and gateway security platform. It offers a free core firewall platform with paid add-ons, and a cloud-based management platform with a variety of deployment options for smaller teams.
$0
free under the GNU General Public License (GPL)
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
Untangle NG FirewallWatchGuard Network Security
Editions & Modules
Open Source Firewall
$0.00
free under the GNU General Public License (GPL)
NG Firewall Complete
$25.00
per month
z4 appliance
$299
one-time purchase
z4w appliance
$329
one-time purchase
z4 Plus appliance
$399.00
one-time purchase
z6 appliance
$1199.00
one-time purchase
z12 appliance
$1999.00
one-time purchase
z20 appliance
$3499.00
one-time purchase
Support
Contact sales team
Contact sales team
Basic Security
Contact sales team
Contact sales team
Total Security
Contact sales team
Contact sales team
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Untangle NG FirewallWatchGuard Network Security
Free Trial
YesNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Untangle NG FirewallWatchGuard Network Security
Considered Both Products
Untangle NG Firewall
Chose Untangle NG Firewall
Untangle is easier to use and a bit more reliable. Plus the support is very good.
Chose Untangle NG Firewall
I could never come close with these two products to the level of functionality and security I have with Untangle. Simply put, there is absolutely no contest. In addition, the cost of these other solutions was many thousands more than the academic cost for Untangle.
Many times …
Chose Untangle NG Firewall
pfSense and Fortinet FortiGate
Chose Untangle NG Firewall
Simple GUI interface and can run on your hardware a.k.a. old servers with 2 or more NIC's.
Chose Untangle NG Firewall
Untangle NG Firewall has a partnership with third parties to provide an amazing suite of applications. You pay for those. With free software, you have to wait for it to be updated. With Unifi, the hardware was too underpowered to do anything meaningful. I don't mind the monthly …
Chose Untangle NG Firewall
NG Firewall was much more friendly in terms of layout and ease of use, the apps section is familiar to anyone and the config while in a sort of odd order is very clearly laid out. I also appreciate Untangle's endless educational videos and the support can't be beat. Overall …
Chose Untangle NG Firewall
We selected untangle NG due to the flexibility, and the rack based architecture. Period.
Chose Untangle NG Firewall
The Untangle NG Firewall is way more intuitive but the last barracuda I used was almost 8 years ago.
Chose Untangle NG Firewall
We looked at Sonicwall Web Content Filtering Services that can be added to our SonicWall firewall by purchasing a license. Untangle offered more functionality that solved a few of our problems at a cheaper price. Untangle offers a non-profit discount for 501c3 organizations …
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
Untangle NG FirewallWatchGuard Network Security
Firewall
Comparison of Firewall features of Product A and Product B
Untangle NG Firewall
8.2
Ratings
5% below category average
WatchGuard Network Security
9.0
Ratings
4% above category average
Identification Technologies8.00 Ratings8.70 Ratings
Visualization Tools7.00 Ratings8.40 Ratings
Content Inspection8.00 Ratings9.00 Ratings
Policy-based Controls8.00 Ratings9.10 Ratings
Active Directory and LDAP9.00 Ratings8.70 Ratings
Firewall Management Console9.00 Ratings8.40 Ratings
Reporting and Logging7.00 Ratings9.00 Ratings
VPN9.00 Ratings9.40 Ratings
High Availability9.00 Ratings9.50 Ratings
Stateful Inspection8.00 Ratings9.30 Ratings
Proxy Server8.00 Ratings9.30 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Untangle NG FirewallWatchGuard Network Security
Small Businesses
pfSense
pfSense
Score 9.9 out of 10
pfSense
pfSense
Score 9.9 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Quantum Firewalls and Security Gateways
Quantum Firewalls and Security Gateways
Score 9.6 out of 10
Quantum Firewalls and Security Gateways
Quantum Firewalls and Security Gateways
Score 9.6 out of 10
Enterprises
Palo Alto Networks Virtualized Next-Generation Firewalls - VM Series
Palo Alto Networks Virtualized Next-Generation Firewalls - VM Series
Score 10.0 out of 10
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
Untangle NG FirewallWatchGuard Network Security
Likelihood to Recommend
9.0
(0 ratings)
8.4
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
10.0
(0 ratings)
7.7
(0 ratings)
Usability
-
(0 ratings)
7.9
(0 ratings)
Availability
-
(0 ratings)
9.2
(0 ratings)
Performance
-
(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
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
-
(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
Untangle NG FirewallWatchGuard Network Security
Likelihood to Recommend
Midsized business is where I have used it. Have used it to connect to other Untangle boxes across town and in other countries with NO issues and works with MS Domains across these VPN connections. Probably less appropriate for small home networks or large businesses.
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
  • The firewall is easy to set up and manage.
  • The open VPN while not as feature rich as some other options is rock solid and consistently needs nothing
  • The web filter app is great, it's easy to block broad categories or specific things as well as white list whatever is needed.
  • Support is responsive and accurate.
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
  • The UI could be a little flashier.
  • Getting your license file moved from one firewall to another can be tough at times... but support is great if you need it.
  • Ability to upload reports to a portal versus getting them emailed would be best (some reports can get 100+ Mb depending on all the bells and whistles).
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
Service renewal is in Feb 2021. We will be renewing!
Read full review
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
Read full review
Usability
Generally works well but seeing more and more bugs with the OpenVPN app.
Read full review
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.
Read full review
Reliability and Availability
No answers on this topic
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.
Read full review
Performance
No answers on this topic
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.
Read full review
Support Rating
The phone support reps are highly competent and native-English speakers. big plus vs some other vendors with difficult to understand or less knowledgable support engineers.
Read full review
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.
Read full review
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.
Read full review
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
No answers on this topic
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.
Read full review
Alternatives Considered
I could never come close with these two products to the level of functionality and security I have with Untangle. Simply put, there is absolutely no contest. In addition, the cost of these other solutions was many thousands more than the academic cost for Untangle. Many times have I experienced threats and inappropriate content passing through these other products. All of that was stopped the moment I implemented Untangle, even before I started to customize the settings.
Read full review
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
No answers on this topic
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.
Read full review
Return on Investment
  • Easy setup and implementation made ROI easy to achieve. An Untangle HA solution is 1/2-1/3 the cost of a comparable Cisco/Checkpoint/Palo Alto solution.
  • non-business internet usage has nearly ground to a halt.
  • SD-WAN integration made it easy to connect branch offices quickly without complicated IPSEC configuration.
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
Read full review
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