Sonicwall Firewall Alternatives: Sonicwall Competitors
SonicWall has been in business since 1991, providing both appliances and services related to cybersecurity. While it has experienced periods of strength and weakness throughout its long history, SonicWall is recognized as a strong player in the industry. Since the company's inception, SonicWall has been a provider of computer appliances; thus, this established the company as a provider of comprehensive solutions.
We are conducting research that compares various solutions offered by different companies to the items that are equivalent to those offered by SonicWall. When selecting a product, it is important to take into consideration a number of different aspects.
This article will cover a range of important topics related to SonicWall firewall alternatives and competitors. We will start by examining key alternatives to SonicWall, including companies like Zenarmor, Fortinet, and Cisco. Furthermore, we will explore the factors to consider when choosing a firewall alternative, discuss why some businesses might opt for alternatives, and identify areas where SonicWall may fall short. We’ll address technical aspects, such as whether SonicWall offers NGFW capabilities, how it compares to competitors like Cisco, and what happens when a SonicWall license expires. In conclusion, this comprehensive guide will provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions.
1. Zenarmor
As we examine competitors of SonicWall, we start with Zenarmor, which is fast and compatible with any common network system, and lightweight. Zenarmor is known as an all-in-one solution that is easy to set up and integrate. It is appliance-free, so you can directly download and start to use it.
Especially new and basic users are satisfied with its free package. Moreover, Zenarmor's wide support for FreeBSD-based firewalls and ability to work on-premise or cloud-based systems make it a reliable choice for every size of enterprise.
When we compare it to SonicWall, the first thing that stands out is that Zenarmor is an easier solution to apply to your system, whereas SonicWall is more complicated with its appliances or comprehensive environment. Sonicwall usually provides its services with its devices. This device-based system may be unnecessary for some companies. Most of the products offered by SonicWall do not operate standalone without their own hardware devices.
Let's look at SonicWall's SOHO product, which is an NGFW, as an example. This product offers IPS, content filtering, and an advanced antivirus system; it is a UTM, and you need to buy this system together with the device.
Some reviews say SonicWall is good for mid-companies because of its device capabilities.
If you prefer a device-free system, Zenarmor may be a cost-benefit alternative to SonicWall. This is because device-based systems increase costs and also need system maintenance.
2. Fortinet
Fortinet is famous for producing the FortiGate series. When compared to SonicWall, both are close rivals in terms of services. Both provide VPN support and an improved firewall option. Fortinet is a UTM (Unified Threat Management) provider like SonicWall. Upon closer inspection, Fortinet offers a significantly wider range of products. The goals and fields of use of these devices vary in their specializations.
These organizations offer comprehensive cybersecurity solutions at various levels based on the needs of their customers. The primary scalability of a product is assessed by its throughput capacity. The throughput value reflects how much data can be handled in a given length of time. Customers determine the actual size of the device based on their requirements. Fortinet has a higher throughput value according to benchmark tests.
According to reviews from real users on cybersecurity networks, the two competitors had similar ratings. SonicWall received 527 reviews and scored 4.7, while Fortinet scored 4.6 from 2,597 users. This comparison reveals that Fortinet users are significantly more than SonicWall users.
3. Cisco
Cisco is probably the most well-known cybersecurity firm among the public due to being a network device producer. Besides this, Cisco is one of the leading companies in the field of cybersecurity, with a long-standing and strong presence in the industry. Cisco’s main focus is on enterprises and service providers.
When we compare SonicWall and Cisco based on their major security features, Cisco provides powerful threat detection capabilities, comprehensive security features, and a diverse feature set. It contains capabilities like application visibility and control, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and malware protection. SonicWall provides tremendous performance while maintaining a user-friendly interface. It has capabilities including deep packet inspection (DPI), SSL/TLS decryption, and anti-malware protection.
Cisco generally offers higher performance but may require complex configurations. Users demand a more intuitive management experience. SonicWall, on the other hand, offers fast installation and ease of management. Its performance is generally sufficient for small and medium-sized businesses.
Although Cisco has high initial expenses, it delivers a long-term return on investment by providing reliable security and a wide range of features. SonicWall distinguishes itself as a more economical solution with a quick ROI, making it appealing to small enterprises.
Cisco and SonicWall both offer strong security solutions, but Cisco generally provides higher performance and comprehensive features, while SonicWall stands out for its cost-effectiveness and user-friendly management.
4. pfSense
pfSense is an open-source, free-to-use firewall deployment with an enterprise-grade feature set. pfSense is customized from FreeBSD as a web interface for firewall and router systems. In addition to being a strong, adaptable firewalling and routing platform, pfSense software contains a slew of other functions. The pfSense software package structure provides for additional expandability without adding bloat and potential security flaws to the base version.
When we compare SonicWall with pfSense, they each provide unique features and benefits; they differ greatly in terms of target audiences and usage circumstances. Their main differences are that SonicWall is a cybersecurity appliance, software, and service provider with some licensing models; on the other hand, pfSense is an open-source web GUI firewall, which has paid versions for advanced feature packages. pfSense features a more complex interface and is primarily intended for expert users and IT professionals. It gives customers greater options for personalizing settings. SonicWall comes with a user-friendly interface, especially beneficial for users with low technical knowledge. One of the advantages of pfSense is that it may be easily integrated into any hardware system, whereas SonicWall usually delivers its own appliances, whose models may differ according to network size.
pfSense has a robust firewall function and other security modules that may be adjusted to meet the needs of the users. SonicWall offers complete security capabilities, including advanced threat protection, VPN support, content filtering, and malware protection.
Regarding the reporting and analysis aspect, the open-source solution can be scaled with proper hardware and used in a wide range of networks, from small to corporate. SonicWall, on the other hand, is largely aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, though it also offers solutions for larger corporations.
Pricing is a crucial factor in this comparison because pfSense is free, making it excellent for novices and small organizations.
5. Sophos UTM
Sophos UTM (Unified Threat Management) is a complete system that combines various security functions into a single platform to protect users' networks. These devices allow centralized management of functions such as antivirus, content filtering, intrusion prevention (IPS), and spam filtering. It contains SD-WAN, VPN, and sandboxing support as a next-gen firewall.
On comparing Sophos against SonicWall, both provide robust solutions for customers' cybersecurity needs. They present different services and software for different demands in the industry.
Both brands have received great customer feedback; however, Sophos has slightly higher ratings and is more frequently recommended by its users. People choose Sophos in the Advanced Networking, Application Control, and IDPS threat detection categories. Users like Sophos UTM's user interface. However, some evaluations indicate that Sophos' prices are excessive. Users believe Sophos' rates are more adaptable in terms of cost scalability than SonicWall's, according to the review.
Service and support are significant factors for professionals, particularly after sales. Both firms have positive points, but they are less significant than other factors. SonicWall received a slightly higher rating in this segment.
6. WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard is a producer of network appliances and cybersecurity solutions, like SonicWall. The company has a unique approach called Unified Security Platform, designed especially for service providers. WatchGuard offers a variety of solutions in the concepts of SD-WAN, XDR, and Zero Trust Security. WatchGuard is known for its brands Firebox and XTM series, making it an experienced brand as a UTM producer.
When considering WatchGuard as a rival for SonicWall, we see that both companies have similar power levels. In a respected cybersecurity evaluation platform, SonicWall got 4.7 points from 527 users, whereas WatchGuard got 4.5 from 352 ratings. Both firms have NGFW, VPN support, and IPS features in their products.
WatchGuard offers high performance and is generally evaluated by users for its good response time. Users find Firebox's performance in VPN and branch office connections positive.
SonicWall provides high-speed data flow thanks to RFDPI (Reassembly-Free Deep Packet Inspection) technology. SonicWall is generally noted for its high throughput values, which makes it suitable for large-scale networks.
Customers have given positive feedback on both brands' user interfaces. WatchGuard consumers believe its UI is user-friendly. SonicWall users describe its UI as intuitive and easy to adjust to.
WatchGuard comes with competitive pricing; it is considered a cost-effective solution considering the features it offers. SonicWall usually has a higher initial cost, but this cost is considered justified due to the comprehensive security features it offers.
7. Barracuda
The next candidate for SonicWall alternatives is a long-time industry player, Barracuda. Barracuda Networks offers enterprise-level, cloud-ready security solutions, developing products in areas such as email protection, application security, network security, and data protection. Barracuda manufactures devices designed to provide seamless security in both on-premise and cloud-based environments. Some of Barracuda’s services are cloud web application and API Protection, SASE, Digital Communications Governance, and Enterprise Information Archiving.
The company is trusted by a broad customer base worldwide and is constantly innovating.
Barracuda and SonicWall share similar target customer groups, which are primarily mid-sized organizations. Although customers have given them decent evaluations, SonicWall has somewhat better ratings than Barracuda. Like SonicWall, Barracuda offers NGFW and UTM services. According to another online review publication, Barracuda has slightly higher points in general, but SonicWall is ahead in the UTM category. This review indicates that both companies commonly compete in midsized business markets.
Barracuda often concentrates on email security and cloud-based system security, showing variations. In contrast, SonicWall often concentrates on WAN and on-premise security. Naturally, they offer a wide selection of solutions for various cybersecurity domains.
8. Juniper
Juniper Networks is a technology company that provides network security and data communications solutions. Juniper is known for its security, routing, and switching solutions, particularly for large-scale networks. In addition, Juniper is one of the leading companies in the cybersecurity field as a UTM and next-gen firewall provider. Juniper meets the cybersecurity needs of organizations by offering automation and software supported by artificial intelligence. Juniper is a well-established company in the industry.
Juniper competes with SonicWall as a firewall appliance and service provider. Juniper is designed for high-performance network infrastructures, namely for large-scale data centers and enterprise networks. Juniper technologies can handle big data loads by offering high-density connectivity. SonicWall primarily provides solutions for small and medium-sized organizations. Although it provides adequate performance, it may be less effective than Juniper in large-scale applications.
In terms of ease of use, Juniper may have a more complex configuration process, but it appeals to professional users thanks to the detailed control and customization options it offers. SonicWall may be more accessible to users with less technical knowledge with its user-friendly interface. Some users mention that they experienced multiple service issues and bugs when using Juniper.
9. Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto has been a leading network appliances and cybersecurity company since 2005. Although it is younger than other major companies in the industry, Palo Alto gained a reputation for its success. Its success is usually attributed to its threat intelligence and security consulting team. The team became well-known, especially for revealing some undiscovered cyber threats and crypto-mining malware. The English Wikipedia mostly includes the successes of this team under the title Palo Alto Networks. The company serves more than 70,000 organizations and is chosen by 85% of the Fortune 100. Palo Alto Networks is known for a variety of products, including Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW), Prisma Cloud, and Cortex.
When comparing Palo Alto Networks with SonicWall, they received similar review scores. SonicWall has a slightly higher score overall. They have their own threat intelligence services. Palo Alto Networks provides real-time threat intelligence with its WildFire service. This service analyzes suspicious files to protect against emerging threats. On the other hand, SonicWall offers its own threat intelligence platform called Capture ATP. This platform provides advanced threat detection and prevention capabilities.
Another prominent feature is application visibility, which became important as web-based applications grew in popularity. Palo Alto Networks has App-ID, which allows for detailed identification and control of applications. This feature can even identify applications within encrypted traffic. SonicWall offers application control features, but they are not as detailed as those of Palo Alto Networks.
In terms of performance and scalability, Palo Alto Networks is known for high performance and scalability. It is capable of handling high traffic volumes for large organizations. SonicWall offers good performance but, in some cases, may not be able to handle as high traffic volumes as Palo Alto Networks. Some customers criticize Palo Alto Networks' customer support, describing it as lacking and unprofessional.
10. Check Point Software Technologies
Check Point Software Technologies is a constantly evolving company with a strong position in the world of cybersecurity. It ensures the security of many organizations with its comprehensive solutions, high performance, and innovative approach. Check Point is one of the oldest cybersecurity companies in the industry. Some of its employees became the founders of other major cybersecurity firms after leaving the company.
Check Point provides a comprehensive threat prevention solution, protecting against malware, botnets, and other cyber threats. SandBlast technology provides cloud-based threat emulation and content extraction to protect against zero-day attacks. Check Point's DLP features help protect sensitive data and reduce the risk of data loss.
When we compare Check Point with SonicWall, it turns out both brands have a solid presence in the market.
Check Point’s Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) architecture offers a wide feature set. It includes advanced features such as application control, integrated IPS, SSL decryption, and centralized management. Check Point provides user and machine identity recognition and Active Directory integration.
SonicWall offers NGFW solutions and inspects the content of each packet with Reassembly-Free Deep Packet Inspection (RFDPI) technology. It works with Capture Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) to protect against zero-day threats.
Check Point may have high installation costs, but it is considered to be a good value in the long run due to the comprehensive security features it offers. SonicWall stands out with its good price-performance ratio and fast turnaround, making it an attractive option for small and medium-sized businesses.
What are the Things to Consider when Choosing SonicWall Firewall Alternatives?
Choosing a firewall solution for your company is a major decision. This decision will directly impact the future of your business. All cybersecurity companies promise effectiveness and reliability, but which one fits your company? At this stage, identifying the key factors is essential. These are usually considered key features.
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Security Features: The primary security feature is threat protection. The degree of threat protection offered by each solution should be analyzed. Advanced features of SonicWall include Reassembly-Free Deep Packet Inspection (RFDPI) and Real-time Deep Memory Inspection (RTDMI). Compare other brands' threat intelligence and security features as well.
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Performance: Performance refers to the capacity and processing power of the system.
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Firewall Throughput: The efficiency with which the chosen alternative handles network traffic should be carefully evaluated. SonicWall has high-performance models, but the performance of other alternatives should be considered.
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Ease of Use: Understanding and managing the system effectively.
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Management Interface: It should be considered whether it has a user-friendly interface. SonicWall is generally easy to install and manage, but other alternatives may present better experiences.
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Cost and ROI: Services and appliances may cost differently depending on the company.
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Pricing: Companies offer different pricing models and different costs. Long-term returns should be considered. SonicWall is known for offering competitive pricing.
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Support and Services: Cyber threats are continuously evolving, and appliances and software need maintenance.
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Customer Support: The technical support services offered by the providers should be evaluated. SonicWall is generally considered by users to have a good support network.
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Customization and Integration: The system architecture may vary depending on the appliances and integrated software.
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Integration Capability: The ability of the selected firewall solution to integrate with existing systems should be considered. Customization options may be important depending on the needs of your organization.
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Future Conditions: Companies are usually intended to grow.
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Scalability: The growth potential of the business should be considered. How the selected solution can meet future needs should be evaluated.
Why Use SonicWall Firewall Alternatives?
SonicWall is a robust firm in the cybersecurity industry and has a good reputation. Like any other company, SonicWall has experienced both declines and growth. As a company that has been acquired more than once, its customers have different experiences.
Company size is a major factor when selecting the right firewall. SonicWall is usually suitable for small and midsize businesses. If your company is an enterprise, you may consider an alternative firewall provider to be cautious. Alternatively, if your company isn't an enterprise but operates on a large-scale business, or if you foresee sudden growth due to a breakthrough, you should analyze the capacity of your firewall provider to meet these needs.
Pricing is a decision point. SonicWall provides some services with its appliance. If you don’t need an appliance but only need the software, SonicWall’s offer may be excessive for your company. In this case, a device-free firewall system, like Zenarmor, may be more appropriate for you.
What feature does SonicWall Firewall lack?
Firewall companies aim to serve flawless products, but excellence is very hard practically. Like any other company, SonicWall has strengths and weaknesses.
The first noticeable deficit of SonicWall is support, according to reviews. Some customers have reported deficiencies in the quality of customer support. One of the shortcomings of SonicWall is that it does not offer a free trial, which is especially important for companies with low budgets before deciding on the product. The user interface is another title that users frequently complain about not being smooth. SonicWall firewall shortcomings are summarized below.
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Customer support problems
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Not offering a free trial
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User interface issues
Is SonicWall NGFW?
Yes, SonicWall offers Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) solutions. SonicWall NGFW comes with technologies like Capture Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) and Real-Time Deep Memory Inspection (RTDMI). These NGFW features provide the ability to detect and block zero-day threats.
SonicWall deeply analyzes network traffic using Reassembly-Free Deep Packet Inspection (RFDPI) technology. This helps detect malicious content and attacks.
SonicWall NGFW provides application identification and control features, allowing users to manage applications on the network and block unwanted applications. It has the ability to analyze encrypted traffic. This feature blocks malicious content from passing through encrypted connections.
How good are SonicWall firewalls?
The SonicWall firewalls are a popular choice among small to medium-sized enterprises (SMBs) as well as bigger organizations due to the fact that they are in general well rated for their security features, performance, and value.
SonicWall has received a high-security effectiveness score in tests conducted by NSS Labs. For example, the SonicWall NSA 2650 model was tested with 98.8% security effectiveness, making it comparable with industry leaders.
Its firewall solutions provide satisfactory results in terms of performance. For example, the NSA 2650 model operates at a speed of 1,028 Mbps. This speed is considered to be very good performance for its price.
SonicWall is among the best solutions, with a total cost of ownership (TCO) of $4 per Mbps protected, making it a cost-effective option for many businesses.
Who owns SonicWall?
SonicWall is owned by private equity firms Francisco Partners and Elliott Management. The company was founded in 1991 as a private company. It went public in 1999 but was delisted in 2010.
In 2012, Dell acquired SonicWall. Adding to Dell’s broad product portfolio, SonicWall increased the company’s strength in security solutions.
In 2016, Dell sold SonicWall to Francisco Partners and Elliott Management. These two firms are now the owner of SonicWall.
What happens when SonicWall expires?
When your SonicWall license expires, some or all features of your device may be disabled. This can pose serious risks to the security of your network.
Disabling security features is the top priority when the license expires. Critical security features such as firewalls, IPS (Intrusion Prevention System), and VPNs may stop working. This can make it easier for unauthorized access to your network, making you vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
A device with an expired license may experience a loss of performance. This can slow down your network and negatively impact your user experience. You will not be able to receive updates that protect against new threats. This can cause your system to be outdated and vulnerable. You may not be able to benefit from technical support services offered exclusively to licensed customers.
Is SonicWall a Layer 7 firewall?
Yes, SonicWall offers a Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) with Layer 7 capabilities. SonicWall's NGFWs have the ability to identify and control specific applications by analyzing traffic at the application layer.
Does SonicWall support SASE?
Yes, SonicWall has SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) solutions. SASE is a security architecture that has become prominent today with the proliferation of hybrid work environments and cloud applications. SonicWall keeps up with this development and offers comprehensive SASE solutions that combine secure network access and security services.
Is Cisco better than SonicWall?
Cisco is one of SonicWall's main rivals, as we have mentioned in the comparative section. Generally speaking, Cisco is superior when business size is a factor. When it comes to cost, SonicWall is superior because of its reduced prices.