Head-to-head · Next Generation Firewall Software
Forcepoint Network Security Platform vs WatchGuard Firebox
Forcepoint Network Security Platform leads on 0 checks, WatchGuard Firebox on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreForcepoint Network Security Platform · 8.8/10
Forcepoint Network Security Platform scores higher on our rubric for next generation firewall software: 8.8 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.
Forcepoint Network Security Platform is the better fit for enterprises prioritizing deep traffic inspection. WatchGuard Firebox is the better fit for small and midsize teams wanting flexible deployment.
- Forcepoint Network Security Platform fits best
Enterprises prioritizing deep traffic inspection
- WatchGuard Firebox fits best
Small and midsize teams wanting flexible deployment
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Side by side
| Feature | Forcepoint Network Security Platform 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | WatchGuard Firebox 8.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | 8.7 |
| Ranking | #6 in Next Generation Firewall Software | #7 in Next Generation Firewall Software |
| Best for | Enterprises prioritizing deep traffic inspection | Small and midsize teams wanting flexible deployment |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | Pricing on request | Pricing on request |
| Free plan | — | Not checked yet |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted | Cloud, Self-hosted, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, Linux | Web |
| Support | Live chat | Live chat, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Forcepoint Network Security Platform 0/3 · WatchGuard Firebox 0/3 | ||
| Intrusion prevention | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Application control | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| VPN support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Deployment type | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Max firewall throughput | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Forcepoint Network Security Platform combines network access control, VPN connectivity, intrusion prevention and traffic inspection for mid-market and enterprise networks. It is positioned for distributed environments, with purpose-built… Read the review → |
WatchGuard Firebox is a network security firewall family for small businesses, branch offices, midmarket organizations, and enterprises. Its portfolio includes physical T-Series and M-Series appliances, FireboxV for virtual environments,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Forcepoint Network Security Platform — where it wins
- Inspects decrypted SSL/TLS and full traffic streams, with payload reconstruction
- Combines intrusion prevention, exploit detection and anti-DDoS protections
- Centralizes policy management, incident response and reporting
Where it doesn't
- Pricing requires contacting sales, complicating upfront budget comparisons
- Appliance throughput varies by model, so capacity needs model-level review
- Designed for mid-market and enterprise networks, not a free-plan option
WatchGuard Firebox — where it wins
- Stateful filtering, IPS, HTTPS inspection, VPN, and application controls
- Deploys on appliances, VMware vSphere, Hyper-V, AWS, and Azure
- WatchGuard Cloud centralizes management across Firebox deployments
Where it doesn't
- Hardware and license purchases require contacting sales or partners
- Throughput and connection specifications vary by Firebox model
- The product family may require more model selection than a single appliance
- Forcepoint Network Security Platform8.8/10 · Pricing on request
Deep traffic inspection and centralized controls for distributed enterprise networks.
Visit ForcepointFull verdict → - WatchGuard Firebox8.7/10 · Pricing on request
Flexible firewall coverage for small teams through enterprises across cloud and virtual environments.
Visit WatchGuardFull verdict →
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All next generation firewall software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update






