Azure Firewall Reviews

Name: Azure Firewall
Brand: Microsoft
Rating: 3.7 (41 reviews)

3.7 out of 5

41 reviews
80% willing to recommend

1,105 followers

What is Azure Firewall?

Azure Firewall is a user-friendly, intuitive, cloud-native firewall security solution that provides top-of-the-industry threat protection for all your Azure Virtual Network resources. Azure Firewall is constantly and thoroughly analyzing all traffic and data packets, making it a very valuable and secure fully stateful firewall as a service with built-in high availability and unrestricted cloud scalability. Azure Firewall allows users to create virtual IP addresses and provides for secure DDoS protection for the virtual machines on your network. It also provides fast and efficient east-west and north-south traffic security.

Azure Firewall is a managed, cloud-based network security service built to protect your Azure Virtual Network resources. It is a fully stateful firewall as a service with built-in high availability and unrestricted cloud scalability.

Get the Azure Firewall Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about Azure Firewall, Fortinet FortiGate, Netgate pfSense and more!

Azure Firewall is the #11 ranked solution in top Microsoft Security Suite solutions and #13 ranked solution in best firewalls. PeerSpot users give Azure Firewall an average rating of 7.4 out of 10. Azure Firewall is most commonly compared to Fortinet FortiGate: Azure Firewall vs Fortinet FortiGate. Azure Firewall is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 59% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 16% of all views.

Helped 859,438 peers since 2012

Featured Azure Firewall reviews

AnvarSadique

Information Technology Architect at GMS INC

Azure Firewall ( /products/azure-firewall-reviews ) is integrated well with Microsoft ecosystem. I used it to route traffic according to specific use cases. We created rules in the firewall to ensure that the traffic would be diverted to the right endpoint and made sure only specific application VMs could reach the database server. This setup helped protect the servers from unauthorized access.

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Rashedul Khan

Senior Software Engineer at cimsolutions

We initially investigated pricing details because we needed the costing information for Azure Firewall. We then implemented basic traffic filtering using Azure Firewall standard features. We used a hub and spoke topology to centralize the security controls, setting up Azure Firewall in our hub and spoke topology with standard features. Azure Firewall has a feature for filtering traffic from suspicious IPs or other threats. We needed to prevent those calls from accessing our API, which required us to route our requests in a filtering way. For logging in our project, we use a logging mechanism in our internal environment. We integrated our logging module into Azure Firewall, ensuring only specific authenticated users can access this logging for auditing purposes. Azure Firewall makes our tasks easier; otherwise, we would have to do many extra things manually to secure our APIs and requests. We have integrated Azure Monitor and Log Analytics, making logs easily visible in our Log Analytics. Azure Firewall is very compatible with integrating with other Azure services, which made our tasks for logging and development security much easier overall. Diagnosing blocked traffic was initially challenging because we didn't know how to diagnose and integrate Azure Firewall with other Azure services for storing logs in Log Analytics. Tracking suspicious activities was also challenging at first because we had to learn to use Azure Firewall effectively. The threat intelligence-based filtering in Azure Firewall uses Microsoft threat intelligence, which leverages AI and machine learning. There are some threat intelligence-based filtering features in the app and integration with Microsoft Sentinel. Currently, the AI-related features supported by Azure Firewall seem sufficient, though I cannot recommend too much as I have not thoroughly tested all those features. I recommend Azure Firewall because any development activities or software must address security, threat intelligence, filtering, and TLS termination. Doing these manually or programmatically would be very difficult. Azure Firewall simplifies everything, securing our APIs and systems so that suspicious IPs do not access our sophisticated systems.

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Charan Kumar

Director, Technology at a computer software company with 5,001-10,000 employees

I use the solution as a firewall. We use it for segmentation and zero-trust security. It's helped us improve our security posture. It's integrated with Azure. You don't have an additional licensing cost and no additional maintenance. The configurations are also comparatively easy. The cost of…

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Azure Firewall mindshare

Product category:

As of June 2025, the mindshare of Azure Firewall in the Firewalls category stands at 2.1%, down from 2.6% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Firewalls

PeerResearch reports based on Azure Firewall reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Firewalls	Jun 27, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Jun 27, 2025	Download
Comparison	Azure Firewall vs Netgate pfSense	Jun 27, 2025	Download
Comparison	Azure Firewall vs Fortinet FortiGate	Jun 27, 2025	Download
Comparison	Azure Firewall vs OPNsense	Jun 27, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Fortinet FortiGate	4.2	21.4%	90%	365 interviews Add to research
Netgate pfSense	4.3	12.7%	93%	217 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Azure Firewall's most valuable features include threat intelligence, scalability, seamless integration with Azure services, and multi-zone support. Security aspects like DDoS protection, URL filtering, TLS inspection, and DNS inspection are highlighted. It's praised for its easy setup, automation capabilities, and traffic control. Integration with Microsoft tools enables centralized management and monitoring, ensuring efficient network security and reducing manual workloads. The firewall's flexible configuration and cost-effectiveness are appreciated by users.

"Azure Firewall simplifies everything, securing our APIs and systems so that suspicious IPs do not access our sophisticated systems."
"The features of Azure Firewall that I find most valuable include DNS inspection, forward proxy, and security, particularly on the edge."
"The most valuable features of Azure Firewall for me are its URL-based internet access control and DDoS protection for incoming traffic."

Room for Improvement

Azure Firewall requires improvements in customization, usability, and interface. Security features like intrusion prevention and advanced filtering, more competitive pricing, and enhanced customer support response time are needed. It should integrate additional functionalities such as built-in VPN capabilities, better user management, more advanced threat detection, and reporting features. Enhanced connectivity between regions and a wider feature set similar to other leading firewalls would benefit users.

"Diagnosing blocked traffic was initially challenging because we didn't know how to diagnose and integrate Azure Firewall with other Azure services for storing logs in Log Analytics."
"I would like the premium and standard features to be available on the basic package. Additionally, it lacks some functionalities when compared to competitors like Check Point and Fortinet, such as WAF or load balancing."
"In my experience, Azure Firewall is quite expensive, with a high cost. I would rate its pricing a two out of ten."

ROI

Azure Firewall operates as an OPEX expense with transparent usage-based billing. While some have not observed a return, others report cost efficiency compared to third-party options, enhancing spending. Smaller organizations find it adequate, but larger ones might consider alternatives. Clients have reported a 25% return, with cloud-based solutions offering a 50% cost reduction. Azure Firewall secures organizations and is perceived as worth the investment when assessing specific business needs.

Pricing

Azure Firewall features a pay-as-you-go pricing model, offering flexibility in payment based on usage. While some users find it more affordable than competitors like Palo Alto and Cisco due to its integration and included support, others note it as expensive, particularly with premium features. Small to medium enterprises may find it costlier compared to Fortinet. Despite varied opinions, its ease of implementation and native integration within the Azure ecosystem provide significant advantages for some enterprises.

"I rate the product pricing a five out of ten."
"Azure Firewall is expensive."
"The pricing of Azure Firewall is pay-as-you-go. Fortinet also has a pay-as-you-go model, but Azure's pricing is higher and, with FortiGate, you also have the license."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations use Azure Firewall primarily to secure cloud environments, manage traffic between on-premise and cloud, and protect Azure infrastructure. It functions at the perimeter layer, inspects network traffic, and supports hybrid cloud solutions. Many utilize its advanced features for threat protection, URL-based access control, and workload safeguards. Azure Firewall also facilitates connections in hybrid networks, acting as an entry point to virtual data centers, and supports security compliance and management.

Service and Support

Azure Firewall customer service receives mixed ratings, with quick responses through enterprise agreements, but some delays in resolution exist. Users appreciate knowledgeable and helpful support staff, though slow response times can occur, especially with critical issues. Microsoft provides high-level assistance, though language barriers can impede communication. Users leverage online support and forums, while noting room for improved response effectiveness and speed. Azure Copilot aids in resolving many inquiries without direct contact.

Deployment

Many found Azure Firewall's initial setup easy, deploying in minutes or hours, though some faced challenges with complex aspects like account creation and integration. Multiple users noted straightforward deployment with adequate user interfaces and guides. While a portion experienced difficulties with custom configurations and certificate setups, many managed without substantial issues. Maintenance demands were minimal, supported by managed services, while some needed extended time for configuration and fine-tuning.

Scalability

Azure Firewall offers strong scalability, with users noting its automatic scaling capabilities and suitability for different organization sizes. Users value its ability to manage varying loads without manual intervention. While it's seen as highly scalable, some indicate the need for improvements to support larger enterprises. Its autoscaling feature and suitability for cloud environments contribute to its positive reception among diverse user bases, many recommending it for seamless growth with expanding demands.

Stability

Azure Firewall has been described as very stable by many users, with no issues like bugs, glitches, or crashes. It is seen as reliable, benefiting from the resilience of Azure Infrastructure Services. Some have noted minor bugs early on, but improvements have been made. Ratings mostly hover around eight to nine out of ten, indicating a high degree of confidence in its reliability and performance. Azure Firewall continues to evolve, meeting market dynamics effectively.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Azure Firewall Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

16%

Financial Services Firm

10%

Government

Manufacturing Company

Comms Service Provider

Insurance Company

Healthcare Company

Retailer

Energy/Utilities Company

University

Non Profit

Construction Company

Educational Organization

Real Estate/Law Firm

Media Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Outsourcing Company

Legal Firm

Pharma/Biotech Company

Consumer Goods Company

Transportation Company

Hospitality Company

Performing Arts

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Logistics Company

Compare Azure Firewall with alternative products

Learn more about Azure Firewall

Azure Firewall has two significant offerings, Standard and Premium.

Azure Firewall Standard works directly with Microsoft Cyber Security and supplies excellent L3-L7 filtering and threat awareness. The proactive real-time threat awareness will quickly alert you and immediately deny all traffic to and from any known problematic or suspicious domains or IP addresses. Microsoft Cyber Security is updated continually to protect against all new and known potential threats at all times. To learn more about Azure Firewall Standard, click here.

Azure Firewall Premium provides everything the standard version does, and additionally adds extra levels of data encryption, network intrusion detection, extended URL filtering, and Web category filters. To learn more about the added features of Azure Firewall Premium, click here.

Key Benefits and Features of Azure Firewall:

High availability - You do not need load balancers with Azure Firewall; it's already built in and ready to go.
Self-scalability - Azure Firewall is intuitive and will auto-scale as needed based on traffic flow to be ready for peak traffic times.
Threat awareness - Using Microsoft Cyber Security to filter traffic, Azure Firewall will deny any known problematic threats to keep your network safe.
Additional IP addresses - You can securely add up to 250 public IP addresses with Azure Firewall
Improved web category filtering - You can set up specific protocols to allow or deny categories within websites that are deemed inappropriate for use within your network. You have the ability to organize categories based on a defined set of descriptions.

What our real users have to say:

Many PeerSpot users found Azure Firewall to be very user-friendly and easy to use. They liked that it offers seamless integration to the cloud and were especially pleased with the threat filtering options.

Regarding integration and threat intelligence, our users wrote:

“The most valuable feature is the integration into the overall cloud platform.”

“The most valuable feature is threat intelligence. It is based on filtering and can identify multiple threats.”

“I think that one of the best features is definitely the premium version, along with the IDPs in terms of the intrusion detection and prevention system.”