Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP vs WatchGuard Firebox comparison

Forcepoint and WatchGuard are both solutions in the Data Loss Prevention (DLP) category. Forcepoint is ranked #36 with an average rating of 7.0, while WatchGuard is ranked #11 with an average rating of 8.0. Additionally, 100% of Forcepoint users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 94% of WatchGuard users who would recommend it.

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 9, 2025

WatchGuard Firebox and Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP compete in the cybersecurity sector, focusing on data loss prevention solutions. While WatchGuard is preferred for its pricing and support, Forcepoint's advanced features justify its higher cost and provide an edge in adaptive protection capabilities.

Features: WatchGuard Firebox provides robust network security with strong firewall capabilities, VPN support, and comprehensive threat management. Forcepoint offers adaptive data protection, advanced analytics, and contextual awareness to dynamically adjust security measures. The primary difference is WatchGuard's focus on traditional firewall solutions versus Forcepoint's modern risk-adaptive approach.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: WatchGuard Firebox is known for an easy deployment process and reliable customer support, making it accessible for organizations with limited IT resources. Forcepoint's solution requires a more complex setup due to its advanced features and may benefit from more dedicated support, offering a distinction between ease of access and sophistication of deployment.

Pricing and ROI: WatchGuard Firebox is attractive for budget-conscious enterprises with its competitive pricing and strong return on investment. Forcepoint, although more expensive, provides high ROI through its innovative features enhancing data protection capabilities, appealing to those seeking cutting-edge security features.

To learn more, read our detailed Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP vs. WatchGuard Firebox Report (Updated: December 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP vs. WatchGuard Firebox

December 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Fortinet FortiGate

Featured Reviews

Vasu Gala

Manager, Information Technology Operation/Presales at TechMonarch

A stable solution with an intuitive interface and quick customer service

I have been working with Fortinet FortiGate, WatchGuard, Sophos, and SonicWall. I'm not as comfortable with SonicWall because of their UI and limitations. I prefer Fortinet above all other options. When it comes to configuration, I am confident in my ability to handle various tasks, including creating policies such as firewall rules, web policies, and application policies. Additionally, I can configure VPNs and implement load balancing, among other tasks. Overall, I feel much more comfortable working with Fortinet. Fortinet has made significant improvements by integrating AI with firewalls for threat analysis and prevention. In the past 2-3 years, they have launched FortiSASE and SIEM, and they also provide SOC services. Both Palo Alto and Fortinet FortiGate are excellent. While Fortinet FortiGate comes at higher prices, the functionality and support justify the cost. They promptly resolve firmware issues and inform all support providers about configuration changes.

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SandeepKumar33

Cyber Security Engineer at Infratech Co

Policy management has improved data protection but configuration and encrypted traffic remain challenging

In my perspective, there are several things that need to be improved in Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP, such as the inability to monitor some encrypted data or data leaking in incognito mode. Additionally, Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP cannot monitor encrypted applications such as Microsoft Teams because it is end-to-end encrypted. In terms of additional features, there are many aspects of Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP that need improvement. Right now, two or three items are necessary, such as testing every policy to make sure they are configured correctly. We cannot go directly to production due to the extensive fine-tuning required, which typically takes two to three weeks to monitor the policy after customization. A lot of time has been consumed in the two to three weeks needed, which is something that should be reduced. Additionally, concerning the predefined policies, we cannot see the backend condition or backend script, which makes it difficult to modify the predefined policy.

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Pedro Soteras

CEO at ajuntament del Prat

Network protection has improved with stronger VPN connectivity but administration remains complex

Deploying WatchGuard Firebox was quite easy, but we have had some problems regarding the VPN and the administration of the tool and the two firewalls that we have. When comparing WatchGuard Firebox with our previous solution, Palo Alto, we have had some problems in administration because of the tools. I think that they have some aspects in their system that are cloud-provided, but they also have an on-premise solution, which makes this combination good. Although I should say that when compared to Palo Alto, we have taken a step backwards. In general, I would rate WatchGuard Firebox around 6-7; it is a good firewall, but they lack good administration tools. We experience many problems with the performance and administration tools on the web, including several issues with VPNs.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"Fortinet FortiGate is user-friendly and affordable."

"It's quite comfortable to handle the FortiGate firewall."

"It has the same functionalities throughout the range of products."

"It offers web filtering capabilities at a more affordable price compared to other solutions like PSMs or NETGEAR."

"Customers want to load balance more than eight lines or six internet lines. FortiGate is the only solution that can accomplish this."

"FortiGate Next Generation Firewall is a good solution because it has a range of options and a clear ecosystem."

"The SD-WAN function is very developed. It has SD-WAN functionality with security features in one device. We can manage from one single console SD-WAN and the security policy."

"It is easy to set up."

More Fortinet FortiGate pros

"We chose Forcepoint as part of our cybersecurity strategy, and one of the key expectations was to prevent data leakage."

"The most valuable features in Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP include policy management and endpoint status, as well as supplementary servers, OCR, IRR, and additional features."

"It primarily influences policy enforcement, cloud application access control, and endpoint network coverage."

"Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP is purely a DLP-based solution, which makes it the best option available."

"What I found most valuable in WatchGuard Firebox is that it's a functional platform that works, and each of its features works well. The solution also has good reporting and dashboard capabilities. I also find the overall performance of WatchGuard Firebox great."

"I like the High Availability features of the newest ones I'm using because they allow a firewall to fail and still be up and running."

"The protection that it provides from ransomware is valuable. The awareness that it has is also valuable. It didn't have a central console earlier, but now it has a central console, which is pretty good."

"It provides us with Layer 2 and Layer 3 security."

"There are many fantastic features."

"WatchGuard Firebox is easy to configure and has a nice user interface."

"It's pretty simple to understand when you want to do any diagnostics on your network. If you want to go in and see what packages are having trouble getting through, what's being held, stalled, etc., it's very easy to use in that way."

"The most valuable feature of WatchGuard Firebox is its ease of use."

More WatchGuard Firebox pros

Cons

"The support we receive when we need to upgrade is not satisfactory and has room for improvement."

"Areas of improvement for Fortinet FortiGate include the need for more training and certification, especially when dealing with distributors globally, which presents challenges in product availability and delivery timelines."

"Fortinet FortiGate can improve the integration with Active Directory. Additionally, I would like to have a Cloud Controller, such as they do in the Cisco Meraki solution."

"I'm not sure if it's something that they already have or are developing something, however, we need some dedicated features for container security."

"The integration with third-party tools may be something that they should work on."

"The solution must improve the support provided for customers around the globe, considering the time differences in different places."

"For the migration, everyone has a firewall in use and I am selling Fortinet. Typically, I am replacing another firewall. Previously, there was a tool available to convert configurations from one firewall, such as Palo Alto, to Fortinet, but this tool is no longer free. If it could be made free again, it would be very beneficial."

"The Wi-Fi controller needs a lot of improvement."

More Fortinet FortiGate cons

"From an end user's perspective, it's not always clear what's happening with the DLP. It would be beneficial to have more use cases available, perhaps on a countrywide basis."

"The deployment is a little bit difficult. It requires two to three separate servers for databases and the application."

"The SaaS solution needs improvement, especially the malware-centric part, although the CASB is better but mostly data-centric. The after-sale support could also be improved."

"In my perspective, there are several things that need to be improved in Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP, such as the inability to monitor some encrypted data or data leaking in incognito mode."

"The reporting is a little on the weak side. I would like to see a better reporting set and easier drill-down options."

"This is a great product and offers great protection but they don't hear the customers' needs. They don't make improvements as per the customers' requests."

"Some of the configuration options are somewhat confusing."

"A 12-hour power outage... got our batteries."

"I would like to see the devices made more flexible by adding modules to increase the ports that we can use."

"It would be wonderful if the WatchGuard team develops nice products for threat intelligence."

"The product can improve in terms of layout to provide easier access and viewing to users, especially for the reports."

"I don't think I can get a full-blown DNS client from it. I've been trying to have DNS services. It has forwarding, but I don't get the services of a full DNS client. My main difficulty with it is that I can't run a complete service. I need NTP. I need DNS. I need DHCP for my domain, but I only get forwarding. As far as I can tell, I don't get caching and the kinds of reporting and registration needed to host a DNS for a domain. I have to have a separate solution for that."

More WatchGuard Firebox cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The cost has increased since the update so I would rate it eight out of ten."

"Fortinet FortiGate's price can be reduced."

"I rate the price of Fortinet FortiGate SWG a seven and a half out of ten since it is not a cheap solution, though I feel it is a good product for the money one pays."

"The price is okay."

"Fortinet FortiGate is cheaper than Palo Alto. It is about 20% cheaper."

"It's expensive, but compared to the competition it's okay."

"Fortinet FortiGate is cost-efficient. Palo Alto is expensive, but Fortinet FortiGate is not."

"The price of FortiGate is comparable to that of most other firewall solutions and is more affordable than Cisco."

More Fortinet FortiGate pricing and cost advice

"The licensing cost is roughly 90 US dollars per year, per license."

"I usually tell people that it's really affordable as well, particularly compared to Cisco."

"Over the years, the costs have increased, especially since I cater to very small businesses."

"The solution's most valuable feature is its pricing."

"I think the tool is quite competitive compared to the other brands."

"It is an entry-level product, so the price is cheap."

"The solution is not expensive and customers pay for a yearly license."

"It is not expensive. Other products like Fortinet and Check Point are of the same price."

"It's an affordable tool"

More WatchGuard Firebox pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

12%

Comms Service Provider

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

No data available

Computer Software Company

11%

Comms Service Provider

11%

Manufacturing Company

Retailer

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	357
Midsize Enterprise	133
Large Enterprise	188

No data available

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	92
Midsize Enterprise	27
Large Enterprise	15

Questions from the Community

Which is the better NGFW: Fortinet Fortigate or Cisco Firepower?

When you compare these firewalls you can identify them with different features, advantages, practices and usage a...

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What is the biggest difference between Sophos XG and FortiGate?

From my experience regarding both the Sophos and FortiGate firewalls, I personally would rather use FortiGate. I know...

See all answers

What are the biggest technical differences between Sophos UTM and Fortinet FortiGate?

As a solution, Sophos UTM offers a lot of functionality, it scales well, and the stability and performance are quite ...

See all answers

What do you like most about Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP?

It primarily influences policy enforcement, cloud application access control, and endpoint network coverage.

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP?

Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP is very costly, especially in Sri Lanka, but the compliance ROI justifies...

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What needs improvement with Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP?

The SaaS solution needs improvement, especially the malware-centric part, although the CASB ( /products/casb-reviews ...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for WatchGuard Firebox?

We are providing our services to all WatchGuard customers in the region.

See all answers

What is your primary use case for WatchGuard Firebox?

We just use it as a secondary WiFi device. We're a small office and we needed to set up a WiFi device for a few of ou...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for WatchGuard Firebox?

We're a hospital and we use it for developing our incoming and outgoing policies, and we also use it for VPN.

See all answers

Comparisons

Sophos Firewall vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 20% of the time

Cisco Secure Firewall vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 13% of the time

Netgate pfSense vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 6% of the time

OPNsense vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 3% of the time

Palo Alto Networks WildFire vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 2% of the time

More Fortinet FortiGate Competitors

Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention vs Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP

Compared 35% of the time

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform vs Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP

Compared 24% of the time

Cyera vs Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP

Compared 23% of the time

Fortra's Digital Guardian vs Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP

Compared 18% of the time

More Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP Competitors

Sophos Firewall vs WatchGuard Firebox

Compared 7% of the time

OPNsense vs WatchGuard Firebox

Compared 7% of the time

Sophos UTM vs WatchGuard Firebox

Compared 4% of the time

SonicWall TZ vs WatchGuard Firebox

Compared 4% of the time

SonicWall NSa vs WatchGuard Firebox

Compared 4% of the time

More WatchGuard Firebox Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiGate

January 2026

Download Fortinet FortiGate product report

Buyer's Guide

Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

January 2026

Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP report

Download Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP product report

Buyer's Guide

WatchGuard Firebox

January 2026

Download WatchGuard Firebox product report

Also Known As

Fortinet FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall

No data available

WatchGuard Threat Detection and Response, WatchGuard Application Control, WatchGuard Data Loss Prevention, WatchGuard Gateway AntiVirus, WatchGuard Intrusion Prevention Service

Overview

Fortinet FortiGate is a versatile network security tool offering features like VPN, firewall, web filtering, intrusion prevention, and scalability. It is known for its performance and integration with other Fortinet products, making it a preferred choice for robust cybersecurity.

Fortinet FortiGate stands out as a comprehensive cybersecurity solution with strong performance and ease of configuration. It delivers unified threat management, integrating features such as dynamic routing, SD-WAN support, and centralized management. Despite its strengths, improvements in the web interface's stability, pricing structures, and reporting capabilities are needed. Users seek better integration with third-party tools and automation advancements to enhance the experience further. These enhancements, alongside improvements in bandwidth management and the reduction of licensing costs, are points of interest for users looking to capitalize on FortiGate's extensive capabilities.

What are Fortinet FortiGate's key features?

VPN: Ensures secure remote connections.
Firewall: Protects against unauthorized access.
Web Filtering: Blocks malicious sites and content.
Application Control: Manages and controls applications.
Intrusion Prevention: Detects and prevents vulnerabilities.
SSL Inspection: Enhances security by inspecting encrypted traffic.

What benefits should be considered when evaluating Fortinet FortiGate?

Affordability: Offers cost-effective security solutions.
Reliability: Known for consistent and stable performance.
Integration: Seamlessly integrates with other Fortinet products.
Comprehensive Protection: Provides broad threat protection capabilities.

Fortinet FortiGate is widely implemented across industries as a primary firewall system for securing internet gateways and safeguarding data centers. It supports businesses in achieving SD-WAN integration and enhances cybersecurity by providing essential features like antivirus, web filtering, and application control. Enterprises utilize FortiGate for securing remote connections and ensuring compliance with security standards, making it adaptable for different network sizes and industries.

Fortinet

Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP offers dynamic security measures tailored to data protection needs, ensuring sensitive information is safeguarded efficiently.

Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP is designed to provide a balanced approach to data loss prevention by adapting security measures based on real-time risk assessment. This innovative system prioritizes protecting sensitive information while allowing for seamless workflow integration, making it a suitable choice for organizations looking to enhance their data protection strategies.

What are the key features of Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP?

Dynamic Policy Enforcement: Automatically adjusts security policies in real-time based on risk analysis.
User Behavior Analysis: Monitors and analyzes user actions to identify potential threats.
Comprehensive Data Coverage: Offers protection for data across various environments and platforms.
Risk-Adaptive Responses: Provides threat mitigation options based on the assessed level of risk.

What benefits and ROI can be expected?

Reduced Data Breach Risks: By dynamically adjusting security measures, threats are mitigated proactively.
Operational Efficiency: Allows seamless integration of security with daily operations, minimizing disruptions.
Scalable Protection: Easily adapts to organizational growth and evolving security needs.
Cost-Effective Security: Optimizes resource allocation by focusing on high-risk areas.

Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP is particularly effective in industries with stringent data protection requirements such as healthcare, finance, and government. It adapts its security posture to the specific risks faced in these sectors, addressing compliance mandates and safeguarding sensitive information efficiently.

Forcepoint

WatchGuard Firebox is a high-performance firewall known for its ease of setup, offering robust security with layered protection and centralized management capabilities.

WatchGuard Firebox stands out for its intuitive management and high throughput, addressing security needs with features like VPN, web filtering, and threat detection. Its centralized control and reporting abilities, along with Active Directory integration, make it popular among varied organizations. Its user-friendly interface and ongoing updates enhance usability and reliability. However, there's a call for better cloud-based administration, scalability, and improved integration with third-party vendors.

What are the key features of WatchGuard Firebox?

Ease of Setup: Quick and straightforward installation process.
GUI: User-friendly graphical interface for simplified navigation.
VPN Features: Secure and efficient virtual private network management.
Web Filtering: Advanced filtering for safer browsing experiences.
Threat Detection: Proactive monitoring and detection of cyber threats.

What benefits or ROI should be evaluated?

Centralized Control: Streamlined management from a single point.
High Throughput: Efficient data handling and processing capacity.
Stable Performance: Consistent and reliable operational functionality.
Active Directory Integration: Seamless connection with user directories.
Customer Service: Strong support service for customer inquiries.

WatchGuard Firebox is implemented across industries to secure internet gateways and protect data in multi-site businesses. Its applications span from Unified Threat Management (UTM) and intrusion prevention to compliance support in business environments requiring secure connectivity through VPNs.

WatchGuard

Sample Customers

Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, Dell, HP, Oracle, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Vodafone, Orange, BT Group, Telstra, Deutsche Telekom, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, CenturyLink, NTT Communications, Tata Communications, SoftBank, China Mobile, Singtel, Telus, Rogers Communications, Bell Canada, Telkom Indonesia, Telkom South Africa, Telmex, Telia Company, Telkom Kenya

Information Not Available

Ellips, Diecutstickers.com, Clarke Energy, NCR, Wrest Park, Homeslice Pizza, Fortessa Tableware Solutions, The Phoenix Residence

Buyer's Guide

Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP vs. WatchGuard Firebox

December 2025

Free Report: Forcepoint Risk Adaptive Protection for DLP vs. WatchGuard Firebox

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