Palo Alto Networks Enterprise Data Loss Prevention vs WatchGuard Firebox comparison

Palo Alto Networks and WatchGuard are both solutions in the Data Loss Prevention (DLP) category. Palo Alto Networks is ranked #17 with an average rating of 8.0, while WatchGuard is ranked #11 with an average rating of 8.0. Additionally, 100% of Palo Alto Networks 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 Palo Alto Networks Enterprise Data Loss Prevention compete in network security. Palo Alto Networks is superior due to its advanced features.

Features: WatchGuard Firebox offers robust firewall protection, efficient traffic management, and cost-effective security solutions. Palo Alto Networks provides comprehensive data protection, seamless cloud integrations, and advanced threat detection, making it ideal for strategic security initiatives.

Room for Improvement: WatchGuard Firebox could enhance its cloud integration capabilities, reporting features, and flexibility in deployment options. Palo Alto Networks may benefit from simplifying its setup process, extending compatibility with varied systems, and improving user interface for easier management.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: WatchGuard Firebox is praised for straightforward deployment and reliable customer support, making it efficient for businesses focused on ease of use. Palo Alto Networks, while involving a more complex setup, offers extensive support resources to assist with deployments.

Pricing and ROI: WatchGuard Firebox is recognized for its cost-effectiveness, offering good ROI with low setup costs and efficient management. Palo Alto Networks, though requiring a higher initial investment, provides substantial value in its comprehensive protection for a strong data loss prevention strategy.

To learn more, read our detailed Palo Alto Networks Enterprise Data Loss Prevention vs. WatchGuard Firebox Report (Updated: December 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Palo Alto Networks Enterprise Data Loss Prevention 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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Satish Tr

Consultant at Tata Consultancy

Good security and DLP capabilities that protects from unauthorized access

There are a lot of problems reported, which get sorted out. I really cannot remember what those problems are. It's mostly performance issues. Performance issues might be based on the pricing, and perhaps the customer has not properly sized the requirement. I have not personally seen this, but maybe I need to check with my committee.

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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 a very stable solution."

"The best features of Fortinet FortiGate include the simple user interface."

"Their proxy-based inspection is responsive and secure."

"Routing and reporting are two areas where the product has an added advantage compared to any other product."

"The initial setup of Fortinet FortiGate was straightforward."

"The solution effectively controls browsing traffic."

"Fortigate's most valuable feature is that it doesn't need a push policy when writing rules."

"The SD-WAN feature of Fortinet FortiGate has been most impactful in maintaining our network's integrity."

More Fortinet FortiGate pros

"The security aspect in finance is crucial for controlling from a DLP perspective and ensuring protection."

"Our clients primarily deploy Palo Alto Networks Enterprise DLP to control the flow of information in and out of their networks. The main use cases include monitoring and managing sensitive data such as credit card information and personally identifiable information."

"The most valuable feature of Palo Alto Networks Enterprise Data Loss Prevention is its comprehensive end-to-end solution in Cloud Delivery Security Services, which includes URL, data loss prevention, and advanced threat prevention as features that can be enabled just by clicking a checkbox."

"It is a stable solution with good support."

"The setup is very easy as we just need to switch on and switch off."

"The security aspect in finance is crucial for controlling from a DLP perspective and ensuring protection."

"Another important feature is that the solution doesn't require any additional infrastructure to implement. It's a software license that is compatible with our existing hardware. We were able to install and configure the product seamlessly and effortlessly."

"The primary feature is managing firewalls through Panorama, especially when handling multiple firewalls across different sites like headquarters and remote sites."

"I could still keep the data rates really high, up near the two gigahertz data speeds, without compromise on the security perimeters being acted simultaneously."

"It's pretty simple to use. It's pretty simple to understand, and there's plenty of documentation. It does a pretty good job of what it is meant to do."

"Two of the functionalities we use most are the traffic monitoring and the full panel dashboard. Those are two things that are very useful for us... In addition, it provides us with layered security. It allows us to determine what types of access, to which networks, we want to allow or deny."

"I found several features valuable in WatchGuard Application Control such as the HTTP Proxy, DNSWatch, VPN, and HTTPS Content Inspection."

"The throughput is great. It's perfect. We have no issues whatsoever. The management features are very powerful..."

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

"After conducting several tests I found the antivirus is working very well. Additionally, they have a very interesting feature, DNS WatchGuard, which is checking DNS requests for phishing, among other things, and it has caught a lot of unwanted attempts and attacks."

"Centralization is a crucial feature for me as it allows me to have all sites and customers accessible under a single click, not limited to just one."

More WatchGuard Firebox pros

Cons

"The routing capability on the FortiGate devices has room for improvement."

"Fortinet can add some Machine Learning and AI to improve its accuracy and give it an edge on IPS detection and protection."

"FortiGate can only retain logs for 24 hours or 7 days. I'm not sure if it holds them for a longer period, such as for a month. It will be useful for assessing our strategy and monitoring our environment without investing in FortiGate Analyzer. It would be beneficial if Fortinet could enhance the FortiGate by providing more statistical and monitoring views for a longer timeframe, rather than requiring access to FortiGate Analyzer."

"Fortigate's hardware capacities could be improved."

"The main area needing improvement is the user-friendliness of FortiGate's integration with other Fortinet tools like FortiAuthenticator and VPN services."

"Fortinet FortiGate SWG's SSL offloading features need improvement."

"Its filtering is sometimes too precise or strict. We sometimes have to bypass and authorize some of the sites, but they get blocked. We know that they are trusted sites, but they are blocked, and we don't know why."

"Previously it had a hiccup around a bug within the authentication VPN due to the firmware, but after updating, it's easier to control."

More Fortinet FortiGate cons

"The solution needs improvement in stability. There has been feedback regarding the accuracy of file categorization."

"You need to have an external solution to backup everything. For example, you need to have Syslog installed on your server as well so that you can back it up to another place."

"There are mostly performance issues."

"There is room for improvement in the documentation around the maintenance of the product, how the automatic updates work, and pushing out new policies. A little more detail and context in that area would be helpful."

"The product is still overly complicated compared to other vendors such as Check Point, which could be improved."

"The configuration for Palo Alto Networks firewalls requires specifying many details, such as protocols and services."

"Its scalability is not on par with the features of others."

"Pricing is expensive."

"The control software is currently only available for Windows, which can be a little annoying for Linux users."

"When it comes to live-monitoring, the user-interface could be improved to make things easier."

"I'm not really impressed with the reporting side of it. It may be something I just haven't figured out very well, but it's hard to filter down on reporting of the actual valuable information that you would want. There is a lot of information out there so you have to have some kind of tool capture it and then filter through. So far, I haven't found the reporting side of the WatchGuard to be that user-friendly."

"The time they take to classify an application once they find that it is unknown can be better."

"WatchGuard Data Loss Prevention catches so little. When I've implemented it, it just can't look at the traffic in a thorough enough manner to capture as much as it should. And I find that I'm disenchanted with all data loss protection solutions I've tested and looked at."

"In WatchGuard Firebox, the antivirus and malware detection systems are areas with shortcomings that require improvement since they are the most important elements of a cybersecurity tool."

"We use WatchGuard to manage our failover for internet. If a primary internet goes down, it does a failover to the secondary the internet. However, what it doesn't do so well is that if the primary internet has a lot of latency but it's not completely down, it doesn't do a failover to the backup in a timely manner."

"The only downside is that it is missing an API, that you can use to easily collect information from it."

More WatchGuard Firebox cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"We pay about $4,000 for a yearly license, and there aren't any additional fees."

"Compared to other firewall products, it's a little cheaper in terms of pricing."

"It has been two years. I don't remember the actual price, but it was affordable. We buy the boxes and then use the license for three years."

"Currently, we are paying about $1,500 a month for three sites."

"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."

"FortiGate SWG is reasonably priced."

"The price is relatively expensive compared to other solutions which are providing similar features."

"The product is expensive."

More Fortinet FortiGate pricing and cost advice

"Palo Alto Networks Enterprise Data Loss Prevention is expensive, and licensing costs are monthly."

"The licensing model is very fair-minded and it's a good value. It scales well... Its licensing model is more streamlined when compared to other DLP solutions."

"The pricing of the solution depends on the buyers. But, from my point of view, it is in line with the rest of the products and the price list of Palo Alto."

"It's expensive."

"It is kind of expensive. I buy it on the appliance. I always buy three-year total security."

"The price of WatchGuard Intrusion Prevention Service is pretty reasonable compared to similar solutions."

"Very competitive pricing regarding throughput compared to other alternatives."

"I think we might be subscribed to one or two of the premium features."

"As per my knowledge, the product is more affordable than alternatives."

"For what we use, the tool's price has been reasonable, but it is not the cheapest. The tool has been quite reasonable."

"It's an affordable tool"

"The licensing costs are comparatively lower than other providers, and I would rate the pricing as five out of five."

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

Performing Arts

13%

Computer Software Company

12%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Healthcare Company

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...

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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 ...

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Palo Alto Networks Enterprise Data Loss Prevention?

Palo Alto Networks' pricing can be complex. Their catalog is extensive. They have a licensing model based on credits ...

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What needs improvement with Palo Alto Networks Enterprise Data Loss Prevention?

The product is still overly complicated compared to other vendors such as Check Point, which could be improved. Simpl...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Palo Alto Networks Enterprise Data Loss Prevention?

The primary use case is a part of a complete package for Government of Canada. It helps in comparing data loss preven...

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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

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Cyera vs Palo Alto Networks Enterprise Data Loss Prevention

Compared 33% of the time

Forcepoint Data Loss Prevention vs Palo Alto Networks Enterprise Data Loss Prevention

Compared 14% of the time

Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention vs Palo Alto Networks Enterprise Data Loss Prevention

Compared 12% of the time

Check Point CloudGuard Code Security vs Palo Alto Networks Enterprise Data Loss Prevention

Compared 10% of the time

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform vs Palo Alto Networks Enterprise Data Loss Prevention

Compared 8% of the time

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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

Palo Alto Networks Enterprise Data Loss Prevention report

Download Palo Alto Networks Enterprise Data Loss Prevention 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

Cloud-Delivered Data Protection: The industry’s first cloud-delivered Enterprise DLP that consistently protects sensitive data across all networks, clouds and users.

Palo Alto Networks

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

Palo Alto Networks Enterprise Data Loss Prevention vs. WatchGuard Firebox

December 2025

Free Report: Palo Alto Networks Enterprise Data Loss Prevention vs. WatchGuard Firebox

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