The solution is primarily used as a firewall with all the "next Generation" functionality. We sell this solution to our clients.
Dipl. Ing. at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Easy to manage and lots of functionality
Pros and Cons
- "The user interface is very good. It's already quite simple and easy to use."
- "Recently, I've had a problem with updating things."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
I prefer the solution to other Firewalls as it is very intuitive to manage.
The product offers a more complete set of security functionality at one price . It differentiates more in objects to protect like web server protection or email protection.
Troubleshooting is easy with XG Firewall because of clear arrangement of troubleshooting features in GUI. I like the ease of use.
The Base License includes already VPN, network protection and web protection functionality and you have a wireless controller on top. The data stream analysis and security features are built-in; these are the main features we need these days.
The user interface is very good. It's already quite simple and easy to use.
What needs improvement?
Recently, I've had a problem with updating firmware. Updates should be more stable . The last update I did was not successful and ended in a unusable device. Also the support case i opened for it could have been more effective.
I don't use all of the features and therefore it would be difficult to evaluate if anything is missing.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been dealing with the solution for around 12 months or so. It's been about a year at this point.
Buyer's Guide
Sophos XG
August 2025

Learn what your peers think about Sophos XG. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: August 2025.
867,370 professionals have used our research since 2012.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
From the update side, the last update didn't run successfully and this is not good for us as the customer needs this device to access the internet. If this device is failing and it has no connection to the internet it is a great problem for the customer.
It may be possible to implement a second device in a fail-over cluster and this would avoid such a problem as then if one device fails in the updating process, the other device could be take over, and so it would be not such a great problem. That said, in this scenario, you have to sell two devices. That would be the best way to ensure stability, however.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability of the solution is limited according to sizing. You buy one device with specific performance parameters, which should be equivalent to the customer's needs, and this device is not able to customize to a higher level. If you need to grow, you must buy another device with higher parameters.
In our case, the customers we work with have small setups. They aren't large organizations. Sophos told us about a sizing guide in the future.
How are customer service and support?
We are a reseller and our first and only support case was not very effective. It should not be used as a guideline.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We also resell Cisco products.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is not overly complex. The process is straightforward. A company shouldn't run into problems but need a understanding of the device and the functions.
The deployment process depends on the requirements. A good planning is beneficial.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing is good due to the fact that you get so much functionality from one overall solution. The base license covers all features you need to protect against threats from internet. Setting up the device basically is intuitive and there are a lot of help from internet community.
What other advice do I have?
We are a reseller of both Cisco and Sophos.
We're using the latest version of the solution for our clients.
I'd rate the solution at an nine out of ten. We've been satisfied with the product, however, there is still more they could do in testing updates.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Reseller

System Integrator IT Manager at Tecnimex S.r.l.
Very good at web and application filtering with a great GUI
Pros and Cons
- "The stability has been excellent."
- "Technical support could be improved. They aren't as responsive as they could be."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use the solution as a comprehensive security device.
What is most valuable?
The VPN capabilities are quite good.
The solution is very good at web and application filtering.
It's quite a comprehensive security solution.
The performance the solution offers is excellent. Compared to the older solution, and especially on the cloud, it can reach very good performance. It depends on the licenses, of course.
The graphical user interface is excellent.
The intrusion protection module is very useful.
You can easily connect the solution to cloud management.
The stability has been excellent.
What needs improvement?
Technical support could be improved. They aren't as responsive as they could be.
It would be ideal if we could have a more populated and detailed knowledge base. Generally, the new features must be tested before applying them to the production side. I would like to see more case studies, more application notes, and so on.
We would like to see an improvement in mail management. When passing from FG Series to XG Series, some mail features have been lost. We would like to regain them.
For how long have I used the solution?
We've used the solution for many years - before it was even Sophos. Sophos, some years ago, was Astaro AG. Sophos acquired Astaro AG. We have at least ten years of experience with the solution.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
We've found the stability to be very good. It doesn't crash or freeze. There are no glitches. The performance and reliability are excellent.
Occasionally, we do have to do a debug, however, that's typical of all firewall solutions.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability of the solution is very good overall. If a company needs to expand it, it can do so.
We have about 200 people using the solution.
How are customer service and technical support?
The reaction times of technical support are slow. They should be more responsive. We're not completely satisfied with the way they handle it.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
In the past, I've had some experience with SonicWall, Fortinet, and with a Linux solution. However, compared to other solutions, we prefer Sophos.
How was the initial setup?
It's better to be certified to install in a good manner. You need to understand what you are doing. Sophos offers the chance to certify at different levels. There are commercial levels and technical levels.
The time it takes to deploy depends on the complexity of the setup and environment. It can take a few hours or a few days. It can even take a week if the architecture is very advanced.
Generally, you need to be an engineer to handle maintenance. We have three people at our office that can handle implementation and setup as well as maintenance.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
You need a license to use the solution. We offer the license as a box license, or we can offer a license like an MSP, as a service provider. We often acquire the licenses and we give them to our customers as an MSP.
What other advice do I have?
We are an authorized partner for Sophos.
We're using the latest version of the solution.
I'd recommend the solution, especially over, for example, Cisco.
I'd rate the solution ten out often. It's really worked well for us.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Buyer's Guide
Sophos XG
August 2025

Learn what your peers think about Sophos XG. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: August 2025.
867,370 professionals have used our research since 2012.
CIO LATAM at i-Track Systems Development, S.A. de C.V.
Great cost benefits, reliable, easy to set up, and scalable
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature of this solution is that the license offers everything."
- "It is complicated to get the reports if you are not experienced with Sophos."
What is our primary use case?
We implement different security solutions. We also integrate the different environments and secure them, based on the customer's needs.
Our customers are from banking or financial institutions, insurance institutions, telecommunication companies, advocacy companies, construction companies, and retail companies.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature of this solution is that the license offers everything. You don't have to purchase a license for the VPN, or the mobile VPN, or for any other features that the firewall works with. That is the best thing about Sophos.
They include everything on the firewall as a base and if you want other exclusive services or to add more security to your service, you would have to purchase the full license.
To me, the cost benefits are the best.
What needs improvement?
They can improve all indicators, all KPIs, all the scores, the consoles, and the monitors. These are all areas that need improvement.
These areas need to be more clear for the customers. You have to have good experience working with Sophos to know how to get to the forums and to get to the information that you want from the beginning.
It is complicated to get the reports if you are not experienced with Sophos. For example, if you want to get a report on what the firewall is doing, you have to be a very experienced engineer.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Sophos XG for three years.
The version we use is up to the customer and their environment's needs. For example, if the customer has a small infrastructure, we implement a small firewall, which could be an XG 115 or an XG 125.
For larger companies, we implement an XG 450 or XG 500.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is very good. Stability is the main reason we use Sophos.
We have no complaints about the reliability, performance, or stability. It's a very strong product.
We are currently building the security architecture and we are trying to build according to the customer's requirements. The plan is for 35% growth in the next three years.
Our clients are usually medium to large-sized businesses.
We currently have 23 engineers to maintain this solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Depending on the firewall that you are using, or that you purchase with the biggest supply end, you can add other cards that can grow with some other services.
How are customer service and technical support?
We provide technical support to the customers. We provide our own SOC to support the security solution and we complement the Sophos support plan.
Their technical support is fair, as well as the forums. Today there are only webinars, but we are trying to keep up with the latest technologies and trends.
We are also trying to keep up on how the hackers work because we are working with different associations of security worldwide that way we know the best way to protect our customers and what we need to sell to our customers.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We work with several brands. Sophos is in the top sales.
Previous to Sophos XG, we were working with Sophos and Cyberoam.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward. It's easy, using the wizard.
If you go outside the wizard and you are not an experienced engineer, it could get a little tricky.
Our implementation strategy is to have clear communication with the customer. Implementation is based on 99% of the information that the customer is providing to your other anything else.
It can take five days to deploy.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The license includes most of the features that are necessary, but the basis of the firewall does not include everything, which helps us to continue to sell.
When comparing with Palo Alto and Cisco, Sophos is cheaper.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
The top three solutions that we sell and that the customers consider are Sophos, Palo Alto, and Cisco.
The main difference is the pricing.
What other advice do I have?
We try to sell some cloud services but in Mexico, customers are not familiar with the cloud services yet. We are starting to grow, but it is very common that customers prefer services on-premises.
We do not only plan for the sales, but we also plan with the customers and their growth, and how we are going to increase their services. We also consider what will be selling to the customers in the next three years. We plan with the customer, as well.
When we sell a firewall, it is not for sale for right now, it's for sale for long-term use. We build long-term relationships with our clients.
My suggestion to others who are interested in using this solution is to try it. The only way to know how well it works is to try it.
Sophos XG is an excellent solution and I would rate it an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
IT Manager at a energy/utilities company with 1,001-5,000 employees
A firewall solution with many good features
Pros and Cons
- "I like the web filter, application filter, and VBA."
- "Their updates can be faster and more regular."
What is most valuable?
I like the web filter, application filter, and VBA. There are so many good features. The most powerful thing is clearly the software. I can easily do whatever I want.
What needs improvement?
Their updates can be faster and more regular. Right now, it's updated monthly. When I need to update the firmware, I want it done within weeks, not months. There are also some changes in version 18, like rules, that aren't needed.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Sophos XG is a very powerful and stable solution. It's more stable than Cyberoam.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Sophos XG is scalable.
How are customer service and technical support?
Technical support is good and easy to deal with. If I have a problem, I open the ticket, and I call, and the problem's solved automatically by them.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We used Cyberoam ten years ago and then transferred to Sophos. We switched because it was the latest technology.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was very easy because you can follow the manuals, follow your past experiences, and so on. We also need about three to six people a day to maintain this solution.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
At first, I thought the price was very high. But when I read about the machine's features, we decided to go with it. Now I think the price is reasonable.
What other advice do I have?
On a scale from one to ten, I would give Sophos XG a nine.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
System Engineer at Microgenesis Business Systems
Stable with good web-filtering and the application control
Pros and Cons
- "We've had good experiences with technical support."
- "The solution could be improved if it offered more documentation or at least provided more information about the products themselves."
What is our primary use case?
Most of our clients are primarily using the solution for the network protection it offers them.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable aspects of the solution are the web-filtering and the application control.
The solution is stable.
We've had good experiences with technical support.
The product is scalable.
What needs improvement?
The solution could be improved if it offered more documentation or at least provided more information about the products themselves. If there was a virtual assistant of some kind that would help clients familiarize themselves with everything, that would be very helpful.
It would be helpful to get some insights into new features so that we are able to relay information to clients effectively.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution technically since 2019, however, I haven't really been able to focus on it too much. Right now, I am refreshing my knowledge on Sophos XG.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is very stable. There aren't bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. It's very reliable overall.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have clients from various sized companies, and the solution works well with all of them.
There seems to be pretty good scalability potential, at least up to a point.
How are customer service and technical support?
We've been in touch with technical support and found them to be very accommodating. We are very satisfied with eh level of support they provide to us.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
While I may have other colleagues on different solutions, my main focus is Sophos at the moment.
How was the initial setup?
When we're talking about the initial setup for the Sophos XG it can either be simple or complex. It will depend mostly on the infrastructure of the client.
Deployment times also vary, according to the complexity.
Typically, the client handles the maintenance process themselves.
What about the implementation team?
We handle the implementation process for our clients.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We have a platinum partnership with Sophos at this time.
I'm more on the technical side. I don't really have any insights into licensing and pricing as it's not an aspect of the solution I directly deal with on a regular basis.
I'd advise those considering any solution to really take the time to study the product and understand different aspects of it. Every solution is different, and therefore it's important to be able to navigate them. Doing some extra research at the outset will ensure you don't purchase the wrong firewall, which can be a waste of time and money.
I would rate the solution at a nine out of ten. We're quite happy with the product so far.
What other advice do I have?
We're using the latest version of the solution at this time.
We're integrators and resellers.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Owner at supernovatel
A firewall solution with a valuable VPN feature
Pros and Cons
- "Because of the pandemic, the VPN is the most valuable feature."
- "I used to work with Fortinet, and sometimes I see that the SD-WAN feature could be better because it's much easier in Fortinet."
What is our primary use case?
We use Sophos XG for a central firewall, with some branches making a VPN, but that's the normal deployment. Some clients use it as a proxy, but most of my clients use it as a gateway. We use Sophos to configure policies, work filters, application filters, and the SSL VPN and IPSec VPNs.
What is most valuable?
Because of the pandemic, the VPN is the most valuable feature. In Bolivia, the clients normally asked for an appliance with a web protection license or network protection and web protection license. These are the most common features demanded by our customers.
Some clients are also using the wireless solution and using XG firewall as a wireless controller. For those clients, this feature is a very important.
What needs improvement?
I used to work with Fortinet, and sometimes I see that the SD-WAN feature could be better because it's much easier in Fortinet. That area could be improved in Sophos XG as it's too complicated right now.
For example, I remember a case where the routers had to be configured by commands. It's not hard, but you have to read and investigate how to do that. The XG firewall works fine, but you have to read, and it takes some time to do it.
Sophos XG could also improve the floating area. I have more features in Fortinet, more visibility of the networking table, and the networking area. But in Sophos, you have to enter the CLA and display it. It'll also help if they offered more toll booths for VPN like Fortinet.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been working with Sophos XG for around five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I have no issues with the stability. No reboots are needed, and there hasn't been a problem with that.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The new enterprise models are scalable, and we don't have problems. I think it's fine.
How are customer service and technical support?
I like their technical support. With Cyberoam, I remember the technical support used to work closely with us. They used to configure some features for us and help us resolve problems, but not just by email. They used to work with us and show us how to do it. I think that was nice, but in Sophos, they give us instructions and help us, but by email.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup and configuration was very easy for us. I think it's easier than the other options in the marketplace. The deployment time is relative. For example, if you're deploying for a client who has another firewall and have to integrate it, it'll take around two or three days. But if it's a new environment, you can deploy the firewall within two hours.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Normally, my clients look at Fortinet. Both have similar features, and sometimes Sophos is more expensive, or FortiGate is more expensive. It depends. But normally, I have clients that migrate from Fortinet to Sophos. They are used to working with FortiGate without a problem, but the main difference in our case is the support. Because as a company, SUPERNOVATEL, has more experience with Sophos to help our clients immediately. That makes the difference.
What other advice do I have?
On a scale from one to ten, I would give Sophos XG a nine.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Network Engineer at Vibs
Stable, scalable, with a good central dashboard, and good technical support
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature is the central dashboard"
- "I would like to see the performance improved."
What is our primary use case?
We are integrators. We integrate solutions for other our client's companies.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature is the central dashboard. It provides us with good performance.
What needs improvement?
When you utilize the processors, the device hangs. Many firewalls hang because of the high volume of loads.
If we are using the HP policy and the user policy at the same time, the firewall gets hung and it means that we cannot get clear reports.
We have mitigated the firewall with Palo Alto because Palo Alto is working on multiple environments.
I would like to see the performance improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Sophos XG for three years.
Currently, we are using the MR4 v18.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
This product is scalable. I would rate the scalability an eight out of ten.
So far we use this solution for SMB and enterprise companies.
How are customer service and technical support?
Technical support is very good.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We are also working with Fortinet FortiGate and Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls.
Palo Alto is the best product from a compliance point of view, and security. Fortinet is the second and the last is Sophos XG.
How was the initial setup?
I have installed Sophos XG in multiple organizations.
The initial setup is very easy.
It took less than 10 minutes to deploy.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Sophos is very good for small companies because of the cost of the product compared to other solutions.
The price is reasonable.
What other advice do I have?
I prefer Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls to Sophos. Palo Alto is very good and the customers are happy. The hardware is customizable with multiple firewalls. I think that it is the best.
I would rate Sophos XG an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. partner
Information Technology Security Officer at South African National Accreditation System (sanas)
Quick to install and configure with proactive support, but updates often cause problems
Pros and Cons
- "Definitely, its usability is very good, and it's a very robust firewall."
- "I think that the main area for improvement is the quality assurance of the updates."
What is our primary use case?
This product serves as our current firewall solution, which is a network protection gateway.
What is most valuable?
This is a very simple solution.
It integrates well with Sophos Endpoint Protection, and we use the two of them to form a holistic security perimeter control.
What needs improvement?
Software updates always come with issues. For example, I just upgraded to the next version, 80.5, and it came with VPN issues. It started dropping my VPN users. So, I had to roll back to before the software update. I think that the main area for improvement is the quality assurance of the updates.
The management console is a little bit rigid.
Scalability can be improved.
I think that it performs a little bit slow when it comes to connectivity, and having the speed increased would be better.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Sophos XG for the past four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
This is a very stable platform. In the four years that we have had it, it's never gone down.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is not a very scalable product. I would rate the scalability a seven out of ten because where you order it, it comes with prefixed ports. You will only have perhaps two for the WAN, and then maybe four LAN ports, and one console. In this regard, it's not scalable.
When you buy it, you can't change the port configuration. In order to get more ports, you may have to upgrade to a bigger firewall.
We have about 130 accounts for approximately 80 employees.
How are customer service and technical support?
Technical support for Sophos is very good and they have a big presence in South Africa. It uses something called Sophos Central, where support can fix the problem before you, as the user, actually finds it.
How was the initial setup?
It is a very simple and very quick initial setup and configuration. Because it is a next-generation firewall, it does most of the rule development in the background. You just need to set up the basics and start it up.
What was our ROI?
For what you are buying, it's good value for the money.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Sophos is very good when it comes to pricing. A firewall has a lot of things to look for when you're buying it, including throughput and its features. When we purchased this product, Sophos was the best on the market.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
In addition to Sophos, we looked at FortiGate, SonicWall, and Cisco. We were looking for a next-generation firewall, and Cisco was out of range because it was too expensive. We settled on Sophos because we already had the endpoint solution in our environment, and the price was very good as well.
What other advice do I have?
Sophos XG is a firewall that I recommend because it's a very simple firewall. It's not complicated, and a LAN expert can just start using it and learn very quickly. Definitely, its usability is very good, and it's a very robust firewall.
I would rate this solution a seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.

Buyer's Guide
Download our free Sophos XG Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros
sharing their opinions.
Updated: August 2025
Product Categories
FirewallsPopular Comparisons
Fortinet FortiGate
Netgate pfSense
OPNsense
Cisco Secure Firewall
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls
Cisco Meraki MX
WatchGuard Firebox
Check Point Quantum Force (NGFW)
Azure Firewall
SonicWall TZ
Sophos XGS
Fortinet FortiGate-VM
Juniper SRX Series Firewall
SonicWall NSa
KerioControl
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Sophos XG Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros
sharing their opinions.
Quick Links
Learn More: Questions:
- Sophos XG 210 vs Fortigate FG 100E
- What Is The Biggest Difference Between Sophos UTM and Sophos XG?
- What is the biggest difference between Sophos XG and FortiGate?
- Which firewall is better and why: Sophos XG 210 or Fortinet FortiGate 100E?
- Which solution do you prefer: Fortinet FortiGate or Sophos XG?
- What are the main differences in features between Sophos XG and FortiGate 80F?
- Fortinet FortiGate or Sophos XG?
- How does Meraki MX compare with Sophos XG?
- Which firewall to choose for an SMB to prevent malware damage: Cisco Firepower or Sophos XG?
- Looking for a technical comparison between Sophos XG550 and Fortinet FortiGate 600E