We use it for VPN and for filtering direct traffic. We are using XG50.
ICT/HMIS Supervisor at a healthcare company with 501-1,000 employees
A stable and seamless solution with good support and useful VPN and filtering features
Pros and Cons
- "The VPN feature is the most valuable. It has come in handy during this period when people are working from home. The filtering feature is also valuable because you can easily filter the sites that you don't want to visit. You can also set timely surfing quotas."
- "They made some changes to the firmware update sometime last year, which moved some of the policies from where they were before. Some of the policies, such as NAS policies, were separated, which made it a bit hard for people to trace the policies they had configured."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The VPN feature is the most valuable. It has come in handy during this period when people are working from home.
The filtering feature is also valuable because you can easily filter the sites that you don't want to visit. You can also set timely surfing quotas.
What needs improvement?
They made some changes to the firmware update sometime last year, which moved some of the policies from where they were before. Some of the policies, such as NAS policies, were separated, which made it a bit hard for people to trace the policies they had configured.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for three years.
Buyer's Guide
Sophos XG
November 2023

Learn what your peers think about Sophos XG. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2023.
745,775 professionals have used our research since 2012.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It has been very stable. We haven't had any outages. It has been seamless.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I am not quite sure about that. In terms of the number of nodes, we have around 200 nodes. All the internet traffic has to go through Sophos XG. In terms of the number of people who handle the support, we have two people.
How are customer service and support?
Their technical support is good. Whenever I have contacted them, they have given us support. They have been quite fast.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We were using Cyberoam. When they were acquired, we just upgraded to Sophos because, at that time, they were providing the hardware and support to transfer your configs to Sophos.
What about the implementation team?
Its initial setup was done by a contractor. We just maintain it. We have an expert, and we also have access to an IT department.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
In terms of price, it is a mid-range product.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend this solution. I would rate Sophos XG an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.

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
Buyer's Guide
Sophos XG
November 2023

Learn what your peers think about Sophos XG. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2023.
745,775 professionals have used our research since 2012.
ICT Manager at a hospitality company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Easy to use, scalable, and fairly stable, but needs simplified interface and better security
Pros and Cons
- "We find it easy to use. Its internal configuration is very easy. It is not complicated in terms of use and configuration. It has been fairly stable, and it is also scalable."
- "They can simplify its interface so that it is mostly drag-and-drop. There was an SQL injection attack on some Sophos devices. They just need to harden their devices a little bit so that they can't be hacked very easily."
What is our primary use case?
We are using it at a gateway level. We are using Sophos XG Series 135.
What is most valuable?
We find it easy to use. Its internal configuration is very easy. It is not complicated in terms of use and configuration.
It has been fairly stable, and it is also scalable.
What needs improvement?
They can simplify its interface so that it is mostly drag-and-drop. There was an SQL injection attack on some Sophos devices. They just need to harden their devices a little bit so that they can't be hacked very easily.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It has been fairly stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is scalable. We had scaled it for the number of users that we have, and it has worked fine for us. We have around 40 users.
How are customer service and technical support?
We rarely contact their technical support. There was a time when our head office contacted their technical support. It was an issue in 2008, and they provided a patch.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We used Cisco ASA five or six years ago.
How was the initial setup?
We found it easy to install. Its installation took around one to one and a half hours.
What about the implementation team?
I did it myself. I have had some training on the product. In terms of support, we have just two guys who handle the support. Two people are enough for its deployment and maintenance.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend this solution. It is a fairly stable and good solution. We will keep on using it.
I would rate Sophos XG a seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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
Head Of Network & Technical Support at a financial services firm with 501-1,000 employees
Plenty of features, easy to use and simple install
Pros and Cons
- "In my experience, the solution was easy to use, has lots of features, and is easy to configure."
- "There are issues with electricity with this solution."
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution as our HQ main firewall.
What is most valuable?
In my experience, the solution was easy to use, has lots of features, and is easy to configure.
What needs improvement?
There are issues with electricity with this solution.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for approximately five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I have found the solution to be stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability could be better. We have 500 to 1000 users using the solution at my company.
How was the initial setup?
The installation is easy.
What about the implementation team?
The deployment only took an hour for one person to do it.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The hardware is inexpensive but the license is expensive.
What other advice do I have?
I am going to continue using this product and I recommend this product to others.
I rate Sophos XG a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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
Systems Administrator Team Leader at a retailer with 1,001-5,000 employees
Very solid and stable, although there are some ADL bugs that require enhancing
Pros and Cons
- "This is a very stable solution."
- "The MTR feature needs enhancing."
What is our primary use case?
This solution is generally used for environment protection, using the ADR and MTL features. I'm a system administrator and team leader and we are customers of Sophos.
What is most valuable?
It is a stable product because it's on the central cloud so there's no management required.
What needs improvement?
The MTR feature has to be enhanced. There are some bugs on the ADL which need enhancing.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using this solution for two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
This is a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Because this is a cloud portal, scalability isn't an issue. It's fully managed by the vendor, we just login to the portal and check the logs and check the updates.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have Sophos firewalls and were planning to do a full integration with XG, but unfortunately this did not happen.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is carried out on the portal so you need to work on the configuration with the respective partner and have the portal accessing all of the environment. It's a simple setup. We have deployed this solution on around 200 machines.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We pay an annual license.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate this solution a seven out of 10.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Service Delivery Engineer - Network Security Lead at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Simple to use, simple to manage, and simple to administer
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature is the Intercept X. It is the advanced features that are used for malware detection, and antivirus."
- "Sophos can definitely improve with the interoperability between solutions."
What is our primary use case?
This firewall is part of the security solution that is implemented in medium-sized enterprises.
We are using it for endpoint and user security for laptops and mobile phones.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature is the Intercept X. It is the advanced features that are used for malware detection and antivirus. It's similar to antivirus on steroids.
It's simple to use and has a simple interface. It's generally straightforward and configuration-wise, it's not complex.
It's a very simple product to use and that's why you find it is used mostly in small to medium-sized enterprises. They don't have the manpower that a large organization can have, in terms of the skilled workforce when it comes to cybersecurity. They just need something that is simple to use, simple to manage, and simple to administer, but effective at the same time. That's the main selling point for Sophos.
What needs improvement?
I have not used their SD-WAN product or the SD-WAN feature, so I don't know how scalable the SD-WAN is. But, I hope just that the SD-WAN is up to par with FortiGate.
The integration is an area that can improve a bit. One of the other solutions that I have used that is highly interoperable is Fortinet. It's easy to integrate with other products.
Sophos can definitely improve with the interoperability between solutions.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Sophos XG for a year and a half.
We are using the latest version.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is very stable. I've not had any issues with it.
In terms of bugs, I've not had any bugs, or I've not encountered any bugs when deploying Sophos or administering Sophos products.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
In terms of scalability, it's very scalable because they have different sized firewalls for different requirements or different specifications.
It is also able to do high availability, so it's very scalable.
Currently, in our organization, we have coverage with Sophos Intercept X Endpoint Protection. We have 49 employees. We plan to continue to use this solution.
We are currently subscribed to a three-year product and will be using it for a duration of three years.
How are customer service and technical support?
I have not had any cases where I had to log technical support, but I believe it would be fast enough in case I needed to reach out to them.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We are also using Fortinet FortiGate Firewall.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is very simple.
For a normal deployment with basic configuration in a medium-sized enterprise, it can take a day and a half.
If it's a complex network design then it might be three to four days.
It only requires one person to deploy and maintain this solution.
What about the implementation team?
We used an implementor and an integrator, but usually, I do it by myself.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
The features in Sophos XG are the same features you would find in Palo Alto or Fortinet.
What other advice do I have?
I just like it the way it is. I wouldn't recommend any changes to it, because what they have is working and it's working very well. It is a product that I definitely recommend to others.
I would rate this solution a nine 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

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Updated: November 2023
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