Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) Software

Next Generation Firewall

What is Next Generation Firewall Software?

A next-generation firewall (NGFW) combines a traditional firewall with other network device filtering functions, such as an application firewall using in-line deep packet inspection (DPI), and an intrusion prevention system (IPS). Other techniques employed include TLS/SSL encrypted traffic inspection, website filtering, and antivirus inspection.

Common Features

  • Application Control
  • DLP Functionality
  • Network Access Control
  • Web Content Filtering
  • Virtual Private Network
  • Encrypted Data Control
  • Identity Based Control
  • Off Premise Cloud Firewalls
  • Advanced Threat Protection
  • Sandboxing
  • Virtual Firewall
  • Vulnerability Detection
  • Deep Packet Inspection

Top Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) Software

2024 Data Quadrant Awards

2023 Emotional Footprint Awards

At SoftwareReviews, we take pride in recognizing excellence. Each year, we present the Data Quadrant Awards to top-performing software products based solely on authentic user reviews, without any paid placements or analyst opinions. These awards highlight software products that excel in terms of features, vendor capabilities, and customer relationships, earning them the highest overall rankings.

At SoftwareReviews, we take pride in recognizing excellence. Each year, we present the Emotional Footprint Awards to top-performing software products based solely on authentic user reviews, without any paid placements or analyst opinions. These awards shine a spotlight on software vendors who excel in crafting and nurturing strong customer relationships.

Switch to Emotional Footprint
Products: 11
Next Award: Jun 2025

Top Next Generation Firewall Software 2024

Filter by
Composite Score
9.1 /10
CX Score
9.4 /10

We offer a full line of next-generation security appliances that range from the PA-200, designed for enterprise remote offices, to the PA-7050, which is a modular chassis designed for high-speed data centers. Our platform architecture is based on our single pass software engine and uses function-specific processing for networking, security, threat prevention, and management to deliver predictable performance.

Scorecard
Scorecard

Pros

  • Reliable
  • Enables Productivity
  • Unique Features
  • Respectful
Badge Winner
Badge Winner
Composite Score
9.0 /10
CX Score
9.1 /10

FortiGate enterprise firewalls reduce complexity and improve overall security posture by providing full visibility into users, devices, applications and threats on the network, with the ability to apply advanced threat protection anywhere in the network.

Scorecard
Scorecard

Pros

  • Security Protects
  • Reliable
  • Respectful
  • Helps Innovate
Badge Winner
Badge Winner
Composite Score
8.2 /10
CX Score
8.5 /10

Sophos Firewall’s Xstream architecture protects your network from the latest threats while accelerating your important SaaS, SD-WAN, and cloud application traffic.

Scorecard
Scorecard

Pros

  • Reliable
  • Includes Product Enhancements
  • Respectful
  • Helps Innovate
Badge Winner
Badge Winner
Composite Score
8.1 /10
CX Score
8.2 /10

The Cisco UTMs are all-in-one solution that offer flexible Internet redundancy, comprehensive security, and very easy-to-use configuration flows.

Scorecard
Scorecard

Pros

  • Respectful
  • Trustworthy
  • Security Protects
  • Fair
Badge Winner
Badge Winner
Arista Networks

Arista NG Firewall

Composite Score
7.9 /10
CX Score
7.9 /10

Arista Networks’ NG Firewall (previously Untangle) enables you to quickly and easily create the network policies that deliver the perfect balance between security and productivity. NG Firewall combines Unified Threat Management (UTM)—to address all of the key network threats—with policy management tools that enable you to define access and control by individuals, groups or company-wide.

Scorecard
Scorecard

Pros

  • Performance Enhancing
  • Enables Productivity
  • Trustworthy
  • Respectful
CATO Networks

Cato SASE Cloud

Composite Score
7.6 /10
CX Score
7.6 /10

Cato SASE cloud is a global converged cloud-native service that securely and optimally connects all branches, datacenters, people, and clouds. Cato can be gradually deployed to replace or augment legacy network services and security point solutions.

Scorecard
Scorecard

Pros

  • Enables Productivity
  • Security Protects
  • Saves Time
  • Performance Enhancing

Cons

  • Under Delivered
Composite Score
7.2 /10
CX Score
7.5 /10

Barracuda's Cloud Generation Firewalls redefine the role of the Firewall from a perimeter security solution to a distributed network optimization solution that scales across any number of locations and applications, connects on-premises and cloud infrastructures, and helps organizations transform their business.

Scorecard
Scorecard

Pros

  • Security Protects
  • Helps Innovate
  • Respectful
  • Performance Enhancing
Composite Score
7.1 /10
CX Score
7.2 /10

SonicWall firewalls are your first line of defense against Internet security threats. Give ransomware the boot with the powerful sandbox technology of Capture Advanced Threat Protection (ATP). Dive deep into your packets without sacrificing speed thanks to SonicWall's patented Reassembly Free Deep Packet Inspection (RFDPI). The TZ Series represents some of the best small business firewalls of 2018, while the NSA Series is the perfect fit for enterprises, distributed environments, & data-heavy offices.

Scorecard
Scorecard

Pros

  • Security Protects
  • Reliable
  • Enables Productivity
  • Respectful
WatchGuard Technologies

WatchGuard Network Security

Composite Score
7.1 /10
CX Score
7.2 /10

WatchGuard offers the most comprehensive portfolio of security services, from traditional intrusion prevention, gateway antivirus, application control, spam prevention, and URL filtering, to more advanced services for protecting against evolving malware, ransomware, and data breaches. Each security service is delivered as an integrated solution within an easy-to-manage and cost-effective Firebox appliance.

Scorecard
Scorecard

Pros

  • Unique Features
  • Trustworthy
  • Respectful
  • Reliable
Composite Score
6.8 /10
CX Score
6.9 /10

Check Point provides customers of all sizes with the latest data and network security protection in an integrated next generation firewall platform, reducing complexity and lowering the total cost of ownership.Your network is under constant threat. To secure it, you need the most advanced firewall protection. Check Point Next Generation Firewall identifies and controls applications by user and scans content to stop threats before they happen.

Scorecard
Scorecard

Pros

  • Security Protects
  • Reliable
  • Efficient Service
  • Effective Service