Security & Privacy·Standings
Compare Next Generation Firewall Software
Next generation firewall software helps control network traffic and guard against threats. Compare deployment type and firewall features such as intrusion prevention and application control.
The board includes a signal score out of 10, plus marks for a public API, open-source code and a free tier. Use the listed platform and pricing details to narrow your options.
- 18 platforms
- 1 with a public API on this page
- 2 with a free tier
- Checked 28 Sept 2026
- 1 BS
Barracuda Secure SD-WANbarracuda.comA network appliance that links sites and filters traffic for threats.
- 2 F
FortiGatefortinet.comFortiGate NGFWs protect data, assets, and users across hybrid environments.
- 3 SMStormshield Management Centerstormshield.com
A central tool for managing SNS firewalls, security policies, VPN tunnels, and updates.
- 4 SCSophos Central Firewall Managementsophos.com
A firewall that filters network traffic and helps respond to active threats.
- 5 CCCisco Catalyst Centercisco.com
A central console that automates network setup and tracks app performance and user connections.
- 6 ZZenarmorzenarmor.com
A software firewall with intrusion prevention, a free plan, and paid plans from $9.99 a month.
- 7 FN
Forcepoint Next Generation Firewallforcepoint.comForcepoint NGFW provides network security and SD-WAN connectivity for enterprise networks across physical, virtual, and cloud systems.
- 8 AN
AWS Network Firewallaws.amazon.comA managed firewall for Amazon VPCs with traffic rules, web filtering, and optional TLS inspection.
- 9 GCGoogle Cloud Secret Managercloud.google.com
A cloud service for managing secrets, with audit logs and a free plan.
- 10 CPCheck Point Quantum Security Gatewaycheckpoint.com
A network firewall for office branches, data centers, AI systems, and multi-cloud setups.
- 11 JSJuniper Security Directorjuniper.net
A tool for managing network security, offered for local hosting or through the web.
- 12 HHHuawei HiSecEngine USG6800Ge.huawei.com
Huawei describes the USG6800G Series as next-generation AI firewalls built on a new software and hardware architecture.
- 13 PA
Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewallpaloaltonetworks.comA hybrid firewall that checks encrypted traffic and connects sites over VPN.
- 14 WF
WatchGuard Fireboxwatchguard.comA hybrid firewall that checks encrypted traffic and connects sites over VPN.
- 15 CPCheck Point Cloud Firewallcheckpoint.com
A virtual firewall for cloud networks that can block attacks, manage app access, and handle VPNs.
- 16 PAPalo Alto Networks CN-Seriespaloaltonetworks.com
A Linux software firewall that can block attacks and manage application access.
- 17 ZSZyxel SD-WANzyxel.com
An appliance that filters network traffic, checks encrypted data, and connects sites over VPN.
- 18 VNVersa Next Generation Firewallversa-networks.com
A network firewall that blocks attacks, manages app access, and supports VPN connections.
Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this board are open to sponsors. Take #1 · Other ways to advertise
How to choose
Where do you need to deploy the firewall?
Choose a deployment type and platform that fit your environment.
The platform labels include web, self-hosted, Linux, Windows, macOS and API. Check the individual listing for its supported platforms and deployment details.
Which firewall protections should you compare?
Compare intrusion prevention and application control to see which options match your security needs.
The board also lists VPN support and maximum firewall throughput, which can help you assess connectivity and capacity.
Does it offer a free plan or trial?
Check free-plan availability separately from free trials: a trial is temporary, while a free plan is a distinct pricing option.
Review the paid-from price or request pricing from the maker before comparing costs.
Does it have an API or open-source code?
Check the API and open-source marks if you need software connections or want to review its code.
A public API lets software connect through a documented interface. Open-source code can be inspected under its licence.
Questions
What should I compare when choosing next generation firewall software?
Compare deployment type, supported platforms, intrusion prevention, application control, VPN support and maximum firewall throughput.
How do I know if a firewall supports my platform?
Check the listing's platform labels, such as web, self-hosted, Linux, Windows, macOS or API, and confirm the deployment details.
Is a free trial the same as a free plan?
No. A free trial is temporary; a free plan is a separate ongoing pricing option.
What does maximum firewall throughput mean?
It is the maximum traffic rate listed for the firewall. Compare this figure with the capacity your network needs.
How are the firewall tools ordered?
They are ordered by a signal score out of 10 based on published usage, public API, documentation depth, open-source code and a free tier.
Some top positions on this board can be paid placements, standing where they were sold. The facts on each platform are not for sale. How we rank · Disclosure