5 Best Firewall Software I Recommend for Secure Networks

After three years of writing about cybersecurity, I’ve seen IT admins and business owners wrestle with one challenge again and again: finding the best firewall that’s actually secure, doesn’t drain the IT budget, and need hours of tinkering just to get basic protections in place.

Some firewalls lock essential features, such as intrusion prevention or VPN support, behind costly subscriptions, forcing you to pay extra for security that you thought was included. Others offer powerful protection but come with steep learning curves, requiring deep networking knowledge just to configure properly. And let’s be real. No one wants to spend half a day arguing with licensing servers when they should be focusing on stopping threats.

And that’s just the start of the firewall headache. Do you go with hardware or software? Open-source or paid? Will your firewall slow down your network if you don’t size it right? Can you trust your basic router firewall, or is that just giving you a false sense of security? These are the exact questions I see IT pros debating every day.

I get it, and that’s why I’ve done the research. I dug through hundreds of G2 reviews to understand what works and what doesn't, and in this guide, I’ll break down the 5 best firewall software options for 2025. Whether you’re a small business owner, an IT admin for a growing company, someone running a home office, or someone just looking for a firewall that works for your home lab, I’ve got you covered.

If you’re looking for a firewall for personal use, some options on this list offer home-use versions. That said, this guide is primarily focused on business and enterprise firewalls.

5 best firewall software I trust for secure networks  

Whether it’s a dedicated hardware appliance or a software-based solution, a firewall, to me, is like a bouncer at a nightclub. If your name’s on the list, you get in. If not, you’re stopped at the door. Without one, it’s like leaving the club doors wide open, letting anyone walk in unnoticed.

It is the most essential network security device that monitors and blocks unauthorized traffic to a network. The global next-generation firewall market is projected to reach $8.89 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 10.84%. 

I’ve watched firewalls evolve from simple traffic filters that allowed good traffic and blocked bad traffic to next-generation security tools. Today’s next-generation firewalls (NGFW) do much more than basic filtering. They inspect encrypted data, analyze behavioral patterns, and use AI-driven threat intelligence to stop attacks before they happen.

A good firewall is not just a passive gatekeeper; it is an active security measure. It is an active defender, monitoring traffic, blocking threats, and ensuring hackers don’t slip through the cracks. But what makes a firewall truly great? The best firewalls give IT teams the power to monitor, filter, and customize traffic rules to match their exact security needs.

So, what separates the best firewalls from the rest? Let’s break it down.

What makes the best firewall software: my criteria

Finding the right firewall software isn’t just about checking off a list of features. It’s about how well it actually works in the hands of IT teams. A firewall might look great in theory, but if it slows down the network, buries key settings in confusing menus, or turns simple policy updates into a tedious process, it quickly becomes more of a headache than a safeguard. So, here's what I looked for in the best firewalls, based on G2 reviews.

• Security features: A firewall should be more than just a basic traffic filter. I looked for solutions that offer deep packet inspection (DPI) to analyze packet contents rather than just ports, intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to detect and block exploits in real-time, and advanced threat protection (ATP) to guard against malware, zero-day attacks, and encrypted threats. Firewalls without these capabilities simply don’t provide enough security for modern networks.
• Ease of management without sacrificing control: A firewall should be powerful yet easy to manage. I prioritized solutions that offer intuitive web-based dashboards, clear policy creation, and granular control over rules, access, and monitoring. IT admins need flexibility, but they don’t need to spend hours digging through convoluted menus just to tweak a policy.
• Performance that won’t kill your network: Security shouldn’t come at the cost of speed. I focused on firewalls that handle high traffic loads without causing bottlenecks, especially under encrypted SSL/TLS traffic. IT teams need solutions that strike a balance between strong security and minimal latency, ensuring users don’t feel like they’re on a slow, overloaded VPN every time they browse the web.
• Reliable VPN and remote access support: With remote work now a standard, a firewall needs to do more than protect office networks. I evaluated firewalls based on their IPSec and SSL VPN capabilities, ease of client deployment, and whether they support multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security. The best firewalls enable seamless remote access without compromising security.
• Scalability and future-proofing: As businesses grow, so should their firewall. I prioritized solutions that support multiple WAN connections, offer centralized management for multi-site deployments, and can scale up without expensive hardware overhauls. IT teams shouldn’t have to rip and replace firewalls every few years just to keep up with bandwidth and security demands.
• Logging, monitoring, and reporting capabilities: I am aware that the ability to quickly troubleshoot security events or policy misconfigurations can significantly impact the prevention of a breach. I sought a reliable firewall that offers real-time traffic insights, customizable alerts, and detailed logging, all of which integrate with SIEM platforms for enhanced analysis.
• Integration with existing infrastructure: No firewall operates in isolation. I focused on solutions that play well with Active Directory (AD), SIEM tools, cloud security platforms, and endpoint protection software. Firewalls that support API access or third-party integrations allow IT teams to create a cohesive security ecosystem rather than managing another isolated tool. For complete protection, pair your firewall with leading endpoint detection & response (EDR) software to isolate infected devices fast and cut mean time to respond.

After evaluating over 10 firewalls against these criteria, I found five that stand out, delivering strong security, ease of use, and the features that IT teams actually need.

The list below contains genuine user reviews from the firewall software category. To be included in this category, a solution must:

• Assess and filter user access.
• Create barriers between networks and the internet.
• Alert administrators when unauthorized access is attempted.
• Outline and enforce security and authentication rules.
• Automate tasks associated with testing or monitoring

*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.  

1. Sophos Firewall: Best for small businesses and IT admins

Sophos Firewall stands out, thanks to its Control Center, which provides one of the clearest and most actionable dashboards in a firewall.

According to G2 reviews, Sophos makes it relatively easy for IT teams to configure policies, manage traffic, and monitor threats without spending hours on setup. Users often highlight the quality of Sophos’ documentation, whether it's video guides or knowledge base articles, which simplifies the process of configuring and troubleshooting firewalls.

The Control Center is another standout feature. According to G2 Data, 90% of users praise its feature for continuous analysis. Unlike dashboards that overwhelm you with raw data, reviewers appreciate Sophos’ intuitive “traffic light” system for prioritizing alerts: red for immediate threats, yellow for potential issues, and green when things are secure. It provides quick, visual insight into network health without requiring in-depth analysis of complex logs.

Each widget on the dashboard is also interactive, which users say adds major value. You can drill down into real-time data with a single click.  Whether it’s checking interface statuses or analyzing firewall rules by application, user, or traffic type. One particularly useful detail that G2 users mention is the ability to identify and clean up unused rules, which helps streamline policy management and reduce risk. It's a small feature, but one that stands out for IT teams managing complex environments.

From a security standpoint, Sophos Firewall gets high marks in G2 reviews for not cutting corners. Users highlight how features like IPS, ATP, and DTP work together to detect threats in real time. Another major strength is the integration with Sophos’ managed detection and response (MDR) and extended detection and response (XDR) systems. Reviewers note that if a compromised device attempts to connect to the network, the firewall can automatically isolate it, an advanced level of synchronization that many IT teams find difficult to achieve with other solutions.

That said, reporting is an area where the experience could be even smoother. While it’s functional and provides the essential insights needed, reviewers often mention that configuring and customizing reports can be challenging and aren’t always intuitive. Some feedback suggests that deeper, more granular insights could enhance the experience, though the system still delivers solid reporting capabilities overall.

The alerting system is generally effective and helps teams stay informed. Some users have noted occasional inconsistencies with email notifications or false positives, which can create minor noise that teams need to manage. Even so, these are relatively small issues compared with the overall reliability and usefulness of the alerts for real-time monitoring.

Nonetheless, I'd say Sophos Firewall remains a strong contender in the next-generation firewall space. For those on the fence, Sophos offers a 30-day free trial, allowing you to test its features before committing. If you’re running a small home office, the free version of Sophos Firewall for home provides a simple yet effective setup, making it easy to experience its core strengths firsthand.

What I dislike about Sophos Firewall:

• I found that reporting could be smoother, especially when configuring and customizing reports. While the system still provides essential insights, multiple G2 reviewers mention that more granular options would improve the experience.
• The alerting system occasionally sends inconsistent email notifications or false positives. I’ve noticed this in some of my tests as well, and several G2 reviews highlight the same issue, although overall, the alerts remain reliable for real-time monitoring.

What G2 users dislike about Sophos Firewall: 

"The extensive range of features and configuration options can be overwhelming, and there may be a steep learning curve involved for smaller organizations or those without dedicated IT staff."

- Sophos Firewall Review, Chandramohan K

2. Netgate pfSense: Best for power users seeking a customizable open-source firewall

When it comes to firewalls that offer flexibility, affordability, and deep customization, pfSense by Netgate is one of the best options available. It’s open-source, highly configurable, and powerful enough to replace many commercial firewalls, making it a favorite among IT pros who want full control over their network security without vendor lock-in.

One of the biggest advantages of pfSense, based on my research, is its flexibility in deployment. It can be installed on almost any hardware or for cloud services, supports virtualization, and is widely used for a range of applications, from enterprise security to home setups.

The fact that it’s free (or low-cost for pfSense+ and Netgate appliances) makes it an attractive option for organizations seeking to reduce costs without compromising security. It works incredibly well for businesses, home labs, and small offices. 

Users also appreciate that it offers deep customization options, including multi-WAN support, VPN configurations, IDS/IPS (Snort), and load balancing for a free tool. 

That said, the learning curve can be a bit steep, especially for G2 users who aren’t very comfortable with networking concepts. Some reviewers mentioned challenges getting the system up and running. Additionally, updating pfSense isn’t always completely seamless—there are occasional reports of updates causing issues that require a reinstall and restore from backup. Even so, these are relatively minor hurdles considering the platform’s overall capabilities.

Despite these considerations, pfSense stands out for its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and sheer power. If you’re comfortable with networking and want full control over your firewall without the restrictions of proprietary systems, pfSense remains an excellent choice.

It’s not as plug-and-play as some commercial firewalls, but customizability is a major strength. For those willing to invest a little time, it’s an incredibly capable and adaptable security solution that delivers robust performance and control.

What I dislike about Netgate pfSense:

• I noticed the learning curve can be steep, especially if you’re not very comfortable with networking concepts. Several G2 reviewers highlighted similar challenges getting pfSense up and running, though once you’re familiar, it’s manageable.
• Updating pfSense isn’t always seamless—some updates have caused issues that required a reinstall and restore from backup. I’ve seen this mentioned in G2 reviews as well, but for me, it’s a minor hurdle compared with the platform’s overall flexibility and power.

What G2 users dislike about Netgate pfSense:

"pfSense update management can sometimes be a bit ungainly. We'd really appreciate the ability to enable automated updates, especially to patch security threats. Or perhaps even a notification that would be sent to the pfSense admin when a new update is available.

Lower-end pfSense appliances from Netgate have proven to be somewhat unreliable. They will lock up on updates or sometimes lock up for no apparent reason. When this happens, we've noted that even a reboot of the system doesn't bring it back online, and it must be accessed via an emulated serial console (over USB) in order to manually walk it through a startup sequence. This is extremely problematic at remote/unstaffed locations."

- Netgate pfSense Review,  Chris G.

3. Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls: Best for enterprises needing top-tier security

Palo Alto is often considered the gold standard in firewalls, and I can see why. It offers some of the most advanced security features on the market while maintaining strong automation, deep visibility, and zero trust enforcement. According to G2 Data,  90% users praise its intrusion prevention capabilities. 

One of users' favorite aspects of Palo Alto firewalls is their ease of integration with cloud environments. If you’re working with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, Palo Alto makes it easy to enforce security policies across hybrid and multi-cloud environments with either the VM-Series or Cloud NGFW.

However, what many reviewers find highly valuable is that Palo Alto’s performance is rock-solid and consistently delivers as promised. It’s predictable and consistently meets or even exceeds the numbers on the spec sheets. With some firewalls, you expect a certain throughput but end up dealing with slowdowns under real-world conditions; that’s never an issue with Palo Alto.

Another big reason IT teams prefer Palo Alto firewalls is their built-in Layer 7 application identification, powered by App-ID. Unlike traditional firewalls that rely on ports and protocols, App-ID identifies applications regardless of port, protocol, or encryption, using signatures, protocol decoding, and heuristics to accurately classify traffic.

This means a network administrator can write security policies based on actual applications, not just network rules, making it much easier to block evasive threats that try to bypass traditional firewalls using non-standard ports or tunneling techniques. I believe this makes a significant difference in how administrators manage security.

Another thing frequently praised in the reviews is the intuitive UI and design. With some firewalls, it’s easy to misconfigure rules or lose track of security policies, but Palo Alto makes it nearly impossible to make mistakes.

Users also highlight the tool's ability to manage multiple firewalls with ease. Its centralized management system, Panorama, stands out as a key feature,  making it significantly easier to push policies across distributed environments and maintain consistency at scale.

However, cost is something to consider. Reviewers note that, between hardware, licensing, and support, Palo Alto’s pricing can add up quickly. While this may make it less accessible for smaller businesses, the platform’s advanced features and enterprise-grade capabilities often justify the investment for larger organizations.

The learning curve is another factor. While easier to implement than some enterprise solutions, advanced policy configurations and Panorama setup can take some time to become proficient in.

Several users mention that unlocking the platform’s full potential often requires dedicated training or consulting support. That said, the available online documentation and community resources help teams get up to speed more efficiently.

Despite these considerations, Palo Alto continues to be recognized as a top-tier choice for enterprises and larger organizations that prioritize deep network visibility and robust security. For SMBs with the budget and technical readiness, it remains a strong option.

For home users or teams seeking simplicity, more lightweight alternatives like pfSense or Sophos may be preferable unless you’re highly tech-savvy and ready to manage the additional complexity and cost.

What I dislike about Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls:

• I found that cost can add up quickly when you factor in hardware, licensing, and support. Multiple G2 reviewers mention this as a drawback, especially for smaller businesses, though the enterprise-grade features often justify the investment for larger teams.
• The learning curve is another consideration. Advanced policy configurations and Panorama setup can take time to master, and several G2 users echo that dedicated training or consulting is often necessary, even though online documentation helps speed up the process.

What G2 users dislike about Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls: 

 "The licensing and cost structure can be a bit high, particularly for smaller organizations. Additionally, the learning curve for some advanced features may require dedicated training or consultation to fully leverage their capabilities. Occasional updates can introduce minor bugs, but these are usually quickly resolved." 

- Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls Review, Anil Baki D. 

4. Azure Firewall: Best for Azure-based businesses needing seamless cloud security

When it comes to securing cloud environments, I found Azure Firewall to be a natural fit for businesses already invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem. It offers deep integration with Azure services, making it easy to enforce network security policies across hybrid and multi-cloud setups. In my view, it simplifies firewall deployment for those running workloads on Azure without the need for third-party solutions.

One of the biggest advantages of Azure Firewall is its ease of setup and management, especially when using the hub-and-spoke model. I noticed several reviews saying that it is straightforward to configure, and since it’s a fully managed service, it automatically scales with demand, reducing the need for manual maintenance or capacity planning. The built-in web application firewall (WAF) is also a great addition, helping to filter out malicious traffic before it reaches critical applications.

Users also appreciate that it integrates with Azure Monitor, allowing for centralized logging and analytics. This helps IT teams gain better visibility into network activity and security threats.

That said, I observed that cost can add up quickly, especially if you need advanced security features. G2 users suggest that Azure Firewall Basic offers a more affordable entry point for SMBs, though it comes with some trade-offs.

It supports threat intel in alert mode only and runs on a fixed scale with two virtual machines, which may limit flexibility for growing workloads. With an estimated throughput of 250 Mbps, it works well for smaller deployments, even if it might not scale as effectively for high-traffic environments.

Another consideration is the learning curve. While Azure Firewall’s documentation is comprehensive, some G2 reviewers mention that it could be more user-friendly to help admins get up to speed faster. Even so, the platform’s integration with Azure makes it a solid choice for businesses already invested in the ecosystem.

What I dislike about Azure Firewall:

• I observed that cost can add up quickly, especially when you need advanced security features. G2 users note that Azure Firewall Basic is more affordable for SMBs, but its fixed-scale setup and limited threat-intel mode can restrict flexibility for growing workloads.
• The learning curve is another factor I noticed. While the documentation is comprehensive, several G2 reviewers mention it could be more user-friendly to help admins ramp up faster, though integration with Azure still makes it a solid choice.

What G2 users like about Azure Firewall: 

"It is cloud-based. If it also has an on-premise version or is self-managed, then it will be helpful. For a small entity, you can't get all features enabled within the Basic plan."

- Azure Firewall Review, Sayantica G. 

5. FortiGate NGFW: Best for mid-sized and large businesses wanting cost-effective NGFW with SD-WAN

When it comes to affordable yet powerful network security, FortiGate NGFW is right there. I think it's one of the best alternatives to Palo Alto. It offers next-generation firewall features without the steep price tag, making it a popular choice for businesses seeking solid security and performance without breaking the budget.

From what I gathered, FortiGate’s UI is easy to navigate, making rule creation, monitoring, and security management much simpler. Users really appreciate FortiGate's strong interoperability with other Fortinet products. If you're using FortiSwitches or FortiAPs, you get built-in NAC capabilities, making it easier to enforce network access control policies without extra appliances.

The built-in SD-WAN also makes a significant difference, as it eliminates the need for separate licenses and extra costs, providing out-of-the-box support for multiple WAN connections and intelligent traffic routing. According to G2 Data, 94% users choose it for it's strength in compliance. 

Another major win that I came across in the reviews is the strong security feature set, which includes VPN support and intrusion prevention, making it a great all-in-one solution for businesses with distributed networks.

That said, performance can sometimes be affected during high-traffic loads. While FortiGate offers a good balance between price and performance, I gathered from G2 reviews that occasional slowdowns may occur. Even so, for most small to medium deployments, it handles traffic reliably.

Another aspect is complexity. FortiGate packs a ton of advanced features, which can make setup and management more involved. Some G2 users unfamiliar with Fortinet’s interface noted a steep learning curve, and configuring it within an existing network may take extra effort. Despite this, the system’s flexibility allows businesses to tailor it to their needs effectively.

I’ve also found that maintenance and optimization often benefit from specialized cybersecurity expertise. This could mean additional training or hiring for teams without dedicated firewall admins. Even so, the long-term control and security it provides can justify the investment.

Despite these considerations, FortiGate remains a strong contender for businesses needing a cost-effective and feature-rich next-gen firewall. If you’re looking for something easier to manage than Palo Alto, with robust security at a more affordable price, FortiGate is a solid choice.

FortiGate also offers entry-level models, such as the 40F and 60F, which I think are excellent for home offices and small businesses, providing a simple yet capable setup.

What I dislike about FortiGate:

• I noticed that performance can sometimes dip during high-traffic loads. While FortiGate generally balances price and performance well, several G2 reviewers report occasional slowdowns, though it still handles most small to medium deployments reliably.
• The complexity of setup and management can be a challenge. FortiGate’s advanced features create a steep learning curve, as some G2 users mention, and integrating it into an existing network may take extra effort, though the flexibility it offers makes it worthwhile.

What G2 users dislike about FortiGate: 

"Compatibility issues with certain applications or devices on the networks may arise. FortiGate offers numerous advanced configuration options and features, which can lead to increased complexity during implementation and setup. Effectively maintaining and managing FortiGate may necessitate personnel with specialized technical expertise in cybersecurity, potentially resulting in additional hiring costs."

- FortiGate Review, Nestor Azael O.

Now, there are a few more options, as mentioned below, that didn't make it to this list but are still worth considering, in my opinion:

• Zscaler Internet Access is a great choice if you’re moving away from traditional on-prem firewalls and need scalable, zero-trust internet security.
• Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) are one of the best alternatives to Palo Alto and FortiGate, offering feature-rich and highly configurable solutions.
• Cloudflare SSE & SASE Platform is a solid option for securing cloud applications, remote users, and internet-facing traffic with Zero Trust access and DDoS protection. Note that it’s not a traditional firewall, but it offers SWG, ZTNA, and traffic filtering for cloud-first security.
• Arista NG Firewall is suitable for network-intensive enterprises that require deep visibility and automation. If you’re already using Arista networking gear, the integration is effortless.
• NordLayer, WatchGuard Network Security, and SonicWall work incredibly well for small to mid-sized businesses that need affordable, easy-to-manage security with strong VPN and unified threat management (UTM) capabilities.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on firewall software 

1. What is the best firewall software?

The best firewall software depends on your needs. Palo Alto Networks and FortiGate are top choices for enterprise security, while pfSense and Sophos Firewall are great for small businesses and home labs. For cloud-based environments, Azure Firewall and Cloudflare SASE are solid options.

2. What is the best free firewall software?

Some of the best free firewalls include pfSense, OPNsense, and Sophos Firewall Home Edition. These offer enterprise-level protection for home users without a paid license. If you need basic protection for personal use, Windows Defender Firewall is a built-in option.

3. What’s the best firewall for home use?

For home users, pfSense, Sophos Firewall Home Edition, and Firewalla are excellent choices. FortiGate’s entry-level models (like FortiGate 40F) also provide business-grade security for home offices.

4. What’s the best firewall for small businesses?

Small businesses need cost-effective but powerful security. WatchGuard, SonicWall, and FortiGate offer affordable, easy-to-manage firewall solutions with VPN and UTM features. Netgate pfSense is another flexible, open-source option for SMBs.

5. Should I use a hardware or software firewall?

Firewall software is best for virtualized environments, cloud security, or home users. Examples include pfSense, Azure Firewall, and Palo Alto VM-Series. Firewall hardware is ideal for businesses that need dedicated security appliances. Popular options include FortiGate, Palo Alto PA-Series, and Cisco ASA (Secure Firewall).

6. What’s the difference between a web application firewall (WAF) and a network firewall?

7. What is the best open-source firewall?

pfSense and OPNsense are the best open-source firewalls, offering customizable security, VPN support, and intrusion prevention for businesses and home labs.

8. What’s the best next-gen firewall?

For next-gen firewalls (NGFWs), Palo Alto, FortiGate, and Check Point are industry leaders. They offer deep packet inspection, AI-driven threat detection, and advanced security policies.

Access denied, hackers! 

Firewalls may not be the most exciting thing in the world, but nothing ruins your day faster than an unsecured network and unauthorized access. 

But if I have to share one takeaway with you after all this research, it is that there’s no perfect firewall, only the right one for your needs. Some excel in enterprise-grade security, while others prioritize simplicity and budget-friendliness. Whether you need deep customization, cloud-native protection, or an easy plug-and-play setup, the best firewall is the one that actually makes your job easier,  not harder.

And at the end of the day, a firewall is only as good as how well it’s set up and managed. So, choose wisely, configure it correctly, and if all else fails, at least ensure that your alerts actually land in your inbox.

Still searching for the right defense? Explore the best intrusion prevention and detection systems to add an extra layer of security to your network.