20 Best Managed Firewall Services Reviewed in 2025
Best Managed Firewall Services Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best managed firewall services providers:
Get free help from our service advisors to find your match.
Managed firewall services handle the day-to-day oversight of your network security, from monitoring and patching to responding to threats in real time. If your current setup has you second-guessing alerts, scrambling to update rules, or struggling to maintain consistent policies across environments, you're not alone. These issues not only create risk but pull your team away from more strategic work.
I've helped companies evaluate firewall services that promised peace of mind but delivered little more than noise. That experience has given me a clear sense of what actually works in practice. In this guide, I’ll walk you through providers that have earned trust by being reliable, responsive, and easy to integrate into existing workflows.
Why Trust Our Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing SaaS development software and services since 2023. As tech experts ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting a provider. We invest in deep research to help our audience make better purchasing decisions.
Need expert help selecting the right service?
With one-on-one help, we guide you to your top service options. Narrow down your service search & make a confident choice.
We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools and hundreds of service providers for different SaaS development use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & check out our review methodology.
Best Managed Firewall Services Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top managed firewall services selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Service | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for remote teams | 30-day free trial | From $10/user/month | Website | |
| 2 | Best for cloud-based security | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 3 | Best for high performance | Free trial available + free demo | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 4 | Best for small businesses | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best for 24/7 monitoring | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for threat intelligence | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for real-time visibility | 30-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 8 | Best for PCI compliance | Free trial available + free demo | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 9 | Best for global reach | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 10 | Best for email security | Free trial available | Pricing upon request | Website |
Best Managed Firewall Services Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best managed firewall services providers that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each provider’s key services, unique specialties, and pros & cons to help you find the best one for your needs.
Perimeter 81 offers cloud-based network security solutions, including secure remote access and zero trust network architecture. They primarily serve businesses with remote teams that need reliable and secure connectivity.
Why I picked Perimeter 81: Remote team support is a key focus for Perimeter 81. Their services like zero trust network access and secure remote access ensure your team can securely connect to company resources from anywhere. This approach helps maintain productivity and security for your remote workforce.
Standout Services: The secure remote access service provides encrypted connections for your team, ensuring data privacy and security while working remotely. Additionally, zero trust network access allows you to enforce strict access controls, ensuring only authorized users can access critical resources.
Target industries: Technology, healthcare, finance, education, and retail
Specialties: Secure remote access, zero trust architecture, network security, cloud security, and VPN alternatives
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible access controls
- Easy to deploy
- Strong remote team support
Cons:
- Can be resource-intensive
- Limited advanced features
Zscaler provides cloud-based security services, focusing on secure internet access and private application access for businesses. Their primary client base includes enterprises seeking to enhance security in cloud environments and remote workforces.
Why I picked Zscaler: Cloud-based security is a key component of Zscaler's offerings. Their services include secure web gateway and zero trust network access, which help your team safeguard internet traffic and private applications. This approach ensures that your business can maintain strong security measures while leveraging cloud technologies.
Standout Services: Their secure web gateway allows your team to safely access the internet, protecting against threats like malware and phishing. Additionally, zero trust network access provides secure access to internal applications, ensuring only authorized users can reach sensitive resources.
Target industries: Technology, finance, healthcare, retail, and education
Specialties: Cloud security, secure internet access, zero trust network access, threat protection, and remote work security
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time threat protection
- Easy integration with cloud services
- Scalable for large enterprises
Cons:
- Complex setup process
- Requires consistent internet connection
Juniper Networks offers network security services, including firewalls, threat intelligence, and secure networking solutions. They primarily serve large enterprises and service providers that require high-performance networking capabilities.
Why I picked Juniper Networks: High performance is crucial for large-scale operations. Juniper Networks provides services like advanced threat protection and secure SD-WAN, which help your team maintain efficient network performance. These solutions ensure your network can handle high traffic without compromising security.
Standout Services: Their advanced threat prevention service helps your team detect and block threats in real time, keeping your network secure. Additionally, the secure SD-WAN offering optimizes your network traffic, ensuring reliable performance even during high-demand periods.
Target industries: Telecommunications, financial services, healthcare, education, and government
Specialties: Network security, threat intelligence, secure SD-WAN, high-performance networking, and cloud security
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Scalable solutions
- Advanced threat protection
- High-performance networking
Cons:
- Limited small business focus
- Requires specialized knowledge
SonicWall provides managed firewall services through its SonicPlatform, focusing on network security, email security, and managed detection and response solutions. They primarily serve small businesses, federal agencies, healthcare, financial services, and educational institutions.
Why I picked SonicWall: SonicWall is tailored for small businesses by offering user-friendly management and cost-effective solutions. Their SonicPlatform integrates next-generation firewalls and Cloud Secure Edge, making it easier for small teams to manage security. This approach helps your team efficiently protect against threats without requiring extensive technical expertise.
Standout Services: SonicWall's cloud secure edge offers scalable protection, allowing your team to manage security across multiple locations easily. Their managed protection service suite provides comprehensive threat detection, addressing your core security needs with advanced AI integration.
Target industries: Small businesses, healthcare, financial services, education, and federal agencies
Specialties: Network security, email security, secure service edge, managed detection and response, and AI integration
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Scalable protection
- Cost-effective solutions
- User-friendly management
Cons:
- Occasional support delays
- Limited small business focus
SecurityHQ offers managed security services, including threat detection, incident response, and security monitoring. They primarily serve businesses that require continuous monitoring and rapid response to security threats.
Why I picked SecurityHQ: 24/7 monitoring is a crucial aspect of SecurityHQ's services. Their continuous threat detection and incident response capabilities ensure your team can quickly address potential threats at any time. This constant vigilance helps maintain your business's security posture, reducing the risk of breaches.
Standout Services: Their threat detection service provides real-time alerts and insights, helping your team stay informed about potential security issues. Additionally, incident response support offers expert guidance during security incidents, ensuring quick and effective resolution.
Target industries: Finance, healthcare, retail, technology, and government
Specialties: Threat detection, incident response, security monitoring, vulnerability management, and risk assessment
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time alerts and insights
- Expert incident response support
- Continuous threat monitoring
Cons:
- May require specialized knowledge
- Pricing not transparent
SecureWorks provides managed security services, focusing on threat detection, incident response, and threat intelligence. They serve enterprises that require advanced security measures and insights into potential threats.
Why I picked SecureWorks: Threat intelligence is central to SecureWorks' offerings. Their services include advanced threat detection and incident response, which help your team quickly identify and mitigate security risks. This focus on intelligence ensures your business stays ahead of potential cyber threats, protecting your critical assets.
Standout Services: The managed detection and response service offers real-time monitoring and analysis, allowing your team to act swiftly against emerging threats. Their incident response service provides expert guidance and support during security breaches, helping minimize impact and restore operations efficiently.
Target industries: Financial services, healthcare, retail, technology, and government
Specialties: Threat intelligence, incident response, managed detection, security consulting, and cyber risk management
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good customer service
- Expert incident response support
- Real-time threat detection
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- May require specialized knowledge
WatchGuard Technologies offers a suite of network security services, including firewalls, secure Wi-Fi, and multi-factor authentication. They cater to small to medium-sized businesses, focusing on simplifying security management and providing real-time threat visibility.
Why I picked WatchGuard Technologies: Real-time visibility is key for proactive threat management. WatchGuard's intuitive management tools and ThreatSync feature provide your team with immediate insights into network activities. This helps in quickly identifying and mitigating potential threats, keeping your business secure.
Standout Services: Their secure Wi-Fi solutions ensure your team can work wirelessly without compromising security, using advanced encryption and threat detection. The multi-factor authentication service adds an extra layer of security, helping prevent unauthorized access to your critical systems.
Target industries: Small businesses, education, healthcare, retail, and finance
Specialties: Network security, secure Wi-Fi, multi-factor authentication, threat detection, and identity management
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective threat detection
- Strong Wi-Fi security
- Flexible deployment options
Cons:
- Some features require add-ons
- Limited support for large enterprises
Trustwave offers managed security services, including threat detection, vulnerability management, and compliance solutions. They serve businesses that require stringent security measures and compliance with industry standards like PCI DSS.
Why I picked Trustwave: PCI compliance is a critical aspect of Trustwave’s services. They offer solutions like managed detection and response and vulnerability management, which help your team meet compliance requirements while protecting sensitive data. Their focus on compliance ensures your business can confidently handle payment transactions and customer information.
Standout Services: The managed detection and response service provides real-time threat monitoring and incident response, helping your team quickly address security issues. Additionally, their vulnerability management service identifies and mitigates potential vulnerabilities, ensuring your systems remain secure against evolving threats.
Target industries: Financial services, retail, healthcare, education, and hospitality
Specialties: PCI compliance, threat detection, vulnerability management, incident response, and managed security services
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good customer support
- Tailored solutions for industries
- Comprehensive vulnerability management
Cons:
- May require specialized knowledge
- Pricing not transparent
Fortinet provides a broad range of cybersecurity services, including network security, cloud security, and operational technology security. Their offerings are tailored for various industries, focusing on secure networking and AI-driven security tools.
Why I picked Fortinet: Fortinet's global reach is a key differentiator. Their services, like AI-driven security and centralized management, cater to businesses worldwide, ensuring consistent security standards across different regions. This global approach allows your team to maintain security compliance and effectiveness, no matter where you operate.
Standout Services: Fortinet offers next-generation firewalls that protect your network by using AI to detect threats in real-time. Additionally, their Secure SD-WAN service helps manage network traffic efficiently, optimizing your team's connectivity and performance.
Target industries: Manufacturing, healthcare, education, financial services, and government
Specialties: Secure networking, AI-driven security, cloud security, operational technology security, and threat intelligence
Pros and cons
Pros:
- AI-driven security tools
- Global availability
- Wide range of services
Cons:
- Frequent updates needed
- Pricing not disclosed
Barracuda Networks offers a variety of cybersecurity solutions, including email protection, network and application security, and data protection services. They primarily serve businesses looking to secure their email communication and data integrity.
Why I picked Barracuda Networks: Email security is a major focus for Barracuda Networks. Their solutions protect against phishing, malware, and data breaches, which are critical for businesses relying on email communications. This emphasis on email protection helps your team maintain secure and efficient communication channels.
Standout Services: Their network firewall service provides comprehensive protection against unauthorized access and threats, safeguarding your business's digital assets. The web application firewall ensures your web applications are secure from cyber threats, giving your team peace of mind when handling online transactions.
Target industries: Financial services, healthcare, retail, education, and manufacturing
Specialties: Email protection, network security, application security, data protection, and threat management
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good customer support
- Reliable threat management
- Easy to deploy
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Setup can be complex
Other Managed Firewall Services
Here are some additional managed firewall services providers that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- BT Security
For UK compliance
- Sophos
For endpoint protection
- IBM Security Services
For AI-driven security insights
- Verizon Business
For comprehensive network coverage
- ExterNetworks
For managed IT support
- Cisco Systems
For enterprise networking solutions
- Interface Systems
For retail security solutions
- Palo Alto Networks
For cloud-native security
- Check Point Software Technologies
For unified threat management
- AT&T Cybersecurity
For integrated threat intelligence
What Are Managed Firewall Services?
Managed firewall services are outsourced solutions that protect and monitor your network from cyber threats. They might offer things like:
- Threat detection and response
- Firewall configuration and management
- Real-time monitoring and alerts
- Compliance reporting
- Security policy management
IT departments, security professionals, and businesses with limited in-house resources typically seek out managed firewall services. These services address the need for enhanced network security and help manage complex security environments.
Managed Firewall Services Selection Criteria
When selecting the best managed firewall services providers to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points that these providers address. This included things like enhancing network security and managing resource constraints. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Services (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each provider had to offer these basic services:
- Threat detection and response
- Firewall configuration and management
- Real-time monitoring and alerts
- Compliance reporting
- Security policy management
Additional Standout Services (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique or especially valuable services, such as:
- AI-driven threat intelligence
- Zero trust network access
- Cloud integration capabilities
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Customizable security policies
Industry Experience (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:
- Years in operation
- Range of industries served
- Expertise in emerging threats
- Certifications and partnerships
- Case studies and success stories
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:
- Ease of setup and configuration
- Availability of tutorials and guides
- Support during the initial setup
- Customization options during onboarding
- Time to go live
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess the level of customer support each provider offers, I considered the following:
- Availability of 24/7 support
- Response times to inquiries
- Access to dedicated support teams
- Availability of multiple support channels
- Quality of technical assistance
Value For Price (10% of total score)
To evaluate the pricing and potential ROI of working with each provider, I considered the following:
- Transparency of pricing models
- Competitive pricing compared to peers
- Inclusion of essential services in base price
- Cost of additional features
- Potential for cost savings
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the overall satisfaction of existing customers, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Feedback on service reliability
- Comments on ease of use
- Praise for customer support
- Reports on security effectiveness
How to Choose a Managed Firewall Services Provider
It’s easy to get bogged down in long lists of services and complex pricing structures. To help you prioritize the things that matter most for your business, keep the following factors in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Business Objectives | Ensure the provider aligns with your specific security goals and enhances your business operations, whether it’s protecting sensitive data or enabling remote work. |
| Service Scope and SLAs | Look for clear service descriptions and strong service-level agreements that guarantee response times and uptime, critical for maintaining business continuity. |
| Support Availability | Check for 24/7 support options and the availability of dedicated support teams to assist your team whenever issues arise. |
| Costs and Pricing Structure | Understand the pricing model, including any hidden fees, to ensure it fits your budget and provides value without unexpected costs. |
| Communication and Reporting | Evaluate how frequently the provider communicates and reports on security status, keeping you informed and confident in your network’s protection. |
| Scalability | Ensure the services can grow with your business, offering flexibility to adjust as your security needs change over time. |
| Technology Integration | Assess how well the provider’s solutions integrate with your existing systems, minimizing disruptions and maximizing efficiency. |
| Industry Expertise | Consider the provider’s experience in your industry, as specialized knowledge can offer tailored solutions that better address your specific challenges. |
Key Managed Firewall Services
When selecting a managed firewall services provider, keep an eye out for the following key services:
- Threat detection and response: Continuously monitors your network for threats, allowing your team to act swiftly to mitigate risks.
- Firewall configuration and management: Ensures your firewall settings are optimized for maximum security and efficiency.
- Real-time monitoring and alerts: Provides immediate notifications of suspicious activities, helping you maintain a secure environment.
- Compliance reporting: Offers detailed reports to help your business meet regulatory requirements and maintain compliance.
- Security policy management: Assists in developing and enforcing security policies that align with your business objectives.
- Zero trust network access: Implements strict access controls to ensure only authorized users can access sensitive resources.
- Cloud integration capabilities: Seamlessly integrates with cloud environments to extend your security measures beyond on-premise systems.
- Advanced analytics and reporting: Delivers insights into network activities, helping you make informed security decisions.
- Incident response: Provides expert guidance and support during security breaches to minimize impact and restore operations.
- Vulnerability management: Identifies and addresses potential vulnerabilities in your network to prevent exploitation by attackers.
Benefits of Managed Firewall Services
Partnering with a managed firewall services provider offers several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Enhanced security: By employing threat detection and response, your network stays protected from evolving cyber threats.
- Regulatory compliance: Compliance reporting helps your business meet industry standards and avoid penalties.
- Resource optimization: Outsourcing firewall management frees up your IT team to focus on core business tasks.
- Improved network performance: Real-time monitoring and alerts ensure your network operates smoothly without unexpected disruptions.
- Scalability: Services like cloud integration capabilities allow your security measures to grow with your business needs.
- Informed decision-making: Advanced analytics and reporting provide insights that help you make better security decisions.
- Rapid incident response: Access to expert guidance during breaches minimizes downtime and reduces potential damage.
Costs and Pricing Structures of Managed Firewall Services
Managed firewall services typically come at a custom price to accommodate various business needs, sizes, and circumstances. Providers generally work within one of the following pricing structures:
- Subscription-based: Offers a recurring fee, often monthly or annually, for ongoing services.
- Project-based: Charges are determined by the specific project scope and duration.
- Usage-based: Costs depend on the volume of data or number of users accessing the services.
- Tiered pricing: Offers different levels of service at varying price points to fit different needs.
- Flat rate: Provides a fixed fee for a predefined set of services, regardless of usage.
Key Factors That Influence Managed Firewall Services Pricing
Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of managed firewall services:
- Customization needs: The more tailored the service to your specific requirements, the higher the potential cost.
- Compliance standards: Meeting strict industry regulations can increase costs due to additional resources and expertise needed.
- Number of users: More users typically mean higher costs due to increased demand on resources and support.
- Service level agreements (SLAs): Higher guarantees for uptime and response times can lead to increased pricing.
- Geographic coverage: Providing services over a wide geographic area might increase costs due to additional infrastructure and support needs.
Being aware of these factors before you start seeking out custom quotes from providers helps you get a sense of what to expect, and compare and contrast quotes more effectively.
Managed Firewall Services: FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about managed firewall services:
How do managed firewall services support remote work?
Managed firewall services provide secure remote access by implementing VPNs and zero trust network access, ensuring your team can safely connect to company resources from anywhere. These services also monitor traffic for threats, maintaining network security even with a distributed workforce. This allows your team to work productively without compromising security.
What should I look for in a managed firewall service provider?
Look for a provider that aligns with your business objectives and offers key services like threat detection, firewall management, and real-time monitoring. Assess their experience in your industry and ensure they provide strong customer support. It’s also important to understand their pricing structure and ensure it fits your budget.
How do managed firewall services handle compliance requirements?
Managed firewall services help you meet compliance requirements by providing detailed reporting and audit trails. They ensure your network configurations adhere to industry regulations, reducing the risk of penalties. Providers often offer compliance-specific solutions that address unique regulatory standards in your industry.
Can managed firewall services be customized for my business needs?
Yes, many providers offer customizable solutions tailored to your specific security needs and business goals. They can adjust security policies, monitoring levels, and access controls to fit your unique environment. Discuss your requirements with potential providers to ensure they can accommodate your needs.
How do managed firewall services improve network performance?
These services monitor and optimize network traffic, reducing bottlenecks and enhancing performance. They provide real-time alerts for any issues, allowing for quick resolution. By managing and configuring firewalls effectively, they help maintain a smooth and efficient network operation.
What kind of support can I expect from a managed firewall service provider?
You can expect 24/7 support with access to dedicated teams who can assist with technical issues and queries. Providers typically offer multiple support channels, including phone, email, and chat, ensuring help is available when you need it. It’s crucial to verify the level of support included in your service agreement.
What's Next?
Boost your SaaS growth and leadership skills.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest insights from CTOs and aspiring tech leaders.
We'll help you scale smarter and lead stronger with guides, resources, and strategies from top experts!