Keeping up with cybersecurity trends these days feels like a never-ending battle, especially for managed service providers (MSPs) expected to protect clients from every possible threat. With cyberattacks getting sneakier and clients demanding the best, traditional firewalls alone can feel like trying to stop a flood with a sponge.
You need to take it a step further with managed firewall services that allow you to focus on what matters without constantly stressing over security updates. Explore the top five managed firewall vendors along with their pros, cons, and costs to pick the best option and keep your clients safe.
What are managed firewalls?
Managed firewalls are security solutions provided and overseen by a third party. Goingo beyond basic filtering and monitoring, offering continuous protection, regular updates, and expert management to keep threats at bay, anaged firewalls allow you to benefit from robust security without the costs involved with in-house infrastructure and expertise.
Why managed firewalls are important
Managed firewalls help keep networks secure and efficient:
- 24/7 monitoring: Around-the-clock oversight identifies and mitigates threats before they impact business operations.
- Real-time threat detection: Managed firewalls are equipped with advanced tools to detect unusual activities and prevent breaches as they happen.
- Regular updates and patching: Staying current with the latest security patches helps you protect your clients against new vulnerabilities.
- Automated responses: Managed firewalls can act immediately against certain types of threats, reducing the need for manual intervention.
- Compliance support: Many industries like healthcare and finance have strict data security requirements. Managed firewalls help ensure that these standards are consistently met.
Why MSPs should offer managed firewalls to their customers
Offering managed firewalls can bring you both business and customer relationship advantages:
- Enhanced customer trust: Clients will feel more confident knowing their security is in capable hands with continuous protection.
- Increased revenue: Managed firewall services create a new revenue stream with ongoing subscription or service fees.
- Competitive edge: By offering managed security options, MSPs can stand out in a crowded market, meeting a fundamental need for modern businesses.
- Reduced liability: Managed firewalls help minimize the risks associated with potential breaches, protecting both MSPs and their clients.
Top 5 managed firewall vendors: Overview
- IBM: Best overall
- Check Point: Best for security features and capabilities
- Sophos: Best for cost-effectiveness
- Secureworks: Best for seamless integration
- Fortinet: Best for scalability and flexibility
| Managed firewall vendor | Key features | Pricing model | Scalability | Integration | Target audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IBM | 24/7 monitoring, threat intelligence, and compliance support | Customized | Cloud and on-premises | Extensive integration options | High-security organizations |
| Check Point | Advanced threat intelligence, customizable policies, 24/7 support | Customized | Multi-cloud and hybrid | Strong integration capabilities | Mid to large organizations |
| Sophos | AI threat detection, deep packet inspection, centralized management | On request | Small to large businesses | Integrates with Sophos products | Small to medium-sized businesses |
| Secureworks | Threat intelligence, incident response, customizable policies | Customized | Medium to large organizations | Integrates with existing security | Medium to large regulated industries |
| Fortinet | Advanced detection, integrated management, automation | Customized | Cloud, hybrid, and on-premises | Supports diverse environments | MSPs and enterprises with complex needs |
1. IBM: Best overall managed firewall vendor
Overall rating: 4.28/5
- Cost: 3.2/5
- Security features and capabilities: 4.3/5
- Scalability and flexibility: 4.55/5
- Management and usability: 4.3/5
- Integration: 4.3/5
- Response time and support quality: 4.85/5
IBM’s Managed Network Security Services offer a comprehensive suite of solutions for network protection, including managed firewall services tailored for organizations with high-security demands. With IBM’s managed firewalls, you can access round-the-clock protection, enhanced threat detection, and streamlined compliance, all supported by IBM’s vast cybersecurity expertise.
Top features
- 24/7 monitoring and threat detection: Continuous oversight helps detect and mitigate threats as they emerge.
- Advanced threat intelligence: IBM leverages its X-Force threat intelligence to identify and block malicious activities proactively.
- Compliance support: IBM’s firewall services help businesses meet regulatory requirements in healthcare, finance, and other sectors.
- Customizable policies: Allows companies to tailor firewall policies to fit specific security needs and business goals.
- Scalable solutions: Supports both cloud and on-premises environments and is adaptable to various enterprise sizes.
Pricing
IBM does not publicly list pricing as costs are tailored to each organization’s size and needs. Contact IBM directly for a customized quote.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Access to IBM’s global threat intelligence (X-Force) ✅ Extensive compliance support for regulated industries ✅ 24/7 expert monitoring for proactive security | ❎ High costs may be a barrier for smaller businesses ❎ Complexity may be overwhelming for smaller IT teams ❎ Limited transparency in pricing and service details |
IBM’s managed network security services are ideal for businesses looking for a globally recognized security partner with deep expertise in firewall management. However, small to medium-sized businesses with limited security budgets or in-house IT resources may find the company’s offering overly complex and costly. Sophos might be a better option for these organizations.
2. Check Point: Best for security features and capabilities
Overall rating: 4.25/5
- Cost: 3/5
- Security features and capabilities: 5/5
- Scalability and flexibility: 4.25/5
- Management and usability: 4/5
- Integration: 4.2/5
- Response time and support quality: 4.45/5
Check Point’s managed firewall services are part of its Infinity Global Services, providing advanced, fully managed security solutions to protect organizations from a wide range of cyber threats. Check Point offers around-the-clock protection, access to threat intelligence, and support for cloud-managed firewalls, on-premises, and hybrid environments. With customizable configurations and a strong focus on threat prevention, Check Point’s service aims to reduce risk and enhance security for businesses of all sizes.
Top features
- Comprehensive threat intelligence: Integrated with Check Point’s ThreatCloud to detect and prevent advanced threats
- 24/7 monitoring and incident response: Continuous monitoring and proactive response to emerging threats
- Scalable for multi-environment support: Adaptable to on-premises, cloud, and hybrid networks
- Customizable security policies: Enables organizations to define firewall rules based on their specific security needs
- Integrated compliance reporting: Supports compliance reporting for industries with regulatory requirements
Pricing
Check Point does not provide public pricing information for managed firewall services. Costs depend on the specific requirements of each organization.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Strong focus on proactive threat prevention ✅ Extensive integration options for multi-cloud and hybrid environments ✅ Access to Check Point’s ThreatCloud for up-to-date threat intelligence | ❎ Premium pricing may not suit smaller businesses ❎ Customization may require time and technical expertise ❎ Pricing transparency is limited |
Check Point’s managed firewall is ideal for mid-sized to large organizations that need scalable security across multi-cloud, hybrid, or on-premises setups. Small businesses or organizations with constrained security budgets may find Check Point’s offerings too costly and complex — Secureworks offers more simplicity.
3. Sophos: Best for cost-effectiveness
Overall score: 3.68/5
- Cost: 3.8/5
- Security features and capabilities: 3.75/5
- Scalability and flexibility: 3.8/5
- Management and usability: 3.55/5
- Integration: 3.6/5
- Response time and support quality: 3.55/5
Sophos offers advanced firewall management through its next-gen firewall solutions. Built for simplicity and security, Sophos provides proactive threat monitoring, deep packet inspection, and AI-driven protection for small to large businesses. With a focus on ease of use, the Sophos managed firewall is well-suited for organizations looking for a strong balance between advanced security and straightforward management, allowing IT teams to handle threats effectively without heavy lifting.
Top features
- AI-powered threat detection: Uses machine learning to identify and respond to complex threats in real time
- Deep packet inspection: Inspects network traffic thoroughly to block malicious content and detect potential vulnerabilities
- Synchronized security: Integrates with other Sophos security products, creating a unified defense strategy
- Centralized management: provides visibility and control over firewall settings with easy-to-use management console
- Automatic threat response: Enables rapid responses to potential incidents help contain threats before they escalate
Pricing
Sophos offers flexible custom pricing based on each organization’s specific requirements and network size. To get a quote or start your free trial, just fill out the form on its website.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ User-friendly interface and centralized management ✅ Strong integration with other Sophos products for seamless protection ✅ AI-driven threat detection for proactive defense | ❎ Limited advanced customization options for highly specialized needs ❎ Premium features may increase costs ❎ May not provide the same depth of compliance reporting as some competitors |
Recently in the news, Sophos’s managed firewall is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses or MSPs looking for an easy-to-manage, highly automated firewall solution. Organizations needing extensive compliance support or highly customizable firewall configurations may find Sophos’s offerings less comprehensive for their specific needs — Fortinet offers better scalability.
4. Secureworks: Best for seamless integration
Overall score: 3.69/5
- Cost: 2.7/5
- Security features and capabilities: 3.7/5
- Scalability and flexibility: 3.8/5
- Management and usability: 3.55/5
- Integration: 4.7/5
- Response time and support quality: 3.95/5
Secureworks offers managed firewall services as part of its suite of security solutions for MSPs, providing organizations with advanced threat detection and response capabilities. The managed firewall service provides constant monitoring and protection against potential cyber threats. Secureworks focuses on optimizing firewall configurations and automating responses to help businesses maintain strong, proactive defenses while reducing the complexity of managing firewall security.
Top features
- Threat intelligence integration: Uses Secureworks’ proprietary threat intelligence for enhanced detection and response
- 24/7 monitoring and management: Continuous oversight to detect, prevent, and respond to threats in real time
- Customizable security policies: Enables policy adjustments to align with unique security needs and compliance requirements
- Incident response support: Quick access to Secureworks experts for fast incident analysis and response
- Detailed reporting and insights: Provides visibility into firewall performance and threat trends
Pricing
Secureworks offers tailored pricing based on an organization’s needs and scale. You can request a free demo and get a quote accordingly.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Access to proprietary Secureworks threat intelligence ✅ Strong incident response and support resources ✅ Real-time monitoring and customizable policies | ❎ Pricing may be higher than other providers ❎ Limited information on pricing transparency ❎ Primarily designed for larger businesses or regulated industries |
Secureworks’s managed firewall is ideal for medium to large organizations, particularly those in industries with high security and compliance needs. Small businesses or organizations with limited budgets may find Secureworks’ services costly and more advanced than necessary for basic security needs. IBM offers similar features.
5. Fortinet: Best for scalability and flexibility
Overall score: 3.65/5
- Cost: 3.5/5
- Security features and capabilities: 3.75/5
- Scalability and flexibility: 4.75/5
- Management and usability: 3/5
- Integration: 3.6/5
- Response time and support quality: 3.3/5
Fortinet’s managed firewall services provide MSPs with powerful, scalable security solutions designed to protect against a broad range of cyber threats. Known for its high-performance firewalls, Fortinet combines advanced threat intelligence and automation to deliver proactive network defense. With support for cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments, Fortinet’s managed firewall solutions offer you flexible options to protect your clients effectively.
Top features
- Advanced threat detection and prevention: Uses FortiGuard Labs intelligence for proactive protection against complex threats
- Integrated network and security management: Centralized console for streamlined management across multiple client environments
- Automation and AI-driven responses: Automated responses to threats reduce the need for manual intervention
- Scalable for all environments: Supports on-premises, hybrid, and cloud deployments to suit various client needs
- Built-in compliance support: Helps meet industry-specific regulatory requirements with comprehensive reporting and tracking.
Pricing
Fortinet customizes its pricing based on organization size, security requirements, and deployment needs. The company offers a free demo and pricing information on its website.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ High-performance firewalls with AI-driven security ✅ Centralized management for multi-client environments ✅ Scalable solutions for cloud, hybrid, and on-premises | ❎ Complexity may require additional training for teams unfamiliar with Fortinet ❎ Limited pricing transparency; costs may be high for smaller businesses ❎ Advanced features may be unnecessary for small businesses with basic needs |
Fortinet’s managed firewall services are ideal for MSSPs and enterprises with diverse network environments that require advanced threat detection, scalability, and compliance support. Smaller businesses or MSPs with limited security budgets may find Fortinet’s advanced capabilities and pricing structure more complex and costly than necessary for their needs. Explore Check Point as an alternative.
How to choose the right managed firewall service
Selecting the right managed firewall service helps you build a reliable security framework. Here are key considerations to make the best choice:
- Threat detection and incident response tools: Look for a vendor that offers strong incident response tools, including rapid detection, automated alerts, and immediate response capabilities. This helps minimize damage and downtime in the event of an attack.
- Integration with SASE services: Secure access service edge (SASE) combines network and security functions in a single cloud-delivered service, which can streamline management and improve security across distributed networks. Choose a vendor with integrated SASE capabilities to provide broader protection and a unified approach to secure remote and cloud access.
- Scalability and flexibility: Ensure the service can scale with your business or client needs, whether they use on-premises, cloud, or hybrid environments. Scalable solutions are essential for adapting to business growth and changing security demands.
- Compliance support: For industries with specific regulatory requirements (e.g., healthcare, finance), check that the vendor offers compliance reporting and support. This simplifies meeting standards like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or GDPR.
- Centralized management console: A user-friendly management console that provides visibility across all network security functions simplifies configuration, monitoring, and reporting, especially for MSPs who manage multiple clients.
- Vendor support and SLAs: Reliable support is critical, so look for vendors with strong service level agreements (SLAs) that guarantee response times and uptime. Quality customer support can make a significant difference in ongoing firewall management.
Finally, evaluate the vendor’s reputation, experience, and track record in managed security services. Established vendors with a history of working with MSPs and advanced threat protection may offer more reliable and innovative solutions.
Our methodology for picking the best managed firewall vendors
We evaluated managed firewall services for MSPs based on these six criteria:
- Cost to ensure affordability and value across diverse budgets
- Security features and capabilities to confirm robust protection and advanced threat detection
- Scalability and flexibility for adaptability to different business sizes and network environments
- Management and usability for ease of use and centralized control — important for MSPs managing multiple clients
- Integration with other security tools, like SASE services, for a unified and cohesive security setup
- Response time and support quality to guarantee reliable vendor support during critical incidents.
Bottom line: Make the right choice
The right software can make or break your company’s success with firewalls — it enhances security, streamlines management, and supports client compliance needs. An effective managed firewall not only protects against cyber threats but also simplifies the complexity of network management, allowing you to focus on delivering value to your clients.
Focusing on cost, security capabilities, scalability, usability, integration, and support can help you select a solution that best meets your clients’ requirements and empowers your business to thrive in a competitive landscape.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is a managed firewall service?
A managed firewall service is a security solution where a third-party provider oversees and manages your firewall infrastructure. It includes continuous monitoring, threat detection, configuration management, and incident response, ensuring optimal protection against cyber threats without needing in-house expertise.
What is the difference between managed and unmanaged firewalls?
The primary difference between managed and unmanaged firewalls lies in the level of oversight. Managed firewalls are fully managed by a service provider, offering 24/7 monitoring and support. In contrast, unmanaged firewalls require businesses to handle all aspects of configuration, maintenance, and incident response on their own, which can lead to potential security gaps.
What is the scope of managed firewall services?
Managed firewall services include firewall installation, configuration, continuous monitoring, threat analysis, and compliance reporting. Additionally, these services often provide incident response support and regular updates to adapt to evolving threats, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations while ensuring robust security.