Enterprise Firewall Buyer’s Guide 2025: Features, Pricing, and Best Options

As cyber threats continue to evolve, businesses must take proactive steps to protect their networks. One of the most effective ways to enhance your organization’s network security is by investing in enterprise firewalls. Today, businesses are increasingly investing in next-generation firewalls (NGFWs).

The best NGFWs do not merely block traffic. They also provide advanced security features. You will be able to deal with advanced security threats at the application level. 

However, hundreds of firewall manufacturers are claiming to provide the best security features and performance. Hence, selecting the best firewall that meets your business requirements may be challenging.

Read this firewall guide to get a better idea of the best enterprise firewall options available for businesses. Additionally, you will be able to select the ones that better suit your network requirements.

What Are the Best Enterprise Firewalls? – A Buyer’s Guide

The following are some of the best enterprise firewalls or next-generation firewalls available for business networks:

1. Palo Alto NGFWs

Palo Alto’s NGFWs come with integrated AI and machine learning algorithms. This way, they prevent cyber threats from getting into your networks. Apart from that, these firewalls do not follow preset rules. Hence, they are able to analyze traffic and threats in real time.

Meanwhile, cyber threats are constantly evolving. Hence, if you have a firewall that simply blocks threats, you will not be able to keep up with the impact of threats. 

In addition to that, Palo Alto’s AI-based enterprise firewalls can detect new risks. Also, they learn from those risks. Hence, they are able to stop attacks before they spread on your network. Therefore, if you want a proactive security solution, Palo Alto’s firewalls are best for you.

The following are some of the major features of Palo Alto’s enterprise firewalls:

• Comes with AI-powered security. Hence, it is able to detect and block threats in real-time.
• You will benefit from deep packet inspection. It helps to prevent phishing, malware threats, and unknown traffic.
• Security policies are automated. Thereby, you will be able to reduce manual work for your IT teams.
• Palo Alto’s firewall pricing is reasonable. Hence, it is a good option for small businesses looking for scale.
• Updates from Palo Alto’s network also help to ensure that the enterprise firewalls are up to date.

2. Fortinet’s FortiGate

Primarily, Fortinet is one of the leading names in network security. Hence, it did not disappoint with the FortiGate firewall. Essentially, if you require high-speed performance even during peak traffic, FortiGate is the ideal choice.

FortiGate is able to provide high speed because it works with dedicated security processors. This helps to ensure that data moves fast while blocking threats. Additionally, FortiGate offers AI-based security features. This way, it knows how to prevent attacks without slowing down the business network.

The following are some of the major features of Fortinet’s FortiGate firewall:

• You will benefit from fast threat detection with the help of customer security processors.
• FortiGate also provides malware detection with the help of AI.
• It also comes with a built-in SD-WAN. This way, you can ensure optimal security across multiple locations.
• The firewall also comes with integrated VPNs. Moreover, it also features Zero Trust access controls to stop unwanted traffic.

If you experience high traffic on your network, FortiGate is the ideal firewall for you. Hence, it is a great option for businesses in industries like finance and healthcare.

3. Check Point Quantum

If you have a hybrid business network (both cloud and on-premises), Check Point’s firewall is the best one for you. In general, many firewall systems do not perform well in a hybrid setup. However, with the help of Check Point’s Quantum, you will be able to bring everything under one roof.

Primarily, Quantum comes with layered security and threat detection systems. Apart from that, they are really easy to manage. This is possible as Quantum works with a single security policy for both on-premises and cloud-based systems. 

Moreover, to prevent early attacks, this firewall implements AI threat detection and Zero Trust access controls.

The following are some of the major features of Check Point’s Quantum firewall:

• It comes with cloud-native security. Additionally, it offers real-time threat protection.
• Zero-trust access controls help limit unauthorized access to the network. Also, it prevents unwanted traffic.
• AI-based security also helps to adapt to new cyber threats. This way, the firewall will also be able to identify new ones.
• If you work with a hybrid and multi-cloud network, Quantum is a great option for you. This is because it provides you with a centralized management to work with.

4. Cisco Secure Firewall

Cisco is one of the oldest names in the world of network security. Moreover, they have maintained their reputation for decades.

If your business relies heavily on Cisco networking solutions, the Cisco Secure Firewall is the ideal choice for you. In fact, it works wonders with Cisco routers, switches, cloud services, etc. Hence, if you have already invested in a Cisco ecosystem, this firewall is the most logical choice.

Also, your IT team will be able to manage your network and security under the same system. Cisco Secure Firewall leverages the expertise of Cisco Talos. It is one of the biggest threat-intelligence systems. Hence, you will be able to identify new threats in real-time.

The following are some of the major features of Cisco Secure Firewall:

• Zero Trust security controls and an Integrated VPN
• Real-time threat intelligence
• If you have a complex network, you can scale it easily. Moreover, it also works great in multiple locations.
• You will also eliminate manual configuration. This is because Cisco Secure Firewall comes with automated security policies.

5. Sangfor

A great option for both hybrid networks as well as cloud-based networks is Sangfor Athena NGFW. This is a cost-effective and budget-friendly Network Firewall for MSMEs that require advanced functions but have budget constraints. Sangfor Firewall provides

• AI-Powered Malware Inspection
• Real Time Threat Intelligence
• Anti Ransomware
• Web Attack Prevention 
• Simplified operation

Sangfor is a leading Network Security Service Provider in the APAC and EMEA regions. Their firewall also comes with SD-WAN. This way, you will be able to control and manage distributed networks. Hence, this is a great option for businesses that work from multiple locations.

Unlike some firewalls that slow down cloud applications, Sangfor Network Secure helps to ensure smooth traffic, strong security, and fast connections. Additionally, it protects you against intrusion and cyber threats.

The following are some of the major features of Sangfor enterprise firewalls:

• Full SD-WAN support
• Malware scanning and intrusion prevention
• Optimization of traffic
• Easy management and common security policies for hybrid networks

Sangfor’s Competitive Advantages over the Market leaders:

1. Proven Security Effectiveness: Athena NGFW has consistently achieved the highest AAA rating in the CyberRatings Enterprise Firewall Test, matching or exceeding the performance of leading NGFW vendors in security effectiveness.
2. Superior Cost Efficiency: Athena NGFW offers comparable security capabilities to top vendors at significantly lower prices, resulting in an industry-leading cost-to-performance ratio for maximum ROI.
3. Comprehensive Threat Intelligence: Powered by Sangfor Neural-X, Athena NGFW utilizes extensive threat intelligence and global sharing for rapid threat detection and mitigation, with timely updates from major security platforms like CVE and VirusTotal.
4. Integrated Security Solutions: Sangfor provides complete security solutions, starting with Athena NGFW, allowing organizations to create a fully integrated security framework that enhances capabilities, simplifies management, and reduces costs.
5. Local Language Support: Sangfor offers local language support to assist business owners in the APAC region who may struggle with English, making it easier for them to navigate and utilize their services effectively.

Choose an Enterprise Firewall Now

If you ask for our recommendation, then for a robust firewall solution, consider Sangfor Athena NGFW, which offers comprehensive protection for your business network. Before selecting an enterprise firewall, assess your network’s specific requirements, including budget and whether you have a hybrid setup. This will help you choose the right solution for your needs.

What other enterprise firewalls do you recommend for business networks? Share your thoughts in the comments!