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# Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv) vs SonicWall Next Generation Firewall Comparison - What are their main differences?

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Cisco Secure Firewall...SonicWall Next Generation...[+ Add Product](#)

Pricing

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**
No pricing available

**SonicWall Next Generation Firewall**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Perceived Cost

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**
$$$$$

**SonicWall Next Generation Firewall**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**
22%9% more

**SonicWall Next Generation Firewall**
13%

Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience.
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Time to Implement

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**6 months
Based on 100 responses

**SonicWall Next Generation Firewall** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

Return on Investment

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**6 months
Based on 100 responses

**SonicWall Next Generation Firewall** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**Pros & Cons**
from reviews

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**
[
Ease of Use (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-firewall-threat-defense-virtual-formerly-ngfwv/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1168036&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Easy Management (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-firewall-threat-defense-virtual-formerly-ngfwv/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1168006&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Complex Coding (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-firewall-threat-defense-virtual-formerly-ngfwv/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1167998&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Complex Configuration (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-firewall-threat-defense-virtual-formerly-ngfwv/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1168029&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

**SonicWall Next Generation Firewall**
[
Ease of Use (3)
](https://www.g2.com/products/sonicwall-next-generation-firewall/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1192485&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Performance Speed (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/sonicwall-next-generation-firewall/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2317743&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
System Instability (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/sonicwall-next-generation-firewall/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1992126&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Upgrade Issues (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/sonicwall-next-generation-firewall/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2317759&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

Integrations

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**
Not enough data

**SonicWall Next Generation Firewall**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_a01e81b6f2792cba2e3bb40b05f0d265/paessler-prtg.jpg "Product Avatar Image")

Paessler PRTG

](https://www.g2.com/products/paessler-prtg/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/sonicwall-next-generation-firewall/integrations)

**Ratings**
from reviews

Meets Requirements

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**

**8.8** /10

Based on 83 responses

**SonicWall Next Generation Firewall**

**8.8** /10

Based on 129 responses

Ease of Use

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**

**8.1** /10

Based on 82 responses

**SonicWall Next Generation Firewall**

**8.3** /10

Based on 130 responses

Ease of Setup

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**

**7.4** /10

Based on 51 responses

**SonicWall Next Generation Firewall**

**8.0** /10

Based on 90 responses

Ease of Admin

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**

**7.7** /10

Based on 49 responses

**SonicWall Next Generation Firewall**

**8.1** /10

Based on 90 responses

Quality of Support

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**

**9.1** /10

Based on 74 responses

**SonicWall Next Generation Firewall**

**8.1** /10

Based on 123 responses

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**

**8.8** /10

Based on 47 responses

**SonicWall Next Generation Firewall**

**8.2** /10

Based on 87 responses

Product Direction (% positive)

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**

**7.5** /10

Based on 83 responses

**SonicWall Next Generation Firewall**

**7.2** /10

Based on 126 responses

**Features**
ratings from reviews

Firewall Software

**9.3** /10

Based on 16 responses

**8.5** /10

Based on 58 responses

Unified Threat Management (UTM)

Not enough data

**8.7** /10

Based on 52 responses

Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)

**9.5** /10

Based on 6 responses

Not enough data

User Insights

**Reviewers' Company Size**

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
13.5%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
43.8%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
42.7%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
13.5%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
43.8%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
42.7%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
26.9%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
60.7%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
12.4%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
26.9%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
60.7%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
12.4%

**Reviewers' Industry**

[![Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/bac35b1c7d560638b47c46bddb26a15c/cisco-secure-firewall-threat-defense-virtual-formerly-ngfwv.svg "Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)")](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-firewall-threat-defense-virtual-formerly-ngfwv/reviews)
Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)

Information Technology and Services
18.0%

Higher Education
6.7%

Telecommunications
6.7%

Computer Software
5.6%

Hospital & Health Care
4.5%

Other
58.4%

[![SonicWall Next Generation Firewall](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_a91c790d4dcb23f5394f7d7ba650ea65/sonicwall-next-generation-firewall.png "SonicWall Next Generation Firewall")](https://www.g2.com/products/sonicwall-next-generation-firewall/reviews)
SonicWall Next Generation Firewall

Information Technology and Services
23.4%

Computer & Network Security
6.9%

Internet
4.1%

Marketing and Advertising
3.4%

Construction
3.4%

Other
58.6%

Alternatives

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv) Alternatives**

 ![Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/f6a3d45d41e697437b84a2340cfee124/palo-alto-networks-next-generation-firewalls.svg "Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls")

[
Palo Alto Networks...
](/products/palo-alto-networks-next-generation-firewalls/reviews)

 ![Sophos Firewall](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/c3eafd206cf051259b58dcd9712f2d46/sophos-firewall.svg "Sophos Firewall")

[
Sophos Firewall
](/products/sophos-firewall/reviews)

 ![Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/64ff8da1b6e6ffabf4336ae2510e8e3e/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws.svg "Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs)")

[
Check Point Next Generation...
](/products/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws/reviews)

 ![Netgate pfSense](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/f4469990cc8ea128d45e4ab41bf45ef3/netgate-pfsense.svg "Netgate pfSense")

[
Netgate pfSense
](/products/netgate-pfsense/reviews)

**SonicWall Next Generation Firewall Alternatives**

 ![Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/64ff8da1b6e6ffabf4336ae2510e8e3e/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws.svg "Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs)")

[
Check Point Next Generation...
](/products/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws/reviews)

 ![FortiGate-VM NGFW](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/fa3376b61f91a50021359e71d1976187/fortigate-vm-ngfw.jpg "FortiGate-VM NGFW")

[
FortiGate-VM NGFW
](/products/fortigate-vm-ngfw/reviews)

 ![WatchGuard Network Security](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/95497ce130aa56e5fb27b011c9bcaebc/watchguard-network-security.svg "WatchGuard Network Security")

[
WatchGuard Network Security
](/products/watchguard-network-security/reviews)

 ![Barracuda CloudGen Firewall](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1535045459/barracuda-cloudgen-firewall.svg "Barracuda CloudGen Firewall")

[
Barracuda CloudGen Firewall
](/products/barracuda-cloudgen-firewall/reviews)

## Cisco Secure Firewall... vs SonicWall Next Generation... FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 14, 2026

### What is the difference between Cisco Secure Firewall... vs SonicWall Next Generation...?

Cisco Secure Firewall... stands out for its higher Quality of Support score, while SonicWall Next Generation... is rated higher for Ease of Setup and Ease of Use.

| [Cisco Secure Firewall...](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-firewall-threat-defense-virtual-formerly-ngfwv/reviews) | [SonicWall Next Generation...](https://www.g2.com/products/sonicwall-next-generation-firewall/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.2/5 (93 reviews) | 4.1/5 (154 reviews) |
| Mid-Market | Mid-Market |
| 7.4 | 8.0 |
| 9.1 | 8.1 |
| Firewall Efficiency | Ease of Use |

### How do the pricing models of Cisco Secure Firewall... and SonicWall Next Generation... compare?

Reviewers rate SonicWall Next Generation... as the stronger value, with higher satisfaction on price and cost-related dimensions.

- **Cisco Secure Firewall...:** In recent reviews, several buyers note that licensing, maintenance, and support fees can be high, especially for smaller organizations.
- **SonicWall Next Generation...:** Over the last year, reviewers consistently highlight affordability and strong value for organizations with tight budgets.
- **Switching reasons:** Recent reviews mention buyers choosing SonicWall Next Generation... for its lower cost and easier configuration compared to competitors.

### What are the best alternatives to Cisco Secure Firewall... and SonicWall Next Generation...?

The top 3 alternatives to Cisco Secure Firewall... and SonicWall Next Generation... are Check Point Next Generation..., Palo Alto Networks..., and Sophos Firewall.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Cisco Secure Firewall...](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-firewall-threat-defense-virtual-formerly-ngfwv/reviews) | 4.2/5 (93) | Mid-Market | Higher cost noted for small orgs | Firewall Efficiency |
| [SonicWall Next Generation...](https://www.g2.com/products/sonicwall-next-generation-firewall/reviews) | 4.1/5 (154) | Mid-Market | Affordable, strong value | Ease of Use |
| [Check Point Next Generation...](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws/reviews) | 4.5/5 (595) | Mid-Market | — | — |
| [Palo Alto Networks...](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-next-generation-firewalls/reviews) | 4.5/5 (170) | Mid-Market | — | — |
| [Sophos Firewall](https://www.g2.com/products/sophos-firewall/reviews) | 4.7/5 (869) | Mid-Market | — | — |

### Which Firewall Software features should I prioritize when comparing Cisco Secure Firewall... and SonicWall Next Generation...?

Buyers should prioritize Ease of Setup, Quality of Support, Ease of Use, Firewall Efficiency, and Pricing when comparing Cisco Secure Firewall... and SonicWall Next Generation....

- **Ease of Setup:** Cisco Secure Firewall... 7.4, SonicWall Next Generation... 8.0
- **Quality of Support:** Cisco Secure Firewall... 9.1, SonicWall Next Generation... 8.1
- **Ease of Use:** Cisco Secure Firewall... 8.1, SonicWall Next Generation... 8.3
- **Firewall Efficiency:** Cisco Secure Firewall... cited in recent reviews; SonicWall Next Generation... not cited
- **Pricing:** SonicWall Next Generation... consistently praised for affordability in recent reviews; Cisco Secure Firewall... noted for higher costs for small organizations

### What are the pros and cons of Cisco Secure Firewall... vs SonicWall Next Generation...?

Cisco Secure Firewall...'s headline strength is Quality of Support, while SonicWall Next Generation...'s is Ease of Use.

- **Cisco Secure Firewall... strengths:** Firewall Efficiency (all-time mentions: 1), Easy Management (1), Network Security (1)
- **Cisco Secure Firewall... trade-offs:** Complexity (1), Complex Configuration (1), Difficult Management (1), Pricing Issues (1), Upgrade Difficulties (1), Dependency Issues (1)
- **SonicWall Next Generation... strengths:** Ease of Use (3), Performance Speed (2), Response Speed (2), Threat Protection (2), Advanced Security (1), Deployment Ease (1), Ease of Management (1), Free Licensing (1), Hardware Compatibility (1)
- **SonicWall Next Generation... trade-offs:** System Instability (2), Upgrade Issues (2), Complex Configuration (1), Complexity (1), Connection Issues (1), Expensive (1), Expertise Required (1), High Resource Usage (1), Insufficient Guidance (1)

### Is Cisco Secure Firewall... or SonicWall Next Generation... better for small businesses?

SonicWall Next Generation... is the better fit for small businesses, with reviewers highlighting its affordability and ease of use for smaller organizations.

- **Cisco Secure Firewall...:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; recent reviews note higher costs and complexity for small organizations.
- **SonicWall Next Generation...:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; recent reviews from small enterprises praise its value and straightforward configuration for budget-conscious buyers.

### Which Firewall Software platform has better integrations?

Reviewers rate SonicWall Next Generation... and Cisco Secure Firewall... at parity for integrations, with no significant third-party integration themes cited for either product.

- **Cisco Secure Firewall...:** No recent reviews cite specific third-party integrations.
- **SonicWall Next Generation...:** No recent reviews cite specific third-party integrations.

### How do Cisco Secure Firewall... and SonicWall Next Generation... compare on customer support?

Cisco Secure Firewall... leads SonicWall Next Generation... on Quality of Support by a full point (9.1 vs 8.1), a material difference.

- **Cisco Secure Firewall...:** Reviewers consistently praise support responsiveness and expertise, with multiple mentions of strong customer support and satisfaction with issue resolution.
- **SonicWall Next Generation...:** Support is generally rated positively, but several recent reviews note delays, less helpful responses, and a decline in support quality since acquisition.

### Which is easier to implement, Cisco Secure Firewall... or SonicWall Next Generation...?

SonicWall Next Generation... is rated higher for Ease of Setup (8.0 vs 7.4), a material difference, and also scores higher on Ease of Admin.

- **Cisco Secure Firewall...:** Reviewers describe setup as requiring significant expertise, with some noting the need for third-party assistance and complexity in initial configuration.
- **SonicWall Next Generation...:** Recent reviews highlight straightforward setup, user-friendly configuration, and suitability for organizations without deep technical resources.

## Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv) vs SonicWall Next Generation Firewall

When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found SonicWall Next Generation Firewall easier to use, set up, and administer. However, reviewers preferred doing business with Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv) overall.

- Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv) and SonicWall Next Generation Firewall both meet the requirements of our reviewers at a comparable rate.
- When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv) is the preferred option.
- For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv) over SonicWall Next Generation Firewall.