Best Next Generation Firewall Software 2026

Compare free access and paid pricing

A free plan or free trial can provide a way to evaluate a firewall before committing to paid service. Check the listing for its pricing model and trial terms.

Paid pricing may start at a stated amount, such as $0.40, or appear as pricing on request. Confirm the maker's current terms before budgeting.

Match deployment to your network

Deployment options in this category include web, self-hosted, Linux, API, macOS and Windows. Choose a form that fits where you manage traffic and policies.

A web option can suit browser-based administration, while self-hosted and Linux options place more responsibility on your environment.

Check the controls you need

Use intrusion prevention to inspect and block suspicious traffic, and application control to manage software and services crossing the network.

VPN support matters when users or sites need encrypted remote connections. Confirm that the controls shown for a product match your policy requirements.

Review maximum firewall throughput

Maximum firewall throughput indicates the traffic volume a product can handle under the maker's published specification. Compare that figure with the capacity your network requires.

Treat throughput as a specification to verify alongside deployment and security controls, not as a standalone measure.