When searching for a zero trust network access appliance, you need a device that combines robust security with seamless user experience. The FortiGate-60F stands out as the overall best due to its balanced performance and comprehensive protection features. For those prioritizing performance above all, the SonicWall TZ480 offers impressive throughput and advanced security suites. However, choosing the right appliance involves tradeoffs, such as balancing cost against features and ease of management. Continue reading for a detailed breakdown of each option to find the best fit for your organization.
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Key Takeaways
- The top picks vary significantly in throughput, with some appliances optimized for small offices and others designed for larger, demanding environments.
- Security feature sets are a key differentiator; premium options include integrated advanced threat protection and cloud security services.
- Ease of use and management are often overlooked but crucial for quick deployment and ongoing maintenance, especially for smaller teams.
- Performance metrics like Gbps throughput directly impact the appliance’s ability to handle multiple users securely without lag.
- Pricing varies widely, making clear the importance of aligning features with actual organizational needs to avoid overspending.
| SonicWall TZ380 3.5 Gbps Next-Gen Firewall Appliance |  | Best Overall for High-Performance Small Business Security | Performance: Up to 3.5 Gbps firewall inspection | Threat Prevention Throughput: 1.5 Gbps | VPN Throughput: 1.6 Gbps | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| SonicWall TZ280W 2.5 Gbps Next-Gen Firewall Appliance |  | Best for Small Business with Built-in Wi-Fi 6 | Throughput: Up to 2.5 Gbps | Threat Prevention: 1 Gbps | IPSec VPN: 1.2 Gbps | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| FortiGate-60F Network Security Appliance with 1 Year FortiGuard UTP and FortiCare Premium |  | Best for Medium-Sized Businesses Needing Advanced Threat Protection | Model: FG-60F | Includes: 1 Year FortiGuard UTP and FortiCare Premium | Intended Use: Medium-sized businesses | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| SonicWall TZ480 4 Gbps Firewall with Secure Upgrade and Advanced Protection Suite |  | Best for Mid-Size Businesses Requiring Highest Throughput and Security | Throughput: Up to 4 Gbps | Threat Prevention: 2 Gbps | IPSec VPN Throughput: 2 Gbps | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| SonicWall TZ280 2.5 Gbps Next-Gen Firewall Appliance |  | Best for Small Branches Seeking Robust Security | Throughput: Up to 2.5 Gbps | Threat Prevention: 1 Gbps | IPSec VPN Throughput: 1.2 Gbps | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| SonicWall TZ470 TradeUp (03-SSC-3012) with 3-Year Essential Protection Security Suite and 1-Year Cloud Secure Edge |  | Best for Growing SMBs Needing Advanced Security and Cloud Scalability | Security Suite: 3-Year Essential Protection | Cloud Secure Edge: 1 Year | Users: Basic-10 Users | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| zero trust network access appliance | Connectivity | Form Factor | Throughput | Threat Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SonicWall TZ380 3.5 Gbps Next- | 8x1GbE, 2x1G SFP | Desktop | — | — |
| SonicWall TZ280W 2.5 Gbps Next | 8x1GbE, 2x1G SFP, Wi-Fi 6 | Desktop | Up to 2.5 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
| FortiGate-60F Network Security | — | — | — | — |
| SonicWall TZ480 4 Gbps Firewal | — | — | Up to 4 Gbps | 2 Gbps |
| SonicWall TZ280 2.5 Gbps Next- | 8x1GbE, 2x1G SFP | Desktop | Up to 2.5 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
| SonicWall TZ470 TradeUp | — | — | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
SonicWall TZ380 3.5 Gbps Next-Gen Firewall Appliance
The SonicWall TZ380 stands out for its impressive throughput—up to 3.5 Gbps—which makes it suitable for small businesses needing robust protection without sacrificing speed. Compared with the TZ280W, it offers higher raw performance, but it relies on separate security subscription services, adding ongoing costs. Its hardware is straightforward to deploy via zero-touch setup and supports cloud management, making it accessible for teams with limited IT resources. However, security features like intrusion prevention and sandboxing are not included out of the box and require additional purchases, which can complicate budgeting. This model is ideal for small enterprises that prioritize high-speed security and are prepared for subscription-based updates. It’s less suitable for businesses seeking an all-in-one package with included support or those on a tight budget for initial hardware.
Pros:- High-performance firewall with up to 3.5 Gbps throughput
- Supports cloud management and zero-touch deployment
- Includes advanced security features like intrusion prevention and sandboxing
Cons:- Hardware sold without security service subscription
- Security features require additional purchase
- Limited to hardware only, no included support or updates
Best for: Small businesses needing high-speed, reliable security with minimal deployment effort
Not ideal for: Organizations seeking an all-in-one appliance with included security services and support
- Performance:Up to 3.5 Gbps firewall inspection
- Threat Prevention Throughput:1.5 Gbps
- VPN Throughput:1.6 Gbps
- Connectivity:8x1GbE, 2x1G SFP
- Form Factor:Desktop
Our verdict“This device is best suited for small businesses that prioritize speed and ease of deployment but are prepared for ongoing security subscriptions.”
SonicWall TZ280W 2.5 Gbps Next-Gen Firewall Appliance
The SonicWall TZ280W offers solid performance, with throughput reaching 2.5 Gbps, and the added benefit of integrated Wi-Fi 6, making it ideal for small offices or branch locations that need both wired and wireless security. Unlike the TZ380, it combines Wi-Fi 6 support into a compact package, which simplifies deployment in spaces where wireless connectivity is critical. Its management flexibility—via cloud or local—appeals to smaller IT teams. However, like the TZ380, it requires separate security service subscriptions, which can raise total ownership costs. Its hardware-only approach without included support or firmware updates limits its appeal for organizations seeking a more managed experience. This pick is perfect for small businesses that want integrated wireless alongside high-speed security but are willing to manage subscriptions separately.
Pros:- High-performance firewall with 2.5 Gbps throughput
- Integrated Wi-Fi 6 support for flexible connectivity
- Flexible management via cloud or local interfaces
Cons:- Security services must be purchased separately
- No included firmware updates or support
- Hardware-only, limited out-of-the-box management
Best for: Small businesses or branch offices needing integrated Wi-Fi 6 with high-speed security
Not ideal for: Organizations seeking a device with bundled support or an all-inclusive security package
- Throughput:Up to 2.5 Gbps
- Threat Prevention:1 Gbps
- IPSec VPN:1.2 Gbps
- Connectivity:8x1GbE, 2x1G SFP, Wi-Fi 6
- Form Factor:Desktop
Our verdict“This appliance suits small offices that want fast, wireless-ready security but are ready to handle subscriptions separately.”
FortiGate-60F Network Security Appliance with 1 Year FortiGuard UTP and FortiCare Premium
The FortiGate-60F provides a focused security solution tailored for medium-sized firms, offering advanced threat detection, web filtering, and anti-botnet measures. Its included one-year FortiGuard UTP and FortiCare Premium support deliver a comprehensive security package, making it a reliable choice for organizations that need more than just basic firewalling. Compared with SonicWall models, the FortiGate offers more integrated threat intelligence, but it comes with a steeper learning curve for setup and management. Its subscription model means ongoing costs, and it’s best suited for teams with dedicated security personnel or technical expertise. For businesses seeking a robust, all-in-one solution with dedicated support, this device makes a compelling choice. Those seeking a simpler, more budget-friendly firewall may find it too complex or costly over time.
Pros:- Provides comprehensive threat protection with advanced filtering
- Includes 1-year of premium support and security updates
- Tailored for medium-scale security needs
Cons:- Designed primarily for medium-sized businesses, less scalable for very small firms
- Requires ongoing subscription costs for continued protection
- Complex configuration may challenge non-technical users
Best for: Medium-sized enterprises requiring integrated threat protection with support included
Not ideal for: Small businesses or organizations without dedicated security staff or technical resources
- Model:FG-60F
- Includes:1 Year FortiGuard UTP and FortiCare Premium
- Intended Use:Medium-sized businesses
Our verdict“This device is ideal for mid-sized companies needing advanced, integrated security with ongoing support, despite higher complexity and cost.”
SonicWall TZ480 4 Gbps Firewall with Secure Upgrade and Advanced Protection Suite
The SonicWall TZ480 offers exceptional throughput—up to 4 Gbps—making it suitable for mid-size firms with demanding security needs. Its inclusion of Secure Upgrade Plus, which provides the Advanced Protection Suite, adds advanced features like SD-WAN, DNS security, and cloud sandboxing, positioning it as a comprehensive security hub. Compared to the TZ380, it delivers higher throughput and broader security options but requires existing SonicWall hardware to qualify for the upgrade. Deployment can be complex, especially for those unfamiliar with SonicWall’s ecosystem, and the premium security suite may be costly for smaller organizations. This device is designed for businesses that need top-tier performance and security, but it presumes existing SonicWall infrastructure and a willingness to manage a more involved setup.
Pros:- High throughput of up to 4 Gbps, suitable for demanding environments
- Comprehensive security features including SD-WAN and DNS security
- Easy management via cloud or on-box interface
Cons:- Requires existing SonicWall units for upgrade eligibility
- Complex setup may necessitate technical expertise
- Premium security suite can be costly for smaller firms
Best for: Mid-sized enterprises with high throughput requirements and existing SonicWall infrastructure
Not ideal for: Small businesses or organizations without existing SonicWall units or dedicated IT support
- Throughput:Up to 4 Gbps
- Threat Prevention:2 Gbps
- IPSec VPN Throughput:2 Gbps
- Ports:8x1GbE, 2x5G SFP+
- Security Suite:Advanced Protection Suite (APSS)
Our verdict“This appliance fits mid-sized companies seeking maximum throughput and security with existing SonicWall infrastructure and technical resources.”
SonicWall TZ280 2.5 Gbps Next-Gen Firewall Appliance
The SonicWall TZ280 offers a balanced mix of performance and security tailored for small offices or branch locations, with throughput up to 2.5 Gbps. It shares similar core features with the TZ280W but is sold without a security subscription, which means ongoing costs for full protection. Its ports and VPN capabilities are well-suited for small setups, and it supports SD-WAN for flexible connectivity. Compared to the TZ380, it provides less throughput but remains a capable, cost-effective option for smaller deployments. The absence of included security services or firmware updates limits its out-of-the-box security posture, requiring additional investments. This device is best for small-scale security needs where initial hardware simplicity is preferred, but users should plan for subscription costs.
Pros:- High-performance firewall with up to 2.5 Gbps throughput
- Multiple connectivity options including SFP ports
- Supports SD-WAN and VPN for branch security
Cons:- Sold without security or firmware updates
- Requires separate subscription for full security features
- Limited out-of-the-box support and management
Best for: Small offices or branch sites needing reliable security without complex features
Not ideal for: Organizations requiring all-in-one security solutions with included ongoing protection
- Throughput:Up to 2.5 Gbps
- Threat Prevention:1 Gbps
- IPSec VPN Throughput:1.2 Gbps
- Connectivity:8x1GbE, 2x1G SFP
- Form Factor:Desktop
Our verdict“This device is suited for small branches that want dependable security hardware but are willing to handle subscriptions separately.”
SonicWall TZ470 TradeUp (03-SSC-3012) with 3-Year Essential Protection Security Suite and 1-Year Cloud Secure Edge
The SonicWall TZ470 TradeUp stands out for its robust security features tailored to small and mid-sized organizations, especially those with hybrid workforces. Compared with the TZ380, the TZ470 offers enhanced threat prevention and more modern cloud-native integration, making it well-suited for evolving security needs. However, its limited user capacity—capped at 10 in the basic package—may restrict larger teams without additional licensing. The trade-in program adds value by reducing upgrade costs, but it requires retiring legacy devices, which could be inconvenient for some. This appliance is ideal for organizations seeking a scalable, industry-validated solution that balances security with ease of cloud deployment, though not suited for teams exceeding 10 users without additional licensing.Pros:- Includes comprehensive security features tailored for hybrid environments
- Cloud-native solutions enable flexible, scalable deployment
- Trade-in program offers cost savings on newer appliances
Cons:- Limited to 10 users in the basic package, which may restrict growth
- Requires trade-in of legacy devices, potentially causing inconvenience
Best for: Small to mid-sized organizations with hybrid workforces seeking scalable, cloud-native security solutions.
Not ideal for: Larger enterprises or teams exceeding 10 users who need extensive user capacity out of the box.
- Security Suite:3-Year Essential Protection
- Cloud Secure Edge:1 Year
- Users:Basic-10 Users
- Device Series:7th Generation TZ Series
- Target Audience:Small and mid-sized organizations, distributed enterprises
Our verdict“This pick makes the most sense for small to mid-sized organizations prioritizing modern, cloud-enabled security within a manageable user cap.”
How We Picked
Our evaluation focused on performance, security features, ease of deployment, scalability, and value for money. We compared throughput capabilities, threat detection, management interfaces, and integration options across the products. Prioritizing real-world usability, we selected appliances that balance robust security with straightforward operation. The rankings reflect which options deliver the best performance for their price and feature set, helping buyers identify appliances suitable for different organizational sizes and security requirements.| zero trust network access appliance | Throughput |
|---|---|
| SonicWall TZ380 3.5 Gbps Next- | — |
| SonicWall TZ280W 2.5 Gbps Next | Up to 2.5 Gbps |
| FortiGate-60F Network Security | — |
| SonicWall TZ480 4 Gbps Firewal | Up to 4 Gbps |
| SonicWall TZ280 2.5 Gbps Next- | Up to 2.5 Gbps |
| SonicWall TZ470 TradeUp | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Zero Trust Network Access Appliance
Choosing a zero trust network access appliance requires understanding your organization’s specific needs. Beyond raw performance, factors like security features, ease of management, scalability, and cost play critical roles. Making an informed decision involves balancing these factors to avoid overpaying for unneeded features or underinvesting in essential security protections.Performance and Throughput
Performance metrics like Gbps throughput determine how well the appliance can handle multiple users and high-bandwidth applications simultaneously. Smaller organizations might prioritize lower-cost, lower-throughput models, while larger enterprises need appliances capable of supporting hundreds or thousands of concurrent connections. Carefully assess your current and future network demands to choose an appliance that won’t bottleneck your operations.
Security Feature Set
Look beyond basic firewall functions to see if the appliance includes advanced threat detection, intrusion prevention, and cloud security integrations. Premium models often bundle threat intelligence and sandboxing, which can significantly reduce risk. However, some features may come as add-ons, increasing overall costs, so balance your security needs with budget constraints.
Ease of Deployment and Management
An appliance that’s easy to set up and manage reduces downtime and ongoing administration effort. Consider management interfaces, automation capabilities, and vendor support. For smaller teams or less experienced administrators, intuitive controls and clear documentation are critical. Larger organizations might prioritize centralized management and scalability features.
Scalability and Future Proofing
Security needs evolve rapidly, so selecting an appliance that can grow with your organization helps avoid costly replacements. Check if the device supports additional modules, licenses, or cloud integrations. Also, consider vendor roadmaps to ensure ongoing updates and feature additions align with your future requirements.
Cost and Total Value
While initial cost matters, total cost of ownership—covering licensing, support, and maintenance—should guide your decision. Cheaper appliances may lack essential features or require expensive upgrades later, whereas premium options often include comprehensive support and updates. Aim for a solution that offers the best balance of features and affordability for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a higher throughput appliance always better for my organization?
Not necessarily. While higher throughput supports more simultaneous users and reduces lag during peak times, it also comes with higher costs and complexity. Smaller organizations with fewer users may find a lower throughput model perfectly adequate, while larger enterprises need the capacity to handle high traffic securely. Consider your current usage patterns and future growth when evaluating throughput requirements.
What security features should I prioritize in a zero trust appliance?
Prioritize appliances that include advanced threat detection, intrusion prevention, and cloud security integrations. Features like sandboxing, malware scanning, and real-time threat intelligence significantly enhance protection. However, evaluate whether these features come with additional licensing costs and ensure they align with your organization’s specific security policies.
How important is ease of management for a zero trust appliance?
Ease of management can dramatically impact your operational efficiency. An intuitive interface, automation options, and comprehensive support reduce setup time and ongoing administrative effort. For smaller teams or those new to zero trust architectures, a user-friendly management console is often more valuable than raw performance metrics.
Should I consider cloud-based management options?
Many appliances now offer cloud management, which simplifies deployment and monitoring across multiple sites. Cloud-based systems enable centralized control, easier updates, and scalability. However, they also introduce dependency on internet connectivity and raise additional considerations around data privacy and compliance, so weigh these factors based on your organization’s policies.
Is investing in a premium appliance worth it for small businesses?
For small businesses, premium appliances can sometimes offer unnecessary features and higher costs. However, if security is a top priority or you plan rapid growth, investing in a high-quality device with advanced features and support can provide peace of mind. Assess your current risks, budget, and growth plans to determine if the added investment aligns with your strategic goals.
Conclusion
For organizations seeking the best all-around performance and security, the FortiGate-60F offers a balanced approach suitable for most enterprise needs. Smaller teams or those prioritizing budget will find the SonicWall TZ280 or SonicWall TZ280W provide solid value. Enterprises that require maximum throughput and advanced security features should consider the SonicWall TZ480. Beginners or organizations new to zero trust should look for appliances with user-friendly management, like the FortiGate-60F. For those with specific needs such as cloud security or scalability, premium models with extensive integrations will serve best. Matching your organization’s size, security needs, and budget will help you select the ideal appliance.
