Next generation firewalls (NGFWs) have become a fundamental requirement for cybersecurity. Over the last few years, the NGFW market has undergone significant advancements. Moreover, some of the best next-gen firewalls for advanced threat protection include artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities.
This article covers more details about the next generation firewall. NGFWs contain network firewall security solutions. These solutions go beyond traditional cybersecurity measures. In fact, an NGFW is capable of dealing with threats at the application level. This is because it mixes traditional security features with advanced threat protection.
However, with numerous NGFW options available for businesses, it can be overwhelming to choose. Therefore, read on to get a better idea of the best next generation firewalls on the market.
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Best Next Generation Firewalls for Advanced Threat Protection
The following are the best next generation firewalls you must choose from if you want to get one for your organization’s security:
1. Sangfor
If you are looking for a leading vendor, then Sangfor can be one of the best firewalls for your business. Without a network firewall, your systems and network become vulnerable to various types of attacks. Thereby, you might fall victim to a cybersecurity issue.
Primarily, Sangfor’s Athena NGFW comes with strong security and scalability. Also, it integrates enterprise SD-WAN with leading security technologies in the industry. Additionally, it features powerful cluster management capabilities. Hence, large businesses find it beneficial.
The following are some of the major features of Sangfor:
- Internal integrations: Sangfor Athena NGFW (previously known as Network Secure) integrates quite well with sandboxing solutions and online security solutions.
- High-availability clustering: It also comes with high-availability clustering for devices, SD-WAN networks, and VPN connections.
- Traffic Protection: When you are using enterprise applications, you will be able to secure traffic with Sangfor’s next generation firewall.
2. Fortinet
If you have a small to medium-sized organization or a home office, Fortinet’s FortiGate can be a suitable option for you. Primarily, FortiGate integrates web filtering, SSL inspection, and intrusion prevention simultaneously. This way, it provides you with integrated security at a lower cost.
Moreover, it is a great option for you if you are looking for enterprise-class protection. Additionally, FortiGate is a great option for industries such as finance and Healthcare. This is because these industries require high security measures.
Fortinet’s NGFW comes with the following features:
- Security Processing Unit (SPU): Network security computing is accelerated by the presence of SPUs and virtual SPUs.
- Zero Trust: FortiGate also provides zero-trust capabilities with its firewall. This way, it helps to identify and protect against suspicious devices and users.
- VPN Tunneling: With this feature, you will be able to ensure security if you have a distributed or remote workforce.
- FortiOS: This feature ensures firmware updates at all levels.
Additionally, Fortinet’s firewall features a well-designed and attractive interface. However, there are some issues with technical support and customer service. Also, you must stay vigilant for firmware update issues from time to time.
3. Cisco
Cisco is the most popular name in the network firewall market. Essentially, the Cisco Secure Firewall provides real-time protection for networks and workloads. It will be easy for you to migrate from on-premises work to the cloud. This is possible through Cisco Workload integration.
Hence, if you want a strong enterprise solution and comprehensive security, Cisco is the best option to choose. Moreover, it will also help you enforce network policies on a large scale. This way, you will be able to deal with diverse application requirements.
The following are the major features of the Cisco next-generation firewall:
- Cloud Native Firewall: The Cisco Secure Firewall is cloud-native and developer-friendly. Additionally, it provides a high level of flexibility with integration.
- Dynamic Policy Support: It is easier to bring out policies for large-scale networks. Moreover, it helps with diverse application requirements.
- Threat Intelligence: You will get quick and actionable threat intelligence from Cisco Talos Intelligence Group.
- Log Management: With the help of Cisco firewall, you will be able to configure log management. Apart from that, you will get a better idea of security issues. Moreover, you will also be able to perform behavioral analysis with data.
4. Palo Alto
Palo Alto Networks is one of the best vendors that provide different types of network security solutions. Primarily, Palo Alto’s next-generation firewalls are best suited for complex networks. In addition to that, you will also get more control and visibility over your network.
Although it comes at a premium cost, Palo Alto’s firewall has a variety of features. In fact, you will be able to protect your on-premises, cloud, and virtual environments. Hence, if you have a strong IT and security team, your business will greatly benefit from implementing Palo Alto’s firewall systems.
The following are some of the major features of Palo Alto’s firewall:
- Machine Learning: With the help of machine learning, you will be able to identify security issues. Thereby, you will be able to prevent intrusions.
- User-Based Policies: By utilizing user-based firewall policies, you can ensure secure application access. Basically, it is possible after you integrate existing user repositories.
- Container Firewall: Palo Alto’s container firewall works with the help of Kubernetes environments. Also, it helps in ensuring a CI/CD procedure.
- Centralized Management: Palo Alto firewall comes with central management. This way, network administrators get a single point of contact. As a result, they can manage multiple next-generation firewalls (NGFWs).
5. Check Point
Check Point comes with a next-generation firewall. Moreover, it is powered by Quantum Security Gateways. Apart from that, Check Point provides the following security solutions:
- Intrusion prevention systems
- Anti-bot
- Application control
- URL filtering
- Better threat extraction through SandBlast Zero-Day Protection
Hence, if your company has a lot of sandboxing requirements for high-traffic applications, you must choose Check Point above anything else. Apart from that, Check Point firewall is also compatible with a hybrid infrastructure. Moreover, it provides control through centralised management.
Comparing the Best Next Generation Firewalls
The following table consists of an NGFW comparison, with the help of which you will be able to choose the one that aligns with your security requirements:
| NGFWs | Threat Detection and Prevention | Scalability | Advanced Sandboxing | Price |
| Sangfor Network Secure | Yes | Yes | Available | Case-by-case basis/Variable (Reach out for a quote) |
| Fortinet | Yes | Yes | Available | Around $500 |
| Cisco | Yes | Yes | Available | Variable (Reach out for a quote) |
| Palo Alto | Yes | Yes | Available | Around $1000 |
| Check Point | Yes | Yes | Available | Around $3000 |
Secure Your Organization Now
As of 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have become essential components of next-generation firewalls. These advanced technologies enable precise threat detection, automated analysis, and the ability to identify and block zero-day threats in real time. When evaluating a next-generation firewall for your organization, it is also crucial to ensure that it supports cloud-native security. This capability enhances both scalability and data protection across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
This overview has outlined the foundational elements of modern firewalls for advanced threat protection. For a deeper understanding of firewall technologies and their role in network security, we recommend reviewing the “What Is a Network Firewall” glossary entry for more comprehensive insights.
