I use the solution in my company for VPN connectivity and security purposes.
IT Manager at Jabalpur Motors Ltd
Easy to manage and has an easy initial setup phase
Pros and Cons
- "The product's initial setup phase was straightforward."
- "The product's user interface has certain shortcomings where improvements are required."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature of the solution stems from its ability to block websites.
What needs improvement?
The product's user interface has certain shortcomings where improvements are required.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Sophos XG for a year and a half.
Buyer's Guide
Sophos XG
April 2025

Learn what your peers think about Sophos XG. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: April 2025.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
There are no stability issues in the product.
How are customer service and support?
The solution's technical support was good. I rate the technical support a ten out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I don't have experience with any other product apart from Sophos XG.
How was the initial setup?
The product's initial setup phase was straightforward.
The solution can be deployed in two months.
What was our ROI?
The product doesn't help save time or money in our company.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Sophos XG can be considered as an averagely-priced tool in the market.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
My company chose Sophos XG over other products in the market, considering that the solution provides its users with good support and a strong firewall.
What other advice do I have?
Sophos XG has improved our company's network security.
The product's threat intelligence capabilities are very nice.
I am satisfied with the user interface of the product.
It is easy to manage the product.
The product has not been integrated with other tools.
I rate the tool a ten out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
CIO at Nuotek Limited
Provides ease of management and good out-of-the-box reporting
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable features of Sophos XG are the ease of management and good out-of-the-box reporting."
- "The solution should have the ability to be up to date with the most recent threats."
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features of Sophos XG are the ease of management and good out-of-the-box reporting.
What needs improvement?
Sophos XG requires a bit more restarting than Cisco. The main difficulty is to keep up with the current threats. The solution should have the ability to be up to date with the most recent threats.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Sophos XG for five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the solution an eight out of ten for stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Sophos XG is not a scalable solution. Depending on what you want to do, you choose the right model. You cannot buy one model and upgrade it to provide higher capacity. This is true for all firewalls, where you price it up according to current plus a percentage for future capacity. Most of our clients for Sophos XG are small to medium-sized companies.
How was the initial setup?
On a scale from one to ten, where one is difficult and ten is easy, I rate the solution’s initial setup a nine out of ten.
What about the implementation team?
In most small to medium-sized companies, the solution's deployment takes about a day. However, planning and setting up the architecture might take longer than that. Especially in live environments, you do everything in advance and don't leave a lot to chance.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Sophos XG is a reasonably priced solution.
What other advice do I have?
The solution has the ability to customize user-defined entries for more control over what you can actually set. With Sophos XG, you can use your own definitions or point to another service that uses slightly customized definitions.
Users have a tendency to go for the cloud version of Sophos XG. Over the past year, prices have unfortunately gone up with anything related to the cloud, and it's probably increasing overhead costs. The problem with the cloud is that it can be costly if you don't properly control it. You also risk ending up with nothing if you can no longer afford to pay the monthly cost.
I would recommend Sophos XG to clients who want it or specifically request it. I don't have anything against using the solution.
Overall, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Implementer
Buyer's Guide
Sophos XG
April 2025

Learn what your peers think about Sophos XG. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: April 2025.
851,823 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Co-Founder at Multitechservers
A reliable product that provides remote VPN capability and multifactor authentication
Pros and Cons
- "The multifactor authentication is helpful because whenever the user wants to connect to the firewall, they have to use the authenticator before they can access it."
- "Technical support can be slow to respond, which is something that should be improved."
What is our primary use case?
We are using Sophos XG for remote two-factor authentication. We manage the web and application access, as well as the traffic. We also used it for remote, site-to-site VPNs.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature is the remote VPN.
The multifactor authentication is helpful because whenever the user wants to connect to the firewall, they have to use the authenticator before they can access it.
The LAN traffic management features such as implicit denial are very good.
What needs improvement?
Technical support can be slow to respond, which is something that should be improved.
In the future, I would like to see the addition of artificial intelligence for identifying and controlling traffic.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Sophos XG for the past year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
This is a reliable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
This product is scalable. We have approximately 400 users, spread across different departments. As our production increases and we onboard more users, we will extend the use of Sophos XG.
How are customer service and technical support?
The technical support team is good but sometimes, there is a large delay in answering the phones.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward.
What about the implementation team?
We had assistance from the vendor during the onboarding process when the system was being set up. They spotted a lot of things during the implementation, which helped.
What was our ROI?
We get a return on this investment because the inbuilt two-factor authentication means that we don't need to purchase a third-party tool for this security feature.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price is good and licensing fees are billed on a yearly basis.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We evaluated Cisco Firepower but we found that Sophos XG was more efficient in terms of cost. As such, we implemented XG.
What other advice do I have?
This is a product that I can recommend for organizations with a medium-level or large-level infrastructure.
I would rate this solution a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Implementer
Head ICT at NIC Uganda
Reliable, easy to install, reasonably-priced, with good management control
Pros and Cons
- "I like the dashboard, the interface, the management console, and the remote login."
- "I would want the level of integration to have another device on your network that is also reliable."
What is our primary use case?
We use this solution as a firewall, and for remote login during the lockdown period.
We have used Sophos client, which is connected to the firewall to help our users to log in remotely.
How has it helped my organization?
We have always used firewalls, this is just a different one that we have deployed. It allowed our clients to log in remotely.
It has also helped us with outbound and inbound account management.
We have used it to manage the usage of the sites and helping to control the internet usage during productive hours.
What is most valuable?
I like the dashboard, the interface, the management console, and the remote login.
What needs improvement?
I would like to explore network access control. I haven't seen that it is clearly deployed.
It might be something that is already in place, or if it is available on another device.
I would want the level of integration to have another device on your network that is also reliable.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Sophos XG for three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's very stable. It has never given us any problems.
When there are power failures, we have to reboot the network.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have not tested the scalability. Our users are below 100, and from the time that we got it, our number of users has not gone above that original 100.
From what I have read, it's scalable and we have plans to increase our usage. For example, we are not using the Intrusion section, which is an area that we want to use.
We also plan to install the Sophos endpoint.
We are looking at integrating the two solutions and seeing how they work.
We have been using a different antivirus for our endpoints.
How are customer service and technical support?
I haven't used technical support from Sophos. I have not required it. It's been easy for me to sort out myself.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Sophos was our first physical firewall device on our network.
Before that, we were using Linux-based open-source software firewalls.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward. It is easy to install.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price for the firewall is reasonable.
The endpoint, however, is expensive. The price is not very standard, considering where we are coming from.
What other advice do I have?
We are considering Sophos endpoint and should have it next month.
I would recommend Sophos XGto others.
I would rate Sophos XG an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
System Specialist at Databros
Provides comprehensive protection against a wide range of cyber threats
Pros and Cons
- "One feature of Sophos XG that I found incredibly beneficial for threat prevention is its endpoint protection."
- "There could be some room for improvement in its pricing since my clients usually feel like the product is on the expensive side."
What is our primary use case?
Sophos XG has greatly strengthened our network security and threat management. Its integrated EDR capabilities and seamless integration with firewalls, along with additional services like their NOC services, provide a comprehensive solution. With all these features working together, it is a complete package that ensures robust security for our clients.
What is most valuable?
One feature of Sophos XG that I found incredibly beneficial for threat prevention is its endpoint protection. It monitors all activities on our devices and effectively blocks any harmful files from infecting our machines. It has been a game-changer in preventing troubles for our customers.
What needs improvement?
While Sophos XG is a great product overall, there could be some room for improvement in its pricing since my clients usually feel like the product is on the expensive side.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Sophos XG for five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Overall, the solution is stable, and we rarely encounter glitches. Any issues that arise are usually related to Microsoft updates rather than the Sophos software itself.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I would rate the scalability of the solution as an eight out of ten. The clients I work with who use Sophos are typically small enterprises.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have worked with other firewalls like Cisco and Fortinet over my 20 years of experience. Comparing Sophos to other solutions, I have seen significant improvements over the years. While it may not have been the easiest or best software three years ago, it is continually getting better with updates. Overall, Sophos is moving in the right direction, becoming more competitive with its counterparts.
How was the initial setup?
Installing Sophos XG is straightforward and typically takes around one hour for configuration, excluding the physical setup. Usually, only one person is needed to complete the installation and configuration process. It is quite easy to maintain it.
What other advice do I have?
There was a time when our network faced a sophisticated malware attack that bypassed traditional security measures. However, with Sophos XG in place, it quickly detected and mitigated the threat before it could cause any damage. The seamless integration of software and hardware ensured there were no vulnerabilities or gaps in our defense.
The interface of Sophos XG is user-friendly and suitable for new users. It is continually improving, with updates addressing any issues promptly.
Deploying Sophos XG has led to noticeable improvements in network performance.
Overall, I would rate Sophos XG as an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Reseller
Founder and Managing Partner at a tech services company with 1-10 employees
Powerful, simple implementation, useful update scheduling
Pros and Cons
- "What I have found most valuable with the Sophos XG is it's a key component of the Intercept X EDR environment. You have to have it to receive the full benefit. If you've you are using Sophos SG firewalls, they're great firewalls and in many ways, I prefer them to the Sophos XG. Since I have set them up, programmed them, and manipulate firewall rules, et cetera, the Sophos SG's a better interface. However, the Sophos XG's very powerful. I prefer it over other solutions I have used, such as Cisco Meraki and SupportNet, I don't like them. They're not very friendly to people who have to set them up and implement them."
- "The interface of Sophos XG could be improved. I would prefer the Sophos XG to have an interface for the technician who is setting it up similar to the Sophos SG. I felt the Sophos SG user interface was superior. however, in terms of the functionality of the product, Sophos XG is in many ways more powerful than the Sophos SG. I have no complaints about the quality of the product or the end result. For someone who has used both, I preferred the old interface to the new one."
What is our primary use case?
I use Sophos XG as a network firewall.
What is most valuable?
What I have found most valuable with the Sophos XG is it's a key component of the Intercept X EDR environment. You have to have it to receive the full benefit. If you've you are using Sophos SG firewalls, they're great firewalls and in many ways, I prefer them to the Sophos XG. Since I have set them up, programmed them, and manipulate firewall rules, et cetera, the Sophos SG's a better interface. However, the Sophos XG's very powerful. I prefer it over other solutions I have used, such as Cisco Meraki and SupportNet, I don't like them. They're not very friendly to people who have to set them up and implement them.
What needs improvement?
The interface of Sophos XG could be improved. I would prefer the Sophos XG to have an interface for the technician who is setting it up similar to the Sophos SG. I felt the Sophos SG user interface was superior. however, in terms of the functionality of the product, Sophos XG is in many ways more powerful than the Sophos SG. I have no complaints about the quality of the product or the end result. For someone who has used both, I preferred the old interface to the new one.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have used Sophos XG within the last 12 months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is what I have found attractive with the whole Sophos product line. You can have a client that starts with a three-person office and grow it to a 10,000 person operation and you keep moving the configuration to the next level of power.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have used Cisco Meraki and SupportNet solutions previously.
How was the initial setup?
Sophos XG is a better solution for implementers, once you learn it. You have to learn the interface and once you do, it's straightforward. Additionally, you don't have to know the CLI as you do with Cisco, where you have to get into the command-line interface to do any powerful operations.
What about the implementation team?
Maintenance for Sophos XG it's pretty straightforward. I will receive an email if there's a firmware update that needs to be applied and any one of my team, or I will apply the update at our next convenience. You can schedule it to allow it to take place at a non-production time. For example, if I want the firmware update to apply it at 2:00 am in the morning I can schedule it. Additionally, it automatically applies pattern updates.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Sophos XG an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
Head of Operations at Intersect Technologies
Easy to deploy at customer locations and it is priced well
Pros and Cons
- "Using Sophos endpoint and the firewall, synchronized security is easy."
- "LAN inbound and outbound traffic requires more control."
What is our primary use case?
We use Sophos XG with medical institutions and corporate banks that we work with. There are approximately 20 employees working with this product in our company.
What is most valuable?
Being centralized, Sophos provides us threat protection there. Even with standalone, we are able to provide the Sophos firewall. Having an internal dashboard and a single dashboard with some endpoints is also valuable. By using Sophos endpoint and the firewall, synchronized security is easy.
What needs improvement?
I would like to see improvement with service and support. LAN inbound and outbound traffic requires more control and an additional stop.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Sophos XG for almost 10 years. We are partners with Sophos.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Stability and performance is good.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is easy to scale.
How are customer service and support?
There is no maintenance required with Sophos XG because it is a cloud product.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Previously I was using Cyberoam and Fortinet. We switched because there was a lot of hardware, and the performance was not satisfactory. We were experiencing space concerns with the hardware, the dual processor, and even the single processor. This also meant that synchronized security was not there as well.
How was the initial setup?
The initial set up of the solution was simple. It took about 20 minutes.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented the software on our own.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price is cheaper compared to others.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend Sophos XG because it is easy to deploy at customer locations and it is priced well. I would rate this product a 10 out of 10.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
Pre-sales at ITCG SOlutions Pvt Ltd
A comprehensive solution which makes available heartbeat security
Pros and Cons
- "Sophos is a comrehensive solution which allows me to configure all the attendant products, such as Sophos' firewall, Endpoint and Encryption features."
- "The response time could stand improvement."
What is most valuable?
Sophos is a comprehensive solution which allows me to configure all the attendant products, such as Sophos' firewall, Endpoint and Encryption features.
A nice feature of Sophos is that it offers in sync and heartbeat security. When my clients have a perimeter involving Sophos firewall and endpoints with Sophos Endpoint, they can communicate with each other.
Heartbeat security is a great feature.
What needs improvement?
In light of all the firmware upgrades, maintenance, feature and general releases of firmware, I really appreciate the support offered by Sophos. It is really good.
However, the response time could stand improvement, as I do not benefit from immediate support. There is a delay involved. This can be problematic when I need urgent support, such as when my device is in a production environment.
How are customer service and support?
The support is really good. With all the firmware upgrades, maintenance, feature and general firmware releases which occur nowadays, I really appreciate Sophos support. It is really good.
This said, it could be faster, as it is not immediate. This can be problematic when I require urgent support, such as when my device is in a production environment.
How was the initial setup?
When it comes to the firewall, everything hinges on the configuration. Every firewall is good, but one can see the importance of the configuration in the firewalls of Sophos and SonicWall. This is the most important thing, since users occcasionally disable the app control, IPS or anti-spyware features. They do this out of a lack of familiarity with the security, something which allows attacks to occur. Therefore, the configuration is key. I configure every firewall I employ, be it Sophos, SonicWall or Fortinet.
I have not encountered any issues when it comes to the configuration.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I was a gold partner with Sophos XG. As such, I make suggestions about the appropriate model in line with my customer's requirements. Essentially, over the last two years of the COVID-19 crises, most users required an SSL VPN license, something for which SonicWall charges but which Sophos offers for free.
SSL VPN involves two factor authentication. This is free of charge. Both email and key OTP are options. While SonicWall also offers SSL VPN capabilities, it is problematic. When I needed a license, I purchased an additional perpetual SSL VPN license.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
SonicWall makes available all the different models, such as TZ and NSA. I am familiar with all the models. Sophos only has an entry-level model, which is actually 87, 107 and 116.
Fortinet offers the Forti ATF model.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend the solution to other clients, but make certain to first understand their individual needs. I would be doing them a disservice were it otherwise.
I really like Sophos.
In the past, when Sophos employed XG firewall, I was forced to deal with a slow GUI. This is because its back-end kernel is Linux. Now that XGS is provided, many changes can be seen in the hardware appliance. The hardware has been upgraded. The XGS firewall is faster than the XG series, so the problem has been resolved.
While I rate Fortinet as a nine out of ten, I give Sophos XG a rating of eight.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: partner

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Sophos XG Firewall is one of the best firewalls we have used till date. 2FA, Remote VPN also a number of features it has.