Firewall Cost and Considerations | Cybersecurity 101

How much does a firewall cost?

The cost of a firewall can range from as little as $5 per month for basic software solutions to tens of thousands of dollars for enterprise-grade hardware appliances. Additional ongoing costs like subscriptions, management services, and support can significantly impact the total price.

Key takeaways:

This guide breaks down the factors that influence the cost of firewalls, from the upfront price tag to ongoing maintenance fees. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to expect when budgeting for a firewall to keep your business secure, plus practical tips to help you make an informed decision.

Learn more about Firewalls with our Comprehensive Guide

What determines firewall costs?

When it comes to firewalls, pricing isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. There are several key factors that determine how much you’ll pay, including:

Type of firewall

Hardware Firewalls are physical devices installed within a network. They are ideal for businesses that need strong, reliable protection. Entry-level appliances start at around $1,000, while high-performance models for enterprises can exceed $20,000.
Software Firewalls are applications installed on a device. These are often more affordable, starting as low as $5-$50 per month for individuals or small businesses. However, they may be less robust for organizational needs.
Cloud-based Firewalls (FWaaS) offer scalability and flexible pricing. Monthly fees typically range between $10 and $100 per user, depending on features and providers.

Features and add-onsAdvanced features such as intrusion detection/prevention, VPN functionality, and traffic monitoring will increase costs. You’ll also likely pay more for features like centralized management and AI-based monitoring.
Management and support costsManaged firewall services (MFS), where specialists monitor and maintain your firewall, can range from $50-$300 per month. These services are essential for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that lack in-house cybersecurity expertise.
Scalability and licensingPricing may vary based on the number of users, devices, or endpoints in your environment. Be cautious about “per-seat” licensing models, as they can become expensive as your organization grows.
Ongoing maintenance and subscription feesRenewal costs for subscriptions, firmware updates, or extended warranties can add $100-$1,000 annually, depending on the hardware or software provider.

Firewall cases for all businesses

Firewalls are non-negotiable. They are the frontline defense to safeguard personal, financial, and confidential data against unauthorized access and cyber threats. As a first layer of security, managed firewalls and hardware solutions provide visibility and control over network traffic, while software and cloud options are ideal for hybrid workforces and SMBs due to their flexibility and scalability.

Suggested budgeting tips

Start with a risk assessment: Before investing, evaluate your network’s size, the type of data you handle, and the cyber risks your organization faces.
Consider TCO (Total Cost of Ownership): Hardware might be expensive upfront, but cloud-based alternatives may have higher long-term costs.
Factor in growth: Choose scalable solutions to support the future needs of your workforce.
Leverage expert services: Managed firewall services can save you time and effort, ensuring professionals are monitoring your network 24/7. A managed firewall combined with a managed EDR solution offers a highly effective, layered defense strategy. The firewall protects your network perimeter, while the EDR guards endpoints against sophisticated threats, offering comprehensive protection from potential malicious actors

Government and industry resources

For more information on cybersecurity best practices and firewall implementations, visit the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) or explore the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

EDR vs. antivirus: The key differences

So, what is the difference between EDR and antivirus when cybercriminals are using stealth tactics, zero-day exploits, and fileless attacks? Is a simple bouncer enough to protect your business, or do you need a full-blown security squad? Which one should you rely on? Let’s break it down.

Feature	Traditional AV	EDR
Detection	Signature-based (known threats)	Behavior-based (unknown and advanced threats)
Response	Quarantines/deletes files	Isolates endpoints, kills processes, and rolls back damage
Visibility	Limited	Full system activity visibility
Threat Hunting	No	Yes

FAQs about Firewall Costs

Basic software firewalls can cost as low as $5 per month, but they may offer limited protection compared to hardware or cloud solutions.

Not necessarily, but MFS can greatly simplify network security for businesses without dedicated IT teams.

It depends on your needs. Hardware offers robust protection for internal networks, while cloud options work well for remote teams or hybrid environments.

Yes, there are free options, but they usually come with limited features and may not offer adequate protection for businesses.

Key factors include the type of firewall, licensing, features, number of users, and whether you opt for managed services.

Key takeaways

Antivirus is like a security guard checking IDs. It works, but only for known threats. They are an essential entry level of cybersecurity that helps protect your network and data against cyber threats. The costs can vary based on your business needs, so it’s important to assess your specific requirements and partner with a managed cybersecurity expert.