Home network security is now as essential as the use of cash as people operate in the cybersphere. Proliferation of smart devices and remote service delivery makes hacking, phishing and malware challenges more proactive than ever.

A home firewall device is a hardware based firewall that safeguards your network from intrusion by malicious sources while at home. While software firewalls are less expensive and similar to regular programs running on a computer or a server.

These dedicated devices offer powerful hardware-based protection and such extra features as content filtering and parent control. Choosing the best home firewall devices might sometimes be difficult because there are so many products out there.

Below, you will find a guide of the best home firewall devices available on the market, and special attention will be paid to their main characteristics. This way you can protect your family and have a number of other benefits using only one reliable firewall device.

Read More

Train Your Brain With 10 Best Home Neurofeedback Devices

Doctor-Recommended Best Neck Traction Device for Home

Overview of Firewall Devices

Firewalls are unique tools and are indispensable to any network that seeks to provide protection. They are used as firewalls that filter inbound and outbound traffic to prevent any longing yet allowing the right communication.

They are, for the most part, distinguished into two groups, namely hardware and software firewalls. Though SW firewalls may be bundled with OS, a separate HW solution is much more efficient and comes with customized features.

A residential firewall appliance is specially intended for home networks. These standalone devices are unlike conventional software firewalls specifically built to address the increased number of connected devices in today’s households, including smart thermostats, security cameras, and video game consoles. They facilitate the management of a single point of control, for ease of enforcing security principles in the multiple units.

A major strength of a hardware firewall is that it can analyze traffic at a lower OSI layer than a software firewall and do so without slowing the system down. Also, most of the devices have extra built-in services that seem as firewalls which are VPN support, marvelous threat identification, and even parental control features. These capabilities make them a worthy investment for any household that would wish to protect sensitive information and also for a hassle free connection.  

Knowledge about these gadgets’ significance and roles can help you to improve your home’s security in cyberspace. If you want to make the right choices to safeguard the network then, you must be empowered with the right information.

Top 5 Best Home Firewall Devices 

Selecting the best home firewall device is not easy given the fact that there are many devices in the market. The best choice therefore is going to vary based on the number of devices in your home, level of security required, and usability. Here, you will find information about some of the best home firewall devices, their specifications, advantages, and disadvantages.

1. Synology RT6600ax 

Most well-known for its networking components, Synology has the RT6600ax, a home firewall device with considerable Wi-Fi capabilities that incorporates Wi-Fi 6, a home/Small Business device. This device has incredibly high speed, with tri-band it provides internet access for up to 3,000 square feet.

Essential capabilities of RT6600ax are internet threat protection through Synology’s threat intelligence, VPN support as a server as well as a client, and parental control system. 

The device is also designed with an easy-to use web based management interface to configure and control your home network. Furthermore, it does offer additional Synology services such as data storage and synchronization of cloud data, which will increase the role of the Synology RT6600ax in a wider home network environment.

Pros: One of the best Wi-Fi connectivity with Wi-Fi 6. High-level protection with threat detection in real time. VPN and Cloud services integration. 

Cons: This has made them attain some higher price levels as compared to those entry level models in the market. This is because unlike some of the other routers that provide a long range, the tri-band design is limited in highly congested environments. 

2. Netgear Nighthawk AX12 

The Netgear Nighthawk AX12 is a brand new WiFi 6 router that is an effective home firewall all integrated in one device. Its sleek design and ability to stand up to high usage, it’s a great home hub for multiple devices including streaming services, gaming systems, and smart devices.

This firewall device is quite special because it has special features like NETGEAR Armor, powered by Bitdefender; which offers protection against cyber threats in real time. It also has VPN support which means you can securely connect remotely with your home network. 

Being a dual band router, the device offers fast data transfer rate through wireless internet connection in different bandwidth that can support multi-screen, 4k stream, game and other bandwidth-demanding tasks.

Pros: Wi-Fi 6 technology proves that faster speed and a more stable connection are possible. Premium security with NETGEAR Armor. Reliable physical connection that can support numerous other high intensive devices. 

Cons: Higher price point. Perceived ease of use increases with setup being less complicated for non technical users. 

3. Fortinet FortiGate 40F 

The Fortinet FortiGate 40F is a great hardware firewall which is compact in size suitable for home office and small businesses. It offers top-notch business protection, even though it is designed for average consumers. In addition to the above features, this device runs on the familiar Fortinet security services, such as threat intelligence, VPN capabilities, and content filtering.

The FortiGate 40F is equipped with high network traffic inspection speed, which is among the highest in home firewall devices. It smoothly connects with additional FortiCare services to provide more protection capabilities for your network to be safeguarded from emerging threats. 

The device also consists of FortiOS, which is an extremely friendly operating system to use, customers are capable of controlling the network as well as the security policies on the network.

Pros: Security for an organization at personal computer price. A high throughput and low latency. Comes with a lot of protection solutions like Virtual Private Network and intrusion prevention systems. 

Cons: Configuration of the firewall may pose a challenge to the users in case they have little knowledge on how Firewall works. Lacks wireless access to the internet, meaning extra peripherals are needed. 

4. TP-Link SafeStream TL-R605 

If you are looking for an affordable NAS that will not skimp on security, then the TP-Link SafeStream TL-R605 is present for you. Another for the power users, which costs a lot less than professional analogs, this device is perfect for home connections and provides simple firewall functions, including VPN connection, threat scan, and bandwidth control.

In our opinion, the TL-R605 router will be suitable for relatively limited families, or those who do not need much complexity in protecting their home network. It has a simple web application for VPN client and server along with its breakdown feature; users can have reliable and secure remote connection and access as well as browsing.

It also has an Intrusion detection system (IDS), and an Intrusion prevention system (IPS) it offers a layer of security that averted suspicious activities from happening.

Pros: Basic home firewall protection at an incredibly low price. Relatively easy to set up and use offering a web based method of administration. List of features of this model of tablet includes VPN and security.

Cons:Somewhat restricted use in larger or more complex home networking situations. Limited connectivity or lack Wi-Fi compatibility; requires another router.

5. Firewalla Gold

The Firewalla Gold is one of the most feature-full and easy to use home firewall devices that received attention from people to secure their home networks. Considering the low-level and experienced users’ appeals, this device provides instant connection for using and does not require professional setup.

The key features which make Firewalls Gold different from other routers are that it can connect with smart home gadgets and control network activity. Bandwidth monitoring, threats, VPN compatibility and generating real-time alerts are other attributes of this software.

The device also offers parental controls to help parents avoid exposing their kids to any form of content they do not wish and setting time limits on the amount of time children spend on devices.

Pros: One of the most attractive features – installation can be done without having advanced knowledge in technologies. Some elements include bandwidth and traffic analysis tools for monitoring the whole system deeply. Very suitable for families, with tight settings possibilities for a child’s activity.

Cons: More expensive than certain other entry level firewalls. Needs the cable connection for it to perform best during the gameplay.

Conclusion  

Home firewall device is crucial when it comes to protecting you and your family’s digital lives thus; you should invest in the best home firewall device. With the advancement of cyber threats for your networks, a home network becomes inevitable and not a luxury to acquire.

An efficient firewall prevents intrusion, protects your privacy, and provides optimum connectivity for all interfaces simultaneously.

Sophisticated devices are Fortinet FortiGate 40F and Netgate 4100 pfSense Plus while compact and easy-to-use ones are TP-Link ER7206 Omada.

Parents and children will appreciate the simplicity and availability of parental controls; geeks will be satisfied with flexible settings and high network speed. In fact, affordable protection solutions exist which enable users on a more stringent budget to enjoy good protection too.

If you are currently deciding to deploy this on either a small or large network and need high or low performance or depending on the security required; you need to make the right choice of a device to go with. It is therefore possible to strike a balance with the firewall and enjoy some level of security and a good value.

Being in the digital era, information security should be a cornerstone of any organization. A home firewall device is not only an element of protection, but a safeguard for your family. You have to make sure that your home has the right type of firewall installed, and protect against cyber threats while living an all access lifestyle.