There’s plenty to choose from under the WatchGuard Technologies firewall lineup. For those working with the M690 or simply looking to upgrade, you have a new option to look forward to. In the scope of WatchGuard Firewall M690 vs M695, there are quite a few changes to review here.
It goes deeper than surface-level specifications, as it’s also about ensuring your data security solutions are as future-proof as possible. The first thing you’ll notice between the two firewalls is that the M695 comes with some upgraded throughput capabilities.
Not only are we here to review those numbers, but also other specs that matter when it comes to understanding the full picture for your decision-making. This article dives into several important details behind WatchGuard Firewall M690 vs M695, so you know what next steps you need to take for your company’s network security measures.
Exploring the Heights of New WatchGuard Firebox Models
Recently, WatchGuard released several new models to the market. This move is great for existing users and those looking for a starter firewall that aligns with their current network demands. This comparison is an important step in your decision-making, not only for your current network demands, but to help future-proof your cybersecurity.
Network threats in this landscape are only becoming more cunning and complex, and it’s vital to stay ahead of the curve. As challenging as that can be at times, having the right firewall hardware is a core component to beating the threats before they become a problem.
What is the WatchGuard Firebox M690?
Optimized for up to 750 users, the M690 is more than enough for many modern businesses. However, it won’t be a permanent solution for any company that’s expecting growth on the horizon.
Here’s a quick look at some of the most important details in the hardware:
- Firewall Throughput: Up to 29.7 Gbps
- VPN Throughput: Up to 10 Gbps
- IPS Throughput: 5.8 Gbps
- Antivirus Throughput: 6.2 Gbps
- Concurrent Connections: 15,000,000
Don’t get me wrong, these specs are pretty impressive as is, but that doesn’t mean it’s built with the scalability you need. In the realm of this firewall comparison, the only way to know for sure is to size this data up against what the M695 has to offer.
What is the WatchGuard Firewall M695?
A next-gen firewall focusing on growing small business cybersecurity, the WatchGuard M695 is rated for up to 2,000 users on a network. Moreover, the new gen is also compatible with Basic and Total Security Suites, just like the previous generation.
Here’s a quick look at how the M695 compares on the surface:
- Firewall Throughput: Up to 45 Gbps
- VPN Throughput: Up to 13 Gbps
- IPS Throughput: 10.8 Gbps
- Antivirus Throughput: 11.5 Gbps
- Concurrent Connections: 30,000,000
These are some pretty staggering capabilities, especially compared to the M690. While this doesn’t mean it’s the guaranteed best option for your operation right now, it is a clear glimpse of what might be needed for a growing network. Once again, there are several other specifications that play a role in your decision-making here, and it’s important to consider them all.
A WatchGuard Firewall M690 vs M695 Comparison
As with any firewall comparison, the details in the datasheet matter quite a bit. Then again, I’m sure we can all agree that datasheets can be pretty technical and challenging to sort through with clarity. That’s why in the table below, you’ll find a clear-cut look into some of the most important specs you’ll want to review between the M690 and M695.
| Specification | M690 | M695 |
|---|---|---|
| Firewall Throughput (Gbps) | 29.7 | 45 |
| VPN Throughput (Gbps) | 10 | 13 |
| IPS Throughput (Gbps) | 5.8 | 10.8 |
| Antivirus Throughput (Gbps) | 6.2 | 11.5 |
| UTM Throughput (Gbps) | 4.6 | 10.2 |
| Concurrent Connections | 15,000,000 | 30,000,000 |
| Branch Office VPNs | 1,000 | 2,000 |
| VLANs | 1,000 | Unrestricted |
| Interfaces | 8 x 1Gb 2 x SFP+ 2 x 10Gb multispeed | 12 x 2.5 Gbps RJ45 2 x 10 Gbps RJ45 4 x 1 Gbps SFP 4 x 10 Gbps SFP+ |
| I/O Interfaces | 1 x Serial 2 x USB | 1 x Serial 2 x USB-A 3.2 |
For those wondering which model comes out as the stronger option, it’s definitely the M695. Nevertheless, bigger isn’t always better when it comes to comparing these specs to the current demands of your network security. It’s all about working with what you need while giving yourself room to grow. That’s just one of many examples of why the M695 is the perfect segue from the M690.
The Bottom Line
While it’s true that the M695 brings more to the table in comparison, it helps to keep in mind that both of these WatchGuard Technologies firewalls are more than viable. Whereas the M690 is more ideal for small to mid-size networks, the M695 is aimed at growing networks on their way to enterprise-level, with heavier network traffic.
Overall, this comparison of WatchGuard Firewall M690 vs M695 highlights exactly what you need to know to make an informed decision. However, getting some extra insight on the topic never hurts either. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Firewalls.com team with any questions or concerns you might have about choosing between the M690 and M695 for your business network.
FAQ
How Many Users Can Each Firewall Effectively Support?
The M690 is optimal for networks with up to 750 users, and the M695 handles significantly larger environments, supporting up to 2,000 users.
What Performance Improvements Does the M695 Offer Over the M690?
With the M695, you’re getting faster throughput capabilities across several specifications, including higher IPS and antivirus processing. This also comes with the promise of double the concurrent connections, making it more than suitable for high-traffic networks.
Can Both Firewalls Be Easily Managed by IT Teams?
Most definitely, both of these WatchGuard firewall models come with intuitive network management tools that simplify monitoring, configuration, and overall security administration.
Are the M690 and M695 Suitable for Remote Office Setups?
Yes, both firewalls support branch office VPNs, but the M695 accommodates more VPN connections, which is more ideal for larger distributed networks.
Which Firewall is More Future-Proof for Growing Businesses?
In this firewall comparison, the M695 is the clear choice if you’re looking for a more future-proof setup. This includes better support for scalability and unrestricted VLANs for overall growth and evolving network demands.
