With many businesses facing the need for new firewall hardware, it’s important to look into what the new generations have to offer. More specifically, comparing the WatchGuard Firebox M470 vs M495 shows exactly that, but that also includes reviewing the specs.
Security providers generally put out new firewall models every three to five years or so. For example, the M470’s end of sales comes mid-2028, but it’s essential to prepare long before that.
Both of these firewalls promise high performance; however, it’s the differences that guide your decision-making. This article focuses on WatchGuard Firebox M470 vs the M495 for those who are preparing for a transition or building their security stack from the ground up.
Understanding the Old and the New
Geared toward small and mid-range growing businesses, it isn’t hard to see the similarities in this firewall comparison. Then again, you’ll find the differences highlighted when you start to look through the capabilities, max connections, and port options.
This isn’t to say other details in the datasheets don’t matter, but it also doesn’t hurt to streamline your thought process. Reviewing this next generation firewall comparison for best choice solutions from Firewalls.com is all you need to end up with the right model.
What is the WatchGuard Firebox M470
It’s helpful to note that even though the M470 is an older model, its specs and capabilities still hold up in today’s world. However, that doesn’t mean it’s forever, as they only have a few years left before they reach the end of the road.
Here are some of the leading specs that highlight the M470’s capabilities:
- Firewall Throughput: 19.6 Gbps
- VPN Throughput: 5.2 Gbps
- Antivirus Throughput: 3.5 Gbps
- IPS Throughput: 5.7 Gbps
- Concurrent Connections: 3,800,000
Although this is more than enough for plenty of businesses today, it’s a short-term solution due to the (EOL) date. The M495 is among several other new models from WatchGuard Technologies firewalls in the M-Series, and it definitely comes with a few upgrades.
What is the WatchGuard Firebox M495?
A leading small business firewall from WatchGuard, the M495 is the model that’s next in line. Considering the M470 is on its way out, it’s crucial that existing users of the M470 have the perfect segue lined up.
Find a few surface-level examples of the spec differences in the list below:
- Firewall Throughput: 37 Gbps
- VPN Throughput: 10 Gbps
- Antivirus Throughput: 6.3 Gbps
- IPS Throughput: 7.4 Gbps
- Concurrent Connections: 6,000,000
It’s easy to see where the M495 comes with some improvements, but there are plenty of other hardware details that matter here. Whether you’re looking to make an upgrade from an existing model or just getting started with your security stack, the M495 is a great option for a variety of reasons.
WatchGuard Firebox M470 vs M495 Firewall Comparison
The issue isn’t finding a reliable security provider, but understanding how to be proactive in upgrading your security stack over time. In the table below, you’ll get an expanded yet direct look at some of the comparable specs that matter most.
| Specification | M470 | M495 |
|---|---|---|
| Firewall Throughput (Gbps) | 19.6 | 37 |
| VPN Throughput (Gbps) | 5.2 | 10 |
| Antivirus Throughput (Gbps) | 3.5 | 6.3 |
| IPS Throughput (Gbps) | 5.7 | 7.4 |
| UTM Throughput (Gbps) | 3.1 | 6.3 |
| Concurrent Connections | 3,800,000 | 6,000,000 |
| VLANs | 300 | Unrestricted |
| VPN Tunnels | 250 | 800 |
| Network Interfaces | 8 x 1 GB fiber | 12 x 2.5 Gbps RJ45 2 x 10 Gbps RJ45 2 x 1 Gbps SFP 2 x 10 Gbps SFP+ |
| I/O Interfaces | 1 Serial 2 USB | 1 Serial 2 USB-A 3.2 |
There’s no doubt that the M495 is the best long-term option, but the M470 still has time on the market before it’s out of commission. Overall, it comes down to a combination of your existing network demands and where you plan to be in the near future.
Final Thoughts
Aside from the understandably reliable performance of the M470 at this time, its eventual end will leave many businesses looking at the M495. This isn’t a sign for an immediate upgrade for some, but it’s also the right starting option for others.
Considering your unique network security demands, it always helps to get a little extra guidance beyond just comparing WatchGuard Firebox M470 vs M495 specs. Get in touch with our team at Firewalls.com, and we’ll make sure you end up with the most future-proof decision.
FAQ
What is the Main Difference Between the WatchGuard Firebox M470 and M495?
The M495 offers better future-proof performance across firewall, VPN, antivirus, and IPS throughput. It also supports more concurrent connections, VLANs, and upgraded overall hardware.
Is the M470 Still a Viable Option for Businesses Today?
While the M470’s specs are still suitable for many businesses, this will only be the case for a few more years at best. The M470 meets its end of life in mid-2028.
Which Firewall is Better for Growing Businesses?
At this time, the M495 in this firewall comparison is better suited for growing organizations that want to maintain years of network security support. This is through its performance capabilities and the fact that it still has years on the market before an EOL gets announced.
Do Both Firewalls Support VPN Connections for Remote Offices?
Yes, both the M470 and M495 support branch and mobile VPNs. It’s also important to note that the M495 can handle more VPN tunnels, making it even better for distributed workforces.
How Do I Decide Which WatchGuard Model is Right for My Business Network?
Starting with your existing network demands, other important angles include expected growth and the scale of future-proofing you’re looking for. Between these two models, the M470 is better for smaller networks, whereas the M495 is the better option when it comes to scalability.
