The T-Series from WatchGuard has been a reliable network security solution for years, and they aren’t done delivering upgraded value for small and growing companies. When it comes to comparing the WatchGuard T45 vs T145, there are quite a few specs to consider here.
Businesses won’t have to worry about the T45 phasing out any time soon, making it a great option if it’s the suitable choice. However, you won’t really know which model is best unless you dig into the data.
The T45 is more than ideal for distributed networks and hybrid work environments. With the T145, you’re getting a stronger focus on evolving network demands, as well as improved power and scalability. This article compares these two firewalls from the T-Series lineup to help you gain a better idea of which model is right for your existing and future network security demands.
A New Addition to the WatchGuard Firewall Collection
Highlighting the new addition from this security provider, the WatchGuard T145 has a lot to be excited about. Built with evolving businesses in mind, it not only delivers enterprise-grade security but also the promise of scalability.
That gets harder to find as time ages older models, even if they still have a few years left before they meet their end-of-life (EOL) date. Other highlights from this new firewall include integrated fiber connectivity, a modular design, and plenty of customization options for setup. Again, to really understand how this model aligns with your network security needs, it helps to make some clear comparisons with the T45.
What is the WatchGuard Firewall T45?
Aimed at small offices and branch networks, the T45 comes with a lot of the security capabilities that new businesses need. While this particular original model has been discontinued since April, it’s still gaining backend support up until January of 2031.
Nevertheless, here are a few important specs to focus on:
To many businesses just getting their start in network security, this doesn’t look too bad on paper. In the same vein, comparing this to the scope of scalability, the T145 is a firewall WatchGuard put in place to support this exact need.
What is the WatchGuard Firewall T145?
Operating with the promise of high performance for small to mid-size companies, the T145 WatchGuard Technologies firewall is a great addition to the T-Series lineup. It’s built with scalability and adaptability in mind and comes with a range of specs and features perfect for growing businesses.
Here’s how the surface-level specs compare to the T45:
As you can see, for the most part, the T145 from WatchGuard is stronger in almost every category here. It’s important to remember that your decision-making shouldn’t be purely based on specs alone.
Considering the future of your growing business and network security is a big part of this as well. Overall, it helps to put the data side by side, so you know exactly what you’re dealing with from both firewall models.
Comparing the WatchGuard T45 vs T145
If you were to read every line from both datasheets, there’s a good chance it’ll only make your decision process harder than it needs to be. To help simplify this a bit, the table below offers a summarized yet detailed look into both datasheets and what you can expect for the most part.
| Specifications | WatchGuard T45 | WatchGuard T145 |
|---|---|---|
| Firewall Throughput (Gbps) | 3.94 | 3.90 |
| VPN Throughput (Gbps) | 1.58 | 1.94 |
| IPS Throughput (Mbps/Gbps) | 716 | 1.03 |
| Antivirus Throughput (Mbps/Gbps) | 874 | 1.06 |
| UTM (Mbps) | 557 | 710 |
| VLANs | 50 | Unrestricted |
| Concurrent Connections | 3,850,000 | 3,850,000 |
| New Connections per Second | 26,500 | 26,500 |
| Interfaces | 5 x 1Gb ports | 1 x 2.5 GbE 4 x 1 GbE 1 x SFP/SFP+ |
| I/O Interfaces | 1 Serial 2 USB | 1 Serial 2 USB-A 3.2 |
Even with a few shared similarities, you can see where the T145 comes out with a few stronger capabilities. Remember that this doesn’t automatically make it the best option for everyone, and you should always compare these specs with the current demands of your business network.
The Final Word
Regardless of the differences found in the comparison between WatchGuard T45 vs T145, both models provide reliable, enterprise-grade security. While the original T45 isn’t available to purchase anymore, it has been replaced with the equally notable T45-POE version.
Aside from that, it can’t be argued with that the newer T145 brings a little extra power across several categories in specifications. For those trying to determine which route they should take, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Firewalls for the knowledgeable expertise you need to hone in on the right decision.
FAQ
What’s the Main Difference Between the WatchGuard T45 and T145?
While the T45 is more than reliable for small offices just starting out, the T145 focuses on higher performance, scalability, and adaptability to small to mid-size companies.
How do These Firewalls Enhance Data Security?
Both of these WatchGuard Technologies firewalls promise data security in numerous ways, heavily supported by WatchGuard’s Total Security Suite. This also includes benefits like antivirus, intrusion prevention, VPN, and secure connectivity.
Which Firewall is Better for Future-Proofing Networks?
The T145 is more future-ready, with supportive capabilities like higher throughput, unrestricted VLAN support, and many other angles. While the T45 is a great option, it doesn’t do as well in terms of future-proofing and scalability.


