Third-party reviews: Check Point alternatives and competitors

In 2024, increased attacks on serverless technologies, predicted by Google Cloud's Security report, became a reality. Misconfigured cloud environments contributed to 30% of incidents in the first half of the year. That’s why it’s important not only to choose a robust Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) cybersecurity solution but also to ensure it is properly configured to protect your company.

In this article, we’ll compare Check Point alternatives, including NordLayer, Fortinet, and Zscaler, to help organizations find the best solutions for enhanced security and protection.

In brief, 

• Check Point, Fortinet, and Zscaler are enterprise-level providers with effective but costly and complex solutions. 
• While NordLayer doesn’t cover all SASE features, it offers a highly-rated solution with some SSE features (part of SASE). It also stands out for its proactive configuration assistance and 24/7 support.

Let’s explore these solutions and see which one might best suit your organization's protection and security needs.

Check Point software overview

Check Point Software is a long-standing player in the cybersecurity market. It was founded in 1993 and has offices around the world, including in sanctioned countries such as Russia and Belarus. 

Check Point offers a wide array of cybersecurity software solutions, but here are the main five areas. 

1. Cloud (Check Point CloudGuard): Provides cloud security services to protect public, private, and hybrid environments. It includes firewall, threat prevention, and posture management software.
2. Security for remote users (Harmony): Protects remote users with endpoint security tools. Harmony secures devices, web browsing, email, and collaboration software solutions.
3. Security ops (Horizon): Supports security operations by providing services for threat detection, incident response, and automation.
4. Network security (Quantum): Delivers advanced firewall and intrusion prevention services to protect networks. 
5. All (Infinity Platform): Integrates multiple security products into one platform. This product covers network, cloud, and endpoint security.

As you can see, Check Point offers a wide range of products that can address various security needs from a product standpoint.

Most mentioned product strengths

Check Point Software offers features that help to secure various network infrastructure and cyber security aspects. Here are some mentioned by users:

1. Secure network access for businesses
2. Advanced threat prevention and real-time threat detection
3. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) features
4. Deep packet inspection and SSL inspection
5. Firewall with VPN access management for remote users
6. Geo-location filtering and detailed URL filtering
7. Zero-day attack protection with quick patch updates for vulnerabilities
8. Network mapping and compliance testing across environments
9. Environment-specific reports generated for better oversight

Most mentioned overall product benefits of Check Point

Here are some things users often mentioned about Check Point products overall:

1. Well-known and respected in the industry
2. Reliable and effective
3. Unified security management system
4. Centralized firewall management with easy server integration
5. User-friendly interface
6. Minimal need for daily adjustments after the setup

Limitations of Check Point

Despite its strengths, Check Point Software may have some limitations that might not align with the needs of every organization. They might include:

1. Complicated and costly pricing
2. Complex setup and configuration
3. Slowing down during heavy traffic
4. Difficult advanced features and services
5. Slow, upgrade-focused support
6. Overwhelming product range
7. Lacks competitive SD-WAN alternatives
8. VPN client issues on MacOS

Disclaimer: This product review is based on information provided on VPN review sites and social networking forums such as Gartner, G2, and Reddit. It also assessed customer feedback shared on these platforms, accessed on August 13, 2024.

Let's look at Check Point alternatives.

1. NordLayer

Overview of NordLayer

NordLayer is a network security solution designed to provide safe access to company resources from any location. It provides protection for networks, facilitates remote work, and aids in meeting compliance requirements. Developed by Nord Security, the creators of the popular NordVPN service, NordLayer offers a multi-layered defense for your network.

NordLayer assists organizations in implementing Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and Secure Web Gateway (SWG) principles, with a focus on the Secure Service Edge (SSE). It delivers SaaS security features to control access to the internet, resources, and networks.

NordLayer’s flexibility makes it a good fit for businesses of all sizes that need scalable protection.  

Product strengths

NordLayer addresses three key business needs. First, it helps enable secure internet access, including for remote employees, and protection while browsing. Second, it segments and controls access to company resources. Third, it helps companies ensure compliance with key cybersecurity regulatory frameworks through easy-to-use visibility dashboards and straightforward identity and access management.

NordLayer primarily focuses on network protection and provides key SSE features, including:

• Shared gateways and virtual private gateways
• Quantum safe encryption
• Dedicated servers with Fixed IP
• Cloud Firewall
• Device Posture Security
• IP allowlisting
• Web protection (formerly Threatblock)
• DNS Filtering capabilities
• NordLynx VPN protocol
• Browser Extension that enhances performance while ensuring secure browsing

Overall product benefits of NordLayer

Compared to larger solutions discussed in this article, NordLayer offers several key advantages:

• Transparent pricing, with plans starting at $7 per user per month
• Proactive setup support to minimize misconfiguration risks
• 24/7 live support, dedicated account managers, and personalized assistance
• Direct influence on product development and growth

Limitations of NordLayer

Despite its many strengths, NordLayer has some limitations:

• Less established brand and not as widely recognized
• Fewer features and capabilities
• Slows down the internet connection when using the VPN
• Can't adjust team size online; need to contact support to downgrade
• Sometimes, NordVPN and NordLayer are confused

NordLayer reviews

Users frequently praise NordLayer for its ease of use, even for those without extensive IT knowledge. They also appreciate the helpful support provided at every stage.

Disclaimer: This product review is based on information provided on our website, VPN review sites and social networking forums such as Gartner, G2, and TechRadar. It also assessed customer feedback shared on these platforms, accessed on August 13, 2024.

2. Fortinet

Overview of Fortinet

Fortinet is a well-known cybersecurity provider, established over 20 years ago in California. Overall, Fortinet is a versatile option for medium to large enterprises protection.

The company specializes in network security, unified SASE, and cloud security for enterprises. While Fortinet does offer solutions for small and midsize businesses, user reviews suggest that it is particularly well-suited for large companies that can benefit from using multiple Fortinet products together. 

Most mentioned product strengths

Fortinet’s products are designed to offer comprehensive security services with a focus on performance and scalability.

1. Well-built, stable hardware, particularly for perimeter firewalls
2. Next-Generation Firewall featuring AV, IPS, web filtering, application control, and VPN
3. Advanced Threat Protection
4. Functions as a wireless controller at no additional cost
5. FortiGuard Labs threat intelligence
6. FortiGuard services, including antivirus, data loss prevention, and anti-spam
7. SecureFabric for isolated communications

Most mentioned overall product benefits of Fortinet

Fortinet stands out due to its strong performance capabilities and broad security features that cater to various business needs.

1. Intuitive and easy-to-use GUI
2. Full-stack, single-pane integration
3. SSL VPN with no extra licensing
4. Easy firewall configuration
5. Centralized control and visibility
6. Cost-effective
7. Simple management and customization
8. Easy implementation across platforms
9. Consistent OS across all devices

Limitations of Fortinet

While Fortinet offers extensive features, it may also have some drawbacks, depending on an organization's specific needs.

1. Limited technical support for security products
2. Logging lacks real-time information and is hard to navigate
3. Complex configuration and firewall software syntax
4. VPNs frequently drop, affecting customer experience
5. Documentation is complex and lacks vital information
6. The learning curve for rich security features
7. High license costs, challenging for small-scale organizations
8. Frequent bugs impact product reliability
9. Manual firmware updates hinder customer experience
10. Needs flexible pricing and service options to protect smaller organizations

Disclaimer: This product review is based on information provided on VPN review sites and social networking forums such as Gartner, G2, and Reddit. It also assessed customer feedback shared on these platforms, accessed on August 13, 2024.

3. ZScaler

Overview of ZScaler

ZScaler, founded in 2007 and based in California, specializes in a cloud-native Zero Trust Exchange platform designed to protect customers from cyber-attacks and data loss. As a cloud-based security service provider, ZScaler focuses on securing internet traffic and managing user access to applications.

Most mentioned product strengths

ZScaler provides a range of capabilities designed to enhance security and manageability for organizations that operate in distributed and cloud environments.

1. Wide array of security features
2. Numerous customizable options
3. Granular control in creating security policies
4. Easy-to-generate reports

Most mentioned overall product benefits of ZScaler

ZScaler’s cloud-native approach and focus on zero trust make it a strong contender in the cybersecurity market.

1. High performance
2. Reliable connectivity
3. Stable cloud-native architecture
4. Centralized access management and security visibility
5. User-friendly interface
6. Scalable at any time

Limitations of ZScaler

Although ZScaler is innovative, it has drawbacks that might not suit every organization. 

1. Complex migration from legacy VPN to cloud-based Zero Trust Network Access
2. The steep learning curve for users
3. Incorrect URL classifications affecting security
4. Disconnection during brief internet fluctuations
5. Lacking detailed API documentation
6. Poor customer support and response
7. Time-consuming setup process
8. Confusing pricing information for services and products

Disclaimer: This product review is based on information provided on VPN review sites and social networking forums such as Gartner and G2, and it assesses customer feedback shared on these platforms, accessed on August 20, 2024.

Choosing the right network security solution

Finding the right network security solution is crucial for your organization’s protection and growth. Here’s what to focus on:

• Ensure the software integrates well with your current systems
• Assess firewall capabilities that match your organization's needs
• Review each option's ability to scale with your organization
• Prioritize ease of use for smooth implementation and management
• Evaluate the provider’s support and customer service

Start by considering these factors to secure your organization effectively.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only. It is based on publicly available third-party reviews, user feedback, and online sources accessed between August 13, 2024, and August 20, 2024, and should not be considered definitive or permanent. While we strive for accuracy and completeness, Nord Security Inc. and its affiliates make no guarantees regarding the information's accuracy, completeness, or suitability. We do not undertake, warrant, or represent that any product, or its feature, is or will remain publicly regarded as better or worse than other alternatives, serve any purpose, has mentioned features, benefits, strengths, and limitations for any period of time. Product features, pricing, and other details may change, and we advise readers to verify these directly with vendors. We disclaim any liability to any party for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this information. The inclusion of competitor products does not imply affiliation or endorsement, and all trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Readers should conduct their research and seek independent advice before making purchasing decisions.