Untangle NG Firewall vs ZoneAlarm
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Untangle NG Firewall is a modular next-generation firewall platform that consolidates network security functions like content filtering, intrusion prevention, ransomware protection, and VPN into a single console instead of requiring multiple separate vendor products. Following its acquisition, the product now operates under Arista Networks as part of the Edge Threat Management (ETM) platform, with NG Firewall remaining the core product and a cloud-based ETM Dashboard, including a mobile app, for centralized management. The platform is aimed at organizations that need enterprise-style network security without a large in-house security team, and it is used across education (K-12 and higher ed), government, healthcare, financial services, nonprofits, and hospitality. Special pricing is available for qualifying public institutions, nonprofits, and government organizations, and a free trial and online purchase configurator are offered directly on the site.
ZoneAlarm is a long-running personal security brand now owned by Check Point Software Technologies, built around a two-way firewall that inspects both inbound and outbound traffic. It pairs that firewall with real-time antivirus and anti-spyware scanning, anti-phishing protection, and threat emulation aimed at catching zero-day threats before they execute. The product line ranges from a free firewall and free antivirus up through paid tiers like ZoneAlarm Pro Antivirus + Firewall and ZoneAlarm Extreme Security NextGen, which adds ransomware protection and broader coverage. Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, and the suite has picked up awards such as PCMag Editors' Choice and AV-Test certifications over the years.
- Modular design lets organizations pay only for needed security functions
- Discounted pricing available for education, nonprofit, and government buyers
- Cloud dashboard with mobile app simplifies remote management
- Backed by Arista's networking infrastructure following acquisition
- Free firewall and antivirus tiers exist alongside paid upgrades
- Backed by Check Point, an established enterprise security vendor
- Long operating history and industry certifications like AV-Test
- Covers Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS from one brand
- Public list pricing is not shown; requires going through a configurator or sales
- Brand transition (Untangle to Arista Edge Threat Management) can cause naming confusion
- Best suited to organizations comfortable managing their own modular security stack
- Exact pricing for paid tiers is not published on the homepage
- Feature differences between the multiple product tiers can be confusing to compare at a glance
- Consumer-focused suite, not positioned for enterprise network firewall deployments
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Antivirus and internet security suite with free and paid tiers for real-time malware and scam protection.
Enterprise-grade Sophos threat protection adapted for home PCs, Macs, and mobile devices.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataZoneAlarm offers a ready‑to‑use, freemium firewall‑antivirus suite for individual devices, while Untangle NG Firewall is a modular, self‑hosted network appliance aimed at SMBs and institutions that need customizable security functions.
Key differences
- •Deployment model: ZoneAlarm is a desktop app; Untangle is self‑hosted network software.
- •Pricing transparency: ZoneAlarm lists a freemium tier; Untangle requires contact/configurator for pricing.
- •Scope of protection: ZoneAlarm protects individual Windows, Mac, Android, iOS devices; Untangle secures whole networks with firewall, content filtering, IPS, VPN.
- •Management: ZoneAlarm is managed per device; Untangle provides a cloud dashboard and mobile app for centralized management.
Pricing & value
ZoneAlarm offers a free tier; Untangle only provides pricing on request, no free option.
Ease of use / learning curve
ZoneAlarm is a simple desktop install; Untangle requires self‑hosting and modular configuration.
Features & depth
Untangle bundles firewall, content filtering, IPS, VPN, ransomware protection; ZoneAlarm focuses on endpoint firewall/AV.
Integrations & ecosystem
Untangle integrates with Arista’s Edge Threat Management platform; ZoneAlarm lists no ecosystem integrations.
Scalability
Untangle’s self‑hosted, modular design scales across multiple sites; ZoneAlarm is limited to individual devices.
Support
Untangle offers enterprise‑grade support via Arista; ZoneAlarm’s support details not specified.
Security & privacy
Both are backed by established security vendors (Check Point vs Arista) with no disclosed privacy differences.
Choose Untangle NG Firewall if…
SMBs, schools, or government entities that want a customizable, network‑wide security stack.
Choose ZoneAlarm if…
Home users or small offices needing simple, low‑cost endpoint protection.
Common questions
Can I try Untangle before buying?
Yes, Untangle offers a free trial and an online purchase configurator for evaluation.
Is there a free version of ZoneAlarm?
ZoneAlarm provides a freemium tier with basic firewall and antivirus functionality.
Which product supports mobile devices?
ZoneAlarm includes Android and iOS apps; Untangle’s focus is on network appliances, not mobile endpoints.