Firewalla Gold Pro: Enterprise-Level Firewall Security at a Home Office Price
The Firewalla Gold Pro offers high-performance, enterprise-grade security tailored for small offices and power users. With advanced features, seamless setup, and robust management options, it sets a new standard for user-friendly, professional-grade firewall solutions.
Key Features of the Firewalla Gold Pro
- Price: Available now for $889.
- Performance: Enterprise-level security with features like deep packet inspection, multi-WAN support, and easy configuration.
- Accessibility: Designed for users seeking advanced security without the complexity of traditional enterprise firewalls.
While the Gold Pro is larger and pricier than basic consumer firewalls, it delivers unmatched capabilities. It requires an external access point for Wi-Fi monitoring and may demand advanced networking knowledge for some configurations.
Meeting Modern Internet Speed Demands
In 2022, I upgraded to 2 Gbps fiber broadband, a speed that felt futuristic at the time. Today, ISPs offer up to 10 Gbps (10,000 Mbps) speeds. Leading providers include:
- AT&T: Up to 5,000 Mbps
- Google Fiber: Up to 8,000 Mbps
- Xfinity: Up to 10,000 Mbps
High-speed internet is essential for professionals working with large data volumes—video editors, 3D modelers, and organizations leveraging Generative AI require rapid data transfer and seamless VPN connections. Standard ISP broadband gateways often lack advanced packet processing, robust VPN management, and threat detection, making a dedicated firewall indispensable.
Firewalla’s Mission: Security for All
Founded by former Cisco engineers, Firewalla delivers high-speed unified threat management for small offices, home offices, and remote professionals. Its products combine enterprise-level security with user-friendly interfaces at competitive prices.
After extensively using Firewalla devices, I reviewed their latest model, the Gold Pro, and it exceeded expectations.
Firewalla Product Line Comparison
| Model | Ethernet Interfaces | Deep Packet Inspection | VPN Speed | Target Audience | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purple SE | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | 220 Mbps WireGuard | Home users with basic needs | $229 |
| Purple | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps | 500 Mbps WireGuard | Home users & small businesses | $359 |
| Gold SE | 2 x 2.5 Gbps, 2 x 1 Gbps | 2 Gbps | 350 Mbps WireGuard | Advanced home users & SMBs | $449 |
| Gold Plus | 4 x 2.5 Gbps | 5 Gbps | 500 Mbps WireGuard | Power users & SMBs | $589 |
| Gold Pro | 2 x 10 Gbps, 2 x 2.5 Gbps | 10 Gbps | 2 Gbps WireGuard | Advanced SMB users | $889 |
Performance and Build Quality
The Firewalla Gold Pro is Firewalla’s flagship model, offering unmatched security and performance:
- Design: Durable, enterprise-grade metal casing, weighing 38.5 oz (1,090 g).
- Power Efficiency: Operates silently with a 33W power draw.
- Heat Management: While fan-cooled, it’s best placed in a ventilated area to avoid overheating.
To maximize its performance, I recommend pairing it with a pure sine wave UPS and a 10 Gbps switch for optimal connectivity.
My Setup
In my configuration:
- 10 Gbps WAN connects to a 5 Gbps Ethernet port on my AT&T BGW320 fiber gateway.
- 10 Gbps LAN links to a 16-port 10 Gbps switch, providing connectivity to servers, Wi-Fi 6E access points, and high-speed desktop switches.
This setup ensures seamless operation and full utilization of the Firewalla Gold Pro’s advanced features.
The Firewalla Gold Pro is a powerhouse firewall, combining cutting-edge technology with ease of use. If you need enterprise-level security for your home or small office, this device offers an unmatched balance of performance, reliability, and affordability.
