ZDNET’s key takeaways

• A compact, easy-to-use firewall/router
• Can be powered through USB-C, so it’s highly portable
• The hardware isn’t cheap, but it’s worth it.

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I’ve been working with computer networks for over 30 years (yep, three whole decades; sheesh, where did the time go?), and I know my TCP/IP from my UDP, and my NAT from my VLAN. But the thing is, when it comes to my home network, I do the absolute bare minimum. 

Seriously, the last router I installed was plugged in, had its Wi-Fi password set, and that was it. Ever since that day-one setup, the router has been sitting there on the sidelines, quietly doing its thing. 

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I know I should go through the settings to make sure everything is OK, but I don’t. It’s too much of a hassle, and most domestic networking hardware is so fragile and flaky that it’s easy to break things. And who’s got time for that stuff? Not this guy, that’s for sure. 

However, this gap is where Firewalla comes into play. This company makes firewall hardware that’s so easy to use that everyone, from grizzled professionals to total networking newbies, can take control of their network. 

I see a lot of people referring to Firewalla hardware as a firewall or security tool, and while that’s correct, it also offers so much more. Think of the tech as having your very own personal network administrator, making even complex networking tasks as simple as flicking a virtual switch.

For the past few weeks, I’ve been testing a new Firewalla product called the Orange, a tiny, palm-sized computer that’s built to be an all-in-one, smart router/firewall. The device is built to protect you from cyberattacks, provide an overview of what’s happening on your network, filter content and ads, and it even has a built-in VPN server. The device is perfect for the home, the office, or remote workers on the move. 

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At its core, the Orange features two 2.5G Ethernet ports, a quad-core Arm processor, 2GB of RAM, and Wi-Fi 7 support. The device owes its existence, in part, to tariffs. 

Firewalla had a line of products that went from entry-level to pro for some years, and at the cheaper end of that line was the Purple box. However, violently unpredictable tariffs, along with chip and RAM shortages, made the Purple’s future uncertain. 

Therefore, Firewalla has created the Orange, a redesigned version that changes some hardware components, keeps all the features, runs the same software, and, in the company’s words, “a strategic hedge to ensure continuity if Purple production becomes unfeasible.” 

The major differences between the Orange and Purple are that the Orange is slightly larger, consumes a bit more power, and has faster/scalable Wi-Fi. As such, these two products are pretty much interchangeable. 

One strong point of Firewalla is that the hardware is easy to set up. It’s all app-based, and users are walked through the different networking scenarios. 

I’ve integrated Firewalla hardware into all sorts of networks, from simple domestic environments where it’s just a matter of connecting the device to the router, to more complex office networks that need a bit more work. I’ve even used the hardware with Starlink dishes to create managed networks when off-grid. 

I still recommend you put a few hours aside for the job, and if it takes less, then you’ve time to put your feet up with your beverage of choice. 

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Another neat feature of the Firewalla is that you can take it with you and use the device as a hotspot to secure network connections at hotels, airports, and cafes. The hardware can draw power from any 15W or higher USB-C charger or power bank, which gives you options when you’re out and about. 

The Firewalla device can even handle captive portal pages that many places use to harvest your data in exchange for some internet access. Again, this capability is easy to set up. 

One of my favorite features of the hardware is that everything is app-controlled. If you’ve ever had to log in to a router or modem and navigate through some clunky, outdated web-based interface, you’ll know just how painful that experience can be. Firewalla changes the game entirely, offering a smooth, intuitive app that empowers anyone to become a networking pro.

Firewalla also comes with a built-in VPN server to secure your connection and data. Again, this feature is easy to set up and offers the added advantage of not requiring an ongoing subscription. 

The amount of tech that’s built into this small, palm-sized box is quite incredible. 

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One question that I often get asked is, ‘Do you really need a Firewalla?’ The honest answer is no. Most people get away with little security or safeguards on their devices beyond software updates. Many modern routers come with basic firewalls, parental controls, and traffic monitoring. However, these features are often less comprehensive than Firewalla. If you really want to know what’s happening on your network, get good at using a tool like Wireshark. 

Or, if you fancy a weekend project, you could start a Raspberry Pi project that will do at least some of this work for you. 

But the biggest strength of Firewalla hardware is that it makes everything super easy, and there’s little chance you’ll break something. If you need to read the user manuals, everything you need is online in detail.

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As for which Firewalla to get, most people, and for that matter, small businesses, are going to find that the Orange or Purple is more than enough. It’s only when you get to medium-sized networks that handle a lot more devices and data that you’re going to get the benefit out of spending cash on a Gold SE, Gold Plus, or Gold Pro, products that range in price from $489 to $899 (yes, here we’re getting into hardcore networking prices). 

ZDNET’s buying advice

My inner geek absolutely loves the Firewalla. It’s an incredible way to take control of your network without requiring a massive cash outlay (networking gear prices can get stratospheric real fast), a steep learning curve, or ripping out your existing hardware to install something like an Ubiquiti system. 

Whether you want to dive deep into what’s happening on your network, protect against cyberattacks, or control what content your kids or employees can access, a Firewalla device makes everything easy and accessible.

The hardware is excellent, too. And the ability to power the device via USB-C means it can be used anywhere, at home, in the office, or even on the road. 

As of the time of writing, the next drop of Firewalla Orange units will be happening later this month, and they cost $379.20. If you don’t want to wait for stock to land, you can grab the Purple for $409 or the lower-spec Purple SE, which is the cheapest device, for $269.