# Best Network Security Software 2026 | Capterra

> Find the top Network Security software of 2026 on Capterra. Based on millions of verified user reviews - compare and filter for whats important to you to find the best tools for your needs.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/network-security-software

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# Best Network Security Software

Last updated on April 15, 2026

How to find the right Network Security Software?

Learn more from our team about Network Security Software pricing features and benefits in our Network Security Buyers Guide

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## What is network security software?

Researched by: [Capterra](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/capterra/)

Updated on April 15, 2026

[Network security software](https://www.capterra.com/network-security-software/) is used to assist IT teams to enhance the security of a network. The software proactively monitors the network to secure it from attacks and unauthorized intrusions. These software solutions are designed to constantly monitor the network traffic for legitimate traffic and notify the IT security department of any abnormal events for further investigation.

* * *

For more information consult our [Network Security Buyers Guide](#buyers-guide-content)

[4.6 (33)](https://www.capterra.com/p/203059/NordLayer/reviews/)

Secure network access solutions tailored to business needs with cutting-edge VPN, ZTNA, threat protection & threat intelligence.  [Learn more about NordLayer](https://www.capterra.com/p/203059/NordLayer/)

[4.2 (5)](https://www.capterra.com/p/148334/Tanium-Endpoint-Platform/#reviews)

Delivers real-time visibility and control over all network-connected endpoints to eliminate blind spots and reduce risk.  [Learn more about Tanium](https://www.capterra.com/p/148334/Tanium-Endpoint-Platform/)

[4.5 (44)](https://www.capterra.com/p/248737/ProtonVPN/reviews/)

Secure access, powerful encryption, advanced security controls, and more. Empower your organization with the trusted business VPN.  [Learn more about Proton VPN](https://www.capterra.com/p/248737/ProtonVPN/)

[5.0 (1)](https://www.capterra.com/p/241703/Versa-SASE/#reviews)

Versa focuses on helping enterprises simplify how you protect users, devices, sites and connect them to workloads & applications. [Learn more about Versa SASE](https://www.capterra.com/p/241703/Versa-SASE/)

[4.8 (5)](https://www.capterra.com/p/175558/EventLog-Analyzer/#reviews)

EventLog Analyzer enhances network security with real-time log monitoring, threat detection, and incident response capabilities. [Learn more about ManageEngine EventLog Analyzer](https://www.capterra.com/p/175558/EventLog-Analyzer/)

0.0 (0)

Fidelis' NDR solution delivers proactive network defense for on-prem & cloud environments, empowering enterprises with cyber resilience [Learn more about Fidelis Network](https://www.capterra.com/p/10027695/Fidelis-Network/)

[4.5 (242)](https://www.capterra.com/p/172277/ManageEngine-Firewall-Analyzer/reviews/)

Great for:

Firewalls

Firewall Analyzer, a log analytics and configuration management software for a complete visibility over entire network security. [Learn more about ManageEngine Firewall Analyzer](https://www.capterra.com/p/172277/ManageEngine-Firewall-Analyzer/)

87% of users recommend this product

[4.7 (345)](https://www.capterra.com/p/168192/Site24x7/reviews/)

Great for:

Small Business

All-in-one Performance Monitoring Tool (SaaS) for DevOps and IT. Monitor Websites, Servers, Apps, Cloud, VMs, Network and more. [Learn more about Site24x7](https://www.capterra.com/p/168192/Site24x7/)

90% of users recommend this product

[4.6 (34)](https://www.capterra.com/p/10008506/ManageEngine-OpManager-Plus/#reviews)

Don't just monitor your network and application stack; fully observe them with OpManager Plus, the unified observability solution. [Learn more about ManageEngine OpManager Plus](https://www.capterra.com/p/10008506/ManageEngine-OpManager-Plus/)

[4.8 (22)](https://www.capterra.com/p/236943/Red-Sentry/#reviews)

Network security testing services that help organizations identify exploitable weaknesses across internal and external networks. [Learn more about Red Sentry](https://www.capterra.com/p/236943/Red-Sentry/)

[5.0 (1)](https://www.capterra.com/p/168954/Fidelis-Elevate/#reviews)

The only XDR Solution that delivers endpoint security, Network Security, Deception & active Directory protection in a single platform. [Learn more about Fidelis Elevate](https://www.capterra.com/p/168954/Fidelis-Elevate/)

[5.0 (1)](https://www.capterra.com/p/212808/CloudJacketX/#reviews)

High-fidelity security where agentic AI handles the volume and human analysts validate every real threat.  [Learn more about CloudJacket MXDR](https://www.capterra.com/p/212808/CloudJacketX/)

[5.0 (22)](https://www.capterra.com/p/120070/EventSentry/reviews/)

Versatile Log & Event Log Hybrid SIEM solution with Active Directory, Health & Inventory monitoring - supports NIST & CMMC.compliance. [Learn more about EventSentry](https://www.capterra.com/p/120070/EventSentry/)

[## Norton AntiVirus](https://www.capterra.com/p/648/Norton-Security/)

[4.4 (4461)](https://www.capterra.com/p/648/Norton-Security/reviews/)

[Capterra Shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/network-security-software/shortlist/)

Good for:

Anti Virus

Network security tool that helps users protect PC, Mac, Android & iOS devices against spyware, viruses, malware, ransomware, and more. [Learn more about Norton AntiVirus](https://www.capterra.com/p/648/Norton-Security/)

[## Malwarebytes for Business](https://www.capterra.com/p/251770/Malwarebytes-for-Business/)

[4.7 (2514)](https://www.capterra.com/p/251770/Malwarebytes-for-Business/reviews/)

Great for:

Anomaly/Malware Detection

Cloud-based suite of cybersecurity solutions that help businesses identify, analyze and remediate threats on a unified platform. [Learn more about Malwarebytes for Business](https://www.capterra.com/p/251770/Malwarebytes-for-Business/)

88% of users recommend this product

[## Google Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/268690/Google-Cloud-Platform/)

[4.7 (2268)](https://www.capterra.com/p/268690/Google-Cloud-Platform/reviews/)

Great for:

Mid-Size Business

Cloud-based service that allows users to create anything from swebsites to complex applications for businesses of all sizes. [Learn more about Google Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/268690/Google-Cloud-Platform/)

82% of users recommend this product

[## NordVPN](https://www.capterra.com/p/166743/NordVPN/)

[4.6 (1392)](https://www.capterra.com/p/166743/NordVPN/reviews/)

[Capterra Shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/network-security-software/shortlist/)

Great for:

VPN

NordVPN is the #1 VPN in the world featured by Forbes, PCMag, CNET, TechRadar, and other media and review platforms. [Learn more about NordVPN](https://www.capterra.com/p/166743/NordVPN/)

82% of users recommend this product

[## ESET Endpoint Security](https://www.capterra.com/p/151915/ESET-Endpoint-Security/)

[4.7 (1169)](https://www.capterra.com/p/151915/ESET-Endpoint-Security/reviews/)

[Capterra Shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/network-security-software/shortlist/)

Great for:

Threat Response

ESET Network Security protects businesses with 250+ employees using advanced threat detection and endpoint protection.  [Learn more about ESET Endpoint Security](https://www.capterra.com/p/151915/ESET-Endpoint-Security/)

82% of users recommend this product

[## Cisco AnyConnect](https://www.capterra.com/p/169495/VPN-and-Endpoint-Security-Clients/)

[4.6 (978)](https://www.capterra.com/p/169495/VPN-and-Endpoint-Security-Clients/reviews/)

[Capterra Shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/network-security-software/shortlist/)

Good for:

Enterprise

VPN solution that provides businesses with remote access, policy management, threat protection, and more. [Learn more about Cisco AnyConnect](https://www.capterra.com/p/169495/VPN-and-Endpoint-Security-Clients/)

81% of users recommend this product

[## Avast Ultimate Business Security](https://www.capterra.com/p/170318/Avast-Business-Antivirus-Pro-Plus/)

[4.4 (932)](https://www.capterra.com/p/170318/Avast-Business-Antivirus-Pro-Plus/reviews/)

[Capterra Shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/network-security-software/shortlist/)

Good for:

Vulnerability Scanning

An award-winning next-gen antivirus with online privacy tools and patch management automation software for small businesses. [Learn more about Avast Ultimate Business Security](https://www.capterra.com/p/170318/Avast-Business-Antivirus-Pro-Plus/)

[## SpamTitan](https://www.capterra.com/p/168436/SpamTitan/)

[4.6 (563)](https://www.capterra.com/p/168436/SpamTitan/reviews/)

Good for:

Small Business

SpamTitan is a cloud based Anti Spam email filter. Easy to use and very effective blocking Email-Spam, malware and phishing attacks. [Learn more about SpamTitan](https://www.capterra.com/p/168436/SpamTitan/)

84% of users recommend this product

[## Cisco Duo](https://www.capterra.com/p/228827/Duo-Security/)

[4.7 (548)](https://www.capterra.com/p/228827/Duo-Security/reviews/)

Great for:

Secure Login

Cisco Duo is a cloud-based identity security solution that secures access to critical resources for any user and device, from anywhere. [Learn more about Cisco Duo](https://www.capterra.com/p/228827/Duo-Security/)

81% of users recommend this product

[## Cloudflare](https://www.capterra.com/p/155191/Cloudflare/)

[4.7 (515)](https://www.capterra.com/p/155191/Cloudflare/reviews/)

[Capterra Shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/network-security-software/shortlist/)

Great for:

Ease of Use

Cloudflare is a web performance and security company on a mission to build a better Internet. [Learn more about Cloudflare](https://www.capterra.com/p/155191/Cloudflare/)

89% of users recommend this product

[## TunnelBear](https://www.capterra.com/p/146806/TunnelBear/)

[4.5 (470)](https://www.capterra.com/p/146806/TunnelBear/reviews/)

[Capterra Shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/network-security-software/shortlist/)

Good for:

Value for Money

TunnelBear for Teams is the easiest way your team can work securely and privately from anywhere. [Learn more about TunnelBear](https://www.capterra.com/p/146806/TunnelBear/)

[## WatchGuard Firebox](https://www.capterra.com/p/154706/Unified-Threat-Management/)

[4.8 (446)](https://www.capterra.com/p/154706/Unified-Threat-Management/reviews/)

Great for:

Intrusion Prevention System

WatchGuard offers network security solutions, from tabletop to Cloud firewalls, that deliver a broad range of layered protections. [Learn more about WatchGuard Firebox](https://www.capterra.com/p/154706/Unified-Threat-Management/)

87% of users recommend this product

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## Top-rated software of 2026

### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox.

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* * *

Plan Type

Free Trial

Popular

85% of professionals opt for a 30-day trial before the software purchase

Other subsciption plans:

Free Version

Monthly Subscription

Annual Subscription

One-Time License

Key Features

All key features

Popular

We have selected the most important and critical features as defined by Capterra user reviews

Access Controls/Permissions

Activity Monitoring

AI Copilot

Anomaly/Malware Detection

Anti Virus

Audit Trail

Compliance Management

Event Logs

Firewalls

Generative AI

Intrusion Detection System

Intrusion Prevention System

Patch Management

Penetration Testing

Policy Management

Real-Time Monitoring

Reporting/Analytics

Risk Alerts

Threat Response

VPN

Vulnerability Scanning

Deployment

Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based

Desktop Mac

Desktop Windows

Desktop Linux

On-Premise Windows

On-Premise Linux

Desktop Chromebook

Mobile Android

Mobile iPhone

Mobile iPad

Related Software Category:

[Computer Security Software](https://www.capterra.com/computer-security-software/)[Vulnerability Management Software](https://www.capterra.com/vulnerability-management-software/)[Physical Security Software](https://www.capterra.com/physical-security-software/)[Vulnerability Scanner Software](https://www.capterra.com/vulnerability-scanner-software/)[Static Application Security Testing (SAST) Software](https://www.capterra.com/sast-software/)[Container Security Software](https://www.capterra.com/container-security-software/)[Security System Installer Software](https://www.capterra.com/security-system-installer-software/)[Audit Software](https://www.capterra.com/audit-software/)

Table of Contents

-   [The benefits of network security software](#the-benefits-of-network-security-software)
-   [Typical features of network security software](#typical-features-of-network-security-software)
-   [The cost of network security software](#the-cost-of-network-security-software)
-   [Considerations when purchasing network security software](#considerations-when-purchasing-network-security-software)
-   [Relevant network security software trends](#relevant-network-security-software-trends)

## The benefits of network security software

With one hacker attack taking place every 39 seconds, the need for having network security cannot be denied. A network security system not only secures the network and the data within from external attacks but also helps to lay down policies for running network operations at optimum efficiency.

-   **Protection against malicious activities:** Implementing a network security system safeguards businesses from both external and internal attacks including malware, viruses, spyware, and trojans. It constantly updates its virus signature base to safeguard networks against both old and new threats.
    
-   **Monitor network settings:** One of the many purposes of using network security software is to keep networks running without any disruptions. Network slowdown or failures can halt business operations. The software constantly monitors the network performance and alerts administrators as soon as it senses any abnormalities in its operations. This helps to ensure businesses operate in an uninterrupted environment, making them more productive.
    

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## Typical features of network security software

-   **Activity monitoring:** Monitor network activity and performance and alert administrators as soon as the system senses any abnormality.
    
-   **Access control:** Grant user permissions to users with a specific role and ensure that permissions only allow a set of users to access the approved network settings.
    
-   **Threat response:** Identify security threats and initiate remediation.
    
-   **Vulnerability scanning:** Discover vulnerability issues and take precautionary measures to combat the attack.
    
-   **Intrusion detection system:** Identify and alert the necessary parties about security breaches.
    
-   **Reporting/analytics:** View and track pertinent metrics.
    

* * *

## The cost of network security software

Most products in the market are priced on a “per agent, per month” basis and can be divided into three pricing tiers based on their starting price.

**Price ranges\*:**

-   $0 - $10
    
-   $10 - $85
    
-   $85+
    

_\*The pricing included is for the entry-level/lowest-priced offering that was found on vendor websites on January 21, 2020. These ranges correspond to 25th, 75th, and 100th percentile of the pricing information gathered from the vendor websites of sample products._

The above list summarizes pricing for the base plans of most products. An enterprise or premium product, which is priced higher, may include some additional features such as in-depth reporting, multi-tenancy, and custom branding.

* * *

## Considerations when purchasing network security software

-   **Implementation time:** When all software applications are offering more or less the same set of features, then one of the key differentiation factors to look for is implementation time. The software that offers simple and quick implementation has a great advantage over other options. Take into account the length of time a vendor says it will take to deploy its solution and how long it will take to see the actual results.
    
-   **Be flexible and anticipate future growth:** Networks are not static. They will expand in scale and capability as your business grows over time. Make sure the software you choose and the plan you opt for allows you to add more devices and nodes easily to your existing network infrastructure without charging heavily for the expansion. Also, avoid purchasing software applications that are too rigid in deployment and non-scalable, as you might be forced to change the entire existing network infrastructure and pay for the new one when your business grows exponentially.
    
-   **Don’t miss out on big players just to save money:** Securing your network data is a very crucial and high-priority task for all businesses. You should not ignore high-end vendors simply for cheaper subscription plans, as cheaper solutions might not be as frequently updated with the latest virus signature databases and may not have the best tools to comply with ever-changing security regulations. Without the latest signature database, your networks are equally as prone to threats as a system without any safety in place. Ask the vendors how frequently they update their signature database and when was the last time that they did those updates?
    

* * *

## Relevant network security software trends

-   **Network security software market expected to grow:** Hundreds of viruses and malware are being deployed over the internet daily and the number of cyber attacks are increasing year over year. With that, almost all businesses, irrespective of their sector and size, will start deploying network security solutions to safeguard their business assets and data. This will trigger the growth of the network security software market in the coming years. There are various [market reports](https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/network-security-software-market-151632343.html) that predict that the network security software market will reach USD 22.8 billion by 2024 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11%.
    

* * *

**Sources**

Products evaluated for the pricing calculation were taken from [Capterra’s category page](https://www.capterra.com/network-security-software/). The pricing ranges exclude freemium versions of the products. The features highlighted were identified based on their relevance and the percentage of products in [Capterra’s directory](https://www.capterra.com/network-security-software/) that offer them.

The following sources were used for this document:

1\. [Hackers Attack Every 39 Seconds](https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/87787-hackers-attack-every-39-seconds) (Date accessed: January 22, 2020)

2\. [Network Security Software Report by MarketsAndMarkets](https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/network-security-software-market-151632343.html#utm_source=whatech&utm_content=whatech.com/615269) (Date accessed: January 22, 2020)

3\. [15 Alarming Cybersecurity Facts and Stats](https://www.cybintsolutions.com/cyber-security-facts-stats/) (Date accessed: January 22, 2020)