Firewalla: Cyber Security Firewall for Home & Business, Protect Network from Malware and Hacking | Smart Parental Control | Block Ads | VPN Server and Client | No Monthly Fee (Purple SE)
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AI Verdict
This is a 500 Mbits IPS firewall with 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi and Ethernet, designed for home users wanting deep network visibility and parental controls without monthly fees.
This device is a situational fit because its 500 Mbits IPS limit is a hard cap that will restrict faster internet connections, despite offering robust security and parental controls. Its app-only management and reported support issues also create specific user experience considerations.
If you have internet speeds over 500 Mbits and want full IPS protection, look for a firewall with higher throughput specifications, often indicated in Gbps.
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Pros
- Provides complete cybersecurity protection against malware, hacking, and phishing using intrusion prevention (IDS/IPS) without recurring subscription costs.
- Offers granular parental controls, allowing specific access cuts for gaming or social networks with a few taps.
- Functions as an OpenVPN server and client, securing device usage at home and when using public Wi-Fi.
- Delivers deep network insight with cloud-based behavior analytics for full visibility of device activities and bandwidth analysis.
- Can operate in router mode for policy-based routing and smart queue management, or in transparent bridge mode with an existing router.
- Setup is guided by a required Firewalla App, making initial configuration accessible for many users.
Cons
- IPS functionality is limited to 500 Mbits, which can be a bottleneck for internet connections exceeding this speed.
- Some users report issues with device longevity, with units failing after about a year and four months.
- Customer support is email-based, with users reporting slow response times and difficulties with RMAs.
- Management is exclusively via a cloud-based app, lacking a local user interface.
- Limited to 5 VLANs and 10 Geo-Filter rules, which might be restrictive for advanced users.
- May not be compatible with all routers when used in Simple Mode, requiring users to consult a compatibility guide.
Dimension Scores
The IPS functionality is limited to 500 Mbits, which is below average for modern high-speed internet connections, and it only supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi.
Multiple user reports indicate devices failing after about 1 year and 4 months, and some users experienced constant internet slowdowns even below the 500 Mbits limit.
Setup is guided by a required app and described as easy-ish by users, offering good visibility and control through the mobile interface.
It offers comprehensive cybersecurity protection with IDS/IPS, smart parental controls, ad blocking, and a VPN server/client, all without a monthly fee.
Best For
- Families needing comprehensive parental controls and content filtering across multiple devices.
- Home users seeking detailed network monitoring and protection from cyber threats without ongoing subscriptions.
- Individuals who travel frequently and want to securely access their home network via VPN.
- Prosumers who want an easy-to-manage network security solution without extensive manual configuration.
Not Recommended For
- Users with internet connections exceeding 500 Mbits who require full IPS throughput.
- Advanced network administrators who need extensive customization, more than 5 VLANs, or a local management interface.
- Anyone expecting immediate, real-time customer support via phone or live chat.
- Users who prefer to avoid cloud-dependent network management solutions.
Watch Out For
- IPS functionality caps at 500 Mbits, meaning internet speeds above this will not receive full intrusion prevention benefits.
- Some users experienced device failure around 1 year and 4 months of use, leading to costly repairs at $220 plus taxes.
- Customer support is email-only, with reports of responses taking hours or longer, and RMA requests being ignored.
- The device has a 5 VLAN limit and a 10 Geo-Filter limit, which can be insufficient for complex home lab setups.
- The app's device tagging can be inaccurate, sometimes misidentifying devices or showing phantom ones.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0BYMN4YZ3 |
| Brand | Firewalla |
| Color | Purple |
| Model Name | Firewalla Purple SE |
| Item Weight | 11.3 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Firewalla LLC |
| Special Feature | WPS |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Product Dimensions | 3.6 x 2.36 x 1.18 inches |
| Included Components | Ethernet cable |
| Frequency Band Class | Dual-Band |
| Connectivity Technology | Ethernet |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Cyber,Security |
| Wireless Communication Standard | 802.11ac |
What Buyers Say
Many users are surprised by the deep network visibility and control the Firewalla Purple SE provides, often detecting and blocking malicious traffic from countries like Russia and China immediately upon setup. However, the 500 Mbits IPS limit is a recurring point of contention for those with faster internet, and some users have faced significant frustration with device longevity and the email-only customer support process, involving dozens of emails for a single issue. The app-based management is generally praised for its ease of use but criticized for its cloud dependency and occasional inaccurate device tagging.
“Dude, I got this thing and it immediately started blocking weird stuff from China, which is kinda cool, but my internet feels slower sometimes and if it dies in a year like some people say, I'm gonna be so mad after all that setup.”
Common Praise
- Instantly detects and blocks traffic from suspicious foreign IP addresses upon setup.
- Provides extensive visibility into network activities, showing what each device is doing.
- Parental controls are effective, allowing specific blocking of gaming or social media for set durations.
- Setup process is straightforward and guided by the Firewalla app.
- Includes a VPN server (OpenVPN and Wireguard) that is easy to configure.
- No monthly subscription fees for its security features.
Common Complaints
- IPS throughput is strictly limited to 500 Mbits, causing slowdowns for faster internet connections.
- Devices have been reported to fail after approximately 16 months of use.
- Customer support is slow and difficult to deal with, often requiring many emails for resolution.
- Management is entirely cloud-based via an app, with no local user interface.
- The app's device identification and tagging can be inaccurate.
- Limited to 5 VLANs and 10 Geo-Filter rules, which can be restrictive for advanced users.
Ownership Tips
- The constant alert notifications can become overwhelming, especially for active users on platforms like Twitch.
- While setup is easy, getting specific devices to reconnect after switching modes (e.g., from bridge to router) often requires power cycling them.
- The lack of a local UI means you're always dependent on the app and an internet connection to manage your network.
- The 500 Mbits IPS limit is a hard ceiling; even if your ISP speed is higher, the device won't protect beyond that threshold.
- Grouping devices for specific rules (like excluding Apple TV from ad blocking) is possible and useful for avoiding conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Firewalla Purple SE require a monthly subscription?
No, the Firewalla Purple SE does not require a monthly fee for its core features like cyber security protection, parental control, and VPN server/client functionality.
Can the Firewalla Purple SE replace my existing router?
Yes, you can use the Purple SE in Router Mode as your main router, but you will need a separate modem and additional Wi-Fi access points for wireless connectivity.
What is the maximum internet speed the Firewalla Purple SE can protect?
The intrusion prevention system (IPS) functionality of the Firewalla Purple SE is limited to 500 Mbits, so internet connections faster than this will not receive full IPS protection.
How do I set up the Firewalla Purple SE?
Setup requires downloading the Firewalla App to your smartphone, which then guides you through the installation process. You may need to configure your existing router for compatibility.
Does the Firewalla Purple SE support VPN?
Yes, it includes a built-in OpenVPN server and client, allowing you to secure your devices and access your home network remotely.
Buying Guide
When looking at a network firewall like this, you're essentially buying a dedicated security guard for your home internet. It sits between your modem and your router (or acts as your router) and inspects all traffic. This isn't just about blocking bad websites; it's about actively preventing intrusions, managing who accesses what, and giving you a detailed look at everything happening on your network. You're trading some raw speed for enhanced control and protection.
IPS Functionality (500 Mbits)
This is the maximum speed at which the device can actively inspect and protect your network traffic. If your internet service is faster than 500 Mbits, the Firewalla will still pass the traffic, but it won't be able to apply its full security inspection to the speeds above that limit, leaving some of your bandwidth less protected.
802.11ac Wi-Fi Standard
This refers to the generation of Wi-Fi technology the device supports. 802.11ac is an older standard, meaning if you use this as your primary router, its wireless performance will be slower than newer Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) or Wi-Fi 7 devices, potentially creating a bottleneck for your wireless devices.
Dual-Band Frequency
This means the device broadcasts Wi-Fi on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. The 2.4 GHz band offers wider coverage but slower speeds, while the 5 GHz band provides faster speeds over shorter distances. Having both allows you to connect a variety of devices optimally.
Ethernet Connectivity
This refers to the wired ports on the device. Ethernet provides the most stable and fastest connection for devices like desktop computers, gaming consoles, or network-attached storage. The number and speed of these ports (e.g., Gigabit Ethernet) determine how many wired devices you can connect directly and at what speed.
Alternatives
If the 500 Mbits IPS limit is too restrictive, look for firewalls with 1 Gbps or multi-Gigabit IPS throughput. If you need more advanced network segmentation, search for devices supporting more than 5 VLANs and offering a local management interface.
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