Detection After Damage Is Too Late, and Too Costly
CrowdStrike focuses on post-execution detection; key prevention and attack surface reduction is not always included. WatchGuard is prevention-first by design, with detection and response always included as a baseline, stopping threats before execution and reducing attack surface to enable secure MSP scale.
Block First,
Investigate Later
- Zero trust default-deny stops unknown threats before execution
- Real-time AI classification eliminates the need for manual allow/deny decisions
- Fewer executions mean fewer alerts, fewer incidents, and dramatically less analyst workload
Platform Beats
Point Products
- Endpoint, network, identity, and SaaS security fully integrated
- XDR is baseline and provides one automated incident story across the platform
- No stitching together tools that were never designed to work together
Built for
Service Providers
- Multi-tenant management made for MSP scale, not enterprise silos
- Pricing that protects margins instead of eroding them
- Prevention-first controls reduce risk and noise, enabling MSPs growth without adding headcount
“WatchGuard EPDR provides more features and better network protection than Crowdstrike."
Michael Ruffolo, CTO at eSecurity Solutions
Highly Rated by WatchGuard Customers
Don’t take our word for it – see why businesses like yours trust WatchGuard over other competitors.
The Real Cost of CrowdStrike for MSPs and SMBs
WatchGuard Excels in the MITRE ER7 Evaluation
Our results prove that full protection doesn't require more workload – you get fewer alerts, fewer manual interventions, and faster response with WatchGuard endpoint security solutions.
A Leader and an Outperformer in the 2025 GigaOm Radar Report
WatchGuard beat out 25+ rivals to be named a top innovator for its Core EDR Capabilities. High scores highlight WatchGuard’s ability to unify zero trust prevention, AI-driven behavioral analytics, and efficient investigations in one easy-to-use endpoint platform.
CrowdStrike vs WatchGuard
Bundled Security vs Built-to-Scale Security
See why CrowdStrike’s endpoint-heavy, add-on approach slows teams, while WatchGuard delivers integrated, prevention-first security for MSPs.
| Area | CrowdStrike Today | WatchGuard Unified Security Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Prevention and Attack Surface Reduction | Prevention varies by Falcon tier. Adequate protection requires upgrades to higher bundles. | Prevention-first by default. Core prevention and attack surface reduction are built in, not bundle-gated. |
| AI-Powered Detection and Response | Post-compromise detection increases operational risk and recovery cost. Working outside AI-based defaults with telemetry adds complexity. | AI-driven prevention with always-on detection and response simplifies analysis to reduce investigation effort and response time. |
| Platform Architecture | Marketed as one platform, but predefined bundles drive overprovisioning and cost. | Unified, modular platform. Functionality scales without forced bundle upgrades. |
| XDR Coverage | Not natively cross-domain. Broader visibility relies on high-cost add-ons like Next-Gen SIEM. | XDR is delivered at no added cost, providing correlation across WatchGuard endpoint, network, identity, and cloud security. |
| ZTNA/SSE | Delivered through Falcon identity components with rising complexity and cost. | Integrated security services aligned to zero trust principles without introducing separate product silos. |
| MDR | Tied to CrowdStrike-operated services and premium tiers, limiting flexibility and increasing cost. | MDR built for MSPs, with flexible service ownership and delivery models. |
| MSP Economics | Bundle-driven scaling raises cost and overhead, compressing margins. | Built for MSP scale with predictable licensing, low operational friction, and healthier margins. |
Upgrade Without Margin Loss
We help partners manage contracts, migrations, and cash flow, so switching platforms saves you time and protects your profits.
For Partners
Talk To Us About CrowdStrike Switch Incentives
Understand contract overlap options, platform bundle rebates, and migration support tailored to your client base.
Book a CrowdStrike Risk & Economics Review
Quantify technical gaps, after-hours load, and margin upside from consolidating on WatchGuard.
For Customers
Request a Joint WatchGuard + MSP session
See a tailored risk assessment, review a low-disruption migration path, and get clear expectations on cost and ROI.