Managed Firewall Pricing in the UK: What SMEs Should Expect in 2025
Managed firewall pricing can vary widely, and for SMEs in the UK, knowing what’s reasonable – and what’s included – is key to making the right decision. Many businesses still rely on the same router and firewall setup they installed years ago. On paper, it might still “work,” but in reality, it could be leaving you vulnerable to modern cyber threats, compliance failures, and costly downtime.
A managed firewall is often the first step SMEs take to strengthen security, but it works best as part of a fully managed network solution that also covers switching, Wi-Fi, monitoring, and ongoing support. In this guide, we’ll break down managed firewall pricing, what affects cost, what’s typically included, and how platforms like Sentinel deliver enterprise-grade protection as part of an end-to-end service.
Why Managed Firewalls Are Different from Off-the-Shelf Routers
A managed firewall is more than just a device that sits between your network and the internet. It’s an actively monitored and updated security gateway, designed to filter traffic, block threats, and keep your business compliant with industry standards.
In contrast, most ISP-supplied routers offer only basic firewall functions. They don’t include proactive updates, 24/7 monitoring, or detailed traffic control – and they put the burden of configuration and maintenance on your team.
Feature
ISP Router
Managed Firewall
Basic Firewall Rules
24/7 Monitoring
Proactive Security Patching
Remote Access Control
Limited
Full
SLA-Backed Support
Integration with Other Security Tools
Limited
Extensive
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Managed Firewall Pricing in 2025 – What to Expect
While prices vary depending on provider, features, and scale, UK SMEs can expect managed firewall pricing to range between £50 and £250 per month per site in 2025.
The cost typically covers the firewall hardware, ongoing monitoring, updates, and support. Some providers bundle firewall services into a broader managed network package.
Factors that influence price:
- Number of sites or locations – multi-site setups require additional hardware and configuration.
- User count and traffic volume – more users mean higher throughput requirements.
- Required security features – intrusion prevention, content filtering, VPN configuration, and advanced reporting can add cost.
- Support SLAs – faster response times or 24/7 availability are often premium.
- Contract length – longer contracts may reduce monthly cost.
Cost vs Risk – Why Cutting Corners Doesn’t Pay
The UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024 found that 59% of medium-sized businesses reported a cyber breach or attack in the past year. The direct costs of downtime, lost data, and recovery can quickly exceed the cost of a multi-year managed firewall contract.
For SMEs with limited IT resources, the “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” approach often means finding out too late that a breach has occurred – sometimes months after the fact.
Sentinel – Beyond a Managed Firewall
While Sentinel includes an enterprise-grade managed firewall as standard, it goes far beyond that. It’s a fully managed network solution built for SMEs that need security, reliability, and scalability without the complexity of managing multiple systems.
With Sentinel, you get:
- Enterprise-grade firewall integrated into a broader managed network platform
- 24/7 monitoring and proactive patching handled by experts
- Secure remote access for teams working anywhere
- Scalable Wi-Fi and switching to match your growth
- Predictable monthly pricing with no hidden costs
Next Steps – Get a Clear, Fixed Quote
The best way to know your managed firewall pricing is to get a tailored plan based on your network’s size, usage, and risk profile.
📅 Book a 20-minute network review with our team today. We’ll assess your current setup and give you a fixed-price, fully managed plan designed for your business.
How to Choose the Right Managed Firewall Provider
Before you commit, look for a provider who can:
- Demonstrate relevant UK experience with SMEs
- Offer clear, fixed pricing with no hidden fees
- Provide SLA-backed 24/7 support
- Integrate firewall services with your wider network management
- Partner with your existing IT team rather than replace them
