OpenVPN CloudConnexa vs WatchGuard FireCloud

OpenVPN CloudConnexa is a cloud-managed networking service for connecting users, devices and sites through an overlay network. It supports OpenVPN and IPsec, site-to-site networking and split tunneling. Administrators manage access through a unified console with granular policies, audit logs and device posture controls. Security features include web filtering, intrusion detection and prevention, and threat defense. Identity options include LDAP, SAML and SCIM, with availability varying by plan; a public API and Terraform are listed for automation. CloudConnexa is fully cloud-based and managed by OpenVPN. Its overlay network has no default internet connection, so an Internet Gateway is required for internet access. Starter includes up to five seats, and each active user or connector uses one seat. Essential is $7 a month per seat and Premium is $9.50 a month per seat. Essential and Premium have a 14-day trial; charging begins only if a payment method was entered.

WatchGuard FireCloud is a managed, cloud-based firewall service designed to protect remote users from internet-based security threats. FireCloud Internet Access provides protected internet access; Total Access also connects users to local company-network resources without a VPN. Content scanning can use Gateway AntiVirus and APT Blocker to address threats including viruses, spyware, malicious applications and data leakage. FireCloud can also block botnets, SQL injections, cross-site scripting and buffer overflows. Application Control uses more than 1,800 signatures to identify and block more than 1,000 applications, including selected behaviors such as file transfer. Identity options include SAML providers such as AuthPoint, Microsoft Entra ID and Okta, along with WatchGuard Cloud Directory. Administrators can set centralized Zero Trust policies using factors such as location, time and user behavior. Total Access can use Virtual Gateways, Server Gateways or Fireboxes for private-resource access. Licensing is per user. The listed Internet Access plan for 1–50 licenses costs $97.75 a year per user license. Total Access has a free 30-day trial for up to 250 users.