FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) Reviews

Name: FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW)
Brand: Fortinet
Rating: 4.2 (51 reviews)

4.2 out of 5

51 reviews
95% willing to recommend

What is FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW)?

The FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) from Fortinet is a comprehensive cybersecurity solution designed to cater to a wide array of organizational needs. It integrates seamlessly into the Fortinet Security Fabric, offering robust protection against various internal and external threats, including attacks, malware, and vulnerabilities. The NGFW is known for its advanced features such as SSL inspection, application control, visibility enhancements, and an effective intrusion prevention system (IPS). This IPS plays a critical role in identifying and blocking malicious traffic by monitoring and inspecting incoming data.

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FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) is the #4 ranked solution in top ZTNA solutions, #9 ranked solution in top Unified Threat Management (UTM) solutions, and #10 ranked solution in best firewalls. PeerSpot users give FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) an average rating of 8.4 out of 10. FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) is most commonly compared to Fortinet FortiGate: FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) vs Fortinet FortiGate. FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 42% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 18% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW)

May 2025

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Featured FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) reviews

Juan Solano

IT Director at Atlantic Quantum Innovations

One of the most valuable features of FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) ( /products/fortigate-next-generation-firewall-ngfw-reviews ) is the ease of usability it offers. It is quite easy for me to learn to use. Additionally, FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) has improved our efficiency in setting up security and provided us with more visibility over some issues and incidents we previously faced.

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MOHAN SUKUMAR

Head of computer systems at Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology(IIST)

The most helpful features of FortiGate include its firewall policy, specifically the user-based policy, which I find to be quite beneficial in managing our network security effectively. FortiGate has also provided reliable protection against many attacks, although it lacks the ability to detect specific attacks like SQL injection, which usually requires a web application firewall.

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Anish Bheekoo

IT Lead at CMH

In terms of support, they are very responsive. If you reach out to them, they will contact you within 15 minutes. Managing FortiGate is easy and simple compared to other products. It's not too complex. Even if we miss renewing our licenses, FortiGate provides a grace period of 90 days, which is exceptional. Most products only offer 30 days. That's the best part, in my opinion. The support is excellent. I've had very positive experiences with FortiGate's support team. They are friendly and always available. Their support is available 24/7 via phone, email, or chat. They even offer remote access if we need help with configuration or auditing logs. Their support is reliable both locally and internationally.

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FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) mindshare

Product category:

As of May 2025, the mindshare of FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) in the Firewalls category stands at 0.4%, up from 0.2% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Firewalls

PeerResearch reports based on FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Firewalls	May 16, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	May 16, 2025	Download
Comparison	FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) vs Netgate pfSense	May 16, 2025	Download
Comparison	FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) vs Fortinet FortiGate	May 16, 2025	Download
Comparison	FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) vs OPNsense	May 16, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Fortinet FortiGate	4.2	21.4%	90%	332 interviews Add to research
Netgate pfSense	4.3	13.3%	93%	217 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) offers valuable features such as seamless updates, excellent support, a user-friendly interface, and robust security. Its features include SD-WAN, IPS, application control, VPN, firewall policies, and threat intelligence. The GUI is easy to navigate, aiding in configuration, while SD-WAN enhances remote access. Integration capabilities and out-of-the-box management improve efficiency. Its comprehensive functionality and threat detection capabilities make it highly recommended by IT professionals and organizations globally.

"In a scenario where FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) notably enhanced my customer's network performance, we discussed many points."
"One of the most valuable features of FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) is the ease of usability it offers."
"FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) is more realistic in application, allowing for more specific, customized security policies without the extensive work involved with static rules."

Room for Improvement

FortiGate NGFW requires enhancements in pricing and licensing models and better customer support worldwide. Improvements in security features, integration with other solutions, and increased device compatibility are necessary. The graphical user interface lacks appeal, and the configuration process is complex. High CPU usage due to the IPS engine, insufficient scalability for large environments, and frequent memory leaks cause instability. Better handling of vulnerabilities, increased SD-WAN features, and user-friendly integrations are needed.

"In FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW), my concern regarding improvements is the licensing model."
"Updating the software during issues can be quite convoluted, especially if there is an unexpected attack, such as on a Saturday."
"The support is not good because I generally search for solutions online. When I open a case, they usually identify it as a bug they are working on."

ROI

FortiGate Next Generation Firewall is perceived as a slightly costly investment depending on usage. Users note varying degrees of ROI, some realizing almost complete returns when paired with FortiGuard. The firewall enhances security, efficiency, and visibility while being considered cost-effective compared to competitors. Its installation has enabled better user access control and bandwidth management. Although some have not yet observed returns, planned expansions may alter this outlook.

Pricing

FortiGate Next Generation Firewall pricing is considered high by many users, especially for licensing and advanced features like FortiAnalyzer and FortiManager, which can significantly increase costs. Annual licensing fees are common, with prices varying based on features and support levels. While some view the costs as reasonable compared to competitors like Cisco or Palo Alto, others find them expensive, particularly for smaller organizations. Discounts or competitive pricing may apply in certain regions or industries.

"I would rate the pricing a seven out of ten"
"We pay $500 per year for the license."
"Although the solution's pricing is high, compared with other products, it may be cheap."

Popular Use Cases

FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) is used for border firewall functions, LAN segregation, and policy management. It provides security from application to networking layers and serves as a gateway firewall. Its features include antivirus, IPS, VPN access, SD-WAN connectivity, web and application filtering, and routing. Companies utilize it for network protection, UTM, zero-depth protection, and integrating with tools like FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer for analytics and security management.

Service and Support

Customer service and support for FortiGate Next Generation Firewall are generally positive, with responsive and knowledgeable assistance available via phone, email, or chat. Support responsiveness is generally high, but some experience slow resolution times. Users appreciate the grace period for licensing and 24/7 availability. Some find local support lacking speed, especially in certain regions. Technical support is seen as good but can improve in expertise and response times. Critics note the scripted nature and delays in reaching technical experts.

Deployment

Most users find FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW)'s setup easy and straightforward, requiring minimal technical expertise. The time for deployment can vary from a few hours to several days, depending on customer requirements and network architecture. While some mention that the initial process is simple, a lack of support and the need for technical expertise in specific scenarios can occasionally complicate matters. Most rate their setup experience highly, reflecting a generally positive perception.

Scalability

FortiGate Next Generation Firewall is generally considered scalable, suitable for various business sizes. Most report smooth expansion capabilities, though some indicate limitations based on model and specific requirements. Ratings for scalability range typically between seven and ten. Users appreciate it for its flexibility and the potential to handle varying user volumes, though improvements are needed for certain larger-scale, enterprise-level implementations. Some users note better performance compared to other firewalls.

Stability

FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) is generally stable, rated around eight to nine out of ten by users. Stability has improved with newer FortiOS versions, especially version 7. There are minor issues with certain features like security logs and VPN, but users find it reliable with high availability and SD-WAN configurations. Some users indicate that updates can be challenging during unexpected events, yet no significant issues are reported.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

18%

Comms Service Provider

10%

Financial Services Firm

Manufacturing Company

Media Company

Educational Organization

Non Profit

University

Government

Retailer

Insurance Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Healthcare Company

Legal Firm

Construction Company

Security Firm

Performing Arts

Consumer Goods Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Hospitality Company

Venture Capital & Private Equity Firm

Compare FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) with alternative products

Learn more about FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW)

FortiGate NGFW can be deployed in diverse environments, including on-premises, in the cloud, or hybrid setups. The firewall is equipped with next-generation antivirus capabilities, IPS, web filtering, sandboxing, and intelligent security automation features like threat intelligence integration and automated incident response. Its reporting and analytics tools are comprehensive, aiding in enhancing an organization's security posture.

A notable aspect of the FortiGate NGFW is its diverse and highly rated features, including a powerful VPN, a user-friendly Firewall Management Console, policy-based controls, and advanced reporting and logging capabilities. The system also supports Identification Technologies, Visualization Tools, Content Inspection, and seamless integration with Active Directory and LDAP directories. Its High Availability and the flexibility to deploy in various configurations, such as on-premises or as a Virtual Machine, make it a versatile choice for different business needs.

The FortiGate NGFW also excels in providing secure connectivity. It supports various VPN protocols, offers SD-WAN for intelligent traffic routing, and integrates SASE for unified security and networking solutions. These features contribute to improved security, reduced operational costs, and increased agility for organizations.

When it comes to user experiences and satisfaction, FortiGate NGFW has garnered positive feedback, with an average rating of about 4.26 out of 5 on PeerSpot Reviews. Users from diverse roles, including core network teams, technical officers, and cybersecurity engineers, and from various sectors such as tech services, education, and finance, have found the solution effective. This indicates its versatility and suitability across different company sizes and types.

However, there are areas for improvement. Enhancing the details in Logging Services and making 10 Gigabit Interfaces available for lower models are some suggested enhancements. Simplifying the installation of FortiAP services is also noted as a potential area for improvement.