Fortinet FortiGate Reviews

Name: Fortinet FortiGate
Brand: Fortinet
Rating: 4.2 (574 reviews)

4.2 out of 5

574 reviews
92% willing to recommend

What is Fortinet FortiGate?

Fortinet FortiGate excels in providing integrated VPN, firewalling, and Unified Threat Management (UTM) with centralized management and high availability. It supports remote access and comprehensive threat protection, making it a preferred choice for securing networks.

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Fortinet FortiGate is the #1 ranked solution in best firewalls, SD-WAN tools, and top WAN Edge solutions. PeerSpot users give Fortinet FortiGate an average rating of 8.4 out of 10. Fortinet FortiGate is most commonly compared to Netgate pfSense: Fortinet FortiGate vs Netgate pfSense. Fortinet FortiGate is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 44% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 15% of all views.

Helped 867,445 peers since 2012

Featured Fortinet FortiGate reviews

Vasu Gala

Manager, Information Technology Operation/Presales at TechMonarch

I have been working with Fortinet FortiGate, WatchGuard, Sophos, and SonicWall. I'm not as comfortable with SonicWall because of their UI and limitations. I prefer Fortinet above all other options. When it comes to configuration, I am confident in my ability to handle various tasks, including creating policies such as firewall rules, web policies, and application policies. Additionally, I can configure VPNs and implement load balancing, among other tasks. Overall, I feel much more comfortable working with Fortinet. Fortinet has made significant improvements by integrating AI with firewalls for threat analysis and prevention. In the past 2-3 years, they have launched FortiSASE and SIEM, and they also provide SOC services. Both Palo Alto and Fortinet FortiGate are excellent. While Fortinet FortiGate comes at higher prices, the functionality and support justify the cost. They promptly resolve firmware issues and inform all support providers about configuration changes.

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Mageshwaran S

Solution Architect at airtel

The best features of Fortinet FortiGate include selling a perpetual license as a primary benefit, and the license cost is not much compared to Cisco, Meraki, or HP. Feature-wise, I can rate Meraki over Fortinet FortiGate a seven or eight since they have micro-segmentation and application routing. They can detect real-time threats with FortiGuard, which is similar to Palo Alto. Now they are implementing AI features, and I recently went through the demo, which is amazing. The main benefits that Fortinet FortiGate brings to customers include that if you're going for a single fabric with core switches, access switches, and APs, compared to legacy Cisco or Aruba, te Fortinet FortiGate does not require a controller for the access points. Fortinet FortiGate itself acts as a controller. Similarly, they have FortiLink, which connects all appliances in a single stack, allowing maintenance with FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer. In comparison, Cisco requires a separate controller for SD-WAN and Nexus ACI controller, and other things require a Cisco DNA controller. However, with Fortinet FortiGate, it's simple to maintain using FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer, thus being very much easier and cost-efficient.

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Jorge Martínez

Presales Engineer at Sencinet

I am not part of the initial setup or deployment process since I work in presales. The setup or deployment is quite easy, as you can do a one-touch deployment that automatically connects to the FortiManager cloud when you connect it to a broadband or dynamic IP, allowing you to start the configuration from that point. We usually sell it for on-premises setups. It's on the cloud only when the client has virtual machines or their own service. Sometimes they have a service on the cloud like AWS, but it's more difficult to sell now because AWS has an e-commerce option where you can buy FortiGate directly. The only thing you need is someone to manage and configure.

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Fortinet FortiGate mindshare

Product category:

As of September 2025, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiGate in the Firewalls category stands at 20.1%, up from 18.4% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Firewalls Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
Fortinet FortiGate	20.1%
Netgate pfSense	11.1%
OPNsense	11.1%
Other	57.699999999999996%

Firewalls

PeerResearch reports based on Fortinet FortiGate reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Firewalls	Sep 16, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Sep 16, 2025	Download
Comparison	Fortinet FortiGate vs Netgate pfSense	Sep 16, 2025	Download
Comparison	Fortinet FortiGate vs OPNsense	Sep 16, 2025	Download
Comparison	Fortinet FortiGate vs Sophos XG	Sep 16, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Netgate pfSense	4.3	11.1%	93%	217 interviews Add to research
OPNsense	4.2	11.1%	97%	43 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Fortinet FortiGate offers dynamic segmentation, VPN capabilities, robust firewalling, threat prevention, and Unified Threat Management (UTM) with easy configuration. Valuable features include SD-WAN, application control, and web filtering, all integrated into a comprehensive user-friendly interface. The platform performs efficiently, ensuring high availability, active clustering, and detailed logging. Users appreciate its scalability, security integration, and effective threat detection with a unified approach, providing comprehensive security management across networks.

"Fortinet FortiGate has many functions, and it is one of the best next-generation firewalls with an affordable cost than other vendors."
"We have received a very good ROI; it has provided significant time savings of almost 20-25%."
"For application filtration, I really appreciate many features of Fortinet FortiGate because it is more reliable, easy to use, and the reports are easy to read and understand."

Room for Improvement

Improvements for Fortinet FortiGate should focus on user interface, pricing, and technical support enhancements. The web interface needs greater stability and functionality, and the licensing costs should be reconsidered to be more competitive. Additionally, reporting capabilities could be more detailed without relying heavily on FortiAnalyzer. The integration with other platforms can be improved, and attention to bugs in firmware updates is essential for a smoother user experience.

"They can add automation for monitoring and policy optimization on the firewall. I think using AI to do some optimization on the policies would be beneficial, such as providing alerts about policies that haven't been used for a long time or identifying overlapping policies."
"A disadvantage exists when we are collecting the logs, as it sometimes becomes very difficult to interpret the logs that are generated from the firewall."
"To improve Fortinet FortiGate, I think they need to improve the software and make updates more quickly, rather than taking a long time to update the software or firmware."

ROI

Users generally express satisfaction with Fortinet FortiGate, noting a positive return on investment. The cost benefits and improved network security are often mentioned. Many users highlight its cost-effectiveness compared to competitors, with significant time and resource savings. It's praised for its robust features, reduced operational costs, and efficient management. The functionality allows for easy expansion, increased user productivity, and decreased downtime, contributing to overall financial efficiency.

Pricing

Fortinet FortiGate's pricing and licensing model is generally competitive and balanced for enterprise applications. Initial setup costs can be high, but recurring annual fees are standard. Licensing offers bundles covering a range of features, with some users noting the cost for enabling additional features. Discounts are available for multi-year licenses. While perceived as cost-effective compared to competitors like Cisco and Palo Alto, it's suggested that pricing could be refined, especially for renewal processes. Overall, FortiGate is seen as a cost-effective solution with favorable value for money.

"The setup cost was good. The Egyptian pound is declining, and upgrading Fortinet FortiGate yearly costs about $2000 USD, which equals one hundred Egyptian pounds. I maintain a business relationship with the vendor and receive support from them."
"My experience with the pricing, setup cost, and licensing for Fortinet FortiGate is quite good. I don't have a public site, such as in Azure, where I can see the pricing. I always have to go through the distributor, and that could take some time to get the real price for each appliance."
"It is not the cheapest one, but its price is very competitive."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily use Fortinet FortiGate as a firewall for network protection and security. They deploy it for tasks such as managing VPNs, securing enterprise data centers, providing intrusion detection and prevention, and performing unified threat management. It is also widely utilized for SD-WAN, application control, web filtering, and bandwidth management. Users often integrate Fortinet FortiGate with other components to enhance cybersecurity, ensure data protection, and facilitate secure remote access.

Service and Support

Fortinet FortiGate's customer service and support are generally responsive and knowledgeable, with varying response times. Many users find them effective, but some experience delays, especially with complex issues. The support quality differs by region and contract level, with premium support often yielding better results. While local partners frequently handle primary support, Fortinet's documentation is a valuable resource. Enhancements in speed and consistency, particularly in international regions, would improve user satisfaction.

Deployment

Many users found Fortinet FortiGate's initial setup to be straightforward, especially with prior network security experience. The process was often simplified by available documentation, user-friendly interfaces, and setup wizards. Challenges arose primarily from complex environments or large deployments, requiring detailed planning and technical expertise. While knowledge of initial setup varied, ongoing configuration and maintenance were easy with proper expertise. Basic setups were quick, but intricate configurations demanded more time and skill.

Scalability

Fortinet FortiGate demonstrates commendable scalability, accommodating diverse business sizes. Configuration and deployment ease depend on correct sizing, enhancing flexibility and expansion potential. While some report hardware limitations, others appreciate its capacity for handling large user bases across various environments. Its integration capability with other systems and cost considerations contribute to its scalability rating, though improvements in certain deployment scenarios may be beneficial. FortiGate’s versatility in enterprise settings underscores its high scalability rating.

Stability

Fortinet FortiGate is highly stable, praised for consistent reliability and minimal downtime. Users highlight its robustness, efficient performance, and successful threat management. A few mentions suggest occasional issues during heavy usage, firmware upgrades, or due to improper sizing. Most users, however, note improvements with updated versions and thorough testing. Stability ratings frequently range from eight to ten, reflecting general satisfaction despite some isolated concerns.

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

Download our Fortinet FortiGate Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	270
Midsize Enterprise	99
Large Enterprise	121

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews
Company Size	Count
Small Business	6759
Midsize Enterprise	3703
Large Enterprise	8365

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

15%

Comms Service Provider

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Government

Educational Organization

University

Retailer

Healthcare Company

Construction Company

Media Company

Hospitality Company

Non Profit

Energy/Utilities Company

Outsourcing Company

Insurance Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Performing Arts

Legal Firm

Wholesaler/Distributor

Transportation Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Consumer Goods Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Compare Fortinet FortiGate with alternative products

Learn more about Fortinet FortiGate

Fortinet FortiGate offers a robust security platform with features such as strong intrusion prevention, application control, and web filtering. Its integration with Active Directory and SD-WAN functionality provides scalable solutions for large networks. Users appreciate its ease of use through centralized management interfaces, ensuring robust security with flexible configurations. However, FortiGate could enhance its graphical interface and technical support responsiveness, address firmware bugs and costly licensing, improve logging, integrate better with third-party tools, and strengthen scalability and memory for log storage. Complexity in configuration and the need for intuitive features are noted challenges, and there's a demand for advanced security, zero-trust capabilities, and AI integration.

What are the key features of Fortinet FortiGate?

VPN: Secure remote access and connectivity.
Firewalling: Protects networks from unauthorized access and attacks.
UTM: Offers a comprehensive approach to threat management.
SD-WAN: Optimizes traffic routing for efficient network performance.
Web Filtering: Controls and monitors web access and ensures Internet security.

What benefits or ROI should be considered?

Centralized Management: Simplifies administration and monitoring.
High Availability: Ensures consistent security and network availability.
Scalability: Adapts to the needs of growing networks.
Comprehensive Threat Protection: Provides robust security measures.
Ease of Use: Minimizes the complexity of security management.

Fortinet FortiGate is widely implemented across industries like education, finance, and government. Companies use it for firewall protection, VPN, and SD-WAN capabilities, ensuring secure perimeter and data center security. It facilitates remote access management and traffic routing optimization, offering reliable security and connectivity solutions.

Fortinet FortiGate customers

Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, Dell, HP, Oracle, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Vodafone, Orange, BT Group, Telstra, Deutsche Telekom, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, CenturyLink, NTT Communications, Tata Communications, SoftBank, China Mobile, Singtel, Telus, Rogers Communications, Bell Canada, Telkom Indonesia, Telkom South Africa, Telmex, Telia Company, Telkom Kenya

Product Categories

Firewalls

Secure Web Gateways (SWG)

Intrusion Detection and Prevention Software (IDPS)

Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) Solutions

WAN Edge

ZTNA

Unified Threat Management (UTM)

Firewall Solutions for Enterprises

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Fortinet FortiGate Reviews Summary
Author info	Rating	Review Summary
Manager, Information Technology Operation/Presales at TechMonarch	4.5	As an IT MSP, I value Fortinet FortiGate's easy configuration, stable firmware, and user-friendly interface. Despite high costs and storage limitations without a hard disk, the ROI is favorable. I prefer it over alternatives due to superior functionality and rapid support.
Solution Architect at airtel	4.5	I use Fortinet FortiGate for branch and campus networks, valuing its cost efficiency and ease of management. Its improvement areas include offering evaluation licenses. ROI improved, reflecting increased infrastructure changes and renewals over the years.
Manager, Information Technology at a consumer goods company with 11-50 employees	4.5	We use Fortinet FortiGate for gateway security and appreciate its robust features, timely updates, and seamless integration with SD-WAN. While it meets our expectations and provides good ROI, further enhancement of FortiAnalyzer would improve our experience.
Senior Network Engineer/ Security at a healthcare company with 10,001+ employees	3.5	I use Fortinet FortiGate primarily for security as a firewall, appreciating its similar functionality to Cisco at a lower cost. It's easy to deploy with a user-friendly interface, though I found support lacking during a geolocation issue.
Presales Engineer at Sencinet	4.5	I use Fortinet FortiGate for SD-WAN and firewalls primarily for medium to enterprise businesses. Its SD-WAN capabilities, security features, and integration with other Fortinet devices make it valuable, though licensing improvements, particularly for unified threat management, are needed.
Staff Infrastructure & Security Engineer at Mozn Systems	4.5	I found Fortinet FortiGate's IPS/IDS implementation and SD-WAN features valuable for flexibility and network redundancy. While upgrades sometimes disrupt configurations, its cost is reasonable. FortiGate's community and support impressed me compared to solutions like Cisco ASA and pfSense.
Cyber Security Analyst at a educational organization with 10,001+ employees	4.0	I use Fortinet FortiGate as a perimeter firewall for its robust security features and competitive pricing. Its SD-WAN integration is straightforward and enhances network performance. However, longer log retention without FortiGate Analyzer is needed for better monitoring.
IT Consultant at a tech services company with 1-10 employees	4.5	I use Fortinet FortiGate for its security features, ease of use, and cloud capabilities. While it requires code improvement and competitive pricing, its immediate ROI benefits include security savings, eliminating the need for multiple security programs.

Fortinet FortiGate Reviews

What is Fortinet FortiGate?

Featured Fortinet FortiGate reviews

Fortinet FortiGate mindshare

PeerResearch reports based on Fortinet FortiGate reviews

Valuable Features

Room for Improvement

ROI

Pricing

Popular Use Cases

Service and Support

Deployment

Scalability

Stability

Review data by company size

Top industries

Compare Fortinet FortiGate with alternative products

Learn more about Fortinet FortiGate

Fortinet FortiGate customers

Related questions

Product Categories

Popular Comparisons