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Cisco IOS Security vs Fortinet FortiGate IPS comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Dec 19, 2024

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

ROI

Sentiment score
8.1
Cisco IOS Security offers high ROI through improved efficiency, reduced risks, cost savings, and a beneficial subscription model.
Sentiment score
6.7
Fortinet FortiGate IPS improves network efficiency, reduces costs, consolidates security, and enhances ROI by optimizing resource allocation.
 

Customer Service

Sentiment score
7.0
Cisco IOS Security offers expert support but faces criticism for slow responses and communication challenges, remaining a strong choice.
Sentiment score
7.3
Fortinet FortiGate IPS customer service is generally praised for responsiveness and comprehensiveness, though some report slow response times.
The support package being an additional extra, even with an enterprise package purchase, is pathetic.
The technical support from Fortinet is rather good.
Fortinet support is very responsive.
 

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score
7.5
Cisco IOS Security is praised for scalability and efficiency but may require additional hardware and specific Cisco equipment.
Sentiment score
7.1
Fortinet FortiGate IPS is highly scalable, accommodating diverse needs and expansions, with high user satisfaction among various enterprise sizes.
I can easily integrate it with FortiFabric and manage multiple firewalls and other Fortinet solutions from a single dashboard.
The scalability of Fortinet FortiGate IPS is good, and I would rate it nine out of ten.
 

Stability Issues

Sentiment score
7.7
Cisco IOS Security is praised for stability and reliability, with few integration issues reported when not using Cisco equipment.
Sentiment score
8.3
Fortinet FortiGate IPS is praised for its reliability and stability, with few issues and high stability ratings.
I find Cisco IOS Security to be a very stable product.
There are no issues with stability, and it integrates seamlessly with the main product, which is a firewall.
Stability is generally good, but if you include FortiOS underlying in the FortiGate, there are often some patches to do and some loopholes.
 

Room For Improvement

Cisco IOS Security needs more intuitive management, better performance, advanced features, and improved integration, usability, and support.
Fortinet FortiGate IPS needs enhancements in pricing, performance, integration, AI capabilities, user interface, threat protection, and scalability.
More advanced AI capabilities would be beneficial in future updates.
Scalability issues.
The pricing of Fortinet FortiGate IPS could always be improved.
 

Setup Cost

Cisco IOS Security is pricey, subscription-based, aimed at medium-to-large enterprises, with recent SMB options, often seen as expensive.
Fortinet FortiGate IPS pricing is seen as competitive by some but expensive by others, with licenses ranging $1,000-$7,000.
There are no extra expenses involved after purchasing the solution.
I rate the pricing with an eight out of ten.
 

Valuable Features

Cisco IOS Security enhances network security with robust features, user-friendly interface, and strong performance, preferred over competitors.
Fortinet FortiGate IPS delivers powerful security, ease of use, advanced features, and regular updates for diverse environments.
This solution, called Network Access Controller, handles authentication, authorization, and accounting for devices accessing the network.
The most valuable feature is the deep inspection for traffic, which is capable of identifying zero-day attacks.
The firewalls are valuable for threat prevention.
It provides real-time updates, offering a good vision on any changes.
 

Categories and Ranking

Cisco IOS Security
Ranking in Intrusion Detection and Prevention Software (IDPS)
11th
Average Rating
8.0
Reviews Sentiment
6.9
Number of Reviews
48
Ranking in other categories
Firewalls (20th)
Fortinet FortiGate IPS
Ranking in Intrusion Detection and Prevention Software (IDPS)
3rd
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.1
Number of Reviews
65
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2025, in the Intrusion Detection and Prevention Software (IDPS) category, the mindshare of Cisco IOS Security is 1.4%, up from 0.7% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Fortinet FortiGate IPS is 7.0%, up from 6.3% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Intrusion Detection and Prevention Software (IDPS)
 

Featured Reviews

Binoob John - PeerSpot reviewer
Rrobust network security and device authentication with advanced access control features
This solution should be implemented for most enterprise-level customers. It ensures that users accessing the corporate network or wireless network with their own devices are authenticated and authorized. As a network administrator, I can track who is accessing the network, what devices they are…
Bart Homblé - PeerSpot reviewer
Real-time updates strengthen our network edge security with effective threat detection
We use Fortinet FortiGate IPS to enhance our network security. It is especially necessary to secure the edge of the company The whole IPS suite is valuable, especially with the updates from FortiGuard. It provides real-time updates, offering a good vision on any changes. For example, if the…
report
Use our free recommendation engine to learn which Intrusion Detection and Prevention Software (IDPS) solutions are best for your needs.
865,384 professionals have used our research since 2012.
 

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
28%
Manufacturing Company
8%
Government
8%
Outsourcing Company
6%
Computer Software Company
12%
Comms Service Provider
11%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Financial Services Firm
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Cisco IOS Security?
Cisco IOS Security is a mature product with extensive capabilities, serving as the base for the defense layer. It offers good network visibility, which helps in rapid response through the Rapid Thr...
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Cisco IOS Security?
Pricing can be reduced. I rate the current price for the product a four out of ten.
What needs improvement with Cisco IOS Security?
While I do not have specific recommendations for improvement, pricing can be reduced.
What do you like most about Fortinet FortiGate IPS?
The most significant aspect of IPS is self-explanatory as it primarily focuses on intrusion prevention, which is crucial for Fortinet's internal outbreak prevention efforts and ensuring compliance ...
What needs improvement with Fortinet FortiGate IPS?
The operational logic is not as straightforward as a Sophos XGS device. When creating rules in the Sophos firewall, they are more intuitive than in the Fortinet FortiGate IPS device. The Fortinet F...
 

Also Known As

IOS Security
FortiGate IPS
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Arup Group, Brunel University London, City of Biel, Gobierno de Castilla-La Mancha, K&L Gates , New South Wales Rural Fire Service, Offshore Northern Seas, Transplace
Riverside Healthcare, Salt Lake City, Dell SecureWorks, Credit Bank Zagreb
Find out what your peers are saying about Cisco IOS Security vs. Fortinet FortiGate IPS and other solutions. Updated: July 2025.
865,384 professionals have used our research since 2012.