Cisco IOS Security vs Hillstone T-Series comparison

Cisco and Hillstone Networks are both solutions in the Firewalls category. Cisco is ranked #20 with an average rating of 8.4, while Hillstone Networks is ranked #40. Cisco holds a 0.3% mindshare in Firewalls, compared to Hillstone Networks’s 0.1% mindshare. Additionally, 91% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 66% of Hillstone Networks users who would recommend it.

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Sep 16, 2024

Cisco IOS Security and Hillstone T-Series both offer robust network security solutions. Hillstone T-Series seems to have the upper hand for features, reliability, and value for money based on user feedback.

Features: Cisco IOS Security is praised for its comprehensive policy management, integration capabilities, and configurability. Hillstone T-Series receives high marks for advanced threat detection, user-friendly configuration, and extended feature set that brings additional value.

Room for Improvement: Users suggest Cisco IOS Security could improve its patch management, monitoring tools, and reporting features. Hillstone T-Series users point out the need for enhanced reporting, better software updates, and improved patch management.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco IOS Security is noted for a straightforward deployment process but receives mixed reviews on customer service responsiveness. Hillstone T-Series enjoys positive feedback on both easy deployment and proactive customer support.

Pricing and ROI: Users feel Cisco IOS Security provides a reasonable initial setup cost and satisfactory ROI, though it may seem higher-priced. Hillstone T-Series is appreciated for its cost-efficiency and substantial returns, delivering better financial value over time.

To learn more, read our detailed Cisco IOS Security vs. Hillstone T-Series Report (Updated: June 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Cisco IOS Security vs. Hillstone T-Series

June 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

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

Categories and Ranking

Fortinet FortiGate

Mindshare comparison

As of June 2025, in the Firewalls category, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiGate is 21.4%, up from 17.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Cisco IOS Security is 0.3%, up from 0.2% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Hillstone T-Series is 0.1%, up from 0.1% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Firewalls

Featured Reviews

Vasu Gala

Manager, Information Technology Operation/Presales at TechMonarch

A stable solution with an intuitive interface and quick customer service

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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Binoob John

Partner/Owner and Director of Human Resources at Up arrow Systems

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…

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TahirMahmood

IT Manager at Zubair Feeds

Is stable and has a user-friendly dashboard and a good interface

We installed Hillstone T-Series after a ransomware attack. The dashboard and user interface are very good We cannot secure a specific IP class with this firewall. Another loophole with Hillstone T-Series is that when we connect through WiFi and turn our hot spot on, all who connect through the…

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Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"The solution is very easy to understand. It's not overly complex."

"We are a visual effects company, and there have been a number of high profile security issues in our industry. This has brought us to a higher standard of security, which our clients are very keen on these days."

"SD-WAN has had a positive impact by reducing the operational costs in terms of headcount and management."

"The most valuable features of Fortinet FortiGate are remote access, web filtering, and IPS."

"I like that you are able to manage FortiGate from the FortiManager to create a more centralized environment."

"They are very affordable compared to Palo Alto and other vendors, offering a great solution for networking and SD-WAN with extremely good protection."

"The FortiGate controls the user's activities and maximizes my bandwidth use overall."

"The flexibility and ease of configuration are the most valuable features."

More Fortinet FortiGate pros

"The most valuable feature is endpoint protection."

"Cisco IOS Security increases the overall security of our network, performs authentication, and provides level 15 access and privileges."

"The solution effectively integrates with Umbrella."

"The solution is easy to use."

"The VPN was valuable for us because more people are working from home. It has a lot of reporting and easy-to-use management tools."

"Cisco IOS allows us to keep the same security features as our principal offices."

"There is a positive impact on security, particularly the intrusion feature, which helps keep the solution concealed and secure."

"Cisco IOS Security has many good features, but compared to other solutions, it has a more user-friendly interface with steps to apply and manage rules. Another good part of the solution is that it's more straightforward."

More Cisco IOS Security pros

"The only firewall able to monitor traffic from a CCTV network. Can detect unauthorized devices plugged into the network, which standard firewalls can't do."

"It has been stable so far."

"We installed Hillstone T-Series after a ransomware attack. The dashboard and user interface are very good."

Cons

"The performance could be a bit better. Right now, I find it to be lacking. Having good performance is very important for our work."

"Security is a continuous process. In every product, there is a requirement for improvement. Its pricing should also be improved according to Indian market requirements. They must also improve on the reporting part. Its reporting can be more precise. If we can get a real-time report in a specific format, it will be helpful for customers to know about the current status of their security."

"I want some additional features. For example, I want something to ensure that when we are using Google email or Microsoft email, or Google Workspace, emails can only be accessed on designated machines given to our employees. I would like them to access data from designated machines, not from any machine. It should work for designated mobiles and laptops. I don't know if Fortinet provides something like that out of the box."

"The pricing could be reduced or include the first year warranty."

"I think they need to improve more in order to be a competitor with the leaders of the field."

"The configuration part was challenging, especially converting configurations from another OEM to FortiGate."

"There are mainly two areas of improvement in Fortinet FortiGate— the licensing cost and the timing of upgrading licenses for boxes."

"Performance on the box and technical support are areas where Fortinet FortiGate can be improved."

More Fortinet FortiGate cons

"I wish it would be more like the next generation firewall technology. There should be more selection between the application and filtering."

"Cisco very slowly introduces and implements the products, unlike other brands."

"It takes too much time to deploy a policy to FMC. It takes around eight minutes. You can't afford any downtime when you're changing policies."

"It would be ideal if the solution had more capacity."

"I think setup could be one area for improvement, because sometimes we don't have people inside so we have to move to the place."

"The product's technical support services need improvement."

"I would like to see much more embedded security that works and that isn't a bolt-on."

"The graphical user interface or the GUI could be better. Beginners can use some devices with the GUI, but some security devices are configured using CLI. It would also be better if it had its own Intrusion Protection Service and Intrusion Detection Service on the server."

More Cisco IOS Security cons

"Licensing is not cheap."

"Another loophole with Hillstone T-Series is that when we connect through WiFi and turn our hot spot on, all who connect through the hotspot get all the functions, and the security does not work."

"They have a very good technical support team, but I think there are some communication issues due to language differences."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Fortinet is the least expensive solution."

"The pricing is fair."

"For the performance that we get, the price is reasonable. There are cheaper options, but they may not deliver the same kind of performance that we want. For the performance they provide, the price is acceptable."

"The Indian market is different than the European and American markets. When you compare they need to be a bit more aggressive on pricing."

"Fortinet costs are 25% lower than the high-cost provider. There is an equipment cost and a recurring monthly cost for licenses and technical support."

"These boxes are not that expensive compared to what they can do, their functionality, and the reporting you receive. Fortinet licensing is straightforward and less confusing compared to Cisco."

"It is very cost-effective. You get features similar to other firewalls, such as Palo Alto, but at a lower price."

"You need to pay a license for this solution. Our licensing is now done in our subsidiary."

More Fortinet FortiGate pricing and cost advice

"We can purchase its licenses as per specific business requirements."

"The cost may be around $5,000 to $10,000 a year. If you want support you have to pay at least this price."

"Cisco IOS Security is not very expensive, and pricing depends on where you live. It's affordable for both individuals and institutions. On a scale from one to five, I would give Cisco's pricing a four."

"The pricing for Cisco IOS Security is reasonable compared to other Cisco products."

"The pricing is okay. It is competitive. It costs more when you need get more features."

"It is an expensive solution."

"Palo Alto networks are more expensive than this solution and this is why you will see more products like this one in Mexico."

"I rate Cisco IOS Security's pricing a ten out of ten."

More Cisco IOS Security pricing and cost advice

"On a scale from one to ten, with one being low and ten being high price, I would rate the price of Hillstone T-Series at three. There are no additional costs other than renewal costs."

"We got a much cheaper price than that provided by Fortinet right now."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Educational Organization

15%

Computer Software Company

15%

Comms Service Provider

Manufacturing Company

Computer Software Company

28%

Financial Services Firm

13%

Manufacturing Company

Government

Financial Services Firm

21%

Computer Software Company

18%

Real Estate/Law Firm

14%

Manufacturing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

Questions from the Community

Which is the better NGFW: Fortinet Fortigate or Cisco Firepower?

When you compare these firewalls you can identify them with different features, advantages, practices and usage a...

See all answers

What is the biggest difference between Sophos XG and FortiGate?

From my experience regarding both the Sophos and FortiGate firewalls, I personally would rather use FortiGate. I know...

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What are the biggest technical differences between Sophos UTM and Fortinet FortiGate?

As a solution, Sophos UTM offers a lot of functionality, it scales well, and the stability and performance are quite ...

See all answers

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 off...

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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.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Cisco IOS Security?

While I do not have specific recommendations for improvement, pricing can be reduced.

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Comparisons

Sophos XG vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 21% of the time

Netgate pfSense vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 12% of the time

Cisco Secure Firewall vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 11% of the time

SonicWall TZ vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 5% of the time

WatchGuard Firebox vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 5% of the time

More Fortinet FortiGate Competitors

Cisco Secure Firewall vs Cisco IOS Security

Compared 26% of the time

OPNsense vs Cisco IOS Security

Compared 16% of the time

Meraki MX vs Cisco IOS Security

Compared 11% of the time

Fortinet FortiOS vs Cisco IOS Security

Compared 11% of the time

Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls vs Cisco IOS Security

Compared 8% of the time

More Cisco IOS Security Competitors

Cisco Secure Firewall vs Hillstone T-Series

Compared 46% of the time

Meraki MX vs Hillstone T-Series

Compared 30% of the time

Sangfor NGAF vs Hillstone T-Series

Compared 24% of the time

More Hillstone T-Series Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiGate

June 2025

Download Fortinet FortiGate product report

Buyer's Guide

Cisco IOS Security

June 2025

Download Cisco IOS Security product report

Buyer's Guide

Firewalls

May 2025

Download Hillstone T-Series product report

Also Known As

FortiGate 60b, FortiGate 60c, FortiGate 80c, FortiGate 50b, FortiGate 200b, FortiGate 110c, FortiGate, Fortinet Firewall

IOS Security

Hillstone T-Series Intelligent Next-Generation Firewalls, Hillstone iNGFW

Overview

Fortinet FortiGate offers comprehensive network security and firewall protection across multiple locations. It effectively manages data traffic and secures environments with features like VPN, intrusion prevention, and UTM controls.

Organizations rely on Fortinet FortiGate for its robust integration with advanced security policies, ensuring significant protection for enterprises, cloud environments, and educational sectors. It facilitates network segmentation, application-level security, and authentication management, securing communication within and between locations such as branches and data centers. Its efficient SD-WAN and UTM features enable streamlined data management and enhanced threat protection capabilities. Users appreciate its centralized management, facilitating seamless operations across diverse environments.

What are the key features of Fortinet FortiGate?

VPN Capabilities: Ensure secure remote access for users and seamless site-to-site connections.
Intrusion Prevention System (IPS): Detect and prevent security threats and vulnerabilities.
Advanced Firewall: Offers robust firewalling with application control and web filtering.
SD-WAN: Optimizes application performance and enhances bandwidth management.
SSL VPN: Provides reliable and secure access for remote workers.

What benefits should users expect from Fortinet FortiGate?

High-performance Security: Delivers effective threat mitigation with high availability.
Centralized Management: Simplifies network operations with cloud-based management tools.
Detailed Analytics: Provides comprehensive insights into network activity and security threats.
Load Balancing: Ensures optimal resource distribution and traffic management.

Fortinet FortiGate is crucial in sectors like education, offering robust networks for secure data flow between campuses and facilitating remote learning. In enterprise environments, it allows efficient management of application traffic and security across multiple branches, while in the cloud, it seamlessly integrates with diverse platforms to enhance security infrastructure.

Fortinet

Cisco IOS Software delivers a sophisticated set of security capabilities for a comprehensive, layered security approach throughout your network infrastructure. Cisco IOS security technologies help to defend critical business processes against attack and disruption, protect privacy, and support policy and regulatory compliance controls.

Cisco

Hillstone’s T-Series intelligent Next-Generation Firewall (iNGFW) uses three key technologies to detect advanced attacks and provide continuous threat defense for today’s networks. First, it uses statistical clustering to detect unknown malware, leveraging the patented Hillstone Advanced Threat Detection engine (ATD). Second, it uses behavioral analytics to detect anomalous network behavior, which is based on the Hillstone Abnormal Behavior Detection engine (ABD). Finally, it leverages the Hillstone threat correlation analysis engine to correlate threat events detected by disparate engines – including ATD, ABD, Sandbox and other traditional signature-based threat detection technologies – along with context information to identify advanced threats.

Hillstone Networks

Sample 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

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

University of Córdoba

Buyer's Guide

Cisco IOS Security vs. Hillstone T-Series

June 2025

Free Report: Cisco IOS Security vs. Hillstone T-Series

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