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Fortinet FortiGate vs Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls comparison

Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks are both solutions in the Firewalls category. Fortinet is ranked #2 with an average rating of 8.3, while Palo Alto Networks is ranked #6 with an average rating of 8.7. Fortinet holds a 21.4% mindshare in Firewalls, compared to Palo Alto Networks’s 3.4% mindshare. Additionally, 90% of Fortinet users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 96% of Palo Alto Networks users who would recommend it.
Fortinet FortiGate
Read 330 Fortinet FortiGate reviews
  • 78,842 Views
  • 58,697 Comparison Views
90% willing to recommend
Palo Alto Networks NG Firew...
Read 192 Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls reviews
  • 15,739 Views
  • 10,060 Comparison Views
96% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Apr 6, 2025

Fortinet FortiGate and Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls compete in the network security category, both offering advanced firewall capabilities. Palo Alto Networks seems to have the upper hand with their superior URL filtering and machine learning-enhanced threat detection.

Features: Fortinet FortiGate offers robust next-generation firewall capabilities, focusing on VPN, Unified Threat Management, and comprehensive network security. It features an efficient Security Fabric and high application control, supporting scalable clustering technology. Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls are known for their advanced application identification and threat detection, enhanced by machine learning. The use of the WildFire feature supports real-time threat analysis and provides a unified security platform.

Room for Improvement: Fortinet FortiGate could enhance its reporting, alert and event logs, and web interface stability. SSL VPN integration and detailed web filtering part could also be improved. Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls may benefit from simplifying the initial configuration and management complexity. Users often find the policies and interfaces less intuitive, and there are occasional delays in technical support responsiveness.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Fortinet FortiGate and Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls are primarily deployed on-premises with options for public and hybrid cloud deployments. Fortinet FortiGate is praised for user-friendly deployment and is perceived to have more responsive technical support. Palo Alto is recognized for its documentation and training resources, though its support can experience longer wait times and sometimes lack immediate effectiveness.

Pricing and ROI: Fortinet FortiGate is generally viewed as a cost-effective solution, providing good ROI with straightforward pricing. It is particularly competitive for smaller businesses. Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls, although often considered expensive, are valued for their superior security features and reduced manual intervention post-deployment. If cost is critical, FortiGate offers more competitive pricing, while Palo Alto is preferred for its high-end security capabilities.

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To learn more, read our detailed Fortinet FortiGate vs. Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls Report (Updated: April 2025).
Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiGate vs. Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls
April 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:
 

ROI

Sentiment score
7.4
Fortinet FortiGate offers cost-efficient security, enhancing performance and network stability, while significantly reducing operational costs and incidents.
Sentiment score
7.6
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls offer strong ROI by enhancing security, reducing costs, and enabling efficient management for digital transformation.
Clients are now comfortable and not wasting productive hours on IT support.
We have experienced a positive return on investment by utilizing Fortinet's products.
There's definitely an ROI. Having a centralized way of managing and applying policies across the entire organization always helps.
For more quotes and insights, download the Fortinet FortiGate report
Their user-friendly interface and Panorama central management, which provides a comprehensive overview, make them an ideal investment.
The solution helped reduce downtime, which is crucial in time-sensitive industries like manufacturing.
For more quotes and insights, download the Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls report
MURALI NIDAMANURI - PeerSpot reviewerEhabAli - PeerSpot reviewer
JH
Jeelani Qadir - PeerSpot reviewer
VR
 

Customer Service

Sentiment score
7.0
Fortinet FortiGate support receives mixed reviews, praised for higher-level assistance but criticized for inconsistent technical support responsiveness.
Sentiment score
7.6
User reviews for Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls support vary, highlighting responsiveness issues, regional inconsistencies, and communication challenges.
He explained that it required a command line configuration, as it couldn't be done through the graphical user interface.
I would rate their support for FortiGate a nine out of ten.
They offer very accurate solutions.
For more quotes and insights, download the Fortinet FortiGate report
Their response time is within one hour.
They offer fast and competent assistance.
They provide fast response and rapid remediation of problems.
For more quotes and insights, download the Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls report
EhabAli - PeerSpot reviewer
AV
Taimoor Khan - PeerSpot reviewerAmjadKhan1 - PeerSpot reviewer
VL
Adam-Brenner - PeerSpot reviewer
 

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score
7.3
Fortinet FortiGate is scalable for enterprises, but expansion may require budget planning and careful pre-planning for integration.
Sentiment score
7.3
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls offer scalable options, but hardware upgrades, clustering limitations, and costs may challenge smaller organizations.
They scale up really well from smaller models like the FortiGate 40 and 50 to bigger sites with the FortiGate 100 for more throughput - up to enterprise datacenters.
The variation comes in terms of the interfaces and throughputs, but from a security perspective, you get the same benefit, irrespective of whether you have an entry-level unit or an enterprise.
You can choose a cheaper model if you only have 20-30 users, but you will need to spend more money for a FortiGate solution that covers 5,000.
For more quotes and insights, download the Fortinet FortiGate report
Cloud deployments benefit from auto-scaling, allowing for automatic adjustments to firewall capacity based on demand.
It is important to assess the infrastructure size before choosing a model.
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls are scalable and reliable.
For more quotes and insights, download the Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls report
IM
reviewer2667480 - PeerSpot reviewerSaurabh-Pal - PeerSpot reviewerJeelani Qadir - PeerSpot reviewer
VL
Hrushikesh Pandit - PeerSpot reviewer
 

Stability Issues

Sentiment score
7.9
Fortinet FortiGate is reliable and stable, despite occasional issues under high traffic; model selection impacts performance.
Sentiment score
8.4
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls are praised for high stability, outperforming competitors, with minor issues linked to external factors.
Improper handling of these can lead to a memory surge, a well-known bug that can cause the entire system to freeze.
It is less stable than Palo Alto Networks and Check Point firewalls because there are lots of bugs in the latest firmware.
We have not had any problems with the operating systems or maintenance of subscriptions.
For more quotes and insights, download the Fortinet FortiGate report
With appropriately configured policies, these firewalls can provide robust network security.
After the upgrade, we are experiencing performance issues.
I have not experienced any outages or issues.
For more quotes and insights, download the Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls report
EhabAli - PeerSpot reviewerUbeyd Kara - PeerSpot reviewer
AV
Adam-Brenner - PeerSpot reviewerreviewer1260276 - PeerSpot reviewer
VL
 

Room For Improvement

Fortinet FortiGate needs improved UI stability, integration, performance, VPN functionality, support, and simplified policy management due to high costs.
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls require improvements in reporting, integration, pricing, ease of use, and machine learning capabilities.
If I have put 10 GBPS of throughput on a firewall and I enable all of these features available, such as IPS or UTM functionalities, the throughput comes down to 1 GBPS.
By providing an integrated solution, users would have access to all features and functionalities within a single window, eliminating the need to navigate through multiple windows.
Investing in a solution that can accommodate such growth would be more cost-effective than repeatedly purchasing new hardware.
For more quotes and insights, download the Fortinet FortiGate report
When performance degrades due to full packet inspection, the solution should be to increase the computing power within the same firewall, not to recommend upgrading to a larger, more expensive model.
Further integration into a unified system could improve usability.
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls lack built-in multi-factor authentication, requiring the purchase of a third-party tool to implement this essential security feature.
For more quotes and insights, download the Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls report
Irshad Ali - PeerSpot reviewerreviewer1959201 - PeerSpot reviewerJose Gisbert - PeerSpot reviewerreviewer1260276 - PeerSpot reviewer
VR
AmjadKhan1 - PeerSpot reviewer
 

Setup Cost

Fortinet FortiGate is praised for its cost-effectiveness and flexible licensing, especially benefiting small to medium-sized businesses.
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls are costly, but users find their security and performance worth the investment despite high expenses.
Secure SD-WAN is free of charge.
The most expensive part is the renewal of the license subscription.
FortiGate is priced lower than Palo Alto.
For more quotes and insights, download the Fortinet FortiGate report
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls are expensive.
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls come at a premium, exceeding the cost of most competitors by 45 percent.
Colleagues looking for the cheapest and fastest firewall can still use Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls because they are affordable.
For more quotes and insights, download the Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls report
EhabAli - PeerSpot reviewerreviewer1959201 - PeerSpot reviewer
JJ
reviewer1260276 - PeerSpot reviewerAmjadKhan1 - PeerSpot reviewer
SM
 

Valuable Features

Fortinet FortiGate is a reliable, user-friendly security solution known for robust features, easy configuration, and competitive pricing.
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls provide advanced threat prevention, application visibility, and seamless management with robust security features and performance.
The firewall, IPS, and VPN functions are the most valuable features.
FortiGate provides solid protection against viruses, malware, and other threats.
Within the same dashboard, you get to see the security profiles, the type of traffic that's passing through, the top applications that are being consumed, etc.
For more quotes and insights, download the Fortinet FortiGate report
The most valuable features of Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls are DNS sync calls, enabled security features, and Wildfire.
Threat Vault allows us access to a comprehensive threat database, enabling us to get detailed information on threats and how to mitigate them.
The most valuable feature of Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls is Cortex Data Lake.
For more quotes and insights, download the Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls report
AV
PP
Irshad Ali - PeerSpot reviewerreviewer1260276 - PeerSpot reviewerHrushikesh Pandit - PeerSpot reviewerAdam-Brenner - PeerSpot reviewer
 

Categories and Ranking

Fortinet FortiGate
Ranking in Firewalls
2nd
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
7.2
Number of Reviews
330
Ranking in other categories
Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) Solutions (1st), WAN Edge (1st)
Palo Alto Networks NG Firew...
Ranking in Firewalls
6th
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
7.4
Number of Reviews
192
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2025, in the Firewalls category, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiGate is 21.4%, up from 17.7% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls is 3.4%, up from 3.1% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Firewalls
 

Featured Reviews

EhabAli - PeerSpot reviewer
Efficient, user-friendly, and affordable
In the past, NSS Labs was utilized to test files and verify the numbers and datasheets. It would be beneficial to have an organization or testing lab that can verify the numbers in our datasheets since changes are frequently made, which can be inconvenient for review. For instance, when comparing different competitors such as Forcepoint, Palo Alto, and Check Point, the throughput or numbers in the datasheet may be lower than the actual numbers. Conversely, Fortinet typically reports very high numbers, but they cannot be replicated in the real world. Therefore, it would be advantageous for them to partner with a neutral testing organization such as NSS Labs to validate these numbers, thus providing more credibility and comfort to everyone regarding the accuracy of the datasheets. For the migration, everyone has a firewall in use and I am selling Fortinet. Typically, I am replacing another firewall. Previously, there was a tool available to convert configurations from one firewall, such as Palo Alto, to Fortinet, but this tool is no longer free. If it could be made free again, it would be very beneficial. This tool shows a lot of promise and is very good. Making it free would help many companies deliver their products in a more efficient and integrated way. It would also be more valuable to include the tool with the firewall package or license instead of having to pay extra for it. Paying extra puts more pressure on small companies to deliver the firewall and complete the configuration, especially if they have hundreds or thousands of policies. It's very painful to move through these policies line by line. The stability has room for improvement. When it comes to Secure SD-WAN, everything is fine. They are going the right way. SD-WAN is very promising. They can provide the SD-WAN solution separately, but they will not take this approach because even the smallest firewall can support the features, so there is no need to have a separate service or appliance. They are following the right steps, and there is nothing to be improved. Feature-wise, I'm really satisfied with the new release, and the features they have added. For now, it's fine.
Read full review
AmjadKhan1 - PeerSpot reviewer
Provides inline protection with a unified view and anti-spyware capabilities
I would rate Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls ten out of ten because it is the best. Our disaster recovery site utilizes Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls. We are also in the process of upgrading the firewalls at our 365 sites in Pakistan to Palo Alto Networks firewalls. While budget firewalls may advertise comparable features, they often fall short of effectively detecting viruses, threats, and ransomware. In contrast, Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls, combined with Cortex XDR, provide comprehensive threat intelligence and detection capabilities, ensuring superior security coverage. I recommend conducting a proof of concept before selecting a firewall. This will allow you to evaluate different options and determine which best suits your needs. While Palo Alto offers robust firewall solutions, it's essential to compare them with other vendors to ensure you make an informed decision.
Read full review
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Comparison Review

it_user216600 - PeerSpot reviewer
Jan 3, 2016
Sophos UTM vs. Fortinet FortiGate
I have used both Sophos and Fortinet products in production and I have found the Sophos UTM appliances (hardware and virtual) to be a better fit most of the time -- with a few caveats which I will touch on below. In both instances, the transition from TMG will be mostly straightforward. The main…
Read full review
 

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Educational Organization
21%
Computer Software Company
14%
Comms Service Provider
7%
Manufacturing Company
6%
Computer Software Company
15%
Financial Services Firm
9%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Government
7%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

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 at large. In my opinion, Fortinet would be the best option and l use Fortinet too...
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 the firewalls change every 5 to 7 years as stated but you really do need to upg...
See all answers
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 good. The most valuable features for me are their web and email filtering. I wou...
See all answers
What is a better choice, Azure Firewall or Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls?
Azure Firewall Vs. Palo Alto Network NG Firewalls Both solutions provide stellar stability and security. Azure Firewall is easy to use and provides excellent support. Valuable features include int...
See all answers
Features comparison between Palo Alto and Fortinet firewalls
In the best tradition of these questions, Feature-wise both are quite similar, but each has things it's better at, it kind of depends what you value most. PA is good at app control, web filtering a...
See all answers
Which is better - Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls or Sophos XG?
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls have both great features and performance. I like that Palo Alto has regular threat signatures and updates. I also appreciate that I can just import addresses and URL...
See all answers
 

Comparisons

Sophos XG vs Fortinet FortiGate Logo
Sophos XG vs Fortinet FortiGate
Compared 22% of the time
Netgate pfSense vs Fortinet FortiGate Logo
Netgate pfSense vs Fortinet FortiGate
Compared 13% of the time
Cisco Secure Firewall vs Fortinet FortiGate Logo
Cisco Secure Firewall vs Fortinet FortiGate
Compared 11% of the time
WatchGuard Firebox vs Fortinet FortiGate Logo
WatchGuard Firebox vs Fortinet FortiGate
Compared 5% of the time
Sophos UTM vs Fortinet FortiGate Logo
Sophos UTM vs Fortinet FortiGate
Compared 2% of the time
More Fortinet FortiGate Competitors
Azure Firewall vs Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls Logo
Azure Firewall vs Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls
Compared 11% of the time
Sophos XG vs Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls Logo
Sophos XG vs Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls
Compared 11% of the time
Check Point NGFW vs Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls Logo
Check Point NGFW vs Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls
Compared 10% of the time
Cisco Secure Firewall vs Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls Logo
Cisco Secure Firewall vs Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls
Compared 10% of the time
Meraki MX vs Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls Logo
Meraki MX vs Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls
Compared 9% of the time
More Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls Competitors
 

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiGate
April 2025
Fortinet FortiGate reportDownload Fortinet FortiGate product report
Buyer's Guide
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls
April 2025
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls reportDownload Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls product report
 

Also Known As

FortiGate 60b, FortiGate 60c, FortiGate 80c, FortiGate 50b, FortiGate 200b, FortiGate 110c, FortiGate, Fortinet Firewall
Palo Alto NGFW, Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall
 

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

Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls offer comprehensive security, including application control, traffic shaping, threat prevention, and load balancing, designed to secure internal networks, perimeter protection, VPN services, and cloud environments.

Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls are a key choice for managing and protecting data centers, securing remote access, network segmentation, malware prevention, and ensuring high availability and performance for business-critical applications. Known for stability and strong security, these firewalls use application-aware identifiers and IPS/IDS subscriptions to offer advanced threat protection. The unified platform facilitates seamless integration, while GlobalProtect and centralized management via Panorama enhance ease of use. However, there are areas for improvement, including pricing strategies, training, user support, and integration with third-party applications.

What are the essential features?
  • Stability: Reliable performance in different environments.
  • Application Control: Identifies applications to manage traffic.
  • Advanced Threat Protection: Includes DNS security, WildFire, and machine learning.
  • GlobalProtect: Secure remote access for users.
  • Centralized Management: Managed via the Panorama platform.
What benefits or ROI should users expect?
  • Security: Protects against threats with robust features.
  • User-Friendly: Simplified interface and easy configuration.
  • High Availability: Ensures performance for critical applications.
  • Integration: Seamless with existing systems and applications.
  • Support: Reliable technical support and resources.

In industries like finance, healthcare, and retail, Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls secure sensitive data and meet regulatory requirements. These firewalls help manage large-scale networks in these sectors, providing essential security features and maintaining high-performance standards. They are implemented to ensure compliance, protect patient information, secure financial transactions, and safeguard customer data.

Palo Alto 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
SkiStar AB, Ada County, Global IT Services PSF, Southern Cross Hospitals, Verge Health, University of Portsmouth, Austrian Airlines, The Heinz Endowments
Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiGate vs. Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls
April 2025
Free Report: Fortinet FortiGate vs. Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls
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