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Fortinet FortiGate vs Stormshield Network Security comparison

Fortinet and Stormshield are both solutions in the Unified Threat Management (UTM) category. Fortinet is ranked #1 with an average rating of 8.5, while Stormshield is ranked #12 with an average rating of 8.0. Fortinet holds a 30.5% mindshare in UTMU, compared to Stormshield’s 4.0% mindshare. Additionally, 92% of Fortinet users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 85% of Stormshield users who would recommend it.
Fortinet FortiGate
Read 589 Fortinet FortiGate reviews
  • 69,521 Views
  • 13,209 Comparison Views
92% willing to recommend
Stormshield Network Security
Read 18 Stormshield Network Security reviews
  • 2,826 Views
  • 1,328 Comparison Views
85% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Mar 29, 2026

Fortinet FortiGate and Stormshield Network Security are top contenders in the cybersecurity solutions industry. Fortinet FortiGate often has an advantage due to its superior threat protection features, while Stormshield Network Security excels in comprehensive security policy management.

Features: Fortinet FortiGate is equipped with next-gen firewall capabilities, robust VPN support, and efficient SD-WAN features. Stormshield Network Security offers flexible network segmentation, multi-layer security measures, and seamless integration with existing systems.

Room for Improvement: Fortinet FortiGate could enhance user interface intuitiveness, offer more customizable reporting tools, and reduce the complexity of initial setup configurations. Stormshield Network Security might improve by expanding cloud integration capabilities, offering more comprehensive real-time threat analytics, and enhancing remote management features.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Fortinet FortiGate enables an easy deployment process with extensive support options, facilitating rapid business integration. Stormshield Network Security provides a straightforward deployment model, focusing on flexibility to support different network structures. Users report Fortinet FortiGate's customer service is more consistent compared to Stormshield's variable support quality.

Pricing and ROI: Fortinet FortiGate is viewed as a budget-friendly solution, offering a balanced initial investment with high returns from its advanced security capabilities. Stormshield Network Security generally has higher upfront costs but provides long-term cost savings through scalable architecture and integrated solutions, potentially offering better ROI for large deployments.

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To learn more, read our detailed Fortinet FortiGate vs. Stormshield Network Security Report (Updated: April 2026).
Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiGate vs. Stormshield Network Security
April 2026
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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
Ranking in Unified Threat Management (UTM)
1st
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
6.9
Number of Reviews
589
Ranking in other categories
Secure Web Gateways (SWG) (2nd), Firewalls (1st), Intrusion Detection and Prevention Software (IDPS) (1st), Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) Solutions (1st), WAN Edge (1st), ZTNA (1st)
Stormshield Network Security
Ranking in Unified Threat Management (UTM)
12th
Average Rating
7.8
Reviews Sentiment
5.4
Number of Reviews
18
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of April 2026, in the Unified Threat Management (UTM) category, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiGate is 30.5%, down from 37.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Stormshield Network Security is 4.0%, up from 3.5% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Unified Threat Management (UTM) Mindshare Distribution
ProductMindshare (%)
Fortinet FortiGate30.5%
Stormshield Network Security4.0%
Other65.5%
Unified Threat Management (UTM)
 

Featured Reviews

Abhinandan Yadav - PeerSpot reviewer
Abhinandan Yadav
Network Security Engineer at Arrow PC Network Pvt Ltd
Unified security and sd-wan have improved uptime and cut wan costs for multi-site branches
Users report stability issues in certain versions, which requires regular updates. Real-world attacks have also highlighted the need for urgent patching of vulnerabilities.Fortinet FortiGate, while a powerful and feature-rich web firewall, could improve in areas like firmware stability, documentation, and ease of use. The learning curve can be steep for some users. For beginners, support quality can vary, and frequent updates with occasional vulnerabilities call for careful patch management. However, once Fortinet FortiGate is configured, it remains highly reliable and efficient. Customer support needs improvement, as I find it very slow, with reports from other users reflecting that customer support is inadequate.
Read full review
Zsolt Jónás - PeerSpot reviewer
Zsolt Jónás
System Administrator at NaxoNet
Advanced GUI and layered security have supported compliance and simplified intrusion prevention
I haven't had a task that I couldn't solve with Stormshield Network Security. The active-active high availability solution would be beneficial because currently, if you build a high availability solution with Stormshield Network Security, you have a main device and another one is a backup device. The HA can switch between them, but it would be good to have a master-master solution, not just a master-slave one. I could set a URL that I can call to update the DNS record. Currently, Stormshield Network Security devices support DynDNS, which is not a usual feature request from a server environment. I have my own solution instead of DynDNS because I don't prefer it, so I have my own service for that. However, the GUI does not support using a custom service instead of DynDNS. I had to solve it in the console on Stormshield Network Security device, but it would be much better if it was reachable on the GUI. I had to figure out a trick for the IPsec configuration. In the IPsec config, we have to provide the remote side's IP address, but it's always changing. This means that an office, for example a company that has an office but without a fixed IP address, cannot be used with IPsec VPN.
Read full review

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 user-friendly."
"The solution provides good threat intelligence feeds."
"Our clients definitely get a return on investment; it is a really good product, and the stability of the product is a very important factor for our clients."
"Some of the key features of the solution is that it has good reporting, you can receive many details from the connection, for example, clients and website information."
"I like Fortinet's cloud management, as it allows me to manage all my devices in different branches for three cloud accounts, and even though I use on-prem devices, I can manage everything on the cloud."
"We use a lot of function on the IPS and it works well for us."
"The common valuable feature for FortiGate is its UTM functionality, which includes various features under a license that is commonly implemented."
"The most valuable features of Fortinet FortiGate are the ease of use and there are several operating systems that can include the hardware capacities. In the newer releases, the resources were more useful because they were included in the operating system."
More Fortinet FortiGate pros
"The scalability of the solution is good."
"The solution has improved my organization because I can see what traffic is happening and I can use it to block and prevent attacks."
"I like how you can configure the rules. There is the task for the rules and a task for the network configuration. It also provides SMD filtering, and it can be integrated with the active directory for the users, their mission, and the VPN configuration. We are here in Sudan, and Stormshield didn't work in Sudan for more than a decade. Stormshield is a very strong firewall and very easy to configure and maintain. I am just working with the firewall solution, and we don't have any other solutions like endpoint solutions or something like that."
"The tool's most valuable feature is its dashboard, which helps you manage different aspects of a single page."
"Easily manageable in a variety of environments."
"The StormShield solution has enabled us to fully implement best practices from Microsoft in the cloud : the hub and spoke architecture."
"The most valuable features of this solution are the URL filtering database, which is great and contains all internet categories, the highly scalable interface that I can turn into what I want including hybrid, bridge, or router mode, the security with no back doors that is more secure than other solutions, and the hardware performance that is also better than others."
"The most valuable features are the IPS, the firewall function, and the price."
More Stormshield Network Security pros
 

Cons

"They could continuously focus their improvements on network perimeter security, as that's what they're best at."
"There are problems with the custom reporting of the unique traffic. The data is there, but it is too difficult for us to extract."
"They sometimes hide some features and if you want to enable them, you have to go in the CLI, enable the feature and configure it through the CLI."
"The interface and product support could use improvement."
"There is a need for enhancement with the signature management, improving the datasheet numbers, and scalability issues."
"In most cases, the IPS engine uses too many resources, which makes Fortinet FortiGate devices unstable."
"The user interface could be improved to make it less confusing and easier to set up."
"They should improve the interface to make it more user-friendly."
More Fortinet FortiGate cons
"A more user-friendly interface would be helpful."
"The SD card could be more secure."
"This is not a next-generation firewall."
"The main area of this product that has room for improvement is pricing. Stormshield Network Security is quite expensive."
"With Stormshield, there are difficulties joining things, and it can be complex depending on the architecture."
"The stability is not that good based on my experience. We have a lot of disruptions when it comes to Stormshield."
"Support is always an issue because they're constantly busy."
"I don’t recommend this product at all."
More Stormshield Network Security cons
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The pricing is flexible."
"I rate the price of Fortinet FortiGate SWG a seven and a half out of ten since it is not a cheap solution, though I feel it is a good product for the money one pays."
"It is expensive. You need to pay for the subscription every year, which is very expensive. The subscription includes technical support and hardware exchange in case of failure."
"You need to pay a license for this solution. Our licensing is now done in our subsidiary."
"No comment."
"The price of FortiGate is comparable to that of most other firewall solutions and is more affordable than Cisco."
"The price of Fortinet FortiGate is affordable. Most of our customers are on a three-year license to use the solution. All the features and support are included in the price."
"The initial setup is super straight forward and as far as the licensing goes for the small product that we have, the pricing was pretty competitive. It wasn't as simple and as cheap as a SonicWall but for the service we would get it was a good price."
More Fortinet FortiGate pricing and cost advice
"We bought a three-year license, and we renew it whenever it expires. The price could be better. It's always very expensive."
"The pricing could be better."
"We chose Stormshield for its price, as the Azure firewall was too expensive."
"For mid-sized companies, they sell their appliances for good prices."
"I think the price is good."
"The price of this solution and the price of support are ok."
"The SN200 series costs between $500 USD and $600 USD per year, whereas the SN700 series costs approximately $1,000 annually."
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Comparison Review

it_user216600 - PeerSpot reviewer
it_user216600
Senior Technical Consultant with 51-200 employees
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
Computer Software Company
11%
Comms Service Provider
10%
Manufacturing Company
8%
Financial Services Firm
7%
Comms Service Provider
15%
Computer Software Company
13%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Financial Services Firm
9%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business364
Midsize Enterprise135
Large Enterprise191
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business10
Midsize Enterprise5
Large Enterprise2
 

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 advice do you have for others considering Stormshield Network Security?
The tool is like a firewall and works well. I don't have any issue with it. I rate it an eight out of ten.
See all answers
 

Comparisons

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Compared 4% of the time
Netgate pfSense vs Fortinet FortiGate Logo
Netgate pfSense vs Fortinet FortiGate
Compared 4% of the time
Check Point Quantum Force (NGFW) vs Fortinet FortiGate Logo
Check Point Quantum Force (NGFW) vs Fortinet FortiGate
Compared 3% of the time
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Netgate pfSense vs Stormshield Network Security Logo
Netgate pfSense vs Stormshield Network Security
Compared 9% of the time
Sophos Firewall vs Stormshield Network Security Logo
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Compared 6% of the time
Sophos UTM vs Stormshield Network Security Logo
Sophos UTM vs Stormshield Network Security
Compared 6% of the time
OPNsense vs Stormshield Network Security Logo
OPNsense vs Stormshield Network Security
Compared 6% of the time
WatchGuard Firebox vs Stormshield Network Security Logo
WatchGuard Firebox vs Stormshield Network Security
Compared 6% of the time
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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiGate
April 2026
Fortinet FortiGate reportDownload Fortinet FortiGate product report
Buyer's Guide
Stormshield Network Security
March 2026
Stormshield Network Security reportDownload Stormshield Network Security product report
 

Also Known As

Fortinet FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall
NETASQ Firewalls
 

Overview

Fortinet FortiGate is a versatile network security tool offering features like VPN, firewall, web filtering, intrusion prevention, and scalability. It is known for its performance and integration with other Fortinet products, making it a preferred choice for robust cybersecurity.

Fortinet FortiGate stands out as a comprehensive cybersecurity solution with strong performance and ease of configuration. It delivers unified threat management, integrating features such as dynamic routing, SD-WAN support, and centralized management. Despite its strengths, improvements in the web interface's stability, pricing structures, and reporting capabilities are needed. Users seek better integration with third-party tools and automation advancements to enhance the experience further. These enhancements, alongside improvements in bandwidth management and the reduction of licensing costs, are points of interest for users looking to capitalize on FortiGate's extensive capabilities.

What are Fortinet FortiGate's key features?
  • VPN: Ensures secure remote connections.
  • Firewall: Protects against unauthorized access.
  • Web Filtering: Blocks malicious sites and content.
  • Application Control: Manages and controls applications.
  • Intrusion Prevention: Detects and prevents vulnerabilities.
  • SSL Inspection: Enhances security by inspecting encrypted traffic.
What benefits should be considered when evaluating Fortinet FortiGate?
  • Affordability: Offers cost-effective security solutions.
  • Reliability: Known for consistent and stable performance.
  • Integration: Seamlessly integrates with other Fortinet products.
  • Comprehensive Protection: Provides broad threat protection capabilities.

Fortinet FortiGate is widely implemented across industries as a primary firewall system for securing internet gateways and safeguarding data centers. It supports businesses in achieving SD-WAN integration and enhances cybersecurity by providing essential features like antivirus, web filtering, and application control. Enterprises utilize FortiGate for securing remote connections and ensuring compliance with security standards, making it adaptable for different network sizes and industries.

Fortinet
NETASQ's integrated intrusion prevention engine uses protocol conformity analysis, application filtering and antivirus analysis to inspect authorized traffic flows and strengthen application security. NETASQ enables you to establish and configure user-based security policies, giving you greater control over which network resources each user is authorized to access.
Stormshield
 

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
ACESUR group, Ministry of Education Oman, Anios Laboratories, Zain, DLM Location
Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiGate vs. Stormshield Network Security
April 2026
Free Report: Fortinet FortiGate vs. Stormshield Network Security
Find out what your peers are saying about Fortinet FortiGate vs. Stormshield Network Security and other solutions. Updated: April 2026.
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