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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 #11 with an average rating of 8.0. Fortinet holds a 31.9% mindshare in UTMU, compared to Stormshield’s 3.9% 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 580 Fortinet FortiGate reviews
  • 67,415 Views
  • 13,483 Comparison Views
92% willing to recommend
Stormshield Network Security
Read 17 Stormshield Network Security reviews
  • 2,679 Views
  • 1,232 Comparison Views
85% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Dec 28, 2025

Fortinet FortiGate and Stormshield Network Security compete in the network security sector, where Fortinet FortiGate has an advantage in pricing and support, whereas Stormshield offers better features that justify a higher cost.

Features: Fortinet FortiGate includes advanced threat protection, scalability, and an intuitive management system. Stormshield Network Security is noted for robust cybersecurity with enhanced network segmentation, real-time threat analysis, and comprehensive features suited for complex security needs.

Room for Improvement: Fortinet FortiGate can improve in reporting detail, interface customization, and in building more comprehensive integration features. Stormshield could benefit from a more user-friendly dashboard, expanded endpoint security capabilities, and greater scalability options.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Fortinet is appreciated for its efficient deployment process and responsive customer support, making setup straightforward. Stormshield offers flexible deployment options and is lauded for excellent support, making it a strong competitor in this area.

Pricing and ROI: Fortinet FortiGate is cost-effective with good ROI, ideal for budget-conscious businesses, while Stormshield requires a higher initial investment but provides significant ROI due to its advanced features, appealing to those needing comprehensive security solutions.

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To learn more, read our detailed Fortinet FortiGate vs. Stormshield Network Security Report (Updated: December 2025).
Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiGate vs. Stormshield Network Security
December 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
Ranking in Unified Threat Management (UTM)
1st
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
6.9
Number of Reviews
580
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)
11th
Average Rating
7.8
Reviews Sentiment
6.0
Number of Reviews
17
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of January 2026, in the Unified Threat Management (UTM) category, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiGate is 31.9%, down from 38.3% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Stormshield Network Security is 3.9%, up from 3.4% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Unified Threat Management (UTM) Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
Fortinet FortiGate31.9%
Stormshield Network Security3.9%
Other64.2%
Unified Threat Management (UTM)
 

Featured Reviews

Vasu Gala - PeerSpot reviewer
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.
Read full review
Benjamin - PeerSpot reviewer
Benjamin
Network Engineer at ACS2I
The intrusion detection system helps our organization by automatically detecting and responding to potential threats
The tool's most valuable feature is its dashboard, which helps you manage different aspects of a single page. The intrusion detection system helps our organization by automatically detecting and responding to potential threats. It operates similarly to Darktrace, which detects and responds automatically based on the security rules you apply. Initially, you configure everything to block, and then you can whitelist specific items as needed.
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 most valuable features of Fortinet FortiGate are its SD-WAN capabilities, such as dynamic routing, and other features, including security options such as antivirus, IPS, and IDS—all integrated into one device."
"Fortinet FortiGate is a very good next-generation firewall."
"The solution is highly scalable because they have devices that can handle a large amount of traffic."
"The most important features with FortiGate are the web filter and application controls. We can control our internet usage and use the web filter for application purposes."
"The reporting you receive out of this appliance is excellent. You will not need an external management system."
"Its user interface is good, and it is always working fine."
"What I appreciate the most about Fortinet FortiGate is that it has a very large integration using Fabric, which they call Fabric Connectors."
"The Fortinet FortiGate local partners were good. I did not have direct contact with Fortinet support."
More Fortinet FortiGate pros
"The scalability of the solution is good."
"I like that it works fine. Stormshield is a very good solution."
"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."
"I can see what traffic is going on. I can easily block any programs from attacks."
"This solution is quick and easy to configure."
"The tool's most valuable feature is its dashboard, which helps you manage different aspects of a single page."
"Ease of use is the best feature of the product."
"Our organization's main concern is stability, and this is a stable solution."
More Stormshield Network Security pros
 

Cons

"More SD-WAN features can be integrated into the FortiGate Next Generation Firewall"
"FortiGate can only retain logs for 24 hours or 7 days. I'm not sure if it holds them for a longer period, such as for a month. It will be useful for assessing our strategy and monitoring our environment without investing in FortiGate Analyzer. It would be beneficial if Fortinet could enhance the FortiGate by providing more statistical and monitoring views for a longer timeframe, rather than requiring access to FortiGate Analyzer."
"I would like to see improvements made to the dashboard and UI, as well as to the reporting."
"They have not yet extended to the cloud."
"To the best of my knowledge, Fortinet does not have a CASB solution and Fortinet does not have a Zero trust solution."
"The support team for Fortinet FortiGate needs to be more customer friendly."
"Currently, FortiGate is providing SSL VPN. But they're missing some features that are available in Palo Alto's SSL VPN."
"Support could be improved."
More Fortinet FortiGate cons
"The filtering configuration could be better. We have some difficulties with the filtering configuration and the filter extension. It's not that easy. It's not that straightforward. In the next release, I would like to see a reporting system. Stormshield doesn't have any tutorials on how to do the configuration and things like that. They just have documentation on the website. If you want to configure, for example, Cisco or Fortinet, you can find tutorials on YouTube. They show you how to configure the features, and so on. In Stormshield, there is nothing on social media or the internet on how to configure different things. The lack of documentation or the lack of material makes it difficult for others to adopt this solution."
"It could be better if it were more user-friendly. It's too complicated for us to use it. The price could be better as well."
"The SD card could be more secure."
"Stormshield Network Security is quite expensive."
"Not all the fields are activated yet and we were informed that it will take at least one month."
"With Stormshield, there are difficulties joining things, and it can be complex depending on the architecture."
"The biggest issue was their support department was not able to help us, then everything stops. This is a no-go area for me."
"A more user-friendly interface would be helpful."
More Stormshield Network Security cons
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The pricing or licensing of Fortinet FortiGate is quite effective as it offers different bundles that aggregate most required features, while also allowing clients the option to select specific components alone."
"I rate FortiGate Next Generation Firewall a five out of ten for pricing."
"I pay €1,200 per year for the license along with Fortinet's 81E firewall appliance. I would rate this pricing as 3/5 stars, and I believe the price is reasonably similar to its competitors in the market, being somewhere in the middle."
"The product is not very expensive."
"Easy to understand licensing requirements."
"FortiGate Next Generation Firewall is an expensive solution with a yearly subscription."
"Cost-wise, there is not much difference from Sophos, but feature-wise, we get more features."
"It is cheaper and more competitive compared to other options. For example, when comparing Palo Alto products to others, Palo Alto tends to be more expensive. If you compare Cisco's platform, including Cisco Meraki, with Fortinet products, you'll notice that Cisco's offerings are generally higher priced than Fortinet's firewall solutions."
More Fortinet FortiGate pricing and cost advice
"The price of this solution and the price of support are ok."
"The pricing could be better."
"The SN200 series costs between $500 USD and $600 USD per year, whereas the SN700 series costs approximately $1,000 annually."
"We chose Stormshield for its price, as the Azure firewall was too expensive."
"I think the price is good."
"For mid-sized companies, they sell their appliances for good prices."
"We bought a three-year license, and we renew it whenever it expires. The price could be better. It's always very expensive."
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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
14%
Comms Service Provider
9%
Manufacturing Company
8%
Financial Services Firm
6%
Computer Software Company
17%
Comms Service Provider
16%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Government
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business357
Midsize Enterprise133
Large Enterprise188
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business9
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

Sophos XG vs Fortinet FortiGate Logo
Sophos XG vs Fortinet FortiGate
Compared 19% of the time
Cisco Secure Firewall vs Fortinet FortiGate Logo
Cisco Secure Firewall vs Fortinet FortiGate
Compared 12% of the time
Netgate pfSense vs Fortinet FortiGate Logo
Netgate pfSense vs Fortinet FortiGate
Compared 6% of the time
OPNsense vs Fortinet FortiGate Logo
OPNsense vs Fortinet FortiGate
Compared 4% of the time
SonicWall TZ vs Fortinet FortiGate Logo
SonicWall TZ vs Fortinet FortiGate
Compared 3% of the time
More Fortinet FortiGate Competitors
Netgate pfSense vs Stormshield Network Security Logo
Netgate pfSense vs Stormshield Network Security
Compared 12% of the time
WatchGuard Firebox vs Stormshield Network Security Logo
WatchGuard Firebox vs Stormshield Network Security
Compared 9% of the time
OPNsense vs Stormshield Network Security Logo
OPNsense vs Stormshield Network Security
Compared 8% of the time
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls vs Stormshield Network Security Logo
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls vs Stormshield Network Security
Compared 6% of the time
Sophos XGS vs Stormshield Network Security Logo
Sophos XGS vs Stormshield Network Security
Compared 5% of the time
More Stormshield Network Security Competitors
 

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiGate
December 2025
Fortinet FortiGate reportDownload Fortinet FortiGate product report
Buyer's Guide
Stormshield Network Security
December 2025
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
December 2025
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