Fortinet FortiGate vs Symantec Edge Secure Web Gateway comparison

Fortinet and Broadcom are both solutions in the Secure Web Gateways (SWG) category. Fortinet is ranked #2 with an average rating of 8.5, while Broadcom is ranked #42. Fortinet holds a 6.9% mindshare in WSG, compared to Broadcom’s 0.2% mindshare. Additionally, 92% of Fortinet users are willing to recommend the solution.

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Mar 29, 2026

Fortinet FortiGate and Symantec Edge Secure Web Gateway are competitive cybersecurity products. Symantec often has the upper hand due to its comprehensive threat protection capabilities.

Features: Fortinet FortiGate provides high-performance security features including firewall capabilities, intrusion prevention, and VPN support, appealing to enterprises seeking integrated security solutions. Symantec Edge Secure Web Gateway offers robust cloud-based protection and advanced threat intelligence, excelling in web traffic monitoring and policy enforcement. Symantec's focus on cloud integration delivers a broader protection scope.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Fortinet FortiGate is noted for straightforward deployment and strong customer support, often leading to quicker business start-up. Symantec Edge Secure Web Gateway provides ample support but may involve a more complex setup due to its feature-rich nature. Fortinet's user-friendliness favors rapid deployment scenarios.

Pricing and ROI: Fortinet FortiGate typically presents a lower setup cost and provides a solid return on investment through hardware-centric solutions. Symantec Edge Secure Web Gateway, potentially higher in initial cost, often justifies its price with extensive cloud-based security features, offering long-term business impact. Symantec's ROI may be better for businesses prioritizing advanced feature integration.

To learn more, read our detailed Secure Web Gateways (SWG) Report (Updated: February 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Secure Web Gateways (SWG)

February 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

iboss

Mindshare comparison

As of April 2026, in the Secure Web Gateways (SWG) category, the mindshare of iboss is 2.5%, up from 1.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Fortinet FortiGate is 6.9%, down from 7.2% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Symantec Edge Secure Web Gateway is 0.2%, up from 0.1% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Secure Web Gateways (SWG) Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Fortinet FortiGate	6.9%
iboss	2.5%
Symantec Edge Secure Web Gateway	0.2%
Other	90.4%

Secure Web Gateways (SWG)

Featured Reviews

reviewer2701851

Managing Director

Enhances web security with a single pane of glass and flexible deployment

I don't see any need for improvement; one of the really good things about iboss as a company is that they listen to customer feedback. I have suggested enhancements, and they are responsive, making changes for the better, and they do a lot of testing. To improve iboss, although we haven't used it, we considered the VPN solution that comes with the highest tier licensing, which includes DLP and various other add-ons. We prefer using another product which automatically logs you back onto your network when turning on your PC. With iboss, the connection is manual, which doesn't meet our needs. Additionally, sizing can be tricky because, although the initial recommendations may seem adequate, actual usage may require more gateways than anticipated.

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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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reviewer1597452

Senior Systems Engineer at a logistics company with 11-50 employees

A solid proxy appliance that works very quickly and is easy to set up

It is a normal proxy, but it is very fast. The appliance operating system is not a normal Linux Unix-based operating system. It has a special fileless operating system. Its best function is that it is very fast and has a caching function. It can be used as a forward and reverse proxy as well. The reverse proxy function is very good, and the solution can be integrated with DLP, content analyzer systems, and malware analyzer stems. Now, it has a brand new web-based graphical user interface, which is very good. Earlier, it had a Java-based GUI, which was not the best. Broadcom introduced a new web gateway, a new cloud-based web gateway called WSS.

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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

"From a use-case scenario, what I like the most is the plug-in. I like the fact that we can do the filtering of these devices offsite independent of the network they are connected to, and we do not have to have traffic coming back inside our network."

"The iboss system is highly reliable. The false positive rates are small compared to some other systems we've experienced through other partner agencies who use competing solutions."

"iboss has significantly lowered the number of security incidents. It is crazy how much it blocks and how much it is aware of the outside danger."

"Its initial setup was straightforward."

"From a corporate perspective, I understand that it's important to keep the company data safe."

"Content filtering is the most useful feature of iboss."

"The security aspect of the solution, particularly the malware behind it, is excellent. That's something that really helped us out. It's not just a simple proxy that just blocks the insights of potential threats that come on behind it. They do malware detection and that helps us a lot."

"The security aspect of the solution, particularly the malware behind it, is excellent."

More iboss pros

"Fortinet FortiGate is scalable; if you are familiar with it, you can work from anywhere and do whatever you want, and it is very easy to scale."

"We have a lot of experience with this solution and haven't had any issues; for repairs, the RMA process is also good, and we don't have any issues with the interface, customization, or integration, as this solution works well."

"FortiGate is the most effective solution for us and it's a cheaper option to Check Point or Palo Alto which we looked at."

"The best features of Fortinet FortiGate are that it does the job effectively and protects our environment."

"There is a tool called FSSO, which is a single sign-on user ID agent that works perfectly."

"The most valuable features are the enterprise modeling and the simple interface."

"We have found the product to be scalable."

"Scaling-wise, there have been no problems with Fortinet FortiGate."

More Fortinet FortiGate pros

"It is a normal proxy, but it is very fast."

Cons

"The area I would like to see improvement in is the ability within the reporter to navigate directly to the content the user is traversing."

"For zero trust implementation, we encountered complexity issues, especially with a large infrastructure company ExxonMobil."

"One thing I would like to see differently with their Zero Trust platform is that some of the AI aspects related to high-risk activities have more false positives."

"Our biggest problem with their service was it did not recognize the device and filtering did not always work correctly."

"The reporting feature needs improvement."

"The solution could be stronger on the integration side and offer more cloud applications like G Suite or Oracle."

"To scale up, a new iboss Node Blade Chassis must be purchased."

"SSL decryption: We had issues with learners using apps instead of using web browsers."

More iboss cons

"It can be a little bit more user-friendly in terms of policy definition and implementation. It seems a little bit complicated, and it could be simplified."

"Its technical support could be better."

"I believe one area that could be improved in Fortinet FortiGate is posturing, specifically for remote VPN users, as there are OS-based limitations I encountered with only Windows; adding domain restrictions for VPN access would make it more competitive and useful."

"FortiManager has not been my favorite. I don't use it and cannot say I really care for FortiManager for managing the firewalls."

"The solution could maybe use more integration with artificial intelligence to be more proactive."

"Pricing for it is a bit high. It could be cheaper."

"I would like to be able to generate reports about the protections that we have."

"It claims it does DLP, but the degree and level of controls are very basic."

More Fortinet FortiGate cons

"The pricing could be improved."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"We have not priced the solution recently, but they were competitive with other vendors in the past."

"The overall pricing for iboss is very competitive and transparent."

"It is expensive compared to one of its competitors."

"It is not expensive, and it is also not cheap. iboss is priced right in the sweet spot for the number of features it offers."

"It is probably in line with other solutions, but I do not deal with the financial side."

"We had the cost of purchasing a new appliance along with the implementation and licensing costs. However, the following year, the cost of just licensing was similar to what was paid the previous year for a new appliance along with the implementation and licensing costs."

"The product pricing is reasonable."

"The product is a little bit expensive."

"They need to be competitive with other solutions."

"The price of FortiGate is average and I would say that based on the top five products available on the market, it is in the affordable range."

"We purchased a five-year bundle package, which worked out cheaper than competing solutions."

"Work through partners for the best pricing."

"The pricing for this solution is good."

"The price is fair compared to the other competitors."

More Fortinet FortiGate pricing and cost advice

Information not available

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Comparison Review

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…

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

11%

Computer Software Company

Manufacturing Company

Construction Company

Computer Software Company

11%

Comms Service Provider

10%

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

No data available

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	6
Midsize Enterprise	7
Large Enterprise	6

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	364
Midsize Enterprise	135
Large Enterprise	190

No data available

Questions from the Community

What needs improvement with iboss?

For zero trust implementation, we encountered complexity issues, especially with a large infrastructure company Exxon...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for iboss?

Previously when I used iboss, we did the POC for iboss for ExxonMobil. Four or five people wanted to move from our ol...

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for iboss?

Regarding pricing, setup costs, and licensing, iboss is not cheap, and that's my only concern. There are cheaper alte...

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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...

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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 ...

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Comparisons

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Compared 9% of the time

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Compared 7% of the time

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Compared 6% of the time

Zscaler Internet Access vs iboss

Compared 5% of the time

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Sophos Firewall vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 19% of the time

Cisco Secure Firewall vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 13% of the time

Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 4% of the time

Netgate pfSense vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 4% of the time

Check Point Quantum Force (NGFW) vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 3% of the time

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No data available

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

iboss

March 2026

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Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiGate

March 2026

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Buyer's Guide

Secure Web Gateways (SWG)

February 2026

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Also Known As

iBoss Cloud Platform

Fortinet FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall

No data available

Overview

Iboss offers a comprehensive cloud-based security platform valued for its scalability and autonomous features, ensuring robust security with easy deployment and management capabilities.

Renowned for its robust security architecture, Iboss integrates seamlessly within diverse networks, delivering efficient granular filtering and advanced content categorization. Its single pane of glass console provides ease of management, allowing rapid scalability suitable for rapidly deploying environments. Operates in BYOD setups due to inline filtering without device installation. Integration with cloud-based applications enhances user control, and features like SASE, SSL inspection, and ChatGPT risk protection stand as highlights. Despite its strengths, users have pointed out areas for enhancement like direct navigation in reports, SSL decryption, and better cloud integration while having room to improve data loss prevention.

What are the most important features of Iboss?

Scalability: Supports rapid deployment across diverse networks.
SASE: A consolidated approach to secure access.
SSL Inspection: Ensures safe data transmission.
Granular Filtering: Detailed control over accessible content.
Single Pane Management: Unifies control through a centralized console.

What benefits should users consider in reviews?

Cost-effectiveness: Offers competitive pricing with robust features.
Autonomous Operation: Reduces management overhead.
Responsive Support: Provides assistance when needed.
Flexible Deployment: Available for both cloud and on-premises environments.

The usage of Iboss spans educational institutions, specifically K-12, to enforce internet policies, protect data, and support remote work environments. It provides web filtering and security frameworks to ensure safe browsing. Its platform-as-a-service model offers flexibility for both cloud-based and on-premises requirements, integrating seamlessly to deliver enhanced security features suitable for various deployment needs including zero trust, CASB, and network security for work-from-home setups.

iboss

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

Symantec Edge Secure Web Gateway provides robust cloud-based security solutions for organizations aiming to protect their networks from web threats. It integrates easily with existing infrastructures while delivering comprehensive coverage and control over web traffic.

Symantec Edge Secure Web Gateway focuses on delivering efficient network security tailored to organization requirements. It offers cloud security tools ensuring real-time threat protection and comprehensive policy-based traffic management. Designed for seamless integration, it enables administrators to safeguard networks without compromising performance. Although it delivers strong solutions, users have noted potential for improved reporting capabilities.

What are the standout features of Symantec Edge Secure Web Gateway?

Threat Protection: Provides real-time threat detection and protection against web-based threats.
Policy Management: Offers advanced policy-based management tools to regulate web access.
Cloud Integration: Seamless integration with cloud services, ensuring dynamic scalability for users.
Performance Monitoring: Continuous monitoring capabilities to ensure high network performance.

What benefits or ROI should users consider?

Increased Security: Minimizes risks associated with web threats while enhancing data protection.
Operational Efficiency: Streamlines security processes, reducing administrative burden and costs.
Scalability: Easily scales with growing infrastructure demands, ensuring long-term efficiency.
Detailed Reporting: Provides insightful data for informed decision-making on security strategies.

In industries such as finance, healthcare, and education, implementing Symantec Edge Secure Web Gateway helps in safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining regulatory compliance. These sectors benefit from its real-time threat protection and robust policy management, ensuring secure and efficient network operations.

Broadcom

Sample Customers

More than 4,000 global enterprises trust the iboss Cloud Platform to support their modern workforces, including a large number of Fortune 50 companies.

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

Information Not Available

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February 2026

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