Fortinet FortiGate vs Symantec Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) comparison

Why PeerSpot?

Fortinet and Broadcom are both solutions in the ZTNA category. Fortinet is ranked #1 with an average rating of 8.5, while Broadcom is ranked #25. Fortinet holds a 6.6% mindshare in Z, compared to Broadcom’s 2.0% mindshare. Additionally, 92% of Fortinet users are willing to recommend the solution.

Fortinet FortiGate

Read 595 Fortinet FortiGate reviews

94,366 Views
4,718 Comparison Views

92% willing to recommend

Symantec Zero Trust Network...

Read 1 Symantec Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) review

2,862 Views
1,030 Comparison Views

0% willing to recommend

Fortinet FortiGate

Symantec Zero Trust Network...

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Mar 29, 2026

Fortinet FortiGate and Symantec Zero Trust Network Access compete in network security solutions. Fortinet FortiGate has an advantage in pricing and support, whereas Symantec ZTNA holds a strong position with its comprehensive features.

Features: Fortinet FortiGate offers high-performance threat protection, advanced networking capabilities, and strong integration with other Fortinet products. Symantec ZTNA focuses on secured remote access through zero trust architecture and seamless integration with cloud services, emphasizing safeguarding remote connections.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Fortinet FortiGate's deployment process is straightforward, complemented by comprehensive customer service support. Symantec ZTNA benefits from simplicity in cloud-based deployment, helping reduce setup complexity, although customer service might not be as robust as Fortinet's.

Pricing and ROI: Fortinet FortiGate poses a lower initial setup cost with attractive ROI, appealing to budget-conscious buyers. Symantec ZTNA may involve higher initial costs, justified by advanced security features and comprehensive protection, potentially offering better ROI via enhanced security.

To learn more, read our detailed ZTNA Report (Updated: October 2026).

Buyer's Guide

ZTNA

October 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 ZTNA

1st

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

595

Ranking in other categories

Secure Web Gateways (SWG) (2nd), Firewalls (1st), Intrusion Detection and Prevention Software (IDPS) (1st), Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) Solutions (2nd), WAN Edge (1st), Unified Threat Management (UTM) (1st)

Symantec Zero Trust Network...

Ranking in ZTNA

25th

Average Rating

0.0

Reviews Sentiment

4.4

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Access Management (30th), ZTNA as a Service (22nd)

Mindshare comparison

As of October 2026, in the ZTNA category, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiGate is 6.6%, down from 7.6% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Symantec Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is 2.0%, up from 1.0% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

ZTNA Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Fortinet FortiGate	6.6%
Symantec Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)	2.0%
Other	91.4%

ZTNA

Featured Reviews

reviewer2859012

Network engineer at a tech services company with 11-50 employees

Unified security platform has simplified daily network protection and accelerated troubleshooting

Fortinet FortiGate is generally easy to manage, but there are a few areas where it could be improved. The interface can become complex when managing a large number of firewall policies, and better policy search organization and reporting would be helpful. Firmware upgrades can also require careful planning and testing, especially in production environments. Troubleshooting some advanced issues may require deeper CLI knowledge or assistance from Fortinet support, and more advanced automation and AI-assisted troubleshooting within the management interface would be beneficial, such as clear recommendations for policy optimization, configuration issues, and security events. These improvements could make day-to-day administration even more efficient. More AI-driven capabilities for day-to-day administration would be valuable, especially for troubleshooting, policy optimization, and identifying potential configuration issues. More intelligent recommendations based on traffic patterns and security events could help administrators respond faster. More advanced reporting and dashboards that can be easily customized for different teams and management requirements would also be helpful, while better automation for routine tasks, firmware planning, and configuration validation would further reduce manual effort.

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cto543714

CTO at a tech services company with 11-50 employees

Restricts access to applications but improvement is needed in integrations

Over the last year, I have been working with customers because it's changing and maturing. These things are rolled out in segments and chunks, not all at once. Additional internal work is often required to make it functional, such as properly configuring the active directory. This internal work can take up to three months. The process varies, and implementing Symantec ZTNA quickly is not realistic. I wouldn't recommend the tool to non-core customers because you won't get the support you need. I'd rate Symantec ZTNA a seven on a scale of one to ten. They're still integrating different pieces into their solution. The challenge with ZTNA is that different companies implement it slightly differently, with some features present in one product but missing in another. ZTNA is a tricky acronym that companies use, but when you look closely, you find that each vendor might only have some of the expected features.

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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 internet filtering feature has really benefited my organization because we have a lot of things that go on illegal sites like auto torrents sites and a lot of streaming and downloads."

"The pricing on offer is excellent."

"The firewall is stable and that's important."

"This solution is very stable."

"Typically, we use Fortinet FortiGate with edge devices for businesses, we also use them to integrate with a SIEM product and we use it for detailed analytics."

"It is easy to use. We chose this product for the possibility to have virtual domains (VDOMs). We are building another company in the group, and we would like to split the firewalling rules and policies between these two companies. Each company would be able to manage its own policies and security rules, which is an advantage of Fortinet FortiGate. We can define VDOMs, and every company can manage its own VDOM as if it has its own physical firewall, but in fact, we would be using the same physical appliance because we are also using the same internet lines. So, it allows us to reuse the existing resources without the disadvantage of having to compromise on policies and security. Each company can choose its own way of working."

"Technical support is acceptable, and they're good in terms of local support and global support."

"The most valuable features of the FortiGate firewall include SSL inspection, VPN functionality, and threat intelligence features for preventing threats."

More Fortinet FortiGate pros

"The most valuable feature of this product is restricting and controlling what people have access to. If I want a contractor to connect to my network, I can give them access to only the specific things they need without giving them full VPN access to my entire network. That's the main benefit everyone gets from it. The value depends on how many users and applications you have and what you want to share."

Cons

"From a pricing perspective, I would rate them a six."

"The only issue that I have is with FortiNAC. The firewall is fine, but the FortiNAC interface is a little bit too jumbled or too complicated, not as straightforward as it is on the Fortinet FortiGate firewall and FortiAnalyzer."

"The solution could improve the configuration, there are times the configuration is missing."

"The inability to scale the FortiAnalyzer to match our growth necessitates the purchase of new hardware."

"At first glance, the interface for the device is very confusing."

"I have contacted the support from Fortinet FortiGate IPS. The service was good but the speed could be better."

"The advanced models are expensive."

"The room for improvement is about the global delivery time period. Usually I need to wait for almost one month to deliver it overseas. So if you can shorten the deliver time it'd be great."

More Fortinet FortiGate cons

"For areas of improvement, the main issue is with integrations. The Symantec ZTNA comprises many products cobbled together on the back end. Sometimes, the integrations work well; sometimes, they don't. For example, if you want to use two-factor authentication, you need to integrate that into the solution. Or if you want to accept protocols other than web coming to your secure gateway, that's another integration. Supporting different devices like Macs, Samsung phones, or iPhones also requires more integrations. Ensuring all these integrations work properly is an ongoing process and a moving target."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Fortinet FortiGate as a less expensive solution than Palo Alto."

"The price could be lower."

"There is a license required to use Fortinet FortiGate with all the features. It has to be updated with the threats on an ongoing basis for the signatures to prevent threats and a license is needed to receive those security updates."

"I had to pay for the license for the firewall, but it is guaranteed to have updates. I expect a good service for it. It was about €1000 for a year, and there was no additional cost."

"The pricing for this solution is good."

"The platform offers a reasonable price point compared to its competitors."

"FortiGate's pricing falls within the mid-range when compared to other leading firewall solutions."

"The pricing is fair."

More Fortinet FortiGate pricing and cost advice

"Pricing varies depending on the situation. In competitive situations, it's usually priced competitively. Nobody pays the full MSRP. Typically, you negotiate and work with them on the pricing."

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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

Comms Service Provider

10%

Manufacturing Company

Computer Software Company

Outsourcing Company

Construction Company

13%

Outsourcing Company

12%

Financial Services Firm

Manufacturing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	374
Midsize Enterprise	138
Large Enterprise	195

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 at large. In my opinion, Fortinet would be the best option and l use Fortinet too...

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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 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...

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Comparisons

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Compared 13% of the time

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Compared 6% of the time

Netgate pfSense vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 3% of the time

OPNsense vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 2% of the time

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Compared 14% of the time

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Compared 10% of the time

Cloudflare One vs Symantec Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

Compared 10% of the time

Okta Platform vs Symantec Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

Compared 8% of the time

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Compared 3% of the time

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiGate

October 2026

Download Fortinet FortiGate product report

Buyer's Guide

Access Management

October 2026

Symantec Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) report

Download Symantec Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) product report

Also Known As

Fortinet FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall

Symantec Secure Access Cloud, Luminate.io, Luminate

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

Symantec Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) enhances security by restricting network access based on identity verification and continuous assessment. It ensures that users connect to applications or resources only when authenticated and authorized, offering continuous protection against threats.

This robust approach caters to dynamic modern environments, providing granular access controls that adapt to real-time security conditions. By leveraging contextual analysis and policy enforcement, it ensures secure, seamless access tailored to user roles. It's fine-tuned to combat sophisticated cyber threats and limits exposure by connecting users directly to the applications they need, bypassing traditional network-based threats.

What are the critical features of Symantec Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)?

Adaptive Access Control: Dynamically adjusts access based on user and device trust levels.
Granular Policy Application: Enables fine-tuned access policies for different users and devices.
Identity-Centric Security: Verifies identities before granting access to resources.
Continuous Monitoring: Keeps an eye on user activities to minimize risks.

What benefits and ROI should users look for when evaluating Symantec Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)?

Enhanced Security: Reduces risk by limiting access and constantly verifying trust.
Improved Compliance: Assists in maintaining regulatory requirements with detailed access control.
Scalability: Easily expands to support growing access needs without compromising security.
Cost Efficiency: Potentially lowers costs by streamlining security operations and reducing breach incidents.

Symantec Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is especially beneficial for industries like finance and healthcare, where secure data access is crucial. In finance, it provides secure remote banking services, while in healthcare, it ensures protected access to sensitive patient data, maintaining privacy and compliance.

Broadcom

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

NEX, AIG, Fiverr, Upwork

Find out what your peers are saying about Fortinet, Tailscale, Cloudflare and others in ZTNA. Updated: October 2026.

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