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Fortinet FortiWLM vs SonicWall SonicWave Access Points comparison

Fortinet and SonicWall are both solutions in the Wireless LAN category. Fortinet is ranked #16 with an average rating of 9.0, while SonicWall is ranked #19 with an average rating of 10.0. Fortinet holds a 1.9% mindshare in Wireless LAN, compared to SonicWall’s 0.5% mindshare. Additionally, 95% of Fortinet users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of SonicWall users who would recommend it.
Fortinet FortiWLM
Read 27 Fortinet FortiWLM reviews
  • 2,081 Views
  • 1,889 Comparison Views
95% willing to recommend
SonicWall SonicWave Access ...
Read 4 SonicWall SonicWave Access Points reviews
  • 544 Views
  • 387 Comparison Views
100% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Oct 31, 2024

Fortinet FortiWLM and SonicWall SonicWave Access Points are competing in the network security space, focusing on secure wireless network management and access. Fortinet FortiWLM offers competitive pricing and excellent support, while SonicWall SonicWave provides superior features, making them worth the investment.

Features: Fortinet FortiWLM includes centralized Wi-Fi management, customizable reporting, and support for network analytics, providing comprehensive insights. SonicWall SonicWave Access Points offer advanced security protocols, seamless integration with SonicWall security services, and high-speed throughput ideal for demanding environments.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: SonicWall SonicWave enables straightforward deployment with cloud-based tools and efficient service for quick resolutions. Fortinet FortiWLM, while more complex with extensive configuration options, has a responsive support team to address setup challenges.

Pricing and ROI: Fortinet FortiWLM features an attractive price point with long-term efficiency and strong ROI due to lower maintenance costs. SonicWall SonicWave, despite higher initial costs, offers significant ROI through performance and security features that justify the investment.

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To learn more, read our detailed Fortinet FortiWLM vs. SonicWall SonicWave Access Points Report (Updated: June 2025).
Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiWLM vs. SonicWall SonicWave Access Points
June 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 FortiWLM
Ranking in Wireless LAN
16th
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
7.3
Number of Reviews
27
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
SonicWall SonicWave Access ...
Ranking in Wireless LAN
19th
Average Rating
10.0
Reviews Sentiment
7.4
Number of Reviews
4
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of June 2025, in the Wireless LAN category, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiWLM is 1.9%, down from 2.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of SonicWall SonicWave Access Points is 0.5%, up from 0.4% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Wireless LAN
 

Featured Reviews

Mohammad Talha Talkin Alam - PeerSpot reviewer
Reliable network creation and management with an efficient setup process
My primary use case involves creating SSIDs and defining VLANs within the VLAN using Fortinet FortiWLM. I have been working with Wi-Fi access points for network connectivity I primarily use Fortinet FortiWLM for creating SSIDs and defining VLANs. While there isn't much focus on security, layer…
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Winsley De Oliveira - PeerSpot reviewer
An industry-leading security and wireless solution packaged in one box
We make our customers SonicWall clients. We have a solution package: If you have a contract to network with us, we will deliver SonicWall firewalls, access points, VPN clients, and all the other equipment with the SonicWall solution. We have been selling this solution for the past 30 years. We had a customer three months ago struggling with a Fortinet solution. We convinced them that the Fortinet solution would not work perfectly during renewal. We made a bet and delivered SonicWall equipment for free for one week, and if they had no more issues, they would buy it. That's precisely what happened. The customer ended up purchasing an $80,000 SonicWall solution. The SonicWall SonicWave Access Points are a good product compared to Cisco, Sophos, and Fortinet. In Brazil, Ruckus is taking market share in some key areas, such as hotels and hospitals. They are into big solutions with thousands of access points. Overall, I rate the solution a ten out of ten.
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 Fortinet FortiWLM system can be controlled through the cloud controller, which is convenient when the solution is not installed in our environment, as it allows us to manage the entire WiFi or access points and provides more adaptability."
"The greatest advantage is the security fabric Fortinet offers."
"I use Fortinet FortiWLM for wireless communication and the internet."
"The most valuable features are central management and the many other features available."
"The most valuable feature of Fortinet FortiWLM is the single management pane and integrated controller inside the firewall."
"The solution is controlled from one device and one GUI for all devices."
"The most valuable features of this solution are its speed, reliability, and integration with the firewall."
"Overall, I would rate the solution a ten out of ten."
More Fortinet FortiWLM pros
"Unlike the Cisco solution that needs a dedicated wireless controller outside of a firewall, SonicWall has everything in one box. Fortinet is close to it."
"The platform's most valuable feature is the ability to provide cloud access to configure and manage devices."
"I rate SonicWall a nine out of ten."
"A good management tool that can be managed through the cloud or firewall."
"The security features of SonicWall are highly valued."
 

Cons

"In terms of improvements, the price is higher than I would like. A reduction in pricing would be beneficial."
"There are currently issues with Fortinet's software quality. We have concerns regarding the frequent updates needed because of short software cycles."
"Technical support is very poor. We are not satisfied with the technical support because there is not any direct person from Fortinet for any troubleshooting, which we expected."
"The platform's pricing needs improvement."
"The solution should improve user capacity."
"In the next release, they could improve by adding a controller-less server, or architecture that is provided in other solutions, such as Aruba. This would be a great benefit for customers."
"The roaming of Fortinet FortiWLM could improve when comparing it to other solutions. We are missing some of the functionality in the controller. Additionally, they should offer more logs instead of using FortiAnalyzer because all the users will not be using the same thing."
"When using the FortiGate as the wireless controller, you cannot have automatic user registration, which is something that they should offer."
More Fortinet FortiWLM cons
"The product's pricing is high and could be improved."
"The main issue is the management of the access points. They are sometimes difficult to manage from the end-user side because they are not yet familiar with the configuration."
"We have a lot of overlapping wireless networks with a lot of cheap equipment that does not run on any rules or regulations. The best way to improve the wireless network, like in SonicWaves, is to defeat these networks by isolating, preventing them, or overcoming their wireless signal. We try to do that, but I live near an airport, and the AirPortRadar glitches my wireless network every nine seconds."
"They are sometimes difficult to manage from the end-user side because they are not yet familiar with the configuration."
"Integrating with the firewall and management console was a little complex."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"To save yourself from increased setup and maintenance costs, I highly recommend undertaking a proper site survey from the beginning."
"Licensing costs are reasonable. There are so many different types of licenses with Fortinet, but the licensing and the 24/7/365 support are so reasonable that I automatically include it with every transaction. I never line item it without it. There are no additional costs."
"The solution is fairly priced."
"If a customer already is a FortiGate customer, the cost to go to the FortiAP is incredibly affordable, because you already have the controller."
"Support contracts typically cost approximately $100.00 per year."
"Licensing has become easier. There is no longer a per-AP license needed on the controller."
"The price of Fortinet FortiWLM is reasonable compared to the other vendors. We are using a five-year license."
"There is a perpetual license required for this solution and the price could be reduced."
More Fortinet FortiWLM pricing and cost advice
"The pricing of the SonicWave Access Points solution is different in the US and Brazil. In the US, the solution is priced more competitively than other vendors. In Brazil, the exchange rate is a problem. To address this, SonicWall managers in Brazil are running several sales promotions and improving the price of new units."
"The platform offers yearly licenses."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
14%
Financial Services Firm
9%
Comms Service Provider
7%
Healthcare Company
7%
Computer Software Company
19%
Manufacturing Company
8%
Government
8%
Financial Services Firm
7%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
No data available
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Fortinet FortiWLM?
The security is a valuable feature.
See all answers
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Fortinet FortiWLM?
While the pricing of Fortinet FortiWLM is a bit high, it remains effective. However, the cost could be better if reduced.
See all answers
What needs improvement with Fortinet FortiWLM?
In terms of improvements, the price is higher than I would like. A reduction in pricing would be beneficial.
See all answers
What do you like most about SonicWall SonicWave Access Points?
The platform's most valuable feature is the ability to provide cloud access to configure and manage devices.
See all answers
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for SonicWall SonicWave Access Points?
The platform offers yearly licenses. We receive all the support services through our partners. Thus, there are no extra costs involved. However, some partners might charge for deployment services.
See all answers
What needs improvement with SonicWall SonicWave Access Points?
The main issue is the management of the access points. They are sometimes difficult to manage from the end-user side because they are not yet familiar with the configuration.
See all answers
 

Comparisons

Aruba Wireless vs Fortinet FortiWLM Logo
Aruba Wireless vs Fortinet FortiWLM
Compared 24% of the time
Cisco Wireless vs Fortinet FortiWLM Logo
Cisco Wireless vs Fortinet FortiWLM
Compared 16% of the time
Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN vs Fortinet FortiWLM Logo
Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN vs Fortinet FortiWLM
Compared 12% of the time
Cambium Networks Wireless LAN vs Fortinet FortiWLM Logo
Cambium Networks Wireless LAN vs Fortinet FortiWLM
Compared 10% of the time
Ruckus Wireless vs Fortinet FortiWLM Logo
Ruckus Wireless vs Fortinet FortiWLM
Compared 10% of the time
More Fortinet FortiWLM Competitors
Ruckus Wireless vs SonicWall SonicWave Access Points Logo
Ruckus Wireless vs SonicWall SonicWave Access Points
Compared 36% of the time
Ubiquiti WLAN vs SonicWall SonicWave Access Points Logo
Ubiquiti WLAN vs SonicWall SonicWave Access Points
Compared 31% of the time
Aruba Wireless vs SonicWall SonicWave Access Points Logo
Aruba Wireless vs SonicWall SonicWave Access Points
Compared 17% of the time
Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN vs SonicWall SonicWave Access Points Logo
Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN vs SonicWall SonicWave Access Points
Compared 16% of the time
More SonicWall SonicWave Access Points Competitors
 

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiWLM
June 2025
Fortinet FortiWLM reportDownload Fortinet FortiWLM product report
Buyer's Guide
Wireless LAN
May 2025
SonicWall SonicWave Access Points reportDownload SonicWall SonicWave Access Points product report
 

Also Known As

FortiWLM, FortiAP, Fortinet AP/OAP, Meru Wireless LAN
SonicWave 200 Series, SonicWave 200 Series Access Points, SonicWave 400 Series, SonicWave 400 Series Access Points
 

Overview

Consolidate security and wireless LAN management with our integrated wireless solutions. Single-pane-of-glass management for security and access without the need to add point products simplifies deployment and reduces management complexity. These solutions are highly scalable to support even the largest organizations and distributed enterprises.

Fortinet

SonicWall SonicWave series wireless access points (APs) combine high-performance IEEE 802.11ac Wave 2 wireless technology with flexible deployment options. These APs can be managed via the cloud using SonicWall WiFi Cloud Manager (WCM) or through SonicWall's industry-leading next-generation firewalls.

SonicWall
 

Sample Customers

Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data
St. Dominic's School for Girls
Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiWLM vs. SonicWall SonicWave Access Points
June 2025
Free Report: Fortinet FortiWLM vs. SonicWall SonicWave Access Points
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