The solution’s initial setup is very easy.
Presales Engineer at Sencinet
Initial setup is very easy, but real-time connection with the cloud could be improved
Pros and Cons
- "The solution’s initial setup is very easy."
- "The solution's real-time connection with the cloud could be improved."
What is most valuable?
What needs improvement?
The solution's real-time connection with the cloud could be improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Fortinet FortiGate IPS for four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Fortinet FortiGate IPS is a very stable product.
I rate the solution’s stability ten out of ten.
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Fortinet FortiGate
November 2026
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What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Fortinet FortiGate IPS is a very scalable solution.
I rate the solution’s scalability an eight or nine out of ten.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have previously used Cisco.
How was the initial setup?
The solution’s initial setup is very easy. The solution was deployed by a network engineer or security engineer.
On a scale from one to ten, where one is difficult and ten is easy, I rate the solution’s initial setup a nine out of ten.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Fortinet FortiGate IPS is cheaper than other solutions like Cisco or Check Point.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend the solution to other users.
Overall, I rate the solution a seven out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Graduate Teaching Assistant at a university with 5,001-10,000 employees
Easy to use and checks the access control as a firewall
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is easy to use and checks the access control as a firewall."
- "Fortinet FortiGate SWG can't be used on its own, and you have to get FortiAnalyzer."
What is our primary use case?
We used the solution for the client environment.
What is most valuable?
The solution is easy to use and checks the access control as a firewall. We did not face any challenges while integrating the solution into our infrastructure. Fortinet FortiGate SWG is easy to use.
What needs improvement?
Fortinet FortiGate SWG can't be used on its own, and you have to get FortiAnalyzer.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Fortinet FortiGate SWG for three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Fortinet FortiGate SWG is a very stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Fortinet FortiGate SWG is a scalable solution.
How was the initial setup?
The solution's initial setup is simple once you get a hang of it. All the documentation is available to help with the setup.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiGate
November 2026
Learn what your peers think about Fortinet FortiGate. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2026.
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CTO at NS (IL) Systems Ltd.
Easily integrates with existing infrastructure and has a helpful technical support team
Pros and Cons
- "The initial setup is easy."
- "The platform's compatibility with Wi-Fi equipment needs improvement."
What is most valuable?
The product's basic firewall feature is one of the best in the market for network security.
What needs improvement?
The platform's compatibility with Wi-Fi equipment needs improvement. Sometimes, the Wi-Fi units don't work, or one of the networks stops working, and we have to reboot the FortiGate client's endpoint.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Fortinet FortiGate for more than ten years now.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a reliable solution. I rate the stability a ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Small-scale companies sometimes use the whole UTM solution, which includes antivirus and URL protection. However, enterprise clients usually use additional solutions for those kinds of things.
I rate the scalability a ten.
How are customer service and support?
The technical support team is responsive and helpful.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is easy. Depending on the project, the deployment process can take several days.
What was our ROI?
The platform generates a good return on investment.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The product pricing is reasonable.
What other advice do I have?
It is easy to integrate FortiGate into existing infrastructure. As a firewall, it's one of the best products available today. For other features, we sometimes prefer other vendors, but for firewalls, especially for SMBs, it is a great product.
I rate it a ten out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Strategic Projects - Information Security at Peristent Systems
Simplifies the deployment of next-generation firewalls with integrated IPS and VPN capabilities
How has it helped my organization?
I work with multiple customers. Most are comfortable running IPS within their firewalls rather than deploying it. The standard deployment requires finding a service owner and training them on the platform. However, if I deploy a next-generation firewall with integrated IPS and VPN capabilities, it simplifies things. It's straightforward for someone to manage. Consolidating a VPN server, IPS, and standalone firewall into one appliance can be challenging for many customers. Fortinet's servers are increasingly popular.
What needs improvement?
Fortinet has serious vulnerabilities. Some of their interfaces are exposed to attacks. Since they are more prevalent, they may attract more attacks and have more vulnerabilities discovered.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
If I'm incorporating FortiGate IPS, FortiGate firewall, Forti VPN server, or any other component into an existing Fortinet fabric, I already have a Fortinet analyzer and FortiManager. With this integrated Fortinet ecosystem, stability issues are significantly reduced. Additionally, inserting a standalone Fortinet device is much easier and much more accessible.
How are customer service and support?
Customer support is fine and fairly responsive.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We used Cisco products and operated within a Cisco ecosystem. Currently, Cisco is too expensive, but FortiGate IPS does not position itself as premium like Cisco.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup can be completed within a month with some IT security architecture by replacing IPS.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The product is expensive but comparable to Cisco.
What other advice do I have?
There are limitations to consider, such as the sandbox capacity. Increasing the sandbox limit is essential for better integration with the firewall IPS, facilitating traffic offloading. Since my customers deal with heavy content, we often need to upload content for analysis by the IPS and sandbox. Thus, the system effectively fulfils its intended purpose. However, we do not need to assess features beyond what the customer requires. As long as we meet their specific needs and use case, it's satisfactory.
We're building a network of partners, you know, offering competitive pricing to engage in significant projects. Firewalls are pretty standard. The ecosystem issues may revolve around business support and pricing.
You need more considerable internal resources to manage it. For clients with a robust security solutions team, architects, and skilled developers who handle data and generate similar content, I would recommend Fortinet FortiGate IPS. These individuals should be capable of upgrading their packages and downloading them. If they are comfortable with Docker, they can deploy it as an appliance on a server.
Overall, I rate the solution a six out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. partner
CEO at Merit Technology Solutions (Pty) Ltd
Positively influenced our security operations
Pros and Cons
- "The most significant aspect of IPS is self-explanatory as it primarily focuses on intrusion prevention, which is crucial for Fortinet's internal outbreak prevention efforts and ensuring compliance on endpoint devices."
- "There is room for improvement in being proactive about identifying and integrating new signatures."
What is our primary use case?
We use Fortinet's intrusion prevention feature to ensure network security. This involves actively monitoring network activity for any suspicious behavior using predefined signatures and other detection methods. The goal is to proactively identify and block known threats to prevent any unauthorized or malicious activity on the network. The majority of our clients operate within the financial and retail sectors.
How has it helped my organization?
It seamlessly integrates with the existing network infrastructure, particularly from a firewall standpoint. This integration involves thorough inspection across all interfaces and segmentation layers via the firewall. IPS is utilized for both intercommunication and breakout communications, where it effectively detects and prevents outbreaks through its IP signature-checking capabilities.
It has enhanced the network security posture of our customers.
The performance and accuracy of FortiGate IPS have positively influenced security operations.
What is most valuable?
The most significant aspect of IPS is self-explanatory as it primarily focuses on intrusion prevention, which is crucial for Fortinet's internal outbreak prevention efforts and ensuring compliance on endpoint devices.
What needs improvement?
There is room for improvement in being proactive about identifying and integrating new signatures.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with it for ten years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It offers excellent stability. I would rate it ten out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I have a diverse clientele, ranging from international enterprises to several private companies.
How are customer service and support?
I would rate customer service and support eight out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward. I would rate it ten out of ten.
What about the implementation team?
We haven't faced any challenges with IPS regarding its deployment or management, it is straightforward. You simply add it to the policy where you want IPS inspection applied and roll it out centrally. This process is quick and can take between minutes to a maximum of an hour, depending on the number of sites involved.
What was our ROI?
When evaluating ROI based on exposures, it's challenging to quantify. However, there are definite improvements in enhancements and proactive isolation capabilities, particularly in outbreak prevention. These improvements could potentially lead to reductions in downtime, technical service requirements, and other associated costs.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing is reasonable.
What other advice do I have?
My first recommendation for any deployment is always to enable IPS. Overall, I would rate it ten out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Private Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Consultant
Solutions Architect - Cyber Security Specialist at a security firm with 11-50 employees
Comes with good interface that is easily undestandable by customers
Pros and Cons
- "The tool's most valuable feature is IPS. In my experience, I haven't encountered any issues with integration. It easily integrates with the FortiGate solution. However, verifying through documentation and assessing their support is necessary."
- "The solution needs to improve its support."
What is most valuable?
The tool's most valuable feature is IPS. In my experience, I haven't encountered any issues with integration. It easily integrates with the FortiGate solution. However, verifying through documentation and assessing their support is necessary.
Its interface user-friendliness is good. When we present this interface to customers, they find it easy to understand and manage.
What needs improvement?
Support for courses available on the platform
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate FortiGate's NGFW's stability a ten out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The tool's scalability is good and it has helped our company. I rate it a ten out of ten. We have around 3 customers and 500~800 users.
How are customer service and support?
There has been a delay in support where I had to wait for a day to receive a response. I believe I might not have used the correct procedure, leading to inaccurate information. Consequently, I did not receive the prompt answer that I was expecting.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
The Cisco Firepower is less stable compared to FortiGate NGFW. Cisco Firepower has a complex interface.
How was the initial setup?
The solution's deployment is easy.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The tool's pricing is neither cheap nor expensive. Overall, I find it to be competitive in the market.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend FortiGate NGFW because its interface is easy to understand, making firewall deployment and management straightforward. It has a good market reputation and offers information on cybersecurity, including news, threats, etc. I rate it a ten out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Director Technical Services at TechnoBIZ
A comprehensive solution for web filtering, malware protection, and application control that offers robust security features and user-friendly interface
Pros and Cons
- "Web filters, particularly web application controls, grant us the ability to regulate user access effectively."
- "There's room for improvement in the interface, especially following their upgrade to version nineteen."
What is our primary use case?
Our standard practice involves tailoring deployments to meet specific customer needs. Typically implemented at the network edge, FortiGate SWG addresses diverse security requirements. Use cases include securing online services, protecting internal servers in a DMZ for LAN user access, and employing a segmented approach where different firewalls safeguard distinct zones, collaborating to manage and pass traffic for unique security needs. One of the firewalls also serves as the primary filter for internet traffic.
What is most valuable?
Web filters, particularly web application controls, grant us the ability to regulate user access effectively. Among the various features, I find web application control and IPS to be the most valuable.
What needs improvement?
There's room for improvement in the interface, especially following their upgrade to version nineteen. The issue arises from the increased complexity, where tasks like defining the NAS require navigating a separate window, and regular policy configurations are done in a different window.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using it for seven years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I would rate its stability capabilities nine out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Regarding scalability, I would rate Fortinet highly, giving them eight out of ten due to the effectiveness of their new hardware, which greatly enhances scalability. We've carried out installations for a variety of setups, spanning from small to medium-sized deployments.
How are customer service and support?
I would rate its technical support services seven out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
WatchGuard deserves credit for offering multiple options, including a client base and a comprehensive reporting feature, all within a unified license and toolset.
How was the initial setup?
I would rate the initial setup six out of ten in terms of complexity.
What about the implementation team?
The deployment can take up to a week but typically can be done in a couple of days.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We essentially customize implementations based on the customer's chosen appliance. The cost varies depending on the specific appliance they purchase. We provide coverage for whatever they acquire, and throughout the year, we pay different amounts to various vendors. The cost has increased since the update so I would rate it eight out of ten.
What other advice do I have?
In terms of reliability and security, FortiGate stands out. WatchGuard excels in additional features, offering the best reporting and various configuration options. While Sophos is also strong in security, I would rate it slightly lower than FortiGate. Overall, I would rate it nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Reseller
Head Of IT at ArcelorMittal
Robust and secure product with a valuable SD-WAN feature
Pros and Cons
- "It has a valuable SD-WAN feature and provides good performance."
- "They should make the product user-friendly and enhance the security features."
What is most valuable?
Fortinet FortiGate SWG is a robust and secure product compared to Sophos. It has a valuable SD-WAN feature and provides good performance. Along with that, it has efficient bandwidth and policy management features as well.
What needs improvement?
They could provide bandwidth concentrators and traffic filtering features. They should make the product user-friendly and enhance the security features.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Fortinet FortiGate SWG for ten years. At present, we use the latest version.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the product's stability an eight out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I rate the product's scalability an eight out of ten. It is suitable for small to large enterprises.
How was the initial setup?
I rate the product's initial setup process a seven out of ten. It takes a few hours or a few days to complete.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I rate the product's pricing a seven out of ten. Its one-year license cost is competitive with three and five-year licenses offered by other products.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend the product to others and rate it a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Implementer
Security Analisty at OMNIDATA TRADING, LDA
A robust web security gateway that offers advanced web filtering, application control, and excellent support
Pros and Cons
- "One of the features I appreciate the most is application control which offers great flexibility."
- "They should consider making some improvements regarding the pricing."
What is our primary use case?
We use it for our security needs. It enables us to effectively manage and monitor all the websites our employees access.
What is most valuable?
One of the features I appreciate the most is application control which offers great flexibility.
What needs improvement?
They should consider making some improvements regarding the pricing. It could be more competitive and cost-effective. I would also like to know more about Fortinet's XDR offering, understand how it operates, and how we can effectively implement it in our network.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with for one year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It offers reliable and stable performance.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I would rate its scalability capabilities ten out of ten. In my previous job, I worked with it, and the company was substantial in size. They used Fortinet's FortiGate in a Solaris environment, which was quite extensive. Now, I'm with a different company, which falls somewhere in the mid-range in terms of size.
How are customer service and support?
I have had excellent experiences with its support team and they have been proactive in responding to my inquiries. I rate their support services a solid ten. It is robust and efficient, and I currently have no difficulties in this regard.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Previously, we relied on Cisco WAFSA and Cisco AC, but with FortiGate, we have completely revamped our infrastructure and gained full control over security policies.
How was the initial setup?
I set up a lab using Fortinet's FortiGate (FGT) within VMware on my laptop. Creating the lab environment was a challenge, but not overly difficult, so I would say it fell somewhere in between, not too hard and not too easy. I would rate it five out of ten.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
When comparing it to other vendors such as Palo Alto and Check Point, it is on the the expensive side. I would rate it four out of ten.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, I would rate it nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Consultant at Zepto
A comprehensive and easy to use solution that needs to improve offerings for SMBs
Pros and Cons
- "FortiGate also makes GRE tunneling possible."
- "FortiGate needs to be elastic to the market's trends. It should be easy for SMBs to get the solution."
What is most valuable?
FortiGate has a lot of things that you can do. You have VPN, VRRP, and VDOM tools. FortiGate also makes GRE tunneling possible. Those are a few things that I like the most about FortiGate.
What needs improvement?
We are in an era of cloud-based things, so most need a simpler pay-as-you-go model. That might be effective for SMBs, where small organizations can afford features. FortiGate needs to be elastic to the market's trends. It should be easy for SMBs to get the solution. A cloud or SaaS model would be effective. FortiGate should bring a solution that allows smaller companies to use firewalls. Very small or medium companies do not focus on security, but it is the major concern of every organization. To tap that market, FortiGate must bring an innovative product everyone can adopt.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've used the solution for six to seven years and currently use the latest version.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the stability an eight out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Scalability is not an issue, but it's difficult for small organizations. The devices that have FortiGate are the issue. I rate FortiGate a seven out of ten.
FortiGate is deployed in a centralized way. The way it is deployed in our organization, all the employees benefit from the security features.
How are customer service and support?
FortiGate's technical support depends on the region. FortiGate's support in my region is very helpful.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
I rate the initial setup a seven out of ten. Deployment takes a few months, but no more.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I rate FortiGate's pricing a five out of ten.
What other advice do I have?
FortiGate, as per my usage, is good. It's a very nice, sophisticated, and realistic firewall. I don't have any issues with FortiGate. It's a good UTM and has very simple dashboards. I rate FortiGate a seven out of ten.
We use FortiGate on-prem, but now we are trying to adopt it on the cloud. I'm not sure how it is because I have not seen a cloud-based FortiGate.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
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Updated: November 2026
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