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Security Architect - SME at Rrivate Entrepreneur
Real User
Jun 7, 2022
Easy to use, beneficial graphical user interface, and feature rich
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable feature of Fortinet FortiOS network segregation, UTM, and antivirus, freight management protection, such as DDoS. Additionally, the CLI and the GUI are easy to use. The architecture makes sense, and the command in the CLI are organized well. They have quite a lot of features are easy to use, and are user-friendly. Any novice can use Fortinet FortiOS without an issue."
  • "There is some room for improvement in the support."

What is our primary use case?

I am using Fortinet FortiOS for firewall security.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature of Fortinet FortiOS network segregation, UTM, and antivirus, freight management protection, such as DDoS. Additionally, the command-line interface(CLI) and the graphical user interface(GUI) are easy to use. The architecture makes sense, and the commands in the CLI are organized well. They have quite a lot of features are easy to use, and are user-friendly. Any novice can use Fortinet FortiOS without an issue.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Fortinet FortiOS for approximately eight years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability of Fortinet FortiOS initial setup is simple and it is user-friendly. To do the whole process of transferring the firewall configurations and updates took approximately one day. 

Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiOS
November 2026
Learn what your peers think about Fortinet FortiOS. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2026.
921,148 professionals have used our research since 2012.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have approximately 2,000 users that use what hardware Fortinet FortiOS manages. All types of verticles are passing through the solution.

How are customer service and support?

I rate the support from Fortinet FortiOS a four out of five.

There is some room for improvement in the support.

How was the initial setup?

Fortinet FortiOS initial setup is simple and it is user-friendly. To do the whole process of transferring the firewall configurations and updates took approximately one day.

What was our ROI?

We have seen a return on investment because a lot of the features are effective. We do not need to train our engineers to use the solution, it is very easy to use.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The price of Fortinet FortiOS is comparable to other similar solutions on the market. We are on an annual license to use the solution.

What other advice do I have?

I rate Fortinet FortiOS an eight out of ten.

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.
PeerSpot user
Joao Gama Mendes - PeerSpot reviewer
Responsible for Cyber Security at IMT IP
Real User
Jun 5, 2022
Useful blocking lists, reliable, and simple setup
Pros and Cons
  • "The most important features of Fortinet FortiOS are the ability to block and make white and black lists. Additionally, the filtering of user access to websites is useful."
  • "Fortinet FortiOS is stable. However, last month we had an issue with a released patch. We had to receive another update to fix the firewall issue consuming all of the resources. The patches should be tested more before going into circulation."

What is most valuable?

The most important features of Fortinet FortiOS are the ability to block and make white and black lists. Additionally, the filtering of user access to websites is useful. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Fortinet FortiOS for approximately five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Fortinet FortiOS is stable. However, last month we had an issue with a released patch. We had to receive another update to fix the firewall issue consuming all of the resources. The patches should be tested more before going into circulation.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have approximately 800 users using the solution.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We were previously using other firewalls, such as Palo Alto. They are similar solutions.

How was the initial setup?

Fortinet FortiOS's initial setup is simple.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

We had a three-year license to use Fortinet FortiOS and we are going to renew it this year.

What other advice do I have?

I rate Fortinet FortiOS a nine out of ten.

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.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiOS
November 2026
Learn what your peers think about Fortinet FortiOS. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2026.
921,148 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Andrey Kurtasanov - PeerSpot reviewer
Consultant at Orange
Real User
May 16, 2022
Reliable, low maintenance, and installation simple
Pros and Cons
  • "I have found the most valuable feature of Fortinet FortiOS is the low maintenance."
  • "Fortinet FortiOS provides a full UTM experience, including UTM profiles, firewall rules, remote access, VPN connection, IPSec, and SSL connection."
  • "The central management can improve in Fortinet FortiOS. It is sometimes difficult to manage all the devices."

What is our primary use case?

Fortinet FortiOS provides a full UTM experience, including UTM profiles, firewall rules, remote access, VPN connection, IPSec, and SSL connection.

What is most valuable?

I have found the most valuable feature of Fortinet FortiOS is the low maintenance.

What needs improvement?

The central management can improve in Fortinet FortiOS. It is sometimes difficult to manage all the devices.

I wrote my opinion about changes to the SSL-VPN authentication directly on the Fortinet forum, and they said that right now they will not change it. Hopefully, in the future, they will change the SSL-VPN authentication for groups and users.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Fortinet FortiOS for approximately five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability of Fortinet FortiOS depends on the operation being done. If we are using the basic functions I would rate the stability of Fortinet FortiOS a five out of five. If we are using the advanced functionality I would rate the stability a three out of five. Overall the solution is stable.

How are customer service and support?

The support from Fortinet FortiOS is good. However, there are times they give a five out of five level of support and whereas other times they give a one out of five.

How was the initial setup?

Fortinet FortiOS's installation is easy.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The scalability of Fortinet FortiOS is good. However, central management is intuitive for the end-users. We had a lot of questions about central management, and sometimes they didn't use it and did their firewall management directly on FortiGate instead of using Fortinet FortiOS.

What other advice do I have?

My advice to others is for them to read the instructions on how to use the solution.

I rate Fortinet FortiOS a nine out of ten.

Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Muhammad Jahangir - PeerSpot reviewer
Manager devops at emergent
Real User
May 12, 2022
A next-generation operating system and firewall with a lot of features
Pros and Cons
  • "I am satisfied with Fortinet FortiOS. It's a cool product and has a lot of UTM features. It has application control, web filtering, antivirus, IPS/IDS, DNS filtering, and many things in that firewall. It also has a web application firewall WAF feature. On the feature side, it's a good firewall."
  • "It would be better if AWS instances were available. If I want to upgrade from T2.small to T2.medium, it should be available rather than having a big instance and paying a lot of money for that. The issue is that we had deployed in AWS Cloud, and we were using a very small instance. Recently we wanted to move in-house and deploy it on the big instance because it was struggling with the RAM. If we use T2.small, we cannot upgrade it to the T2.medium. It has predefined instances in the marketplace with a lot of cost differences. If I can increase the RAM, I have to choose the T3.large instance. If I'm paying $270 for the small instance, I have to pay more than double the cost for T3.large. It is about $850, and this is not good. So, it would be better if it was cheaper. I think both AWS and Fortinet should think about that. They should provide it on lower instances as well. If I want to upgrade it from T2.small to T2.medium, it should be available, but it's a problem."
  • "If I can increase the RAM, I have to choose the T3.large instance; if I'm paying $270 for the small instance, I have to pay more than double the cost for T3.large, it is about $850, and this is not good."

What is our primary use case?

We use Fortinet FortiOS to protect our office, and we have another deployment in production. We have the PCI DSS environment on which we have deployed the Fortinet Firewall.

What is most valuable?

I am satisfied with Fortinet FortiOS. It's a cool product and has a lot of UTM features. It has application control, web filtering, antivirus, IPS/IDS, DNS filtering, and many things in that firewall. It also has a web application firewall WAF feature. On the feature side, it's a good firewall.

What needs improvement?

It would be better if AWS instances were available. If I want to upgrade from T2.small to T2.medium, it should be available rather than having a big instance and paying a lot of money for that.

The issue is that we had deployed in AWS Cloud, and we were using a very small instance. Recently we wanted to move in-house and deploy it on the big instance because it was struggling with the RAM. If we use T2.small, we cannot upgrade it to the T2.medium. It has predefined instances in the marketplace with a lot of cost differences.

If I can increase the RAM, I have to choose the T3.large instance. If I'm paying $270 for the small instance, I have to pay more than double the cost for T3.large. It is about $850, and this is not good. So, it would be better if it was cheaper.

I think both AWS and Fortinet should think about that. They should provide it on lower instances as well. If I want to upgrade it from T2.small to T2.medium, it should be available, but it's a problem.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Fortinet FortiOS since 2019, so more than three years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Fortinet FortiOS is a stable product.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Fortinet FortiOS is scalable. 

How are customer service and support?

Technical support is good. When I create the ticket, they respond to me, engage the engineer, and support is good. No issue at all.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is not too complex; it's simple.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

It would be better if it were cheaper. We have the firewall in our office, and the license is expiring in 20 to 25 days. We got a quote for almost 80,000 Pakistani Rupees, which is a little costly.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

If I compare Fortinet FortiOS with Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA), it's a cool product. The deployment of ASA is a little bit complex because it's GUI-based, and ASA also has a graphical user interface. But I still think Fortinet is a good firewall compared to ASA because if you want to use the IPS/IDS feature in the ASA, you have to deploy the management center and integrate it with the firewall, which is a little complex.

What other advice do I have?

I recommend this solution to potential users because it has many features, and it's a stable product.

On a scale from one to ten, I would give Fortinet FortiOS an eight. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Senior Network & Security Engineer at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Real User
Aug 31, 2021
Easy to manage, effective intrusion prevention, and useful geographical visibility
Pros and Cons
  • "The main features I find useful are intrusion prevention and web filtering. Additionally, the solution is easy to manage."
  • "This solution has helped our organization prevent multiple attacks."
  • "The solution could improve the log retention and reports."

What is our primary use case?

I am using Fortinet FortiOS in conjunction with a firewall for our network security.

How has it helped my organization?

This solution has helped our organization prevent multiple attacks. It has been beneficial having geographical visibility of what threat is being blocked in real-time.

What is most valuable?

The main features I find useful are intrusion prevention and web filtering. Additionally, the solution is easy to manage.

What needs improvement?

The solution could improve the log retention and reports.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Fortinet FortiOS for approximately eight years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Fortinet FortiOS is scalable.

We have different size organizations using this solution and when determining if it fits the organization's it depends on their use case.

How are customer service and technical support?

We have been satisfied with the technical support.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward.

What was our ROI?

I have found Fortinet FortiOS to be a good investment.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The price of Fortinet FortiOS has been reasonable.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We have evaluated other solutions, such as SonicWall, Palo Alto, Cyberoam, and Check Point before choosing Fortinet FortiOS.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend this solution.

I rate Fortinet FortiOS 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. Implementor
PeerSpot user
reviewer1400778 - PeerSpot reviewer
Owner - Sales Manager / IT Enterprise Architect at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Reseller
Sep 25, 2024
Allows organizations to run their businesses without compromising performance or protection, supports seamless scalability, and simplifies innovation consumption
Pros and Cons
  • "In terms of benefits, it’s a standard solution used by many, and our customers and partners widely utilize the VPN features. It’s elementary to work with and implement because it is familiar across different infrastructures."
  • "Sometimes, Fortinet FortiOS changes its CLI (command line interface) with new versions, which leads to internal incompatibility. When this happens, you need to update the configuration to match the new format, as the commands aren’t always the same. This can create some confusion and extra work because, unlike other vendors where the CLI commands remain primarily consistent with updates, Fortinet often changes the syntax between versions."

What is our primary use case?

We are still using it in our company. We use FortiOS primarily for perimeter security and network segmentation.

What is most valuable?

In terms of benefits, it’s a standard solution used by many, and our customers and partners widely utilize the VPN features. It’s elementary to work with and implement because it is familiar across different infrastructures.

What needs improvement?

Sometimes, Fortinet FortiOS changes its CLI (command line interface) with new versions, which leads to internal incompatibility. When this happens, you need to update the configuration to match the new format, as the commands aren’t always the same. This can create some confusion and extra work because, unlike other vendors where the CLI commands remain primarily consistent with updates, Fortinet often changes the syntax between versions.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using Fortinet FortiOS for more than six years.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Fortinet FortiOS is very scalable and can handle many users, depending on your hardware. Expanding it when needed is straightforward.

How are customer service and support?

It’s generally good, but there’s always room for improvement.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

The complexity of implementing and setting up Fortinet FortiOS depends on the customer'srequirements. With a network map of a hundred nodes, it could be either very complex or straightforward. There isn't a standard rule for this; it varies based on the specific design and planning needed. It would be best to have a straightforward design and a good plan before implementing. If the design isn't well done, you might need to make changes during the project, which isn't ideal.The time required for a full implementation of FortiOS can vary
significantly. It might be small but complex or large but straightforward—tthere'sno one-size-fits-
all pattern.

What about the implementation team?

For maintenance, FortiOS requires attention to patches because it handles many functions and can be complex. It's crucial to stay updated on your running version and check for any reported vulnerabilities to avoid potential issues.

What was our ROI?

The return on investment for FortiOS is good but not exceptional. It’s close to breaking even; not every case justifies the renewal cost.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Regarding the cost, the initial purchase is relatively cheap because it comes bundled. However, the subscription renewals can be quite expensive. The renewal costs are high, even though the initial purchase might include discounts.

What other advice do I have?

Overall, I would rate Fortinet FortiOS an 8 out of 10. It’s a solid product but could improve in areas like update management. Currently, it’s up to the user to check for updates, and Fortinet doesn’t proactively notify you about necessary updates. If they know your version, they should inform you directly about any needed upgrades instead of relying on you to check.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Reseller
PeerSpot user
Hafidz Jaelani - PeerSpot reviewer
IT Network Engineer at a computer software company with 11-50 employees
Real User
Jun 2, 2023
Has an easy initial setup process, but firmware updates need improvement
Pros and Cons
  • "It efficiently manages large-scale firewall deployments."
  • "The solution's firmware updates have significant bugs and issues."

What is most valuable?

The solution's most valuable feature is its ability to work efficiently with large-scale firewall deployments. Also, it provides custom segmentation for the firewall without adding any additional devices. It helps in reducing the cost of testing purposes.

What needs improvement?

The solution's firmware updates have significant bugs and issues. They affect the network and firewall. This particular area needs improvement. Also, they should include an advanced firewall feature.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate the solution's stability as seven.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I rate the solution's scalability a seven. The major bugs in the firmware update affect the scaling capabilities as well.

How was the initial setup?

The solution's initial setup process is easy.

What other advice do I have?

I rate the solution as a seven 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
PeerSpot user
reviewer1956708 - PeerSpot reviewer
Manager at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Consultant
Sep 25, 2022
Great SD-WAN, IPS, and application control
Pros and Cons
  • "It's very easy to use."
  • "It has worked well for us overall, and we are happy with its capabilities."
  • "They need to integrate more with the SD-WAN."
  • "We would like to see lower pricing. The price is high."

What is most valuable?

It's very easy to use.

The SD-WAN, IPS, application control and web features are all very valuable aspects of the solution.

What needs improvement?

We haven't had any issues with the solution. It's been pretty good in general. 

We would like to see the ability to maybe monitor applications that use the SD-WAN. They need to integrate more with the SD-WAN.

We would like to see lower pricing. The price is high.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've used the solution for a long time. It's been maybe ten years. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have about 100 users on the solution. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I've also worked with Check Point. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

We have three years' worth of licensing before we have to renew anything. We renewed it about two years ago. The pricing could be a bit better.

What other advice do I have?

I'm a customer and an end-user.

I'd rate the solution nine out of ten. It has worked well for us overall, and we are happy with its capabilities. 

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.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1951032 - PeerSpot reviewer
Product Manager at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Reseller
Sep 17, 2022
Valuable inbuilt SD-WAN useful for firewalls and the efficient fulfillment of orders
Pros and Cons
  • "The initial setup is straightforward, and it is very customer friendly."
  • "Fortinet FortiOS quickly provides many complex solutions when we deploy a simple firewall, so it's named one of the most customer-friendly OSs in the industry in Sri Lanka and globally."
  • "The solution is good but could be improved by supporting an allocation of quota base management regarding user data."

What is our primary use case?

Our primary use case for this solution is for firewalls and the efficient fulfillment of orders. Additionally, with Fortinet FortiOS, you get other features like inbuilt SD-WAN, where the customers are ready to deploy once they move into the SD-WAN features. So there are several additional features within the OS and integration with third-party software, other vendors and third-party solutions. So the integrability, adaptability, and value addition of the OS play a significant role.

What is most valuable?

We have found the inbuilt SD-WAN most valuable. For example, with FortiGates, we refer to it as being SD-WAN-ready because the customer has to buy it in the box, and the OS supports it by building a connection between two units. Also, regarding the OS integrability with other third parties, for example, with Ciga Group, you can deploy a unit in Sri Lanka, and the customer may have another unit in a different geography. Within Fortinet FortiOS and other competitive products, it's integrative, so it's used for data flexibility.

What needs improvement?

The solution is good but could be improved by supporting an allocation of quota base management regarding user data.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using this solution for three years.

How are customer service and support?

I rate customer service and support a ten out of ten.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward, and it is very customer friendly. Fortinet FortiOS quickly provides many complex solutions when we deploy a simple firewall. So it's named one of the most customer-friendly OSs in the industry in Sri Lanka and globally. Therefore, customizability allows you to deploy the boxes and register a serial number. Eight people on our technical team are involved in deployment. I rate the initial setup process as nine out of ten.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I cannot comment on licensing costs as a different department handles that.

What other advice do I have?

I rate this solution a nine out of ten.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Reseller
PeerSpot user
BoreSoen - PeerSpot reviewer
Networks & Securities Solutions supervisor at a tech vendor with 201-500 employees
Real User
Sep 17, 2022
Easy-to-manage internet gateway
Pros and Cons
  • "FortiOS's best features are its function as an internet gateway and how easy it is to manage."
  • "FortiOS's interface and monitoring could be improved."
  • "FortiOS's stability could be better."

What is most valuable?

FortiOS's best features are its function as an internet gateway and how easy it is to manage.

What needs improvement?

FortiOS's interface and monitoring could be improved.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been working with FortiOS for three years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

FortiOS's stability could be better.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was simple.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

FortiOS is affordable, but its price could be lower.

What other advice do I have?

I would give FortiOS a rating of 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
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Fortinet FortiOS Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: November 2026
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Buyer's Guide
Download our free Fortinet FortiOS Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.