Fortinet FortiOS Reviews

Name: Fortinet FortiOS
Brand: Fortinet
Rating: 4.2 (81 reviews)

4.2 out of 5

81 reviews
98% willing to recommend

What is Fortinet FortiOS?

Fortinet FortiOS is a comprehensive security operating system that powers Fortinet's network security solutions. It provides advanced threat protection, network visibility, and centralized management for organizations of all sizes. With its robust features and intuitive interface, FortiOS enables businesses to secure their networks, applications, and data from cyber threats.

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Fortinet FortiOS is the #21 ranked solution in best firewalls. PeerSpot users give Fortinet FortiOS an average rating of 8.4 out of 10. Fortinet FortiOS is most commonly compared to Fortinet FortiGate: Fortinet FortiOS vs Fortinet FortiGate. Fortinet FortiOS is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 50% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 13% of all views.

Helped 865,384 peers since 2012

Featured Fortinet FortiOS reviews

Harshama Silva

Senior Manager at ITX360 (Pvt) Ltd

FortiOS is very user-friendly and easy to configure for L1, L2, and L3 personnel. Its web filtering, application control, and IPS features are very user-friendly, easy to manage, and deploy. The threat intelligence in FortiOS is very high, and the system is scalable without additional licensing costs. FortiOS allows us to expand the number of users and devices as our network needs grow.

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Mostafa Nawar

Senior Network & Security Engineer at a logistics company with 51-200 employees

Based on my experience, the functions and features in the Fortinet FortiOS operation system that I have found most valuable include multi-tenancy capabilities, which is an important feature. In terms of functionality of the Fortinet FortiOS operation system, I consider the threat prevention functions to be really useful. I believe there could be improvements in the Fortinet FortiOS operation system, such as better integration and a more centralized dashboard.

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Brian M.

Network Administrator at a educational organization with 501-1,000 employees

FortiOS is the operating system that runs on FortiGate firewalls, and I have managed wireless networks through it as well. It acts as the wireless controller for two sites where access points are deployed. It is user-friendly when it comes to turning on features, and it has been reliable and effective.

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Fortinet FortiOS mindshare

As of August 2025, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiOS in the Firewalls category stands at 1.2%, up from 0.9% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Firewalls

PeerResearch reports based on Fortinet FortiOS reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Firewalls	Aug 20, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Aug 20, 2025	Download
Comparison	Fortinet FortiOS vs Netgate pfSense	Aug 20, 2025	Download
Comparison	Fortinet FortiOS vs Fortinet FortiGate	Aug 20, 2025	Download
Comparison	Fortinet FortiOS vs OPNsense	Aug 20, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Fortinet FortiGate	4.2	20.8%	91%	411 interviews Add to research
Netgate pfSense	4.3	12.0%	93%	218 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Fortinet FortiOS offers comprehensive features that include Unified Threat Management, web filtering, intrusion prevention, antivirus, caching, and intuitive graphical interfaces. Users value its ease of use, scalability, SD-WAN capabilities, high availability, seamless upgrades, powerful command-line interface, and effective threat intelligence. It enables cost-effective network security with features like application control, SSL inspection, VPN support, and multi-tenancy while providing stable and reliable performance across various configurations.

"In my opinion, Fortinet FortiOS provides significant benefits to users, such as saving time, saving money, and streamlining workflow processes."
"Fortinet FortiOS is very easy to use, and when comparing it to other products, its easiness is remarkable."
"Fortinet delivers a good balance of price and performance."

Room for Improvement

Fortinet FortiOS users mention several areas for improvement. They express the need for a simplified VPN setup and better support. Pricing is viewed as high, and there are calls for improved technical support. Some users highlight the requirement for enhanced security features and better cloud integration. The GUI could be more intuitive, and there are issues with integration with third-party solutions. Many believe updates could be smaller and more frequent, and reporting functionalities need enhancement.

"I believe there could be improvements in the Fortinet FortiOS operation system, such as better integration and a more centralized dashboard."
"In some specific products, Fortinet FortiOS faces memory issues, which can lead to unexpected downtimes."
"Stability is a seven out of ten because during version migrations, and sometimes with new versions, Fortinet is not as good. Palo Alto is more stable than Fortinet, but this depends on the configuration."

ROI

Fortinet FortiOS delivers clear value with its scalability and ease of use, reducing training needs and providing effective features. Users find it financially rewarding, as it helps manage security threats efficiently. Cost comparison with cleanup after cyber attacks illustrates a favorable investment. Many have experienced a good ROI and rate it highly. Although some see it nearing break-even, FortiOS offers reliability and its competitive pricing makes it appealing.

Pricing

Fortinet FortiOS pricing is perceived as medium to high, with annual licensing renewals and varied package options. Many users find it more expensive compared to smaller business solutions but competitive against high-end competitors like Cisco and Palo Alto. Costs may depend on partnerships, included features, and chosen modules. Licensing often requires renewal every year or two, with additional support contracts available. The pricing might suit medium to large enterprises, with room for negotiation and potential promotional offers.

"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."
"Pricing for the tool can vary. Sometimes, aggressive pricing is offered at the start, but later, as subscriptions and expansions are needed, the costs can increase, and customers may have to pay whatever is required."
"The solution is cost effective. I would rate the pricing a five out of ten."

Popular Use Cases

Fortinet FortiOS is used extensively for network edge security, often serving as a firewall with capabilities like SD-WAN, VPN, web filtering, and intrusion prevention. Organizations deploy it for securing virtual infrastructures, managing bandwidth, integrating AWS, and protecting corporate networks. They utilize it for application control, firewall segmentation, endpoint gateway protection, and managing secure connections across multiple branches, making it integral in their security frameworks while providing integrated cybersecurity and network protection functionalities.

Service and Support

Fortinet FortiOS customer service and support are noted for being responsive and helpful, although experiences vary. While some users appreciate quick resolutions and knowledgeable assistance, others highlight occasional slow response times and less effective documentation for advanced tasks. Many users find the support satisfactory, giving ratings from eight to ten, but suggest improvements in speed and support for complex issues. Interaction with local or third-party support is often mentioned as beneficial.

Deployment

Users found Fortinet FortiOS's initial setup generally straightforward and user-friendly, often completed within hours to days. For some, learning curves were mentioned, especially with complex setups or when configuring SD-WAN. Adequate documentation and helpful resources supported users, making the process manageable. Deployments varied in complexity based on requirements, with simpler setups taking less time. Familiarity with firewalls eased the setup process, while detailed planning and design were crucial for smooth implementation.

Scalability

Organizations often find Fortinet FortiOS scalable, allowing for seamless user expansion and API integration. It effectively operates in diverse environments, from basic setups to complex infrastructures. While some critics mention hardware constraints, many appreciate its flexibility in managing varying user loads. A few emphasize pre-purchase planning to ensure scalability meets current and future needs. Fortinet FortiOS supports expansion without significant licensing costs, making it a preferred choice among businesses seeking scalability.

Stability

Users find Fortinet FortiOS to be very stable, noting minimal issues over years of use. Critical for maintaining stability is regular preventative maintenance and updates. Some mention rare bugs and occasional performance hiccups, quickly resolved by support. Although Fortinet FortiOS is praised for its stability, some experience challenges during version upgrades or with specific functionalities. The stability is frequently rated high, with many users citing it as reliable and more stable than alternatives like SonicWall.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Fortinet FortiOS Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

13%

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Government

Comms Service Provider

Educational Organization

Construction Company

University

Insurance Company

Retailer

Performing Arts

Energy/Utilities Company

Non Profit

Healthcare Company

Legal Firm

Outsourcing Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Transportation Company

Media Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Hospitality Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Pharma/Biotech Company

Recruiting/Hr Firm

Wellness & Fitness Company

Consumer Goods Company

Logistics Company

Renewables & Environment Company

Engineering Company

Marketing Services Firm

Compare Fortinet FortiOS with alternative products

Learn more about Fortinet FortiOS

One of the key features of FortiOS is its advanced threat protection capabilities. It incorporates multiple security technologies, including firewall, antivirus, intrusion prevention system (IPS), and web filtering, to detect and block a wide range of threats. This ensures that organizations are protected against malware, ransomware, and other malicious activities. FortiOS also offers extensive network visibility, allowing organizations to monitor and analyze network traffic in real-time. This visibility enables businesses to identify potential security risks, detect anomalies, and take proactive measures to mitigate threats.

Additionally, FortiOS provides detailed reports and analytics, helping organizations gain insights into their network security posture. Centralized management is another crucial aspect of FortiOS. It allows businesses to manage and configure their security policies, devices, and users from a single console. This simplifies the management process and ensures consistent security across the entire network infrastructure.

Moreover, FortiOS supports integration with other Fortinet products, enabling seamless security orchestration and automation. FortiOS is designed to be scalable and flexible, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes. It offers a range of deployment options, including physical appliances, virtual machines, and cloud-based solutions. This flexibility allows businesses to choose the deployment model that best fits their requirements and easily scale their security infrastructure as their needs evolve.