Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] vs Fortinet FortiGate comparison

Citrix and Fortinet are both solutions in the Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) Solutions category. Additionally, 90% of Citrix users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 92% of Fortinet users who would recommend it.

Citrix SD-WAN [EOL]

Read 22 Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] reviews

90% willing to recommend

Fortinet FortiGate

Read 594 Fortinet FortiGate reviews

88,349 Views
8,835 Comparison Views

92% willing to recommend

Citrix SD-WAN [EOL]

Fortinet FortiGate

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Mar 29, 2026

Citrix SD-WAN and Fortinet FortiGate are key competitors in networking solutions, focusing on WAN optimization and network security respectively. Citrix SD-WAN excels in application acceleration, especially for voice and video traffic, while Fortinet FortiGate is superior in providing advanced security and Unified Threat Management.

Features: Citrix SD-WAN is highlighted for its WAN optimization, application acceleration, and seamless failover capabilities. It efficiently manages video and voice traffic, ensuring stability and enhanced user experience. In contrast, Fortinet FortiGate offers VPN, firewall, web filtering, and data security protocols, positioning itself as a leader in network security. Its UTM features integrate well within organizations for comprehensive protection.

Room for Improvement: Citrix SD-WAN could enhance its security features and simplify its licensing model to be more competitive with Fortinet's offerings. Users have expressed a desire for more robust network security and better integration with existing IT solutions. On the other hand, Fortinet FortiGate needs improvements in its interface and support system. Its load balancing and API integration could also be refined for ease of use.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Citrix SD-WAN is praised for its straightforward deployment in hybrid cloud environments. Fortinet FortiGate is valued for its flexibility across on-premises and cloud deployments. While Citrix's support is generally good but inconsistent, Fortinet offers reliable support, although response times can be slow. Both products enjoy a strong global presence with generally positive feedback.

Pricing and ROI: Citrix SD-WAN involves a higher upfront cost with various licensing options, whereas Fortinet FortiGate is regarded as cost-effective with competitive pricing and straightforward licensing models. Fortinet's pricing is more affordable for a wider range of businesses, ultimately offering strong ROI through cost savings in infrastructure and maintenance.

To learn more, read our detailed Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) Solutions Report (Updated: July 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) Solutions

July 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

Citrix SD-WAN [EOL]

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

7.4

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Fortinet FortiGate

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

594

Ranking in other categories

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

Featured Reviews

Rohit Ghorpade

Cloud Network Engineer at a insurance company with 5,001-10,000 employees

A scalable solution for MCN controller but lacks technical supports, upgrades

There are a few things that can be improved, are domain-based routing and the slowness of virtual parts, and it may be due to the wrong configuration, which we have been unable to find out. Previously, we faced some issues with the slowness part. Apart from that, feature like end gateway level antivirus. We are currently using a NetFlow proxy to establish a virtual position for the NetFlow. Our current environment has many use cases, but we are not using them on the Citrix SD-WAN. When I navigate the NCL part, it involves configuration. I want to highlight this disadvantage. Sometimes, when we push the configuration, it tries to push it to all branch locations. This process takes a lot of time, nearly 30 minutes, to push a single change from the NCL. Overall, I don't think Citrix meets our use cases what we have. This is based on my feedback after using it for the past year and working on this Citrix SD-WAN. However, from my experience, it is the worst solution I have seen. There's no domain-based routing, which is horrible. That's why we are moving to other products. We have checked our use case requirements with Fortinet, Palo Alto, and they meet them. I will consider the PoC or another OEM. There are many things in the area you need to be prompt, like the automation part. If any link or device goes down, alerting notification, etc. We need to perform and highlight so many things to your management. This should be improved.

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Yati Gharat

Chief Technology Officer at Litmus

Unified security management has simplified data center protection and optimized branch connectivity

In my opinion, a potential area of improvement for Fortinet FortiGate is that while it has a pretty good dashboard, which is not an issue as such, when we talk about hardware parameters, sometimes the hardware gets pretty heated up. Given the amount of traffic going through it, that is fine. However, the heat of the hardware has to be looked into. Fortinet FortiGate firewall is good, but other products like the switching part and all that fabric, in handling very audio-video traffic, sometimes it struggles on the switching part, but on the routing part, it is fine. On the firewall part, it is good; there is no issue as such up till now. Additionally, I suggest that Fortinet can add software which is in a controlled way, particularly regarding AI and ML. It should not happen that the AI/ML takes certain decisions which are not beneficial for the organization. The control should remain with the team members who are responsible for configuring this firewall.

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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 best feature is the backup capability, where all of the users' computers are tied into a central data repository."

"In summary, this is a very good product and one that I recommend."

"The stability is the main feature of Citrix SD-WAN. You can also upgrade the data packages or have less transmission."

"The reliability of connectivity is most valuable."

"The functionality of Citrix SD-WAN is awesome and I fell in love with it on this deployment because it's so easy to use."

"The scalability and stability are quite good in general."

"Citrix SD-WAN is an enterprise-grade solution."

"They have a zero downtime failover mechanism, where, when there's a link failure or a link weakness, or bad link conditions, they provide the ability to fail back seamlessly."

More Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] pros

"The customers have seen an ROI from using Fortinet FortiGate and they are satisfied with the solution."

"It is very flexible to use."

"The security on offer is very good."

"Fortinet FortiGate is the best option on the market when it comes to firewalls."

"The firewall and VPN features are the most valuable in protecting our customers' networks."

"The main reason we chose Fortinet FortiGate was that the price was better than the competition."

"The solution is stable."

"I prefer FortiGate because it has a lot of other solutions embedded within it and is the easiest for our technicians to operate."

More Fortinet FortiGate pros

Cons

"Even though the monitoring is pretty good, there is some room for improvement there."

"The price of the subscription should be cheaper."

"The firewall reporting could be easier to use and filter."

"The level of support from Citrix is not that great."

"Citrix SD-WAN's knowledge base has a few missing things, so you may need to seek help from support."

"The communication around the life cycle would have been really helpful. The main issue we have had is related to the life cycle because some of the things that we are using were discontinued. They were discontinued within a year after we had purchased it, which is a bit painful. If we had known that, we would've made some other decisions."

"The price could be improved, it's an expensive solution."

"Citrix SD-WAN does not have the SD-WAN with one optimization in a single license. Other competitors have this option and it should be added to this solution."

More Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] cons

"It is difficult as an end-user to setup continuing license contracts."

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

"Its price could be better."

"Their support can be better, and there should be better policies for immediate replacement in critical situations."

"There can be more security in hybrid implementations. When a customer has a hybrid environment where some parts are in the cloud, we need a consistent security solution for such scenarios."

"The Web-filter in this solution is not very good."

"I don't like that anything more than very basic reporting is not included. You have to buy their cloud module that's an add-on for getting more customized reporting."

"The solution's real-time connection with the cloud could be improved."

More Fortinet FortiGate cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"It would be helpful to have a demo license available for customers who want to prove the concept and conduct a proof of concept (POC) before committing to the solution. This is particularly important for customers in Egypt who often require a demonstration of the solution's features and compatibility with their needs before making any investment or incurring costs. Providing a demo license would allow customers to assess whether the solution would meet their needs or not."

"It's a little bit on the high side compared to the other products."

"It is a bit expensive. A cheaper product would be good, but everybody likes things to be cheaper. We bought the devices up front, and then we pay for the annual support."

"It depends on the scale. In our case, it would have been better if we had known about the life cycling steps, but otherwise, it is worth the money."

"The price is relatively expensive."

"The price of the subscription should be cheaper."

"I'm not quite sure of the price ranges. Roughly, the hidden devices can scale up to $20K for one appliance. However, the branch CPs are USD $1,000 to $2,500."

"The license was a one-time purchase. It's expensive."

More Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] pricing and cost advice

"We are currently evaluating a Palo Alto solution, and the pricing could be a reason for going for Palo Alto."

"Fortinet's pricing is more straightforward than other solutions. If Fortinet doesn't stick out when you're searching for a solution, you are a glutton for punishment. You only need to know two things when purchasing a Fortinet solution: your total bandwidth and bandwidth at the site. You need to estimate the future bandwidth with other solutions if your customer plans to upgrade."

"You need to pay a license for this solution. Our licensing is now done in our subsidiary."

"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."

"It is an expensive solution."

"The price of FortiGate is comparable to that of most other firewall solutions and is more affordable than Cisco."

"This is not a cheap solution but it isn't expensive, either. It's a good solution for the right price."

"For the performance that we get, the price is reasonable. There are cheaper options, but they may not deliver the same kind of performance that we want. For the performance they provide, the price is acceptable."

More Fortinet FortiGate pricing and cost advice

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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…

Read full review

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Construction Company

18%

Outsourcing Company

12%

Financial Services Firm

10%

Manufacturing Company

No data available

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	7
Midsize Enterprise	5
Large Enterprise	10

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	372
Midsize Enterprise	138
Large Enterprise	195

Questions from the Community

What needs improvement with Citrix SD-WAN?

The solution's licensing model could be improved. Citrix SD-WAN is a good product from a technical point of view. However, when you compare its licensing with the prices of competitors, you will se...

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What advice do you have for others considering Citrix SD-WAN?

If a customer already has Citrix NetScaler and is not looking to change anything in their existing environment, we proceed with Citrix SD-WAN. However, if a customer is looking for a change because...

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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...

See all answers

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...

See all answers

Comparisons

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Compared 16% of the time

Prisma SD-WAN vs Citrix SD-WAN [EOL]

Compared 14% of the time

Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall vs Citrix SD-WAN [EOL]

Compared 11% of the time

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN vs Citrix SD-WAN [EOL]

Compared 6% of the time

VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN vs Citrix SD-WAN [EOL]

Compared 6% of the time

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Sophos Firewall vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 15% of the time

Cisco Secure Firewall vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 14% of the time

Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 6% of the time

Netgate pfSense vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 3% of the time

Check Point Quantum Force (NGFW) vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 3% of the time

More Fortinet FortiGate Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Citrix SD-WAN [EOL]

August 2026

Download Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] product report

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiGate

August 2026

Download Fortinet FortiGate product report

Also Known As

Citrix CloudBridge, WOC, NetScaler SD-WAN

Fortinet FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall

Overview

Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] enhances connectivity and performance by optimizing bandwidth utilization, ensuring reliable communication across branch offices and headquarter data centers. It offers centralized management, efficient deployment options, and improved network reliability.

Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] is designed for businesses seeking enhanced connectivity solutions that boost application performance while reducing costs. With HDX WAN Optimization and reliable Active-Active connectivity, it assures improved bandwidth management. Tailored for both cloud and on-premise deployments, it supports fast communication and seamless integration, making it user-friendly even for those with limited technical expertise. Security features and zero-touch deployments further enhance its appeal. However, users highlight areas needing improvement, such as configuration intuitiveness, pricing alignment for specific markets, and stability. Enhanced reporting, networking features, and technical support are desired. Integration with Windows, security elements like firewalls, and licensing clarity require attention to meet user expectations.

What are the key features of Citrix SD-WAN [EOL]?

HDX WAN Optimization: Enhances application performance and traffic.
Load Balancing: Ensures efficient traffic distribution across networks.
Reliable Connectivity: Provides seamless failover and reduced costs through MPLS replacement.
Cloud Management: Simplifies deployment and management via the cloud.
Zero-Touch Deployment: Facilitates easy setup and provisioning.
Active-Active Lines: Optimizes bandwidth utilization and performance.
Backup Capabilities: Centralizes data management for security.

What benefits should users look for in Citrix SD-WAN [EOL]?

Enhanced Connectivity: Improves stability and reduces downtime.
Cost Reduction: Efficiently decreases expenses by replacing MPLS.
Network Optimization: Offers better bandwidth for diverse communication types.
Secure Interconnectivity: Ensures secure and reliable network connections.
Management Flexibility: Supports cloud or on-premise deployment options.

Industries benefit from Citrix SD-WAN [EOL] by leveraging its features to ensure stable, redundant connectivity between branches and data centers. Organizations experiencing frequent line failures or high reliance on bandwidth-heavy applications find it particularly useful. It caters to sectors needing reliable data management and enhanced networking.

Citrix

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

Sample Customers

AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Cornerstone Home Lending Inc., Dallara, ecVision, Essar, Eurofred, Groupe Promutuel, HMSHost Corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Ltd, Royal Caribbean International

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

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July 2026

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