Fortinet FortiAP vs Fortinet FortiWLM comparison

Fortinet FortiAP and Fortinet FortiWLM are both solutions in the Wireless LAN category. Fortinet FortiAP is ranked #5 with an average rating of 8.5, while Fortinet FortiWLM is ranked #12 with an average rating of 8.7. Fortinet FortiAP holds a 5.7% mindshare in Wireless LAN, compared to Fortinet FortiWLM’s 2.4% mindshare. Additionally, 93% of Fortinet FortiAP users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 96% of Fortinet FortiWLM users who would recommend it.

Fortinet FortiAP

Read 17 Fortinet FortiAP reviews

3,412 Views
3,412 Comparison Views

93% willing to recommend

Fortinet FortiWLM

Read 30 Fortinet FortiWLM reviews

1,970 Views
1,793 Comparison Views

96% willing to recommend

Fortinet FortiAP

Fortinet FortiWLM

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Oct 31, 2024

Fortinet FortiWLM and FortiAP compete in the network security and management category, offering integration with FortiGate for a unified experience. FortiWLM stands out for its centralized management capabilities and comprehensive security architecture, while FortiAP features Network-In-Control for optimizing client connections.

Features: FortiWLM provides centralized management with a single pane of glass, enhancing deployment and analytics collection. Its security architecture includes firewalls and wireless LANs. FortiAP offers Network-In-Control for optimized client connections, supports the latest security components, and allows users to manage everything through FortiGate.

Room for Improvement: FortiWLM could benefit from better promotion of Virtual Cell and Single Channel Architecture and improved centralized management. Faster adaptation to new technologies is also desired. FortiAP requires enhancements in guest management automation, improved signal performance in certain environments, and reduced configuration complexity.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: FortiWLM and FortiAP offer on-premises deployment, with FortiAP also available in a hybrid cloud option. FortiWLM is praised for good technical support, though response times can vary. FortiAP support is generally positive, with knowledgeable staff, but complex issues may require escalation.

Pricing and ROI: FortiWLM is competitively priced, offering cost savings and enhanced ROI for educational clients, though facing challenges with return processes. FortiAP is a reasonably priced solution compared to competitors like Cisco, but some perceive it as pricier. Both products offer substantial ROI potential, especially when integrated with Fortinet's Security Fabric, providing comprehensive network visibility and lower total cost of ownership.

To learn more, read our detailed Fortinet FortiAP vs. Fortinet FortiWLM Report (Updated: December 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiAP vs. Fortinet FortiWLM

December 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:

ROI

Sentiment score

5.2

Fortinet FortiAP offers enhanced security, cost-effectiveness, and reliability, yielding an 80% savings and boosting productivity and operational efficiency.

Sentiment score

1.0

Fortinet FortiWLM offers ROI in 6-12 months, enhances profitability, simplifies management, and provides valuable retail customer insights.

I do not have to continuously manage them, and their reliability means they are consistently up and running.

Brian M.

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

Fortinet FortiAP provides value for money, and I can quantify the savings at about 80%.

JayPrajapati

Senior Network Security Engineer at ITCG SOlutions Pvt Ltd

For more quotes and insights, download the Fortinet FortiAP report

No quotes available

For more quotes and insights, download the Fortinet FortiWLM report

Customer Service

Sentiment score

7.4

Fortinet FortiAP's customer service is efficient for some, but regional and service tier disparities affect user satisfaction.

Sentiment score

6.6

Fortinet FortiWLM customer service receives mixed reviews, praised for engineer support but criticized for average response times and escalation needs.

We keep a support contract open with Fortinet, so we have instantaneous response from them.

reviewer2677554

Network Engineer III at a energy/utilities company with 1,001-5,000 employees

The RMA process is very good, with same-day replacement in our case.

Shahnawaz Nusrat

Head Of Technical Operations at ITE

I am not satisfied with Fortinet FortiAP's technical support in India.

JayPrajapati

Senior Network Security Engineer at ITCG SOlutions Pvt Ltd

For more quotes and insights, download the Fortinet FortiAP report

If we encounter any bugs, they inform us of the recommended configuration and firmware to resolve our problems.

Ahmed Auf

Cybersecurity SNB Technical Manager at a tech services company with 51-200 employees

The local support we receive from our distributor is perfect.

Chamara Waidyathilaka

Network Specialist at Metropolitan Communications Pvt Ltd

Fortinet provides excellent customer support.

LuayHlaleh

Information Technology Team Lead at TechnoPeak

For more quotes and insights, download the Fortinet FortiWLM report

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score

6.5

Fortinet FortiAP is praised for scalability, handling large volumes well, though it faces challenges, enhanced by ISPs and FortiManager.

Sentiment score

6.5

Fortinet FortiWLM offers high scalability, efficiently managing numerous access points and integrating seamlessly into diverse environments.

There could be constraints where a product can't be scaled further without purchasing a new model.

reviewer2647713

Senior IT System Engineer at a tech services company with 1-10 employees

We have good scalability with Fortinet FortiAP because we have multiple ISPs connected to it through FortiManager.

reviewer2677554

Network Engineer III at a energy/utilities company with 1,001-5,000 employees

For more quotes and insights, download the Fortinet FortiAP report

Now, with any simple FortiGate 60F or newer model, you can manage more than 64 access points.

LuayHlaleh

Information Technology Team Lead at TechnoPeak

Fortinet's solutions are integrated into many standard frameworks, allowing for good scalability and interaction with other vendors' products.

Ferdi Haider

Product Owner at a financial services firm with 501-1,000 employees

For more quotes and insights, download the Fortinet FortiWLM report

Stability Issues

Sentiment score

6.8

Fortinet FortiAP's stability receives mixed reviews, with users noting both reliable performance and occasional issues after updates.

Sentiment score

8.3

Fortinet FortiWLM is highly stable, with minimal operational issues and high user satisfaction despite minor initial software bugs.

I have not experienced any issues, outages, or problems and have not had to interfere with them at all.

Brian M.

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

The stability of the solution is very high.

reviewer2677554

Network Engineer III at a energy/utilities company with 1,001-5,000 employees

For more quotes and insights, download the Fortinet FortiAP report

This is a stable solution.

LuayHlaleh

Information Technology Team Lead at TechnoPeak

For more quotes and insights, download the Fortinet FortiWLM report

Room For Improvement

Fortinet FortiAP needs improvement in integration, wireless functionality, automation, support, easy deployment, and enhanced configuration for better performance.

Fortinet FortiWLM needs better management features, integration, pricing, support, usability, reporting, and enhanced automation and mobile app capabilities.

Security is always a concern for any business, and the network should not be compromised easily.

reviewer2647713

Senior IT System Engineer at a tech services company with 1-10 employees

I know they're going up to six soon, which will enhance reliability.

reviewer2677554

Network Engineer III at a energy/utilities company with 1,001-5,000 employees

We earlier expected that Fortinet FortiAP could be managed through the cloud, which would be very good, but nowadays, FortiNet is providing FortiAPs with cloud management also.

JayPrajapati

Senior Network Security Engineer at ITCG SOlutions Pvt Ltd

For more quotes and insights, download the Fortinet FortiAP report

Firmware upgrades and bug improvements need to be tested well.

Ahmed Auf

Cybersecurity SNB Technical Manager at a tech services company with 51-200 employees

A mobile application to manage the Wi-Fi or the whole network would be beneficial.

LuayHlaleh

Information Technology Team Lead at TechnoPeak

The price is higher than I would like.

Mohammad Talha Talkin Alam

Assistant Manager - IT at PDS Limited

For more quotes and insights, download the Fortinet FortiWLM report

Setup Cost

Fortinet FortiAP is competitively priced, with varied opinions on affordability compared to Cisco, Palo Alto, Meraki, and Aruba.

Fortinet FortiWLM offers competitive, all-inclusive pricing, despite some concerns with enterprise licensing and recent price increases.

The license costs for Fortinet are more affordable when considering licensing costs with other leaders like Cisco.

reviewer2647713

Senior IT System Engineer at a tech services company with 1-10 employees

The pricing is a little bit high, and I would rate it a ten on the scale where ten is the highest price.

Brian M.

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

The pricing is much better than Cisco pricing.

reviewer2677554

Network Engineer III at a energy/utilities company with 1,001-5,000 employees

For more quotes and insights, download the Fortinet FortiAP report

While the pricing of Fortinet FortiWLM is a bit high, it remains effective.

Mohammad Talha Talkin Alam

Assistant Manager - IT at PDS Limited

Fortinet's pricing is different from Aruba, as Aruba has solutions for small business and enterprise in different categories.

Chamara Waidyathilaka

Network Specialist at Metropolitan Communications Pvt Ltd

The price is competitive.

Ahmed Auf

Cybersecurity SNB Technical Manager at a tech services company with 51-200 employees

For more quotes and insights, download the Fortinet FortiWLM report

Valuable Features

Fortinet FortiAP offers seamless integration, strong security, and simplified management with Zero-Touch Deployment and passwordless authentication for enterprises.

Fortinet FortiWLM offers centralized management with features like security and scalability, enhancing wireless network deployment and performance.

Compatibility with Fortinet firewalls allows clients to set up new businesses with integrated firewalls and access points, offering a cost-effective solution while providing excellent wireless coverage.

reviewer2647713

Senior IT System Engineer at a tech services company with 1-10 employees

Fortinet FortiAP is effective in protecting against wireless threats.

JayPrajapati

Senior Network Security Engineer at ITCG SOlutions Pvt Ltd

Unlike other wireless controllers, the firewall is controlling the AP, so you have a much higher level of security.

StaffordSlater

Co Founder And Consultant at a tech services company with 1-10 employees

For more quotes and insights, download the Fortinet FortiAP report

The solution is controlled from one device and one GUI for all devices.

Ahmed Auf

Cybersecurity SNB Technical Manager at a tech services company with 51-200 employees

It also has integration capabilities with FortiFirewall which is beneficial for customers.

Chamara Waidyathilaka

Network Specialist at Metropolitan Communications Pvt Ltd

The most useful aspect of Fortinet FortiWLM is that you can manage all the Fortinet products from one portal, from one device.

LuayHlaleh

Information Technology Team Lead at TechnoPeak

For more quotes and insights, download the Fortinet FortiWLM report

Categories and Ranking

Fortinet FortiAP

Ranking in Wireless LAN

5th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

7.2

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Fortinet FortiWLM

Ranking in Wireless LAN

12th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.2

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of January 2026, in the Wireless LAN category, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiAP is 5.7%, up from 3.4% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Fortinet FortiWLM is 2.4%, up from 2.0% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Wireless LAN Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
Fortinet FortiAP	5.7%
Fortinet FortiWLM	2.4%
Other	91.9%

Wireless LAN

Featured Reviews

Shahnawaz Nusrat

Head Of Technical Operations at ITE

Has simplified wireless integration while needing better throughput and captive portal features

The product can be improved depending on the model selected as per requirements. Support is good and throughput is good. What we need to do is select a better product as per our requirement and environment. If proper working is done in terms of wireless heat map or radio connectivity in our environment, I believe it's good. There is always a chance to improve. Throughput can be better in terms of other vendors, but currently, it's working fine. One feature that I still need to explore is the captive portal. When we deploy a unit in a public environment, users need to sign in with a pop-up box to connect.

Read full review

LuayHlaleh

Information Technology Team Lead at TechnoPeak

Offers robust network management with cost considerations for large deployments

Large enterprises typically invest in FortiAnalyzer, though our company and SMB clients don't require this analysis tool. We use Ekahau for floor planning and Wi-Fi coverage analysis rather than Fortinet FortiWLM's built-in features. Ekahau helps us perform site surveys and plan access point placement. Fortinet FortiWLM is a flexible and common solution in Dubai. It's one of the best-selling products, with Etisalat, the largest ISP, installing Fortinet FortiGate for approximately 70-80% of their clients. The solution offers different series to accommodate various needs. The triple radio model costs around $1,000 (3,500 dirham) and supports 40-50 connected devices. The 231F model suits smaller deployments of 20-25 devices. I rate Fortinet FortiWLM a seven out of ten. While it's an excellent solution, Cisco remains the market leader.

Read full review

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

11%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Government

Comms Service Provider

10%

Healthcare Company

Computer Software Company

Manufacturing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	12
Midsize Enterprise	2
Large Enterprise	3

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	19
Midsize Enterprise	4
Large Enterprise	5

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about FortiAP?

If we have FortiClient installed on multiple devices, it is seamless to connect with FortiAP. It supports passwordless authentication as well. That is a great thing about it.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for FortiAP?

Fortinet FortiAP is affordable, not expensive.

See all answers

What needs improvement with FortiAP?

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Fortinet FortiWLM?

Regarding functionality, a lower price for Fortinet FortiWLM would be better, but it's difficult. Regarding the integration with other vendors, we try to buy only products from a single vendor to a...

See all answers

What needs improvement with Fortinet FortiWLM?

The price could be reduced by 20%. In Dubai, UniFi costs 700 dirham for the UniFi Pro 7th generation. For Fortinet FortiWLM, a similar model would cost around 1,300 dirham. If this price was reduce...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Fortinet FortiWLM?

Our customers' main use cases for Fortinet FortiWLM come from three classes. We have clients that pay attention to the cost, and we have customers that pay attention to security, such as in the DIF...

See all answers

Comparisons

Aruba Access Points vs Fortinet FortiAP

Compared 23% of the time

Ruckus Wireless vs Fortinet FortiAP

Compared 18% of the time

Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN vs Fortinet FortiAP

Compared 12% of the time

Cisco Wireless vs Fortinet FortiAP

Compared 12% of the time

Ubiquiti WLAN vs Fortinet FortiAP

Compared 10% of the time

More Fortinet FortiAP Competitors

Aruba Wireless vs Fortinet FortiWLM

Compared 18% of the time

Cisco Wireless vs Fortinet FortiWLM

Compared 13% of the time

Ruckus Wireless vs Fortinet FortiWLM

Compared 8% of the time

Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN vs Fortinet FortiWLM

Compared 8% of the time

Cambium Networks Wireless LAN vs Fortinet FortiWLM

Compared 6% of the time

More Fortinet FortiWLM Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiAP

January 2026

Download Fortinet FortiAP product report

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiWLM

January 2026

Download Fortinet FortiWLM product report

Also Known As

No data available

FortiWLM, FortiAP, Fortinet AP/OAP, Meru Wireless LAN

Overview

Fortinet FortiAP provides wireless network access for industries such as banking, healthcare, and logistics. It enhances connectivity with FortiGate and FortiSwitch, ensuring secure data exchange in settings like offices and malls.

Fortinet FortiAP is integral for managing connected devices across sectors. It integrates seamlessly with Fortinet products, enhancing security and connectivity. Users benefit from a unified console that simplifies configuration and monitoring without additional controllers. The support for passwordless authentication and cloud visibility adds value, while its use in environments like shopping centers and offices facilitates secure data sharing and access.

What are the key features of Fortinet FortiAP?

Integration with FortiGate and FortiAnalyzer: Simplifies network management and monitoring.
Passwordless Authentication: Enhances security and accessibility.
Cloud Dashboard: Provides comprehensive visibility over network activities.
Direct Control from FortiGate: Eliminates the need for separate controllers.
SSID Customization: Supports tailoring of wireless access.

What benefits should users expect from Fortinet FortiAP?

Efficient Network Management: Centralized control and configuration simplify operations.
Comprehensive Reporting: Transparent insights for improved decision-making.
Secure Access: Protects data through advanced security measures.
Seamless Connectivity: Improves user experience with simplified networking.

In industries like banking and healthcare, Fortinet FortiAP is deployed to enhance network security and provide reliable access. Retailers leverage its capabilities in shopping centers, while warehouses benefit from its reliable connectivity to support seamless operations. Managed service providers use it to deliver tailored solutions, ensuring effective network segmentation and coverage.

Fortinet

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

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiAP vs. Fortinet FortiWLM

December 2025

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