I am using Fortinet FortiGate as a firewall and for IDS. We also use FortiSIEM.
IT Project Manager at Brilliant telecommunications
Provides extensive integration and policy insights, but GUI configuration could be comprehensive
Pros and Cons
- "The firewall is pretty good if you understand how to use it. It performs at a very high level, and we are loving it."
- "The issue lies with features available in GUI versus CLI during configuration. When using GUI, I want to accomplish everything there, but sometimes it requires using CLI to ensure proper configuration."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The firewall is pretty good if you understand how to use it. It performs at a very high level, and we are loving it. The SASE and ZTNA features are quite good as well.
It does extensive work for our organization. It provided additional policies we were not aware of and gave us an overview and knowledge about those policies. I have had a good experience. It's not difficult to manage. The software is good.
It is particularly effective when it comes to integration, as it can be integrated with many other vendors.
What needs improvement?
Since everyone is talking about AI, they should consider having AI embedded or working with developers in terms of AI to improve Fortinet FortiGate.
The issue lies with features available in GUI versus CLI during configuration. When using GUI, I want to accomplish everything there, but sometimes it requires using CLI to ensure proper configuration.
For how long have I used the solution?
It has been almost two to three years.
Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiGate
July 2025

Learn what your peers think about Fortinet FortiGate. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: July 2025.
861,524 professionals have used our research since 2012.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It has its ups and downs but they are minor things. One can work around them with proper knowledge of the system. We never had many incidents with it. I have had a good experience.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability is quite good.
How are customer service and support?
I am very satisfied with their technical support. They are very supportive, though sometimes they can be a bit busy.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have not used any other solutions. The deciding factors were the price, technology, effectiveness of the solution, and the skill that we had for it.
How was the initial setup?
It was easy to deploy. It took us a week to deploy it.
What was our ROI?
It is very effective and provides value for money. After a month, we could see from our reporting when the system was up and running that it was very effective.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate Fortinet FortiGate a seven 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.
Last updated: Jun 28, 2025
Flag as inappropriate
presales manager at a computer software company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Integrated security solution is effective but support can be better
Pros and Cons
- "The combined license for the network, the next-generation firewall, and the integration with SD-WAN for all branches are what I consider to be the best features. It's effective for multi-branch customers."
- "SD-WAN has had a positive impact by reducing the operational costs in terms of headcount and management."
- "Performance on the box and technical support are areas where Fortinet FortiGate can be improved."
- "In their datasheet, they put the throughput as huge, but once you enable all the features of the box, the performance is impacted dramatically."
What is our primary use case?
We are using it for the data center firewall and perimeter firewall facing the Internet, which are my main use cases for Fortinet FortiGate.
What is most valuable?
The combined license for the network, the next-generation firewall, and the integration with SD-WAN for all branches are what I consider to be the best features. It's effective for multi-branch customers.
SD-WAN has had a positive impact by reducing the operational costs in terms of headcount and management. It has had an impact on the network performance. It reduced the operational, Internet connection, and MPLS costs. With a combined solution, there is no need to put a specific firewall to secure the connection. It's like a single box.
What needs improvement?
Performance on the box and technical support are areas where Fortinet FortiGate can be improved. In their datasheet, they put the throughput as huge, but once you enable all the features of the box, the performance is impacted dramatically. In reality, it will be 20% to 30% of what they have mentioned in the datasheet.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have worked with FortiGate from a design perspective for almost ten years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It's scalable. They are providing a good number of ports; there's no need to put a switch to connect to the appliance itself.
How are customer service and support?
I would rate technical support from Fortinet a five out of ten. To escalate the case severity from three to one, you need to have the account manager engaged to accelerate and get the technical people involved. It's not like other competitors who have premium support 24/7.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We used to perform the same function by placing a router and a firewall to secure the connection. It required multiple vendors and multiple boxes, which was a huge engagement from the operational perspective and investment-wise. Now, a small firewall with SD-WAN features can handle the entire situation, including connection with the branch, encryption, and security.
How was the initial setup?
It's user-friendly deployment because they have an enhanced dashboard to manage and implement, not requiring the CLI or command line interface, which needs deep study. They have a GUI that is user-friendly and attractive.
What about the implementation team?
We are system integrators, and our delivery team implements the project for deployment.
What was our ROI?
Reducing the operation cost and reducing the internet connection and MPLS cost has been my evaluation of changes in return on investment after implementing Fortinet solutions for SD-WAN and hybrid workforce.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate Fortinet FortiGate a seven out of ten overall.
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
Last updated: May 29, 2025
Flag as inappropriateBuyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiGate
July 2025

Learn what your peers think about Fortinet FortiGate. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: July 2025.
861,524 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Manager, Technical Support at Logix Infosec Pvt. ltd.
A user-friendly solution with good UTM, web filtering, and IPS capabilities
Pros and Cons
- "The best features of Fortinet FortiGate are UTM, web filtering, and IPS."
- "Fortinet FortiGate is a very light product. It's easy to understand."
- "Fortinet should improve its software, as we are seeing lots of firmware versions generated for each vulnerability issue. It becomes difficult for us to keep updating the firmware frequently due to bugs."
- "Fortinet should improve its software, as we are seeing lots of firmware versions generated for each vulnerability issue. It becomes difficult for us to keep updating the firmware frequently due to bugs."
What is our primary use case?
The main use cases for Fortinet FortiGate are in the data centers, mainly for web filtering, IPS, and IDS.
What is most valuable?
The best features of Fortinet FortiGate are UTM, web filtering, and IPS. We have Palo Alto firewalls in place. The ease of integrating SD-WAN capabilities depends on the requirements of the customer.
Fortinet FortiGate is a very light product. It's easy to understand.
What needs improvement?
Fortinet should improve its software, as we are seeing lots of firmware versions generated for each vulnerability issue. It becomes difficult for us to keep updating the firmware frequently due to bugs.
We would like to see the SSL VPN feature included again in Fortinet FortiGate since it was removed from version 7.6.3 onwards.
For DDoS protection, there can be more features in Fortinet FortiGate.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Fortinet FortiGate for about 15 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
As implementers, we find it easy to scale up.
We have about 100 people, and we are using Fortinet FortiGate 60.
How are customer service and support?
I would rate Fortinet tech support a nine out of ten based on my experience.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We also work with Palo Alto firewalls. The main difference is in the software. Palo Alto's database is also updated for threat analysis. If you are installing a Palo Alto firewall for the first time, it is a bit complex, but with Fortinet FortiGate, the implementation is easiest, as the tabs are easy to understand.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend it. It is user-friendly.
I would rate Fortinet FortiGate as an eight 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
Last updated: Jun 21, 2025
Flag as inappropriateService manager at Crescent Technologies
Centralized manageability streamlines operations but renewal pricing concerns persist
Pros and Cons
- "Fortinet FortiGate has positively impacted my organization, offering ease of management with no network disruptions; it works seamlessly."
- "Fortinet FortiGate is not a scalable solution, as they give you a number and each box comes with concurrent connections; if you need to expand, you have to change the box."
What is our primary use case?
The typical use case for Fortinet FortiGate is because of the user-friendly interface.
What is most valuable?
Fortinet FortiGate's best features are the manageability part and centralized management. The community support available for Fortinet FortiGate is also a significant advantage. Fortinet FortiGate has positively impacted my organization, offering ease of management with no network disruptions; it works seamlessly.
What needs improvement?
The room for improvement for Fortinet FortiGate is related to prices; the renewal prices have to be aligned with the customer's pockets, as at times they are very aggressive, leading to the possibility of changing vendors.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have experience of working with Fortinet FortiGate for more than 10 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I have faced no trouble with the stability; it works seamlessly, and the support is good, as most of the time customers themselves can resolve issues.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Fortinet FortiGate is not a scalable solution, as they give you a number and each box comes with concurrent connections; if you need to expand, you have to change the box.
How are customer service and support?
I would rate technical support a seven on a scale of one to ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Before Fortinet FortiGate, we used SonicWALL, Sophos, and GuardShield for our customers.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup varies from customer to customer, as we are a system integrator, having sold more than 500 plus boxes.
What about the implementation team?
We have expertise in integrating SD-WAN capabilities with FortiGate, but I'm not the right person to comment on it.
What was our ROI?
The ROI after implementing Fortinet solution means that while it is there, they have now become very expensive; for example, if I buy a product for 10 lakhs INR today, after three years they will ask for 15 lakhs, which is a major concern for customers.
What other advice do I have?
My advice to other organizations considering Fortinet FortiGate is to evaluate the features of other products as well, as Sophos also does a great job, but users may not adopt it due to its presence.
On a scale from one to ten, I would rate Fortinet FortiGate overall as seven.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. reseller
Last updated: May 20, 2025
Flag as inappropriateSenior Manager at Cognizant
Effective threat prevention with responsive customer support
Pros and Cons
- "It has a good UI and overall integration, including FortiGate Manager for controlling all firewalls from a single place."
- "The anti-malware engine could use an upgrade."
What is our primary use case?
We are using Fortinet FortiGate as a firewall.
How has it helped my organization?
Fortinet FortiGate has been invaluable. It has helped save costs due to its various features, reliable performance, very good UI, low latency, and stability.
What is most valuable?
The Threat Intel engine in Fortinet FortiGate is highly rated for its effectiveness in threat prevention. It has a good UI and overall integration, including FortiGate Manager for controlling all firewalls from a single place.
What needs improvement?
The anti-malware engine could use an upgrade. It should automatically classify and sandbox malicious packets with more granular controls, including providing details like TV numbers.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Initially, we faced some issues with updates due to network factors needing to be white-listed in the proxy. These problems have since been resolved, and we are not facing any issues now.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
While I don't have a clear picture of scalability, we scale up in different regions based on the number of users and the amount of load. This is typically handled by architecture teams.
How are customer service and support?
Customer support is very responsive, addressing queries in a timely manner. I would rate the customer support ten out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have also used Palo Alto Firewalls and Fortinet FortiGate. Fortinet FortiGate has a better UI and overall integration, including FortiGate Manager for single-place control over all firewalls.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward and easy, thanks to the support provided. I would rate the ease of setup ten out of ten.
What about the implementation team?
We had the help of the end-of-support team for the setup, which made the process quite straightforward and easy.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price is reasonable for our company. The finance team handles the specifics regarding the license costs.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We evaluated Palo Alto NG Firewalls before settling on Fortinet 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.
IT Manager at a consultancy with 10,001+ employees
Improves security and network distribution
Pros and Cons
- "Fortinet FortiGate is used to prevent security failures. Since implementing the solution, we have seen improvements in security and in the distribution of our network."
- "The quick resolution of issues with Fortinet FortiGate is due to the support of the company and the fact that the equipment is easy to work with."
- "In my opinion, Fortinet FortiGate could be improved by making the appliance smaller than what we have here, as it is pretty big."
- "In my opinion, Fortinet FortiGate could be improved by making the appliance smaller than what we have here, as it is pretty big."
What is our primary use case?
Fortinet FortiGate is used just to manage our network because our network is managed by another company. I work in a small to medium-sized industry.
What is most valuable?
Fortinet FortiGate is used to prevent security failures. Since implementing the solution, we have seen improvements in security and in the distribution of our network.
What needs improvement?
In my opinion, Fortinet FortiGate could be improved by making the appliance smaller than what we have here, as it is pretty big.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Fortinet FortiGate for three or four years.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Fortinet FortiGate is better for large enterprise networking compared to MikroTik because we have about 100 people using our network, and we have had few problems compared to the time we were using MikroTik, which didn't work for us as well as the Fortinet FortiGate 200D does.
How are customer service and support?
We never have any issue or problem that hasn't been solved in two or three hours. The quick resolution of issues with Fortinet FortiGate is due to the support of the company and the fact that the equipment is easy to work with. Fortinet FortiGate does not require a lot of maintenance.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have been using Fortinet FortiGate for three or four years, and before that, we used MikroTik. We switched to Fortinet FortiGate because the company that provides service for us started to work with Fortinet FortiGate as a partner, and they showed it to us. We liked it, and we started to use the Fortinet FortiGate solution.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup for Fortinet FortiGate was pretty easy, and they completed it in one hour and a half.
What about the implementation team?
Two people worked to support us on Fortinet FortiGate. One of their job roles was manager, and I don't know the other role.
What other advice do I have?
My advice for people thinking about using Fortinet FortiGate is that you have to try to understand your necessities first. Make a comparison with other players in the market and have a good company to manage the equipment if you don't have the competence to do it yourself, preferably a third company that does this for you.
I would rate Fortinet FortiGate an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Last updated: Apr 8, 2025
Flag as inappropriateIT Manager at King Exports - India
Ransomware protection enhances security across multiple locations
Pros and Cons
- "The security features are valuable, particularly the ransomware attack protection features. Fortinet FortiGate provides excellent security against ransomware attacks."
- "Fortinet FortiGate provides excellent security against ransomware attacks."
- "The things we require are already sorted out, so there isn't any scope for improvement as far as our requirements go. However, its price can be better."
- "It is somewhat expensive compared to other solutions such as Sophos."
What is our primary use case?
We are using it for security purposes. We have deployed it across multiple locations where we are already using it.
What is most valuable?
The security features are valuable, particularly the ransomware attack protection features. Fortinet FortiGate provides excellent security against ransomware attacks.
What needs improvement?
It contains every feature that is required. The things we require are already sorted out, so there isn't any scope for improvement as far as our requirements go. However, its price can be better.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using it for more than one and a half months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's stable. I would rate it an eight out of ten for stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It's scalable. I would rate it a nine out of ten for scalability.
I am handling all the operations. We have multiple staff members at multiple locations.
How are customer service and support?
Coming from a technical background, there hasn't been any requirement to speak with customer care representatives. The manual provided covers everything comprehensively.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have experience with Sophos, Fortinet FortiGate, and SonicWall.
How was the initial setup?
We purchased it through our vendor. Our company doesn't prefer to make purchases through online shopping platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart.
What was our ROI?
We have seen a return on investment of more than 20%.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It is somewhat expensive compared to other solutions such as Sophos.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend it to others. I would rate Fortinet FortiGate a nine out of ten. There isn't a need to compare it with anyone else because Fortinet FortiGate is at the top of the market.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Private Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Last updated: Jun 7, 2025
Flag as inappropriateCost-efficient, straightforward to use, and easy to deploy
Pros and Cons
- "The best features of Fortinet FortiGate include the simple user interface."
- "The best features of Fortinet FortiGate include the simple user interface."
- "Areas that have room for improvement in Fortinet FortiGate include support and GUI enhancement."
- "The technical support that Fortinet provides is not satisfactory. When we call Fortinet technical support, it takes too much time to connect with them."
What is our primary use case?
The use case for Fortinet FortiGate primarily refers to firewall functionality.
What is most valuable?
The best features of Fortinet FortiGate include the simple user interface. The GUI is in English with intuitive navigation. It is very easy to find solutions, meaning it is simple to locate what we need and which settings we need to modify through the GUI.
We have integrated FortiGate SD-WAN. It's working pretty well.
What needs improvement?
Areas that have room for improvement in Fortinet FortiGate include support and GUI enhancement. While the GUI is already simple, further improvements would greatly benefit them.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Fortinet FortiGate for one year in this organization.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I would rate the stability of Fortinet FortiGate as eight out of ten, as it has proven to be reliable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Fortinet FortiGate is scalable. We primarily deal with small and medium businesses, and for our clients in this segment, it works effectively.
How are customer service and support?
The technical support that Fortinet provides is not satisfactory. When we call Fortinet technical support, it takes too much time to connect with them. The process is complicated, requiring us to hold for many minutes, and when we visit clients, we are not satisfied with their technical support.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We work with five firewall vendors, including Fortinet, Cisco, Palo Alto, SonicWall, and Sophos. We have specialists for their products.
We first recommend Fortinet FortiGate or Palo Alto. If a customer cannot afford Palo Alto, we recommend Fortinet FortiGate. If they cannot afford Fortinet FortiGate, we recommend Sophos or SonicWall.
When comparing security policies, Palo Alto is superior to Fortinet FortiGate, but Fortinet FortiGate is adequate. For businesses with higher requirements, we recommend Palo Alto due to its advanced security features, while for small and medium businesses, we suggest firewalls based on their specific requirements.
How was the initial setup?
Deployment of Fortinet FortiGate is straightforward. If the customer requires, we can configure it from our end and deploy it directly.
Our clients are small and medium-sized businesses. They can't afford the cloud. They take the device and install it on-premises.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Fortinet FortiGate is cost-efficient. Palo Alto is expensive, but Fortinet FortiGate is not.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend Fortinet FortiGate because the GUI is understandable for English speakers, and the configuration is straightforward.
I would rate Fortinet FortiGate an eight 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
Last updated: Jun 14, 2025
Flag as inappropriate
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Fortinet FortiGate Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros
sharing their opinions.
Updated: July 2025
Popular Comparisons
Netgate pfSense
OPNsense
Sophos XG
Cisco Secure Firewall
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls
Check Point NGFW
WatchGuard Firebox
Azure Firewall
SonicWall TZ
Cato SASE Cloud Platform
Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN
Juniper SRX Series Firewall
Sophos XGS
Fortinet FortiGate-VM
SonicWall NSa
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Fortinet FortiGate Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros
sharing their opinions.
Quick Links
Learn More: Questions:
- Comparison of Barracuda F800, SonicWall 5600 and Fortinet
- Sophos XG 210 vs Fortigate FG 100E
- Looking Into Implementing a Web Security Solution.
- Cyberoam or Fortinet?
- Fortinet, Palo Alto or Check Point?
- Which would you recommend to your boss, Fortinet FortiGate or Sophos UTM?
- What Is The Biggest Difference Between Cisco ASA And Fortinet FortiGate?
- Cisco Firepower vs. FortiGate
- We're trying to choose between Fortinet or Checkpoint UTM firewalls. Can you help?
- What Is The Biggest Difference Between Fortinet FortiGate and Meraki MX Firewalls?