We mostly use the solution for our internet-facing firewall.
Good next-generation firewall features with good pricing and stability
Pros and Cons
- "We've found the solution to be pretty stable."
- "The product does need better support in the cloud environment. It's not exactly cloud-native right now."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The next-generation firewall features are the solution's most valuable aspect.
The implementation and deployment are pretty simple.
The pricing is very good.
We've found the solution to be pretty stable.
What needs improvement?
The solution isn't really lacking features per se.
The product does need better support in the cloud environment. It's not exactly cloud-native right now.
The solution needs to do more on the deployment in the multi-cloud. For example, clients have GCP and AWS. How do we deploy FortiGate in a cloud environment? Right now, there's no solution for that.
We're worried that the scalability isn't as good as it could be.
For how long have I used the solution?
We've been using the solution for about two years or so. It hasn't been an extremely long time, however, it's been a while.
Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiGate
April 2025

Learn what your peers think about Fortinet FortiGate. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: April 2025.
846,549 professionals have used our research since 2012.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Stability, in our experience, is quite good. It doesn't run a lot of unexpected downtimes or anything of that nature. We haven't encountered any serious problems. There have been a few minor items here and there, however, by and large, it's quite good.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution isn't exactly scalable, especially when it comes to the public cloud environment. We'll need to scale up, so we will have to figure out how to do it effectively.
We primarily work with medium and large enterprises.
How was the initial setup?
We find the solution to be pretty straightforward to set up and deploy. We didn't have any difficulties with implementation.
The deployment takes less than a week. It's a pretty quick process.
We provide maintenance services for our clients.
What about the implementation team?
We actually provide deployment services to our customers that need it. We can handle this aspect for customers.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution is on the cheaper side. There are other products that are competitors that are much more expensive.
That said, the pricing isn't just based on licensing costs. There are add-on costs as well a company will need to consider.
What other advice do I have?
We are more of a solution integrator. We are not a straight reseller. We are partners, however. We recommend people to use products. That said, we don't actually resell the actual boxes.
We use different versions and deployments of the solution. It really is dependant on the client and their needs.
We mostly work with Fortinet. It's the main solution we recommend and use.
I'd recommend the solution to other organizations. We've had a pretty good experience.
I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Integrator

Consultant at MT Pockets Computers
The reporting that automatically comes off the unit makes it much easier to meet compliance standards
Pros and Cons
- "We use a southern institution that's audited for IT security and the reporting that automatically comes off the unit makes it much easier to meet compliance standards and makes it easier as far as the amount of time that has to be spent to compile that information. If you get your reporting set up correctly when you initially set it up, you just select the one you want and hit print. The auditing trail on it is the best feature."
- "They should make the rule sets more understandable for the end user. When you're trying to explain to somebody how a computer network is secured, sometimes it's difficult for an end user or customer to understand. If there was a way to make the terminology more accessible to the end user, the set up could be easier. They should translate the technical jargon to an easily relatable and understandable conversation for the end user, the customer, that would be brilliant. Particularly in an environment where the IT structure is audited regularly, there's always pressure from the auditor to up the standards and up the security and you get your USCERT's that come out and there's a warning about this and the customer will want to lock out so much and when you apply it they run into issue where they can't search the internet or print to their remote office. Of course they can't print to your remote office, they just locked it up. They should make the language more understandable for the customer. If there's a product out there that made the jargon understandable to John Q. Public, I would buy that."
What is our primary use case?
Our primary use case of this solution is for intrusion detection and prevention.
How has it helped my organization?
We use a southern institution that's audited for IT security and the reporting that automatically comes off the unit makes it much easier to meet compliance standards and makes it easier as far as the amount of time that has to be spent to compile that information. If you get your reporting set up correctly when you initially set it up, you just select the one you want and hit print. The auditing trail on it is the best features.
What is most valuable?
There's an all-inclusive appliance where all of the logs, registers, and everything is customizable as far as the way reporting comes back.
What needs improvement?
They should make the rule sets more understandable for the end user. When you're trying to explain to somebody how a computer network is secured, sometimes it's difficult for an end user or customer to understand. If there was a way to make the terminology more accessible to the end user, the set up could be easier. They should translate the technical jargon to an easily relatable and understandable conversation for the end user, the customer. Particularly in an environment where the IT structure is audited regularly, there's always pressure from the auditor to up the standards and up the security and you get your USCERT's that come out and there's a warning about this and the customer will want to lock out so much so when you apply it they run into issue where they can't search the internet or print to their remote office. Of course they can't print to their remote office, they just locked it up. They should make the language more understandable for the customer. If there's a product out there that made the jargon understandable to John Q. Public, I would buy that.
There's a link off of the reports that you can click and make suggestions, which is pretty awesome because it seems like somebody is reading those and doing something about it. If I could save reports on a format where I could save space and not have to reprint them and move information down from letterheads and that sort of stuff that would be great. Formatting reports is the only thing I would change about that product right now.
For how long have I used the solution?
Less than one year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's solid. It's a rock solid solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Scalability is excellent. Across three locations we have 120 users.
How are customer service and technical support?
Their technical support is excellent.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We did use a different solution. We switched primarily because of the audit trails because the user interface, what you saw on the screen and the options you were presented with were difficult to configure and we ended up spending a lot of time trying to get the information that we wanted.
How was the initial setup?
For the product that it is, the initial setup was straight forward but not so simple. The Dell EMC product is simple, this is more complicated than that but it wasn't incredibly difficult. We rolled that out on a test network initially and to try to get our rule sets correct so that we didn't run into issues and did testing for about a week. The initial set up time took around an hour and a half, and it was on a virtual network with a bunch of virtual machines. We just tested it for about a week just to make sure that we weren't going to run into a lot of issues switching from the old IDS to the new one.
What about the implementation team?
I installed it. I did the product research and was involved in the purchase decision but I did not purchase the product, I was not a vendor of the product, and I did not make any money on it.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
As far as the licensing goes for the small product that we have, the pricing was pretty competitive. It wasn't as simple and as cheap as a SonicWall but for the service we would get it was a good price.
What other advice do I have?
There's a setup guide on the Fortigate website that is a video that is far better than the written manual that is provided. If you've set up other products before, that may get you through, but the training on their website was far more useful to me than the user manual.
I would rate this solution a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiGate
April 2025

Learn what your peers think about Fortinet FortiGate. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: April 2025.
846,549 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Reasonably priced, but the scalability has limitations, and is unreliable
Pros and Cons
- "The interface is very good."
- "Performance and technical support are the main issues with this solution."
What is our primary use case?
Fortinet FortiGate is being used in our company.
What is most valuable?
The interface is very good.
What needs improvement?
There are limited features.
Scalability could be improved.
The issues with the IOS are that they occasionally hang. They are not as reliable as they once were.
When there is an issue with IOS, new updates are introduced, but the updates also have a lot of issues.
Performance and technical support are the main issues with this solution.
When compared to Cisco ISE, the device administration is not very good.
Fortinet is not very good at firewalls when compared to Cisco. Cisco offers full administration control, TripleA, SQT, they use TACACS security protocols, and they have much more control. Cisco's approach is superior.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Fortinet FortiGate for four or five years.
This year, we're removing the Fortinet and switching to Cisco ISE to cut security.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
There are issues with the stability of this solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
There are limitations to scalability.
How are customer service and support?
When compared with Cisco, the technical support is not very impressive.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is very easy. It is not complex.
When compared to Cisco, it is very easy.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Pricing is lower than Cisco.
What other advice do I have?
Fortinet FortiGate is not a bad option.
I would rate Fortinet FortiGate a five out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Business Development Manager - Security at a computer software company with 201-500 employees
A good product with good security that's simple to use
Pros and Cons
- "The security on offer is very good."
- "The scalability could be better."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use the solution for security.
What is most valuable?
The security on offer is very good.
It's very simple to use.
They have a very good technical center.
It's, overall, a very good product.
The solution is stable.
The initial setup is straightforward.
What needs improvement?
The scalability could be better.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've used the solution for three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's a stable solution. The reliability is good. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The product can be scalable. However, it could be better. You are limited by the hardware.
We have more than 100 clients using this solution.
How are customer service and support?
I've dealt with support in the past. I've also dealt with Palo Alto support. I find them to be very good.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We also used Check Point and Palo Alto. Fortinet, however, scores very high against security threats, when you compare the three.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is great. It's not complex or difficult. It's pretty simple, pretty straightforward.
We installed it within a day with no issues. It doesn't take much time.
We have five to six technicians that can handle deployment and maintenance responsibilities. We are all engineers that are managed centrally.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
You do need to purchase a license in order to use the product.
What other advice do I have?
I'd recommend the solution to other companies that want to try it out.
I'd rate it at an eight out of ten. We don't have any real challenges with it at the moment.
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
IT Specialist at Divante
Intuitive and simple administrative panel and useful for filtering everything on our network and protecting our devices
Pros and Cons
- "Its administrative panel is very intuitive and simple. It is simpler than the other solutions that we had. As an administrator, we are always looking for the easiest solution to manage network policies. We are able to filter everything on our network and also use the VPN feature, which is important these days when people are working remotely during COVID."
- "They can do more tests before they release new versions because I would like to be more assured. We had some experiences where they release something new and great, but some of the old features are disabled or they don't work well, which impacts the product satisfaction. The manufacturer should be able to prove that everything works or not only that it might work. This is applicable to most of the other services, software, and hardware companies. They all should work on this. We cannot trust every new release, such as a beta release, on the first day. We wait for some comments on the forums and from other companies that we know. We always wait a few weeks before we use the updated version. They should also extend the VPN client application, especially for Linux versions. Currently, it has an application for Linux devices, but it doesn't work the way we want to connect to the VPN. They use only the old connection, not the new one. They have VPN client applications for Windows and Mac, but they can add more useful features to better manage the devices and monitor the current health of each device. Such features would be helpful for our company."
What is our primary use case?
IPS is the main use case because we want to protect our devices, users, and data from external dangers.
We most probably are using the model of the last year. If the services connected to the hardware are possible on the cloud, we always prefer the cloud. The hardware must be placed on-premises.
What is most valuable?
Its administrative panel is very intuitive and simple. It is simpler than the other solutions that we had. As an administrator, we are always looking for the easiest solution to manage network policies.
We are able to filter everything on our network and also use the VPN feature, which is important these days when people are working remotely during COVID.
What needs improvement?
They can do more tests before they release new versions because I would like to be more assured. We had some experiences where they release something new and great, but some of the old features are disabled or they don't work well, which impacts the product satisfaction. The manufacturer should be able to prove that everything works or not only that it might work. This is applicable to most of the other services, software, and hardware companies. They all should work on this. We cannot trust every new release, such as a beta release, on the first day. We wait for some comments on the forums and from other companies that we know. We always wait a few weeks before we use the updated version.
They should also extend the VPN client application, especially for Linux versions. Currently, it has an application for Linux devices, but it doesn't work the way we want to connect to the VPN. They use only the old connection, not the new one. They have VPN client applications for Windows and Mac, but they can add more useful features to better manage the devices and monitor the current health of each device. Such features would be helpful for our company.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for the last two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is stable, and I don't see any cons of this.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Currently, everyone who is connected with the company is using this solution. We have up to 240 people.
How are customer service and technical support?
I have interacted with them but only through emails. There were separate tickets and stories, and I don't remember right now how it was.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
It was just a product for home-usage. It was a Cisco device from the small business series. It was less advanced than the similar devices available in the market currently. It was a huge step forward for us to switch to FortiGate.
How was the initial setup?
It was a huge jump for us on the administrative side to implement this kind of hardware because we previously used just a simple product for home-usage.
What about the implementation team?
We hired a consultant to do this for us and to explain how the system works. After a few weeks, we did new certifications and training for this, and now, it works well for us.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend this solution. We plan to keep using this solution.
I would rate Fortinet FortiGate an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Director at MICROLOGIC NETWORKS PRIVATE LIMITED
Good pricing with very good threat and content filtering switches
Pros and Cons
- "The solution has very good threat and content filtering switches."
- "It's my understanding that more of the current generation features could be brought in. There could be more integration with EDRs, for example."
What is our primary use case?
We have used the solution as a perimeter firewall. We are using it as an anti-ATP solution also.
What is most valuable?
The firewall features are pretty good.
The solution has very good threat and content filtering switches.
The initial installation is fairly easy.
What needs improvement?
I'm from the sales side and therefore I wouldn't really know if there are features that are lacking.
It's my understanding that more of the current generation features could be brought in. There could be more integration with EDRs, for example.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for two or three years. It hasn't been too long.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable. It doesn't have any issues with bugs and glitches. It doesn't crash and freeze. It's very reliable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Since we are integrators, this product gets sold to people who have a minimum 25 and up to 600 users.
At the moment, we don't plan to increase usage.
How are customer service and technical support?
The technical support is very good. We're satisfied with their level of support. They are quite responsive and knowledgeable.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We were previously using Sophos and Watchguard.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is not complex. It's pretty much a straightforward implementation. There aren't really any surprises.
The length of deployment differs based on the kind of policies a client would like to implement. If they are very simple policies, then there isn't a lot of work to worry about. However, if there are complex policies or multiple policies, it does take some time to get things up and running.
I didn't handle the installation personally, as I am in sales.
We have three or four people in our organization who handle maintenance.
What about the implementation team?
We have a systems integrator in-house that handles the deployment.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution isn't too expensive.
What other advice do I have?
We're integrators. We help our clients with this solution.
We're using the latest version of the solution.
I'd recommend this solution to other users.
Overall, I would rate the solution 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: Integrator.
Network Administrator at Letshego
Security solution that protects our internal network, but it could be more secure
Pros and Cons
- "Initial setup is straightforward. There weren't too many issues with setting it up. It takes one hour or so."
- "The solution could be more secure and stable."
What is our primary use case?
We use this solution for security and to protect our internal network from the internet.
This solution is deployed on-premise.
My company has 300 people at HQ. We have about 60 users in practice and 10-15 users per branch.
What is most valuable?
I am satisfied with the solution for now.
What needs improvement?
The solution could be more secure and stable.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Fortinet for over four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Stability could be improved.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It's scalable. It's an SD-WAN application, so on every site we have a FortiGate firewall there.
How are customer service and support?
I think there is a third-party vendor that is helping with technical support.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have not been exposed to working with any other firewall except the FortiGate. At one point, our network was strictly on Cisco routers and switches. At that time, I was not exposed to having access to the security aspect of that, so I couldn't say which devices would be used for protection.
How was the initial setup?
Initial setup is straightforward. There weren't too many issues with setting it up. It takes one hour or so.
What about the implementation team?
We used a consultant.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
You need to pay a license for this solution. Our licensing is now done in our subsidiary.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate this solution 7 out of 10.
Compared to Cisco, I think the Cisco routers are actually more stable.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Project Manager at renaissance group
User-friendly with good integrations on offer and a variety of great features
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is very user friendly. The user interface in particular is quite nice."
- "The customization could be improved. Cisco, for example, is much better at this. They need to work to be at least as good as they are."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use the solution for security - for the firewall.
What is most valuable?
The solution has a variety of excellent features.
The cloud base that they have on offer is great.
Overall, the solution is very good and we've been very happy with it.
The solution is very user friendly. The user interface in particular is quite nice.
The integration is great.
What needs improvement?
The customization could be improved. Cisco, for example, is much better at this. They need to work to be at least as good as they are.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for one year so far.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
So far, the stability has been very good. We haven't had any issues at all. I haven't had issues with bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. It's great.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I haven't run into any issues when it comes to scaling. If a company needs to scale it should be able to do so without much of a problem.
How are customer service and technical support?
I haven't really dealt directly with technical support. Once, when I ran into an issue, I spoke with my local partner. Other than that, you can find the answers you need via the help navigation.
Therefore, I can't speak to the helpfulness of technical support. I can't speak to whether or not they are responsive or knowledgable.
I have been satisfied with the help I've received from my local partner, however. They've been quite good.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We do use other solutions as well, such as Cisco. We find this solution to be better in general, and more user-friendly. That said, Cisco does do customization better.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is not complex. It's pretty straightforward. We found it to be quite simple.
When I bought it, I found that the user interface made everything pretty easy from the start. They also have very good help features that can assist you if you get stuck. It was pretty easy to configure the items I needed to.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price is pretty much standard with the competition. It's not overly expensive.
That said, if you want to have a good security VPN or firewall, then you should invest more than money and pay interest in local devices. If you want a better network structure and better security, then you need more local devices.
What other advice do I have?
I use FortiGate quite a bit. I'm just a customer and end-user. I don't have a business relationship with the company.
On a scale from one to ten, I'd rate the solution at an eight. I've been pretty happy with it so far.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.

Buyer's Guide
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Updated: April 2025
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