I’m using Fortinet FortiGate SWG to study it as a proposal for our clients in Brazil.
Arquiteto Pré Vendas - Soluções Digitais - Cyber Security at Embratel
Comes with a valuable content filtering feature and helped reduce tickets at our operations center
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is easy to implement and easy to configure. The most valuable feature is FortiGate’s content filtering."
- "The price could be improved."
What is our primary use case?
How has it helped my organization?
The solution reduced a few tickets from our operations center, and we're able to work better with flash incidents.
What is most valuable?
The solution is easy to implement and easy to configure. The most valuable feature is FortiGate’s content filtering.
What needs improvement?
The price could be improved.
Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiGate
September 2025

Learn what your peers think about Fortinet FortiGate. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: September 2025.
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For how long have I used the solution?
I’ve used the solution for four years and I’m currently using the latest version.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate FortiGate SWG’s stability a ten out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I rate FortiGate SWG’s scalability an eight out of ten.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
The solution is easy to use, and it’s a great solution. I rate Fortinet FortiGate SWG a ten out of ten.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward.
What was our ROI?
I have seen an ROI using FortiGate SWG.
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.

IT Manager at Heat and Control
Scalable platform with efficient filtering features
Pros and Cons
- "FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) 's most valuable features are reporting and filtering."
- "The product's data guard feature should support a USB port when the internet connection is unavailable."
What is our primary use case?
We use the product for security and filtering purposes.
How has it helped my organization?
The product helps block multiple ports during ransomware attacks.
What is most valuable?
FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) 's most valuable features are reporting and filtering.
What needs improvement?
The product's data guard feature should support a USB port when the internet connection is unavailable.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) for three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the platform's stability a ten out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Our organization has 500 FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) users. We utilize the platform 24/7. I rate its scalability a ten out of ten.
How was the initial setup?
The platform's initial setup process is easy. I rate the process a ten out of ten. It takes a couple of days. The deployment involves integrating it with SSO in FortiGate. It helps with filtering access to user accounts through Active Directory. One executive is required for deployment. Additionally, one executive is needed to take care of packet updates for maintenance.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented the product with the help of our in-house team.
What other advice do I have?
I rate FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) an eight 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.
Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiGate
September 2025

Learn what your peers think about Fortinet FortiGate. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: September 2025.
867,676 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Network Presales Engineer at a computer software company with 501-1,000 employees
A scalable solution that allows easy integration with Fortinet defense systems
Pros and Cons
- "I like the common administration and the possibility of adding Fortinet defense systems."
- "I see problems with the licensing. If I have to add a new feature, we need to add a license."
What is our primary use case?
We use FortiGate Next Generation Firewall first and foremost for the main site's security, remote sites, and establishing the connection between the firewalls they use. More recently, we have been using it when implementing SD-WAN.
How has it helped my organization?
The total ownership of equipment has several benefits when using one platform for administration. Training is then more focus-oriented to technology like Fabric. From the operations point of view, we have better savings by using this solution.
What is most valuable?
I like the common administration and the possibility of adding Fortinet defense systems.
What needs improvement?
I see problems with the licensing. If I have to add a new feature, we need to add a license. There may then be extra costs for our maintenance budget.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for the past five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Fortigate is very stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
FortiGate is a very scalable solution.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We used SonicWall. We switched to FortiGate looking for better security technology, and better fabric technology based on security. In this approach, FortiGate is still better than SonicWall.
How was the initial setup?
With the initial setup, it's important to sit with the team to establish the application and the main issues to get the best possible script to implement in Fortinet equipment. We had to spend some time to implement it better.
Deployment could take one week, depending on the site, or even three weeks to implement the solution. Around four people were involved in the deployment.
What about the implementation team?
We contacted an external company to provide some professional services through engineers who have better experience in certain kinds of implementations.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing is better compared to other solutions like Check Point, Arista, or Cisco.
What other advice do I have?
To anyone who plans on supporting this solution, refer to training resources in the Fortinet training center. There are people who have some experience that could provide some guidelines to people who start with basic issues and basic tasks, to then grow with experience by implementing some maintenance windows. I rate FortiGate Next Generation Firewall a 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. Partner
Information Security Manager at Konew Fintech Corporation Limited
The solution helped improve our security through its encryption and integrated security features
Pros and Cons
- "There are multiple features I have found to be valuable, such as encryption and integrated security features."
- "The management consoles can be improved."
What is our primary use case?
I use FortiGate Next Generation Firewall for network protection using its DMZ network.
How has it helped my organization?
The solution has helped our network security.
What is most valuable?
There are multiple features I have found to be valuable, such as encryption and integrated security features.
What needs improvement?
The management consoles can be improved. I have used them before, and they are not so good.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using FortiGate Next Generation Firewall for over two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I would rate the solution eight out of ten points for stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I rate the solution eight out of ten points for scalability. Over 200 people use it, some of whom are in IT.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I used Palo Alto more than a year ago at my previous job.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was easy, I rate it a nine out of ten. Deployment took several days, involving one or two people. The steps involved in the process are design, configuration and implementation, testing and implementation, and also some fine-tuning.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I would rate pricing to be about four or five out of ten, it is reasonable.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend this solution because the price is reasonable and the performance is quite good. Overall I rate the solution an eight 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.
Senior Technical Consultant- Cyber Security at Ivalue Infosolution
A cost-effective and single-box solution that has a simple configuration
Pros and Cons
- "FortiGate Next Generation Firewall has a simple configuration."
- "FortiGate Next Generation Firewall's performance and threat intelligence could be improved."
What is our primary use case?
Customers require Next Generation Firewall features, UTM, URL filtering, and application filtering.
What is most valuable?
FortiGate Next Generation Firewall has a simple configuration.
What needs improvement?
FortiGate Next Generation Firewall's performance and threat intelligence could be improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) for the last six years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate FortiGate Next Generation Firewall a seven out of ten for stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution’s scalability needs to be improved. I rate FortiGate Next Generation Firewall an eight out of ten for scalability.
How are customer service and support?
FortiGate Next Generation Firewall has a good technical support team that responds fast.
How was the initial setup?
The solution has a straightforward initial setup.
What about the implementation team?
It takes three to four days to deploy FortiGate Next Generation Firewall. Only one engineer is required for the solution’s deployment and maintenance.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Users need to pay for one-year, three-year, and five years licenses. FortiGate Next Generation Firewall is a very cheap solution.
What other advice do I have?
We recommend FortiGate Next Generation Firewall to people from the SMB segment looking for a cost-effective and single-box solution.
Overall, I rate FortiGate Next Generation Firewall 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. Reseller
Senior Network Security Engineer at ITCG SOlutions Pvt Ltd
A feature-rich solution that offers application blocking, web protection, and IPS, with a need to improve its support and pricing
Pros and Cons
- "It is easy to install. There is not much complexity involved."
- "The pricing of the solution is expensive, so it could be cheaper."
What is our primary use case?
The main use case of FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) is that it is used to search for a firewall whenever we need to connect multiple sites to a VPN. At times, the solution needs a web filter or a particular filter. With the IPS and the cloud protection on the gateway, we are also looking for a firewall that can act as zero-depth protection.
What is most valuable?
The solution's most important feature is that it will work on the app whenever we block the application order, making it a plus point for the NGFW firewall. The solution also works with all the other web protection aspects, because of which we get everything in a single box.
What needs improvement?
There are multiple firewalls, and I mainly worked with Sophos and FortiGate. To weigh the pros and cons, different types and aspects should be considered in different firewalls.
The support for FortiGate in the Indian region can be improved along with the scalability. The pricing of the solution is expensive, so it could be cheaper.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have worked as a system integrator with FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) for five years.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We can say that the solution's scalability is moderate. It is not that easy, nor too hard. If the technician is sound, then he can understand the solution easily.
Our customers include small, medium, and enterprise businesses.
How are customer service and support?
In India, support takes some time. If the call gets connected outside India, then it is very good. SonicWall has the best support, and Sophos also offers good support. For FortiGate, the support in the Indian region can be improved.
As for the rating, I would say that FortiGate offers very good support. Once we get the support, it is very good. However, the support team is not connecting as easily as we require. If the issue is too critical, the process becomes more complicated for us. I rate the support an eight out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I mainly worked with Sophos and FortiGate. I have used different solutions depending on the customer's requirements. We can suggest a particular solution to a customer based on their needs. Every firewall solution has its own pros and cons, which we just bifurcate as per the customer's requirement.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is easy if I am going to talk about Sophos' and FortiGate's installation. It is easy to install. There is not much complexity involved.
As for deployment, it depends on the customer's requirements. But the average time is 3 to 4 hours. At times, deployment takes 12 to 13 hours, but it depends on the model and the configuration.
It takes two engineers to deploy the product. One of them is the deployment engineer, and one is an architect.
The solution is deployed on-premises.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution is more expensive than Sophos. It could be cheaper. The licensing is on a yearly basis. We have had it for about three years. We must only pay extra for the license, additional requirements, and the hardware box.
What other advice do I have?
I am fine with the solution's interface. The solution is easy to use. FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) is a base product, and anyone can use it. I recommend it to those planning to use it.
There is not much maintenance for FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW). OEM provides the support. Whenever it becomes complicated or any issues come up, we can call OEM directly, and they are always available to help.
Overall, I would rate it ten 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
Product & Solutions Manager at a comms service provider with 51-200 employees
Offers valuable features like IPS and application control, although virtual licenses can be expensive
Pros and Cons
- "The IPS and the application control feature are the most valuable."
- "The room for improvement is to have more flexibility on the virtual machines of their next-generation platforms."
What is most valuable?
As for us, the IPS and the application control feature are the most valuable.
What needs improvement?
Maybe the room for improvement is to have more flexibility on the virtual machines of their next-generation platforms.
So far, FortiGate is really pricey and comes with some restrictions. FortiGate NGFW can enhances that to make it easier to be deployed.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the latest version of FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) for eight to ten years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
As for the stability of the FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW), I would rate it a nine out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability of the FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) is good. In our organization, we have our data centers having FortiGate, and our customers are selling FortiGate. So the number of users, you can say 100 in my organization.
I would rate the scalability an eight out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
I don't have premium support or something from their side, but I would like basic support.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
How was the initial setup?
The deployment depends on the architecture, but simple deployment can take up to five to ten minutes, and you are done. It's an easy deployment when you know what you need, actually. It requires one person to deploy it.
I would rate the initial setup an eight out of ten.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I would rate the pricing of appliances. So, outside appliances are maybe four, but the virtual machine is, like, eight. It is too expensive for virtual licenses.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We evaluated Sophos and WatchGuard in the past. Fortunately, definitely and technically, for the supposed deployments using the platform is much easier and much more efficient.
What other advice do I have?
My advice would be just go for it. It is a really nice solution, scalable and stable, most importantly. It is easy to use, and all the security features are available. Also, it is very flexible for all sorts of deployments. I would recommend it certainly compared to any other firewall providers.
Overall, I would rate the solution a nine 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.
Information Engineer at Banco Millennium Atlântico
Good support and highly stable solution
Pros and Cons
- "Fortinet offers comprehensive security solutions for various purposes."
- "There is room for improvement in pricing."
What is most valuable?
There are numerous features and benefits depending on the specific use case. Fortinet offers comprehensive security solutions for various purposes. I can deploy different solutions and more.
What needs improvement?
There is room for improvement in pricing.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have almost five years of experience with FortiGate NGFW. I work with the firewall for small businesses and enterprises. Currently, I'm using the enterprise version.
As for the models, I mainly use FortiGate 6800, T, 100C, 200S, and 200P.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I haven't experienced any stability issues with this product so far. It handles everything it needs to, including server requirements, client services, and computing, without any problems. I have deployed numerous firewalls, and until now, they have been incredibly stable. There haven't been any issues related to version compatibility either. So, I would say it's stable for me.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I would rate the scalability a ten out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
Customer service and support are good. Every time I have reached out to them, they have been responsive and helpful. In fact, I have even shared news and deployment information on my LinkedIn to showcase their excellent support.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was easy. There were no issues during the setup.
The time taken for deployment depends on various factors. For example, if I deploy it today, I might install it the following day. However, if there are any issues with the network architecture provided by the IT vendor, it may take more time to resolve those issues before completing the deployment. But in terms of deployment alone, without considering logistics, it can be done in a day or a few hours.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
In our market, the pricing is a little expensive. While we can acquire a smaller package of Fortinet, it still comes at a high cost. So, I would say the pricing is on the higher side. However, when comparing it with other vendors, it's still more reasonable.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, I would rate the solution an eight out of ten. A rating of ten would require even more efficient reporting and swift resolution of any breakout or resilience attack. If they can provide faster fixes and proactive responses, it would be perfect.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.

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Updated: September 2025
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