Fortinet FortiGate SWG Reviews

Name: Fortinet FortiGate SWG
Brand: Fortinet
Rating: 4.3 (42 reviews)

4.3 out of 5

42 reviews
100% willing to recommend

What is Fortinet FortiGate SWG?

Fortinet FortiGate SWG is a comprehensive web security solution provided by Fortinet. FortiGate SWG combines web filtering, malware protection, data loss prevention (DLP), and application control capabilities into a single integrated platform. It is designed to protect organizations from web-based threats, enforce compliance policies, and provide secure access to web resources.

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Fortinet FortiGate SWG is the #4 ranked solution in top Web Security Gateways. PeerSpot users give Fortinet FortiGate SWG an average rating of 8.6 out of 10. Fortinet FortiGate SWG is most commonly compared to Cisco Umbrella: Fortinet FortiGate SWG vs Cisco Umbrella. Fortinet FortiGate SWG is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 49% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 15% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiGate SWG

March 2025

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Featured reviews

David Carlson

CIO at Camco Mfg.

FortiGate is easy to configure. We configured one of the units and sent it to Indiana to be installed. We asked them to give us a call when they got it, so we could help them through the process, but they called us back to tell us it works great. Non-IT people could plug it in, connect it to the fiber, and get it running without IT help. That was fantastic. Fortinet also offers a single pane of glass that we can use to manage our routers with gateways, so that's convenient. We're running a VPN to our remote location, and the performance is good. We're changing all our VPN connectors on our laptops from Cisco's Anywhere to Fortinet's VPN because the performance is just so much better.

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Gaurav Amar

Deputy Vice present at PVR Ltd

The network load balancing is one of the best features of Fortinet FortiGate SWG. Fortinet FortiGate SWG's SD-WAN compatibility with any of the providers is also one of its good features. The security devices work well with the solution, and it works well for anything pertaining to security, including the HTML files and VPN, which is beneficial for our company.

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RohitKumar

Manager Of Information Technology at Jubilant Foodworks

What happens in FortiGate is that a lot of bugs come on a system-by-system basis, like when Fortinet launches new firmware in FortiGate. Most software launches with known or unknown bugs. When we go for upgradation, even after running a bug scoping exam, we don't know whether the BIOS for which we are upgrading would affect the end user. We don't know how the FortiGate firmware will behave in your environment. Whatever the known bug, FortiGate lists it in their documents, but you never know how the problem will impact your environment. That's a major disadvantage of FortiGate because, somewhere, it's very unstable. Another issue is how deduplication services don't work reliably after enabling deduplication on Fortinet. When they launch any new firmware in the future, they have to ensure firmware functions.

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Fortinet FortiGate SWG mindshare

As of March 2025, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiGate SWG in the Secure Web Gateways (SWG) category stands at 6.8%, down from 7.2% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Secure Web Gateways (SWG)

PeerAnalyst reports

Type	Title	Date
Category	Secure Web Gateways (SWG)	Mar 2, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Mar 2, 2025	Download
Comparison	Fortinet FortiGate SWG vs Cisco Umbrella	Mar 2, 2025	Download
Comparison	Fortinet FortiGate SWG vs Zscaler Internet Access	Mar 2, 2025	Download
Comparison	Fortinet FortiGate SWG vs Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks	Mar 2, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Cisco Umbrella	4.4	18.5%	97%	113 interviews Add to research
Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks	4.1	11.3%	92%	62 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Fortinet FortiGate SWG's valuable features include strong security for endpoints, ease of configuration, user-friendly interface, web filtering, VPN capabilities, SD-WAN, and scalability. Users appreciate its robust performance, vulnerability management integration, and centralized management portal. It offers quick setup, application control, DNS security, network load balancing, and IPS features, with compatibility for various VPNs and effective bandwidth management. The stability and affordability enhance its appeal compared to competitors like Cisco and Sophos.

"I rate this solution a nine out of ten."
"The solution is easy to use and checks the access control as a firewall."
"The interface and other reports are all user-friendly."

Room for Improvement

Fortinet FortiGate SWG needs enhancements in cloud migration and easier deployment. Reporting features should be more effective and user-friendly. Responsiveness in technical support is important for users, and pricing should be more competitive. Improved GUI, reduced upgrade disruptions, and better integration with other technologies are desired. Users suggest expanded security features and integration with APIs, and they emphasize the need for streamlined functionality in licensing and pricing. There is also a call for enhanced data management capabilities.

"I would rate the technical support of Fortinet a six or seven out of ten. It is not very helpful. I would like to see improvements in their support."
"Fortinet FortiGate SWG can't be used on its own, and you have to get FortiAnalyzer."
"Zero trust could be added. Nowadays, solutions like Zscaler, Netskope, and even SecureWorks combine multiple features into a single product."

ROI

Fortinet FortiGate SWG improves traffic management, supporting simultaneous internet connections without backups and enhancing failover and integration. Many see financial returns after a year, especially with the cloud-based version. Apart from its firewall capabilities, FortiGate includes multiple features under one monthly cost. Some find it early to report financial benefits, but the improved link load balancing prevents site isolation, offering a more consistent connection and showing promise for ROI over time.

Pricing

Enterprise users report that Fortinet FortiGate SWG offers a generally competitive pricing model, typically requiring a yearly licensing fee. Many find it less expensive than solutions like Cisco or Palo Alto, although some consider it on the expensive side for smaller businesses. Licensing costs vary, with yearly prices reaching around $4,000, and additional features may incur extra costs. Overall, the solution is perceived as cost-effective for larger organizations, providing value against performance metrics.

"The cost has increased since the update so I would rate it eight out of ten."
"FortiGate SWG is a cost-effective solution well-suited for organisations of all sizes."
"While slightly more affordable than competitors, it remains relatively expensive due to its inclusive subscription."

Popular Use Cases

Fortinet FortiGate SWG is employed to enhance network protection across public safety sectors like police and fire departments, ensuring both inbound and outbound traffic security. It's used for communication security, web application defense, threat detection, web filtering, and VPN services. Organizations utilize it for firewall functions, securing internal and internet-facing applications, managing web access, and providing security at the network edge, utilizing features like SD-WAN, application control, and antivirus.

Service and Support

Fortinet FortiGate SWG's customer service and support receive mixed feedback. Some users commend the knowledgeable and helpful team, but others feel responsiveness could improve. Technical support is described as generally effective, though reaching the right personnel can be slow. Depending on the region, support quality varies. Communication via phone for urgent issues sometimes faces difficulties. Users benefit from 24/7 assistance, with many preferring contacting partners for quicker solutions. Rating averages suggest good satisfaction but highlight areas for enhancement.

Deployment

Fortinet FortiGate SWG's initial setup is mostly straightforward but varies in complexity. Some configurations are more time-consuming due to specific requirements, taking anywhere from a few hours to several days. Deployment time depends on factors like user environment and configuration needs. Users note that adding and modifying policies can be challenging. Generally, one or a few people can manage the setup, and having documentation helps in easing the process.

Scalability

Fortinet FortiGate SWG exhibits strong scalability, adapting to diverse organizational needs ranging from small to large enterprises. Users report the capability to expand as demands increase, supported by flexible integration options. Feedback highlights satisfaction with its expansion features, often given high ratings. While suitable for various-sized setups, the solution excels for medium to large businesses but may challenge smaller organizations. Scalability is enhanced with cloud deployment, providing flexibility beyond some on-premises limitations.

Stability

Fortinet FortiGate SWG is highly stable and reliable, receiving ratings from eight to ten out of ten for stability. Many users find it operates smoothly, without downtime, bugs, or crashes. When set up, it runs efficiently without requiring frequent interventions. Although new releases might introduce bugs impacting stability, the system remains effective for long-term use. Some note issues during power outages affecting configurations and VPN services, but generally, it is dependable for many users.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Fortinet FortiGate SWG Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

15%

Comms Service Provider

Government

Financial Services Firm

Educational Organization

Manufacturing Company

Construction Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

University

Legal Firm

Non Profit

Healthcare Company

Insurance Company

Hospitality Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Retailer

Wholesaler/Distributor

Media Company

Performing Arts

Transportation Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Outsourcing Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Marketing Services Firm

Logistics Company

Compare Fortinet FortiGate SWG with alternative products

Learn more about Fortinet FortiGate SWG

FortiGate SWG Benefits:

Comprehensive web filtering and security features
Ease of use and management
Integration with other Fortinet products
Strong threat detection capabilities
Scalability and flexibility
Granular control over user access and activity

FortiGate SWG Features:

Web Filtering: FortiGate SWG employs URL filtering and content categorization to control and enforce web access policies.
Malware Protection: The solution provides real-time protection against web-borne threats, such as malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP): FortiGate SWG helps prevent sensitive data from being leaked or exfiltrated through web channels.
SSL Inspection: The solution supports SSL/TLS decryption and inspection, allowing organizations to examine encrypted web traffic for threats and enforce security policies.
Application Control: FortiGate SWG enables granular control over web applications and protocols.
Advanced Threat Intelligence: FortiGate SWG leverages Fortinet's threat intelligence services to provide up-to-date information about emerging threats and zero-day vulnerabilities.
User Authentication and Access Control: The solution supports various authentication methods, including single sign-on (SSO) and integration with identity providers, to ensure secure user authentication and access control for web resources.
Reporting and Analytics: FortiGate SWG provides comprehensive reporting and analytics capabilities.

FortiGate SWG is typically deployed as a hardware appliance or as a virtual appliance in on-premises environments, but it may also be available as a cloud-based service. It is part of Fortinet's broader security fabric ecosystem, allowing integration with other Fortinet products to provide a unified and coordinated security infrastructure.

Reviews from Real Users

Below are some reviews and helpful feedback written by FortiGate SWG users.

David Carlson, CIO at Camco Mfg., says that "Non-IT people could plug it in, connect it to the fiber, and get it running without IT help".

Suresh Vijayen, Product Manager at IX Telecom, writes that FortiGate SWG "Provides helpful technical support, but its dashboard needs to be more user-friendly".

Chandan Munshi, Chief Technical Officer at Provision Technologies LLP, states that "The user interface is intuitive. Anyone can configure the firewall with little knowledge of the product. The back-end is robust with good security."

Fortinet FortiGate SWG was previously known as FortiGate SWG, FortiGate Secure Web Gateway.