Fortinet FortiGate-VM vs Fortinet FortiOS comparison

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98% willing to recommend
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Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Fortinet FortiGate-VM and Fortinet FortiOS based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out in this report how the two Firewalls solutions compare in terms of features, pricing, service and support, easy of deployment, and ROI.
To learn more, read our detailed Fortinet FortiGate-VM vs. Fortinet FortiOS Report (Updated: May 2024).
771,170 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Q&A Highlights
Question: Features comparison between Palo Alto and Fortinet firewalls
Answer: Hi PaloAlto is better when working on app control feature and special virtual wire links. Execpt that specific point, Fortinet is above. Best Regards, Damien
Featured Review
Quotes From Members
We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use.
Here are some excerpts of what they said:
Pros
"Customers want to load balance more than eight lines or six internet lines. FortiGate is the only solution that can accomplish this.""It is easy to manage, and it doesn't need much knowledge from the team. It is a stable device, and there are many features that are included out of the box.""We were looking for the VPN feature and controlling the inflow and outflow of all the traffic within the site and across the sites. We are also using it for the VPN and VLANs.""From the firewall perspective, the rules and policies are very sufficient and easy to use.""The virtual firewall feature is the most valuable. We have around 1,500 firewalls. We did not buy individual hardware, and the virtual firewalls made sense because we don't have to keep on buying the hardware. FortiGate is easier to use as compared to Checkpoint devices. It is user friendly and has a good UI. You don't need much expertise to work on this firewall. You don't need to worry much about DCLA, commands, and things like that.""A strong point of FortiGate is the graphical interface is complete and easy to use.""The most valuable feature of Fortinet FortiGate is security. They are known for efficiency and are on the top of Gartner Quadrant reviews. Fortinet FortiGate has an easy-to-use platform with a good graphical interface. The configuration is simple and the solution provides an overall good layer of security.""The most valuable feature of Fortinet FortiGate is load balancing. It can provide central management and VPNA. Additionally, it has enhanced our security environment."

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"In spite of the solution being inexpensive, it has everything one would need.""The most valuable feature is the WAN optimization.""High network throughput while providing leading edge network security technology for a competitive price.​""It has allowed us to centralize every network service into one appliance.""The solution is stable.""The most valuables features are the ease of use and deployment.""The reporting is good.""I have worked on some of the largest and smallest solutions that Fortinet sells and they all scale really well."

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"I have found the most valuable feature of Fortinet FortiOS is the low maintenance.""I like its configuration and the various functions it offers.""It's easy to use.""The most valuable features of Fortinet FortiOS are the granular control and their interoperability is good.""The most valuable features of Fortinet FortiOS are the ease of use and user-friendly interface.""There are a lot of features that we like within the solution. The resources or performance of the firewall is very good. However, the real selling point is the fact that the solution offers so many features, it gives our clients a lot of extras that they can work with. There's a lot on offer.""The most valuable features are the ease of use, and the overall simplicity, everyone can use it with a small introduction.""It's simple to use in terms of inbound and outbound traffic management."

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Cons
"Fortinet already improved FortiGate, but in the current market, many brands of security devices have improved together. Fortinet still needs to catch up with market standards. Fortinet is lacking in features in comparison to competitors.""It can be a little bit more user-friendly in terms of policy definition and implementation. It seems a little bit complicated, and it could be simplified.""At first glance, the interface for the device is very confusing.""They are doing good, but they can improve the distributor assignment. The availability of the product and the timeline of delivery are the main things. The distribution should be swift, and the distributor should not reach out to end customers directly. They should work as a distributor. There should also be one more local distributor. Currently, there is only one distributor in Pakistan, and the rest of them are in UAE. It is difficult to work with only one distributor. Sometimes, you don't get along with the same distributor, and that's why they should have one more distributor. Their licensing should also be improved. The activation or renewal of the product should be done from the date of renewal, not from the date on which the license expired.""They've become quite expensive.""Fortinet FortiGate could improve by having more capabilities for troubleshooting VPN connections. For example, I do get some feedback about the current status, but I could use some history and logging of important events. The information is logged in our Syslog server, but I could use that information from the device. If they could provide a GUI to have some more insight on what's going with my VPN would be useful.""Fortinet FortiGate can improve the integration with Active Directory. Additionally, I would like to have a Cloud Controller, such as they do in the Cisco Meraki solution.""It should have a better pricing plan. It is too expensive. It should also have a more granular view of the attack. I don't have FortiAnalyzer, and it is difficult for me to have a complete view when there is an attack on my server."

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"In terms of improvement, there have been some problems with the bandwidth of the security layer.""New versions are complicated with a big configuration.""Now they do have the ability to pop up a command line, which is nice, however, the fact that you can't do everything within the GUI is probably a problem.""The price and licensing of the solution can be better.""We face some issues with the IPsec connection during replication.""Right now, we have two data centers that are a thousand kilometers apart. It would be nice to be able to string them together.""I have worked on some of the largest and smallest solutions that Fortinet sells and they all scale really well.""One thing that can be better is added automation. And, on top of that, enhanced security when it comes to the automation itself."

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"The solution could improve by making the dashboard easier to use.""In the future I would like to see more user-friendly dashboards and a drop in the price.""The technical support is good. However, during the holidays they can get a little slow to respond.""The additional features I would like to see included in the next release is better troubleshooting and reporting.""FortiOS could provide a more detailed analysis of the network and connected devices.""Lacks flexibility for different scenario configurations.""They're using a lot of application-specific IC, so that may be causing some performance issues. And whenever a Fortinet adds new features, it can affect performance.""The GUI could be improved to make it more usable, easier to administer, and easier to configure."

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Pricing and Cost Advice
  • "Fortinet has one or two license types, and the VPN numbers are only limited by the hardware chassis make."
  • "These boxes are not that expensive compared to what they can do, their functionality, and the reporting you receive. Fortinet licensing is straightforward and less confusing compared to Cisco."
  • "Go for long term pricing negotiated at the time of purchase."
  • "Work through partners for the best pricing."
  • "The value is the capability of having multiple services with one unique license, not having the limitation per user licensing schema, like other vendors."
  • "Easy to understand licensing requirements."
  • "​We saved a bundle by not needing all the past appliances from an NGFW.​"
  • "The cost is too high... They have to focus on more features with less cost for the customer. If you see the market, where it's going, there are a lot of players offering more features for less cost."
  • More Fortinet FortiGate Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "The pricing and licensing are not as expensive as its competitors."
  • "It is an expensive solution if you are migrating from an open source solution."
  • "If you are in a licensed solution, like Cisco or Palo Alto, it is cheaper. I do recommend using it with a license, because it is a security solution and it needs updates.​"
  • "​The basic pricing in Austria is OK, but asking for special offers, e.g., NPOs, NGOs, trade up, and/or trade in, is always useful.​"
  • "​It is on par with what you receive. It can be expensive upfront."
  • "It would be nice to have the ability to extend FortiGuard subscriptions at a reasonable yearly cost versus a bulk three year pricing.​"
  • "The price is expensive compared with other vendors, like Cisco and Huawei."
  • "The best part of Fortinet is the license is bundled together, so it is easy to use and apply."
  • More Fortinet FortiGate-VM Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "The program is expensive."
  • "We pay an annual license fee. It is rather expensive so I would like to perhaps see a drop in price in the future."
  • "Be sure to choose a licensing plan that leaves a little headroom so performance is not an issue."
  • "We pay $100,000. That covers the cost of the hardware that we run the VN's on. That also includes any SGNA costs for the internal support tech."
  • "Pricing depends on implementation and licensing choices and is usually not a practical budget choice for small businesses."
  • "The support contracts are usually about $100 - $200 a device."
  • "The software costs roughly half what the hardware costs. Overall, the product is expensive."
  • "The price of Fortinet FortiOS has been reasonable."
  • More Fortinet FortiOS Pricing and Cost Advice →

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    Answers from the Community
    Donny Lee
    ABHILASH TH - PeerSpot reviewerABHILASH TH
    Reseller

    Hi,


    Both FT and PA have compelling features for large Enterprises. I would like to add a few good points about Fortinetwhich might be helpful ( from my 13 years of engagement with them as Distributor and Partner)


    Fortinet: 


    Have higher throughput; which comes with competitive rates


    Wide range of models to select to meet your requirement, without spending heavliy


    Outstanding customer support and very active customer care team


    Easly available skilled resources from the channel for deployment and post-implementation support 


    Regards


    Abhilash



    Alexander Denisenko - PeerSpot reviewerAlexander Denisenko
    User

    Hello. The question is what you are going to have as a result of application

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    Top Answer:An enhanced security solution for any kind of alert that we have configured.
    Top Answer:The SSL VPN is fee for use is most attractive.
    Top Answer:The solution is cost effective. I would rate the pricing a five out of ten.
    Comparisons
    Also Known As
    FortiGate 60b, FortiGate 60c, FortiGate 80c, FortiGate 50b, FortiGate 200b, FortiGate 110c, FortiGate
    FortiGate Virtual Appliance, FortiGate-VM
    Learn More
    Overview

    Fortinet FortiGate enhances network security, prevents unauthorized access, and offers robust firewall protection. Valued features include advanced threat protection, reliable performance, and a user-friendly interface. It improves efficiency, streamlines processes, and boosts collaboration, providing valuable insights for informed decision-making and growth.

    FortiGate Virtual Appliances allow you to mitigate blind spots by implementing critical security controls within your virtual infrastructure. They also allow you to rapidly provision security infrastructure whenever and wherever it is needed. FortiGate virtual appliances feature all of the security and networking services common to traditional hardware-based FortiGate appliances. With the addition of virtual appliances from Fortinet, you can deploy a mix of hardware and virtual appliances, operating together and managed from a common centralized management platform.

    Fortinet FortiOS is a comprehensive security operating system that powers Fortinet's network security solutions. It provides advanced threat protection, network visibility, and centralized management for organizations of all sizes. With its robust features and intuitive interface, FortiOS enables businesses to secure their networks, applications, and data from cyber threats. 

    One of the key features of FortiOS is its advanced threat protection capabilities. It incorporates multiple security technologies, including firewall, antivirus, intrusion prevention system (IPS), and web filtering, to detect and block a wide range of threats. This ensures that organizations are protected against malware, ransomware, and other malicious activities. FortiOS also offers extensive network visibility, allowing organizations to monitor and analyze network traffic in real-time. This visibility enables businesses to identify potential security risks, detect anomalies, and take proactive measures to mitigate threats. 

    Additionally, FortiOS provides detailed reports and analytics, helping organizations gain insights into their network security posture. Centralized management is another crucial aspect of FortiOS. It allows businesses to manage and configure their security policies, devices, and users from a single console. This simplifies the management process and ensures consistent security across the entire network infrastructure. 

    Moreover, FortiOS supports integration with other Fortinet products, enabling seamless security orchestration and automation. FortiOS is designed to be scalable and flexible, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes. It offers a range of deployment options, including physical appliances, virtual machines, and cloud-based solutions. This flexibility allows businesses to choose the deployment model that best fits their requirements and easily scale their security infrastructure as their needs evolve. 

    Sample Customers
    1. Amazon Web Services 2. Microsoft 3. IBM 4. Cisco 5. Dell 6. HP 7. Oracle 8. Verizon 9. AT&T 10. T-Mobile 11. Sprint 12. Vodafone 13. Orange 14. BT Group 15. Telstra 16. Deutsche Telekom 17. Comcast 18. Time Warner Cable 19. CenturyLink 20. NTT Communications 21. Tata Communications 22. SoftBank 23. China Mobile 24. Singtel 25. Telus 26. Rogers Communications 27. Bell Canada 28. Telkom Indonesia 29. Telkom South Africa 30. Telmex 31. Telia Company 32. Telkom Kenya
    Security7 Networks, COOPENAE
    Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data
    Top Industries
    REVIEWERS
    Comms Service Provider16%
    Computer Software Company9%
    Financial Services Firm8%
    Manufacturing Company7%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Educational Organization20%
    Computer Software Company15%
    Comms Service Provider8%
    Manufacturing Company6%
    REVIEWERS
    Computer Software Company16%
    Comms Service Provider14%
    Manufacturing Company11%
    Financial Services Firm9%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company22%
    Comms Service Provider9%
    Financial Services Firm7%
    Manufacturing Company6%
    REVIEWERS
    Comms Service Provider15%
    Financial Services Firm10%
    Computer Software Company10%
    Manufacturing Company10%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company17%
    Comms Service Provider8%
    Financial Services Firm8%
    Government8%
    Company Size
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business48%
    Midsize Enterprise23%
    Large Enterprise30%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business27%
    Midsize Enterprise32%
    Large Enterprise40%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business54%
    Midsize Enterprise19%
    Large Enterprise27%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business31%
    Midsize Enterprise19%
    Large Enterprise50%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business54%
    Midsize Enterprise13%
    Large Enterprise33%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business27%
    Midsize Enterprise18%
    Large Enterprise55%
    Buyer's Guide
    Fortinet FortiGate-VM vs. Fortinet FortiOS
    May 2024
    Find out what your peers are saying about Fortinet FortiGate-VM vs. Fortinet FortiOS and other solutions. Updated: May 2024.
    771,170 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    Fortinet FortiGate-VM is ranked 9th in Firewalls with 113 reviews while Fortinet FortiOS is ranked 15th in Firewalls with 73 reviews. Fortinet FortiGate-VM is rated 8.4, while Fortinet FortiOS is rated 8.4. The top reviewer of Fortinet FortiGate-VM writes "An easy-to-manage and configure tool that provides ample documentation to help with the setup phase". On the other hand, the top reviewer of Fortinet FortiOS writes "Provides effective filtering features, good stability but initial setup is moderately challenging". Fortinet FortiGate-VM is most compared with Azure Firewall, Palo Alto Networks VM-Series, OPNsense, Cisco Secure Firewall and Netgate pfSense, whereas Fortinet FortiOS is most compared with Fortinet FortiManager, Fortinet FortiWeb, Infoblox Advanced DNS Protection, Darktrace and Cisco Secure Firewall. See our Fortinet FortiGate-VM vs. Fortinet FortiOS report.

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    We monitor all Firewalls reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.