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Head-to-head · SD-WAN Software

Cato SD-WAN vs Fortinet Secure SD-WAN

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Cato SD-WAN #2 in SD-WAN Software 9.3/10 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Free trial✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Cato Networks
Fortinet Secure SD-WAN #3 in SD-WAN Software 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Fortinet

Cato SD-WAN leads on 0 checks, Fortinet Secure SD-WAN on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreCato SD-WAN · 9.3/10
  • Free planonly Fortinet Secure SD-WAN
  • Free trialonly Cato SD-WAN

Cato SD-WAN scores higher on our rubric for sd-wan software: 9.3 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

On deployment model, Fortinet Secure SD-WAN gives you Hybrid where Cato SD-WAN offers Cloud.

Cato SD-WAN is the better fit for cloud-first enterprises wanting integrated SASE. Fortinet Secure SD-WAN is the better fit for security-focused teams seeking strong value.

  • Cato SD-WAN fits best

    Cloud-first enterprises wanting integrated SASE

  • Fortinet Secure SD-WAN fits best

    Security-focused teams seeking strong value

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Cato SD-WAN 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Fortinet Secure SD-WAN 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 9.2
Ranking #2 in SD-WAN Software #3 in SD-WAN Software
Best for Cloud-first enterprises wanting integrated SASE Security-focused teams seeking strong value
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Pricing on request · 30-day trial —
Free plan Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Cloud Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms Web Web
Integrations 12 integrations 11 integrations
Features Cato SD-WAN 4/4 · Fortinet Secure SD-WAN 4/4
Application-aware routing ✓ ✓
Zero-touch provisioning ✓ ✓
Integrated security ✓ ✓
Cloud on-ramps ✓ ✓
Specs
Deployment model Cloud Hybrid
Site limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Integrated firewall, SWG, IPS, malware prevention, and ZTNA
  • Private backbone transport with multi-link WAN and traffic steering
  • Cloud connectivity, GraphQL API access, and broad integrations
  • Basic SD-WAN is included on FortiGate models without an extra license.
  • Application-aware routing supports SLA-based path selection and path remediation.
  • Connects with major clouds and supports REST API, Ansible, and Terraform.
Cons
  • Pricing requires a contact-sales process
  • The 30-day trial is for proof of concept, not an unlimited free plan
  • May exceed the needs of organizations seeking only basic branch routing
  • The free offering covers basic SD-WAN functionality only.
  • Advanced features require paid services or subscriptions.
  • The platform is not open source.
Our verdict

Cato SD-WAN is a cloud-delivered networking service for organizations connecting branch sites, cloud resources, applications, and remote users. It centralizes policy, application-aware routing, quality-of-service controls, monitoring, and…

Read the review →

Fortinet Secure SD-WAN combines application-aware traffic control, WAN path selection, centralized management, cloud connectivity, and next-generation firewall capabilities. It is designed for enterprises, branch offices, data centers, and…

Read the review →
  1. Cato SD-WANSD-WAN Software 9.3Pricing on request · 30-day trial
  2. Fortinet Secure SD-WANSD-WAN Software 9.2Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Cato SD-WAN — where it wins

    • Integrated firewall, SWG, IPS, malware prevention, and ZTNA
    • Private backbone transport with multi-link WAN and traffic steering
    • Cloud connectivity, GraphQL API access, and broad integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing requires a contact-sales process
    • The 30-day trial is for proof of concept, not an unlimited free plan
    • May exceed the needs of organizations seeking only basic branch routing

  • Fortinet Secure SD-WAN — where it wins

    • Basic SD-WAN is included on FortiGate models without an extra license.
    • Application-aware routing supports SLA-based path selection and path remediation.
    • Connects with major clouds and supports REST API, Ansible, and Terraform.

    Where it doesn't

    • The free offering covers basic SD-WAN functionality only.
    • Advanced features require paid services or subscriptions.
    • The platform is not open source.
  • Cato SD-WAN9.3/10 · Pricing on request · 30-day trial

    A cloud-first SD-WAN service that combines private transport, security, and cloud connectivity.

    Visit Cato NetworksFull verdict →
  • Fortinet Secure SD-WAN9.2/10 · Free plan

    A security-focused SD-WAN option with free basic functionality and extensive cloud connectivity.

    Visit FortinetFull verdict →

More comparisons

All SD-WAN software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update