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Head-to-head · Network Firewall Software

FortiGate vs WatchGuard Firebox

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score FortiGate #2 in Network Firewall Software 9.3/10 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Free trial✓ 3 of 3 features Visit FortiGate
WatchGuard Firebox #4 in Network Firewall Software 9.1/10 Pricing on request ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit WatchGuard

FortiGate leads on 0 checks, WatchGuard Firebox on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreFortiGate · 9.3/10
  • Free trialonly FortiGate

FortiGate scores higher on our rubric for network firewall software: 9.3 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.

FortiGate is the better fit for hybrid enterprises needing broad security integration. WatchGuard Firebox is the better fit for distributed teams using cloud-managed appliances.

  • FortiGate fits best

    Hybrid enterprises needing broad security integration

  • WatchGuard Firebox fits best

    Distributed teams using cloud-managed appliances

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Side by side

Feature FortiGate 9.3/10 Visit ↗ WatchGuard Firebox 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 9.1
Ranking #2 in Network Firewall Software #4 in Network Firewall Software
Best for Hybrid enterprises needing broad security integration Distributed teams using cloud-managed appliances
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price Pricing on request · 30-day trial Pricing on request
Free plan — Not checked yet
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Cloud, Self-hosted, Browser extension
Support Phone, Live chat, Tickets, Community Live chat, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs
Integrations 12 integrations 5 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features FortiGate 3/3 · WatchGuard Firebox 3/3
Intrusion prevention ✓ ✓
SSL inspection ✓ ✓
Site-to-site VPN ✓ ✓
Specs
Deployment model Hybrid Hybrid
Firewall throughput Not checked yet Not checked yet
Concurrent connections Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Combines firewalling, IPS, antivirus, VPN, TLS inspection and web filtering
  • Supports AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, VMware, Hyper-V and KVM
  • Adds REST API, Terraform, CloudFormation, Ansible and CI/CD automation
  • Combines firewalling, VPN, IPS, HTTPS inspection, filtering, and threat services
  • Supports physical, virtual, AWS, and Microsoft Azure deployments
  • Centralizes management through WatchGuard Cloud
Cons
  • Pricing requires contacting sales and varies by model and deployment
  • There is no free plan
  • Performance specifications vary by FortiGate model
  • Pricing requires contact with WatchGuard or a partner
  • Model-specific throughput and connection figures vary across the family
  • Optional security services and multiple models add purchasing complexity
Our verdict

FortiGate is a next-generation firewall platform for protecting networks, users, applications, assets and cloud workloads across hybrid environments. It is designed for organizations ranging from small businesses to large enterprises, with…

Read the review →

WatchGuard Firebox is a network security firewall family for small businesses, branch offices, midmarket organizations, and enterprises. It includes physical T-Series and M-Series appliances, FireboxV for virtual environments, and Firebox…

Read the review →
  1. FortiGateNetwork Firewall Software 9.3Pricing on request · 30-day trial
  2. WatchGuard FireboxNetwork Firewall Software 9.1Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • FortiGate — where it wins

    • Combines firewalling, IPS, antivirus, VPN, TLS inspection and web filtering
    • Supports AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, VMware, Hyper-V and KVM
    • Adds REST API, Terraform, CloudFormation, Ansible and CI/CD automation

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing requires contacting sales and varies by model and deployment
    • There is no free plan
    • Performance specifications vary by FortiGate model

  • WatchGuard Firebox — where it wins

    • Combines firewalling, VPN, IPS, HTTPS inspection, filtering, and threat services
    • Supports physical, virtual, AWS, and Microsoft Azure deployments
    • Centralizes management through WatchGuard Cloud

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing requires contact with WatchGuard or a partner
    • Model-specific throughput and connection figures vary across the family
    • Optional security services and multiple models add purchasing complexity
  • FortiGate9.3/10 · Pricing on request · 30-day trial

    A broad hybrid firewall platform for enterprises that need integrated network security and automation.

    Visit FortiGateFull verdict →
  • WatchGuard Firebox9.1/10 · Pricing on request

    A broad hybrid firewall family for distributed teams that need centralized cloud management.

    Visit WatchGuardFull verdict →

More comparisons

All network firewall software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update