Fortinet FortiGate Alternatives (2026)

Fortinet
Fortinet FortiGate
4.7 (179) · G2 8.0/10
From Custom quote
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Starting price
Custom quote
Deployment
On-prem
Best for
Businesses wanting top performance-per-dollar NGFWs with the broadest model range

Our verdict

The top alternatives to Fortinet FortiGate are Sophos Firewall (XGS), WatchGuard Firebox, Cisco Meraki MX. Sophos Firewall (XGS) is the closest like-for-like option (4.6/5 (~404 G2 reviews), from Custom quote). People typically switch from Fortinet FortiGate over pricing model, complexity, or a missing capability — the table compares each alternative on exactly those axes.

  1. 1Sophos Firewall (XGS)

    ★ Editor's Choice 8.2 4.6 (404)

    Best for SMBs and MSPs wanting strong NGFW protection with free cloud management and a low TCO.

    • Xstream NGFW + deep packet inspection
    • Sophos Central management (free)
    • Synchronized Security with endpoint
    • IPS + web + app control
    Free trial Free version
    Visit Sophos Firewall (XGS) → From Custom quote Fortinet FortiGate vs Sophos Firewall (XGS) →

  2. 2WatchGuard Firebox

    8.1 4.7 (261)

    Best for Small offices and MSPs wanting all-in-one UTM with simple bundled licensing and cloud management.

    • All-in-one UTM/NGFW
    • WatchGuard Cloud + RapidDeploy
    • IPS + AV + web filtering + sandboxing
    • ThreatSync (XDR) included
    Free trial Free version
    Visit WatchGuard Firebox → From Custom quote Fortinet FortiGate vs WatchGuard Firebox →

  3. 3Cisco Meraki MX

    7.7 4.3

    Best for Multi-site organizations wanting cloud-managed, "set-and-forget" security with Auto VPN.

    • 100% cloud-managed dashboard
    • Auto VPN site-to-site meshing
    • Cisco Talos threat intelligence
    • SD-WAN + application-aware routing
    Free trial Free version
    Visit Cisco Meraki MX → From Custom quote Fortinet FortiGate vs Cisco Meraki MX →

  4. 4SonicWall TZ

    7.5 4.1 (144)

    Best for Budget-conscious small businesses wanting a feature-rich entry-level NGFW.

    • Entry-level NGFW (TZ series)
    • Network Security Manager cloud console
    • Capture ATP sandboxing
    • SD-WAN support
    Free trial Free version
    Visit SonicWall TZ → From Custom quote Fortinet FortiGate vs SonicWall TZ →

  5. 5Ubiquiti UniFi Gateway

    7.2

    Best for SMBs wanting a capable, license-free gateway/firewall with no recurring subscription.

    • License-free (no subscription)
    • Stateful firewall + VLAN segmentation
    • IDS/IPS + IPSec/WireGuard VPN
    • UniFi Network controller (free)
    Free trial Free version
    Visit Ubiquiti UniFi Gateway → From $129/one-time (Cloud Gateway Ultra) Fortinet FortiGate vs Ubiquiti UniFi Gateway →

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Fortinet FortiGate?
Sophos Firewall (XGS) is the top-rated alternative in our data-weighted ranking (from Custom quote).
Why do people switch from Fortinet FortiGate?
Usually pricing model, complexity, or a missing capability. The table compares each alternative on exactly those axes.
Data as of June 1, 2026. Sources: fortinet.com, g2.com. Figures are pulled from public vendor and security data and refreshed automatically.