Powered by FortiGuard Labs, which integrates AI-driven threat intelligence and a global network of sensors to detect and mitigate threats.

Multi-layered threat intelligence approach, aggregated from propietary and reputable sources and curated by the WatchGuard Threat Lab.

FortiGate’s IPS is backed by FortiGuard, offering real-time signature updates and behavior-based detection.

Signature databases, combining intelligence from security partners (like Bitdefender for GAV) and the WatchGuard Threat Lab (for IPS).

FortiGate supports SSL inspection, but with potential performance impact, and includes AI-based detection for encrypted traffic threats.

HTTPS/SSL Inspection: Decrypts, inspect, and re-encrypt HTTPS traffic to detect threats hidden in encrypted sessions.

Offers FortiAuthenticator for Zero Trust, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and identity-driven policy enforcement.

WatchGuard AuthPoint (Multi-Factor Authentication solution) integrate with various user identity sources, including: AD, LDAP, RADIUS, SAML,...

FortiGate offers FortiSASE, with FortiCloud for cloud security and integration with Fortinet’s SD-WAN solutions.

Firebox does not offer a full SASE solution but WatchGuard platform includes several SASE elements, but still evolving into a complete, integrated SASE architecture.

AI-driven automation through FortiAnalyzer and FortiSOAR, with predictive analytics and response orchestration.

IntelligentAV employs an AI-based engine (leveraging technology like Cylance) for predictive malware detection.

Uses FortiManager for policy control and automation across multiple FortiGate devices.

Centralized policy management through its Firebox System Manager (FSM) and WatchGuard Cloud.

Fortinet Single Sign-On (FSSO) Agent enables user identity-based policies on FortiGate firewalls by integrating with Active Directory (AD) or other directory services.

Local agent is only available through its Endpoint Security solutions.

Uses FortiSandbox, an AI-powered cloud or on-prem solution for real-time malware detection and zero-day threat analysis.

APT Blocker uses a cloud-based sandbox environment (leveraging technology like Lastline/VMware) to detect and analyze unknown or zero-day malware.

Cisco, Palo Alto, Sophos, Sonicwall. 

SonicWall, Barracuda Networks, Sophos, Aruba.​

WatchGuard emphasizes ease of use and competitive pricing which makes it an ideal solution for SMBs. Scalability might be a concern for very large enterprises compared to high-end Cisco models, some advanced enterprise routing features might be less developed.

WatchGuard is often seen as providing a strong set of features at a competitive price point, offering good value for the investment and making it a compelling choice for small to medium-sized businesses.

Great VPN client that works for PC, Mac, and non-IOS devices as well.

Responsive and helpful technical support as well as detailed and well-written documentation documentation making it easier to understand and configure the firewall.

For the scale and complexity of a large enterprise, the effectiveness of WatchGuard's APT Blocker and DNSWatch in addressing sophisticated threats may be comparatively limited.

Dated Dashboards: Outdated looking dashboards and user interface. Policy management and log analysis often require navigating through multiple windows or using legacy tools like WatchGuard System Manager (WSM).