WildFire: Cloud-based malware analysis for zero-day threats. 
Advanced Threat Prevention: This is a core security service within Palo Alto NGFWs that provides protection against exploits.
AutoFocus: A threat intelligence service that provides in-depth context and analysis of threats.
Unit 42: Palo Alto Networks' threat intelligence team.

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

Signature-based IPS integrated with Threat Prevention and ML-based analysis.

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

SSL Decryption with automated policy-based inspection.

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

Zero Trust enforcement with user and application awareness (App-ID & User-ID).

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

Prisma Access: Full cloud-based SASE architecture with Zero Trust controls.

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

Cortex AI & ML-based threat detection.

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

Panorama centralized management with AI-driven policies.
Granular role-based access & segmentation.

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

Endpoint protection features like Cortex XDR require a separate agent installed on the endpoint device. The firewall itself operates independently without a local agent.

Fortinet's Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is embedded in FortiOS, with strong segmentation and integration with FortiClient for endpoint security.

WildFire is a cloud-based malware analysis and prevention service that detects, analyzes, and blocks zero-day threats using machine learning and sandboxing techniques.

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

Cisco, Fortinet, Sonicwall. 

Cisco, Palo Alto, Sophos, Sonicwall.

FortiGate pricing is more adjusted to SMBs. Subscription bundles (FortiGuard) add advanced features like antivirus, web filtering, and IPS for about $100–$300 annually. It’s a cost-effective, all-in-one solution that balances security, performance, and value for growing.

FortiGate with its user-friendly interface, cost-effecitve licensing, and design tailored for local management with optional remote capabilities. This makes it accessible for SMBs that may not have dedicated IT teams.

Exceptional performance-to-cost ratio: FortiGate's proprietary hardware, including custom ASICs, delivers high performance at a competitive price point. Users highlight that the performance per dollar is unmatched, making it a cost-effective solution for many organizations.

The FortiGate user interface is praised for its intuitiveness and ease of use, allowing administrators to manage configurations efficiently. While command line is available for advanced tasks, the UI simplifies day-to-day operations..

Frequent Security Vulnerabilities: Users have expressed concerns about the number of critical vulnerabilities identified in FortiGate devices, particularly in recent years.

Certain advanced security features, such as Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), require additional licenses. Without these licenses, the firewall's capabilities are limited.