Link copied to clipboard # Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN vs FortiGate SD-WAN Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/cisco-catalyst-sd-wan/fortigate-sd-wan/export.csv) Cisco Catalyst SD-WANFortiGate SD-WAN[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN** No pricing available **FortiGate SD-WAN** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN** 5 months Based on 6 responses **FortiGate SD-WAN** 3 monthsFaster Based on 12 responses Return on Investment **Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN** 27 months Based on 7 responses **FortiGate SD-WAN** 17 months10 months sooner Based on 12 responses Perceived Cost **Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN** $$$$$ **FortiGate SD-WAN** $$$$$ Average Discount **Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN** 14%3% more **FortiGate SD-WAN** 11% **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN** Not enough data **FortiGate SD-WAN** [ Management Ease (2) ](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-sd-wan/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2351761&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Affordable Pricing (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-sd-wan/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2391074&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Complex Implementation (2) ](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-sd-wan/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2351778&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Expensive (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-sd-wan/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2351784&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Integrations **Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_17d330a37bc2914fb3e2655da70c7a34/cisco-umbrella.png "Product Avatar Image") Cisco Umbrella ](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-umbrella/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-catalyst-sd-wan/integrations) **FortiGate SD-WAN** Not enough data **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN** 8.9 8.957 **FortiGate SD-WAN** 8.8 8.840 Ease of Use **Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN** 9.1 9.159 **FortiGate SD-WAN** 9.0 9.040 Ease of Setup **Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN** 9.2 9.245 **FortiGate SD-WAN** 8.9 8.933 Ease of Admin **Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN** 8.9 8.942 **FortiGate SD-WAN** 9.3 9.332 Quality of Support **Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN** 9.0 9.056 **FortiGate SD-WAN** 8.8 8.840 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN** 9.3 9.343 **FortiGate SD-WAN** 8.9 8.932 Product Direction (% positive) **Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN** 7.7 7.757 **FortiGate SD-WAN** 10.0 10.040 **Features** ratings from reviews Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) Not enough data 9.2 11 WAN Edge Infrastructure Not enough data 8.7 32 User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 17.9% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 39.7% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 42.3% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 17.9% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 39.7% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 42.3% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 18.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 43.2% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 38.6% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 18.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 43.2% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 38.6% **Reviewers' Industry** [![Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_897b66f083df6301cb1e3bd3f104aa74/cisco-catalyst-sd-wan.png "Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN")](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-catalyst-sd-wan/reviews) Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Information Technology and Services 25.3% Hospital & Health Care 6.3% Retail 5.1% Automotive 5.1% Computer & Network Security 5.1% Other 53.2% [![FortiGate SD-WAN](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_802013de1efda091c669b4def8e81ea4/fortigate-sd-wan.jpg "FortiGate SD-WAN")](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-sd-wan/reviews) FortiGate SD-WAN Information Technology and Services 31.8% Computer & Network Security 18.2% Telecommunications 9.1% Insurance 6.8% Hospital & Health Care 6.8% Other 27.3% Alternatives **Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Alternatives** ![VeloCloud SD-WAN](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_38db6e33e5c9a6eaf9481840870e53d7/velocloud.jpg "VeloCloud SD-WAN") [ VeloCloud SD-WAN ](/products/velocloud-sd-wan/reviews) ![Cato SASE Cloud](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/cdf75df7caeb59d6d89198f41767314b/cato-networks-cato-sase-cloud.svg "Cato SASE Cloud") [ Cato SASE Cloud ](/products/cato-networks-cato-sase-cloud/reviews) ![Versa SASE](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_84a2fbc05b5c33048ef962a99143ec6c/versa-networks-versa-sase.png "Versa SASE") [ Versa SASE ](/products/versa-networks-versa-sase/reviews) ![Oracle SD-WAN](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/72bb9f44ea7b3d1ac96a94263596e3cd/oracle-sd-wan.svg "Oracle SD-WAN") [ Oracle SD-WAN ](/products/oracle-sd-wan/reviews) **FortiGate SD-WAN Alternatives** ![Cato SASE Cloud](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/cdf75df7caeb59d6d89198f41767314b/cato-networks-cato-sase-cloud.svg "Cato SASE Cloud") [ Cato SASE Cloud ](/products/cato-networks-cato-sase-cloud/reviews) ![Check Point SASE](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/64ff8da1b6e6ffabf4336ae2510e8e3e/check-point-sase.svg "Check Point SASE") [ Check Point SASE ](/products/check-point-sase/reviews) ![Cisco Meraki](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_8fce4cdac434b53f25936f9cbf18d3d1/cisco-meraki.jpg "Cisco Meraki") [ Cisco Meraki ](/products/cisco-meraki/reviews) ![Versa SASE](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_84a2fbc05b5c33048ef962a99143ec6c/versa-networks-versa-sase.png "Versa SASE") [ Versa SASE ](/products/versa-networks-versa-sase/reviews) ## Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN vs FortiGate SD-WAN FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN vs FortiGate SD-WAN? FortiGate SD-WAN stands out for its higher G2 rating and reviewer-cited reliability, while Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is favored for its ease of setup and support quality. | [Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-catalyst-sd-wan/reviews) | [FortiGate SD-WAN](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-sd-wan/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.4/5 (91 reviews) | 4.6/5 (57 reviews) | | Enterprise | Mid-Market | | 9.2 | 8.9 | | 9.0 | 8.8 | | Ease of setup and robust support | Reliability and management ease | ### How do the pricing models of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and FortiGate SD-WAN compare? G2 reviewers rate Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN higher on value, with a stronger Price/Cost satisfaction score than FortiGate SD-WAN. - **Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN:** In recent reviews, buyers describe the product as cost-effective for its feature set, though some note higher licensing costs compared to alternatives. - **FortiGate SD-WAN:** Recent reviewers mention high pricing compared to other vendors, with some noting that advanced features require higher licenses or versions. - **Switching reasons:** Reviewers have switched from Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN to alternatives like Telia SD-WAN primarily due to long-term cost considerations. ### What are the best alternatives to Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and FortiGate SD-WAN? The top three alternatives to Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and FortiGate SD-WAN are Cato SASE Cloud, VeloCloud SD-WAN, and Cisco Meraki. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-catalyst-sd-wan/reviews) | 4.4/5 (91) | Enterprise | Cost-effective for features, but licensing can be high | Ease of setup and robust support | | [FortiGate SD-WAN](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-sd-wan/reviews) | 4.6/5 (57) | Mid-Market | High pricing, advanced features require higher licenses | Reliability and management ease | | [Cato SASE Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/cato-networks-cato-sase-cloud/reviews) | 4.5/5 (83) | Mid-Market | — | — | | [VeloCloud SD-WAN](https://www.g2.com/products/velocloud-sd-wan/reviews) | 4.7/5 (12) | — | — | — | | [Cisco Meraki](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-meraki/reviews) | 4.3/5 (217) | Mid-Market | — | — | ### Which SD-WAN features should I prioritize when comparing Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and FortiGate SD-WAN? Buyers should prioritize ease of setup, quality of support, ease of administration, reliability, and cost-effectiveness when comparing Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and FortiGate SD-WAN. - **Ease of Setup:** Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN scores 9.2, FortiGate SD-WAN scores 8.9. - **Quality of Support:** Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN scores 9.0, FortiGate SD-WAN scores 8.8. - **Ease of Admin:** Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN scores 8.9, FortiGate SD-WAN scores 9.3. - **Reliability:** FortiGate SD-WAN is specifically cited for reliability in recent reviews. - **Cost-effectiveness:** Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is described as cost-effective for its features, while FortiGate SD-WAN is noted for high pricing and advanced features requiring higher licenses. ### What are the pros and cons of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN vs FortiGate SD-WAN? Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is strongest in ease of setup and support, while FortiGate SD-WAN is most recognized for reliability and management ease. - **Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN strengths:** Reviewers highlight ease of setup, robust support, centralized management, and efficient WAN management. - **Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN trade-offs:** Some reviewers note complex licensing, higher costs, and a learning curve for initial setup. - **FortiGate SD-WAN strengths:** Reliability, management ease, automation, scalability, and security are cited in recent reviews, with all-time mentions for management ease (2), reliability (1), and security (1). - **FortiGate SD-WAN trade-offs:** Reviewers mention complex implementation (2 all-time mentions), higher pricing, and limited customization. ### Is Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN or FortiGate SD-WAN better for small businesses? FortiGate SD-WAN is the better fit for small businesses, as its largest reviewer segment is Mid-Market and recent reviews highlight ease of use and scalability for smaller deployments. - **Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN:** Largest segment is Enterprise; reviewers note robust features but mention higher costs and complexity, making it more suitable for larger organizations. - **FortiGate SD-WAN:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; reviewers describe it as easy to configure, scalable, and effective for connecting branch offices, with positive sentiment for small and mid-sized deployments. ### Which SD-WAN platform has better integrations? Reviewers indicate parity between Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and FortiGate SD-WAN for integrations, with both products supporting integration within their respective ecosystems. - **Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN:** Reviewers mention integration with other Cisco products and cloud service providers such as Google Cloud Platform, AWS, and Azure. - **FortiGate SD-WAN:** Reviewers highlight integration with the broader Fortinet suite, including firewalls, switches, wireless access points, and FortiAnalyzer. ### How do Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and FortiGate SD-WAN compare on customer support? Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and FortiGate SD-WAN score within 0.2 points on Quality of Support (9.0 vs 8.8), indicating near-parity in reviewer satisfaction. - **Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN:** Reviewers consistently praise responsive and effective customer support, with multiple mentions of immediate assistance and robust support experiences. - **FortiGate SD-WAN:** Reviewers describe customer support as impressive and responsive, though a few note longer response times for complex issues. ### Which is easier to implement, Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN or FortiGate SD-WAN? Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN leads on Ease of Setup with a 0.3-point advantage (9.2 vs 8.9), while FortiGate SD-WAN is also rated highly for implementation. - **Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN:** Reviewers highlight straightforward deployment, centralized management, and ease of implementation, though some mention a learning curve for initial setup. - **FortiGate SD-WAN:** Reviewers describe the setup as easy and scalable, with positive feedback on zero-touch deployment and centralized configuration, but note that advanced configurations can be complex. ## Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN vs FortiGate SD-WAN When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN easier to use, set up, and do business with overall. However, reviewers preferred the ease of administration with FortiGate SD-WAN. - Reviewers felt that Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN meets the needs of their business better than FortiGate SD-WAN. - When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is the preferred option. - For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of FortiGate SD-WAN over Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN.