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# Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv) vs FortiGate-VM NGFW Comparison - What are their main differences?

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Cisco Secure Firewall...FortiGate-VM NGFW[+ Add Product](#)

Pricing

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**
No pricing available

**FortiGate-VM NGFW**
Free Trial

No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Perceived Cost

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**
$$$$$

**FortiGate-VM NGFW**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**
22%11% more

**FortiGate-VM NGFW**
11%

Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience.
See it for free

Time to Implement

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**6 months
Based on 100 responses

**FortiGate-VM NGFW** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

Return on Investment

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**6 months
Based on 100 responses

**FortiGate-VM NGFW** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**Pros & Cons**
from reviews

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**
[
Ease of Use (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-firewall-threat-defense-virtual-formerly-ngfwv/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1168036&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Easy Management (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-firewall-threat-defense-virtual-formerly-ngfwv/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1168006&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Complex Coding (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-firewall-threat-defense-virtual-formerly-ngfwv/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1167998&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Complex Configuration (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-firewall-threat-defense-virtual-formerly-ngfwv/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1168029&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

**FortiGate-VM NGFW**
[
Ease of Use (12)
](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-vm-ngfw/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1089927&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Features (10)
](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-vm-ngfw/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1090198&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Difficult Learning Curve (4)
](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-vm-ngfw/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2123206&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Expensive (4)
](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-vm-ngfw/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1091199&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

Integrations

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**
Not enough data

**FortiGate-VM NGFW**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_cacdec8b8edeace9b3c89e0c2cded695/amazon-ec2.jpg "Product Avatar Image")

Amazon EC2

](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-ec2/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_504423766e296a0eeef13491cb738385/aws-cloud-wan.png "Product Avatar Image")

AWS Cloud WAN

](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-cloud-wan/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_3a7a925cc43d97814fa81ec2d6c06f45/aws-graviton.jpeg "Product Avatar Image")

AWS Graviton

](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-graviton/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_b3390b4cc3d92e87d570895f7358c003/aws-lambda.jpg "Product Avatar Image")

AWS Lambda

](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-lambda/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-vm-ngfw/integrations)

**Ratings**
from reviews

Meets Requirements

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**

**8.8** /10

Based on 83 responses

**FortiGate-VM NGFW**

**9.0** /10

Based on 239 responses

Ease of Use

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**

**8.1** /10

Based on 82 responses

**FortiGate-VM NGFW**

**8.9** /10

Based on 245 responses

Ease of Setup

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**

**7.4** /10

Based on 51 responses

**FortiGate-VM NGFW**

**8.7** /10

Based on 211 responses

Ease of Admin

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**

**7.7** /10

Based on 49 responses

**FortiGate-VM NGFW**

**9.0** /10

Based on 191 responses

Quality of Support

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**

**9.1** /10

Based on 74 responses

**FortiGate-VM NGFW**

**8.6** /10

Based on 235 responses

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**

**8.8** /10

Based on 47 responses

**FortiGate-VM NGFW**

**8.9** /10

Based on 187 responses

Product Direction (% positive)

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)**

**7.5** /10

Based on 83 responses

**FortiGate-VM NGFW**

**9.5** /10

Based on 234 responses

**Features**
ratings from reviews

Firewall Software

**9.3** /10

Based on 16 responses

**9.0** /10

Based on 167 responses

Unified Threat Management (UTM)

Not enough data

**9.3** /10

Based on 157 responses

Data Center Security Solutions

Not enough data

**9.3** /10

Based on 105 responses

Uncover more feature rated insights from real users to improve your shopping experience.

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Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)

**9.5** /10

Based on 6 responses

Not enough data

User Insights

**Reviewers' Company Size**

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
13.5%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
43.8%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
42.7%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
13.5%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
43.8%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
42.7%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
26.2%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
53.1%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
20.7%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
26.2%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
53.1%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
20.7%

**Reviewers' Industry**

[![Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/bac35b1c7d560638b47c46bddb26a15c/cisco-secure-firewall-threat-defense-virtual-formerly-ngfwv.svg "Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)")](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-firewall-threat-defense-virtual-formerly-ngfwv/reviews)
Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)

Information Technology and Services
18.0%

Higher Education
6.7%

Telecommunications
6.7%

Computer Software
5.6%

Hospital & Health Care
4.5%

Other
58.4%

[![FortiGate-VM NGFW](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/fa3376b61f91a50021359e71d1976187/fortigate-vm-ngfw.jpg "FortiGate-VM NGFW")](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-vm-ngfw/reviews)
FortiGate-VM NGFW

Information Technology and Services
24.3%

Computer & Network Security
13.5%

Telecommunications
8.6%

Financial Services
6.4%

Computer Software
6.0%

Other
41.2%

Alternatives

**Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv) Alternatives**

 ![Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/f6a3d45d41e697437b84a2340cfee124/palo-alto-networks-next-generation-firewalls.svg "Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls")

[
Palo Alto Networks...
](/products/palo-alto-networks-next-generation-firewalls/reviews)

 ![Sophos Firewall](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/c3eafd206cf051259b58dcd9712f2d46/sophos-firewall.svg "Sophos Firewall")

[
Sophos Firewall
](/products/sophos-firewall/reviews)

 ![Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/64ff8da1b6e6ffabf4336ae2510e8e3e/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws.svg "Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs)")

[
Check Point Next Generation...
](/products/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws/reviews)

 ![Netgate pfSense](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/f4469990cc8ea128d45e4ab41bf45ef3/netgate-pfsense.svg "Netgate pfSense")

[
Netgate pfSense
](/products/netgate-pfsense/reviews)

**FortiGate-VM NGFW Alternatives**

 ![Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/64ff8da1b6e6ffabf4336ae2510e8e3e/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws.svg "Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs)")

[
Check Point Next Generation...
](/products/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws/reviews)

 ![WatchGuard Network Security](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/95497ce130aa56e5fb27b011c9bcaebc/watchguard-network-security.svg "WatchGuard Network Security")

[
WatchGuard Network Security
](/products/watchguard-network-security/reviews)

 ![SonicWall Next Generation Firewall](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_a91c790d4dcb23f5394f7d7ba650ea65/sonicwall-next-generation-firewall.png "SonicWall Next Generation Firewall")

[
SonicWall Next Generation...
](/products/sonicwall-next-generation-firewall/reviews)

 ![Barracuda CloudGen Firewall](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1535045459/barracuda-cloudgen-firewall.svg "Barracuda CloudGen Firewall")

[
Barracuda CloudGen Firewall
](/products/barracuda-cloudgen-firewall/reviews)

## Cisco Secure Firewall... vs FortiGate-VM NGFW FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 14, 2026

### What is the difference between Cisco Secure Firewall... vs FortiGate-VM NGFW?

FortiGate-VM NGFW stands out for higher reviewer satisfaction in setup, administration, and overall rating, while Cisco Secure Firewall... is noted for its strong support and network security capabilities.

| [Cisco Secure Firewall...](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-firewall-threat-defense-virtual-formerly-ngfwv/reviews) | [FortiGate-VM NGFW](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-vm-ngfw/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.2/5 (93 reviews) | 4.6/5 (252 reviews) |
| Mid-Market | Mid-Market |
| 7.4 | 8.8 |
| 9.1 | 8.6 |
| Network Security | Ease of Use |

### How do the pricing models of Cisco Secure Firewall... and FortiGate-VM NGFW compare?

FortiGate-VM NGFW is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing greater satisfaction with its pricing and cost structure compared to Cisco Secure Firewall....

- **Cisco Secure Firewall...:** In recent reviews, several buyers cite pricing issues and note that licensing, maintenance, and support fees can add up, especially for smaller organizations.
- **FortiGate-VM NGFW:** Reviewers acknowledge that licensing can be complex and sometimes expensive, but overall, more reviewers express satisfaction with the value received for the cost.
- **Switching reasons:** Recent reviews mention switching to FortiGate-VM NGFW for its easier management and lower ongoing costs compared to Cisco Secure Firewall....

### What are the best alternatives to Cisco Secure Firewall... and FortiGate-VM NGFW?

The top three alternatives to Cisco Secure Firewall... and FortiGate-VM NGFW are Sophos Firewall, WatchGuard Network Security, and Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs).

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Cisco Secure Firewall...](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-firewall-threat-defense-virtual-formerly-ngfwv/reviews) | 4.2/5 (93 reviews) | Mid-Market | Pricing issues for smaller organizations | Network Security |
| [FortiGate-VM NGFW](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-vm-ngfw/reviews) | 4.6/5 (252 reviews) | Mid-Market | Licensing can be complex but generally seen as good value | Ease of Use |
| [Sophos Firewall](https://www.g2.com/products/sophos-firewall/reviews) | 4.7/5 (869 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | User-Friendly Interface |
| [WatchGuard Network Security](https://www.g2.com/products/watchguard-network-security/reviews) | 4.7/5 (268 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Comprehensive Security Features |
| [Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs)](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws/reviews) | 4.5/5 (595 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Advanced Threat Protection |

### Which Firewall Software features should I prioritize when comparing Cisco Secure Firewall... and FortiGate-VM NGFW?

Buyers comparing Cisco Secure Firewall... and FortiGate-VM NGFW should prioritize Ease of Setup, Ease of Use, Quality of Support, Integrations, and Pricing.

- **Ease of Setup:** Cisco Secure Firewall... scores 7.4, while FortiGate-VM NGFW scores 8.8.
- **Ease of Use:** Cisco Secure Firewall... scores 8.1, FortiGate-VM NGFW scores 8.9, with 12 all-time mentions for FortiGate-VM NGFW.
- **Quality of Support:** Cisco Secure Firewall... scores 9.1, FortiGate-VM NGFW scores 8.6.
- **Integrations:** FortiGate-VM NGFW is cited for integrations with FortiManager (11 all-time mentions) and FortiAnalyzer (9 all-time mentions); Cisco Secure Firewall... has limited third-party integration mentions.
- **Pricing:** Pricing issues are cited for Cisco Secure Firewall..., while FortiGate-VM NGFW is generally seen as offering good value despite licensing complexity.

### What are the pros and cons of Cisco Secure Firewall... vs FortiGate-VM NGFW?

Cisco Secure Firewall... is strongest in network security and support, while FortiGate-VM NGFW excels in ease of use, setup, and integrations.

- **Cisco Secure Firewall... strengths:** Network security (1 all-time mention), firewall efficiency (1), easy management (1), and strong support (Quality of Support score 9.1).
- **Cisco Secure Firewall... trade-offs:** Complexity in configuration and management (3 all-time mentions), dependency on central management, higher cost for small organizations, and upgrade difficulties (2 all-time mentions).
- **FortiGate-VM NGFW strengths:** Ease of use (12 all-time mentions), features (10), security (8), protection (7), easy setup (6), firewall efficiency (6), performance speed (6), threat detection (6), user interface (6), integrations (3), and centralized management (4).
- **FortiGate-VM NGFW trade-offs:** Difficult learning curve (4 all-time mentions), expensive licensing (4), update issues (4), poor customer support (3), and interface design challenges (3).

### Is Cisco Secure Firewall... or FortiGate-VM NGFW better for small businesses?

FortiGate-VM NGFW is the better fit for small businesses, with more favorable small-business reviewer sentiment and a broader appeal in ease of use and setup.

- **Cisco Secure Firewall...:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; reviewers note higher costs and complexity as barriers for small organizations.
- **FortiGate-VM NGFW:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; recent reviews highlight its user-friendly interface, easy setup, and suitability for small business environments.

### Which Firewall Software platform has better integrations?

FortiGate-VM NGFW is favored by reviewers for integrations, especially within the Fortinet ecosystem.

- **Cisco Secure Firewall...:** Reviewers mention limited third-party integration and note challenges integrating with other vendors' products.
- **FortiGate-VM NGFW:** Integrates with FortiManager (11 all-time mentions) and FortiAnalyzer (9 all-time mentions), with additional recent mentions of integration with cloud platforms and the broader Fortinet Security Fabric.

### How do Cisco Secure Firewall... and FortiGate-VM NGFW compare on customer support?

Cisco Secure Firewall... and FortiGate-VM NGFW are within 0.5 points on Quality of Support, with Cisco Secure Firewall... holding a slight edge at 9.1 versus 8.6.

- **Cisco Secure Firewall...:** Reviewers consistently praise strong support, with many citing responsive assistance and high satisfaction (Quality of Support score 9.1).
- **FortiGate-VM NGFW:** Support is generally rated positively, but some reviewers mention slow response times and bureaucratic processes (Quality of Support score 8.6).

### Which is easier to implement, Cisco Secure Firewall... or FortiGate-VM NGFW?

FortiGate-VM NGFW is rated higher for Ease of Setup, with a 1.4-point advantage over Cisco Secure Firewall... (8.8 vs 7.4).

- **Cisco Secure Firewall...:** Reviewers describe setup as requiring significant expertise, with some noting management complexity and the need for dedicated resources.
- **FortiGate-VM NGFW:** Many reviewers highlight easy deployment, straightforward initial setup, and user-friendly configuration, especially in virtual and cloud environments.

### Which product has better Firewall?

FortiGate-VM NGFW is more frequently cited for Firewall as a standout feature, with higher reviewer satisfaction and more all-time mentions.

- **Cisco Secure Firewall...:** Firewall Efficiency is cited as a strength (1 all-time mention); Meets Requirements score is 8.8.
- **FortiGate-VM NGFW:** Firewall Efficiency is cited as a strength (6 all-time mentions); Meets Requirements score is 9.1; reviewers consistently highlight firewall performance and effectiveness.