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# FortiGate IPS vs Snort Comparison - What are their main differences?

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FortiGate IPSSnort[+ Add Product](#)

Reviews

**FortiGate IPS** [

4.7/5(15)

](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-ips/reviews#reviews)

**Snort** [

4/5(18)

](https://www.g2.com/products/snort/reviews#reviews)

Pricing

**FortiGate IPS**
No pricing available

**Snort**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**FortiGate IPS**
\<1 month

Based on 7 responses

**Snort**
Not enough reviews yet

Return on Investment

**FortiGate IPS**
Not enough reviews yet

**Snort**
Not enough reviews yet

Perceived Cost

**FortiGate IPS**
Not enough reviews yet

**Snort**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**FortiGate IPS**
Not enough reviews yet

**Snort**
Not enough reviews yet

Pros & Cons

**FortiGate IPS**
Not enough data

**Snort**
Not enough data

Ratings

Meets Requirements

**FortiGate IPS**

9.3

9.37

**Snort**

6.5

6.518

Ease of Use

**FortiGate IPS**

9.4

9.48

**Snort**

8.8

8.818

Ease of Setup

**FortiGate IPS**

9.3

9.37

**Snort**
Not enough data

Ease of Admin

**FortiGate IPS**

9.2

9.26

**Snort**
Not enough data

Quality of Support

**FortiGate IPS**

8.8

8.87

**Snort**

8.1

8.118

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**FortiGate IPS**

9.2

9.26

**Snort**
Not enough data

Product Direction (% positive)

**FortiGate IPS**

10.0

10.06

**Snort**

7.3

7.317

Features

Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)[Hide 14 FeaturesShow 14 Features](javascript:void(0);)

9.5

8

Not enough data

Prevention

Intrusion Prevention

9.5(won by default)

7

Not enough data

Firewall

9.8(won by default)

7

Not enough data

Encryption

9.4(won by default)

6

Not enough data

Security hardening

9.7(won by default)

5

Not enough data

Cloud Data Protection

Not enough data

Not enough data

Detection

Intrusion Detection

9.2(won by default)

6

Not enough data

Security Monitoring

9.4(won by default)

6

Not enough data

Anti-Malware / Malware Detection

9.3(won by default)

7

Not enough data

Administration

Compliance

9.3(won by default)

5

Not enough data

Administration Console -

9.8(won by default)

7

Not enough data

API / integrations

9.7(won by default)

5

Not enough data

Generative AI

AI Text Summarization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Agentic AI - Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)

Autonomous Task Execution

Not enough data

Not enough data

Proactive Assistance

Not enough data

Not enough data

Show 1 feature category with incomplete data

Network Security[Hide 40 FeaturesShow 40 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Additional Functionality

Penetration Testing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Alerts/Notifications

Not enough data

Not enough data

Audit Trail

Not enough data

Not enough data

Anti Virus

Not enough data

Not enough data

Vulnerability Scanning

Not enough data

Not enough data

Remote Monitoring & Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

VPN

Not enough data

Not enough data

Behavior Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting/Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Notifications

Not enough data

Not enough data

Access Controls/Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

SSL Security

Not enough data

Not enough data

Patch Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Event Logs

Not enough data

Not enough data

Anomaly/Malware Detection

Not enough data

Not enough data

DNS Leak Protection

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Server Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Compliance Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Network Provisioning

Not enough data

Not enough data

API

Not enough data

Not enough data

Email Alerts

Not enough data

Not enough data

Security Auditing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Intrusion Detection System

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Visualization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Two-Factor Authentication

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

Firewalls

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

Anti Spam

Not enough data

Not enough data

Threat Response

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Risk Alerts

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Loss Prevention

Not enough data

Not enough data

Single Sign On

Not enough data

Not enough data

Intrusion Prevention System

Not enough data

Not enough data

Secure Login

Not enough data

Not enough data

Policy Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Insights

Reviewers' Company Size

[![FortiGate IPS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_4b3d2bf7a2d1666c4c258b5faf9b3c45/fortigate-ips.jpg "FortiGate IPS")](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-ips/reviews)

FortiGate IPS

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

15.4%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

46.2%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

38.5%

[![Snort](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_e849ecb123c065581b07cd2323b90243/snort.jpeg "Snort")](https://www.g2.com/products/snort/reviews)

Snort

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

22.2%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

72.2%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

5.6%

Small-Business

(50 or fewer emp.)

15.4%

22.2%

Mid-Market

(51-1000 emp.)

46.2%

72.2%

Enterprise

(\> 1000 emp.)

38.5%

5.6%

Reviewers' Industry

[![FortiGate IPS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_4b3d2bf7a2d1666c4c258b5faf9b3c45/fortigate-ips.jpg "FortiGate IPS")](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-ips/reviews)
FortiGate IPS

Information Technology and Services

23.1%

Financial Services

23.1%

Banking

15.4%

Pharmaceuticals

7.7%

Non-Profit Organization Management

7.7%

Other

23.1%

[![Snort](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_e849ecb123c065581b07cd2323b90243/snort.jpeg "Snort")](https://www.g2.com/products/snort/reviews)
Snort

Computer Software

83.3%

Information Technology and Services

11.1%

Computer & Network Security

5.6%

&dash;

&dash;

Other

0.0%

FAQs

## FortiGate IPS vs Snort FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 15, 2026

### What is the difference between Snort vs FortiGate IPS?

FortiGate IPS stands out for higher reviewer satisfaction and ease of setup compared to Snort.

| [Snort](https://www.g2.com/products/snort/reviews) | [FortiGate IPS](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-ips/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.0/5 (18 reviews) | 4.7/5 (14 reviews) |
| — | — |
| — | 9.2 |
| 8.1 | 8.8 |
| Customizable open-source rules and broad network visibility | Comprehensive protection, deep packet inspection, and integration with other security features |

### How do the pricing models of Snort and FortiGate IPS compare?

FortiGate IPS is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing greater satisfaction with its pricing compared to Snort.

- **Snort:** Reviewers highlight that Snort is open source and free to use, but note the need for significant configuration and ongoing maintenance, which can impact perceived value.
- **FortiGate IPS:** Reviewers describe FortiGate IPS as cost effective, providing good ROI, and appreciate that it is included with the NGFW license, making it easy to enable and manage.

### What are the best alternatives to Snort and FortiGate IPS?

The top three alternatives to Snort and FortiGate IPS are Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls, Ossec, and CrowdSec.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Snort](https://www.g2.com/products/snort/reviews) | 4.0/5 (18) | — | Open source, free to use | Customizable rules, broad network visibility |
| [FortiGate IPS](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-ips/reviews) | 4.7/5 (14) | — | Cost effective, included with NGFW license | Comprehensive protection, deep packet inspection |
| [Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-next-generation-firewalls/reviews) | 4.5/5 (170) | Mid-Market | — | Advanced security features, strong market presence |
| [Ossec](https://www.g2.com/products/ossec/reviews) | 4.6/5 (10) | — | — | Host-based intrusion detection, open source |
| [CrowdSec](https://www.g2.com/products/crowdsec/reviews) | 4.7/5 (88) | Small-Business | — | Collaborative threat intelligence, easy deployment |

### Which Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS) features should I prioritize when comparing Snort and FortiGate IPS?

Buyers comparing Snort and FortiGate IPS should prioritize ease of setup, quality of support, detection accuracy, integration capabilities, and rule customization.

- **Ease of Setup:** FortiGate IPS scores 9.2, while Snort has no score reported.
- **Quality of Support:** Snort scores 8.1, FortiGate IPS scores 8.8.
- **Detection Accuracy:** Snort is praised for customizable rules and broad network visibility; FortiGate IPS is noted for deep packet inspection and proactive threat protection.
- **Integration Capabilities:** FortiGate IPS is highlighted for integration with other security features and SIEM tools.
- **Rule Customization:** Snort is recognized for its open-source, customizable rule sets.

### What are the pros and cons of Snort vs FortiGate IPS?

Snort's headline strength is its open-source flexibility and customizable rules, while FortiGate IPS excels in comprehensive protection and ease of use.

- **Snort strengths:** Open source, customizable rules, broad network visibility, active community support, and deep analysis capabilities.
- **Snort trade-offs:** Requires significant configuration and ongoing maintenance, higher false positive management, lacks a user interface, and demands domain knowledge for effective use.
- **FortiGate IPS strengths:** Comprehensive protection, deep packet inspection, proactive threat prevention, easy integration with other security features, and high ease of setup and use.
- **FortiGate IPS trade-offs:** Occasional firewall conserve mode issues, memory-intensive on the firewall, and some features removed from the GUI in updates.

### Is Snort or FortiGate IPS better for small businesses?

CrowdSec is the top-rated alternative for small businesses, but between Snort and FortiGate IPS, FortiGate IPS is better suited for small-business needs based on reviewer sentiment.

- **Snort:** No dominant small-business segment reported; reviewers note it is more suitable for users with strong technical knowledge and larger systems.
- **FortiGate IPS:** No dominant small-business segment reported; reviewers highlight ease of use, cost effectiveness, and integration with other security features as benefits for smaller organizations.

### Which Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS) platform has better integrations?

FortiGate IPS is favored for integrations, with reviewers highlighting its compatibility with SIEM tools and other security features.

- **Snort:** No recent reviewer-cited integrations reported.
- **FortiGate IPS:** Reviewers mention integration with SIEM tools and other Fortinet security products in recent reviews.

### How do Snort and FortiGate IPS compare on customer support?

Snort and FortiGate IPS are rated within 0.7 points on Quality of Support, with FortiGate IPS scoring slightly higher at 8.8 versus Snort's 8.1.

- **Snort:** Reviewers appreciate the active community and available documentation, but note that support can require more self-service and technical expertise.
- **FortiGate IPS:** Reviewers describe support as responsive and helpful, with some noting regular updates and assistance with integration and configuration.

### Which is easier to implement, Snort or FortiGate IPS?

FortiGate IPS is easier to implement, with a 9.2 Ease of Setup score and consistently positive reviewer feedback on deployment and configuration.

- **Snort:** Reviewers report that setup requires significant configuration, domain knowledge, and command-line use, making initial implementation more complex.
- **FortiGate IPS:** Reviewers highlight straightforward setup, intuitive interface, and easy enablement as part of the NGFW license.

Alternatives

**FortiGate IPS 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)

 ![Forcepoint Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/9ba689656d6e458c557d6c5c61376a19/forcepoint-next-generation-firewall-ngfw.png "Forcepoint Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW)")

[
Forcepoint Next-Gen Firewall
](/products/forcepoint-next-generation-firewall-ngfw/reviews)

 ![LevelBlue USM Anywhere](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/dafcd5faaef898c5bee18cd5d63cef91/levelblue-usm-anywhere%282%29.svg "LevelBlue USM Anywhere")

[
LevelBlue USM Anywhere
](/products/levelblue-usm-anywhere/reviews)

 ![Check Point Quantum Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/64ff8da1b6e6ffabf4336ae2510e8e3e/check-point-quantum-intrusion-prevention-system-ips.svg "Check Point Quantum Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)")

[
Check Point Quantum...
](/products/check-point-quantum-intrusion-prevention-system-ips/reviews)

**Snort 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)

 ![Ossec](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_68fe4f9ef12f3b7f5ebe2d1849424924/ossec.png "Ossec")

[
Ossec
](/products/ossec/reviews)

 ![CrowdSec](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/d7dbc2a714938747ea449ae2a51151f7/crowdsec.svg "CrowdSec")

[
CrowdSec
](/products/crowdsec/reviews)

 ![LevelBlue USM Anywhere](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/dafcd5faaef898c5bee18cd5d63cef91/levelblue-usm-anywhere%282%29.svg "LevelBlue USM Anywhere")

[
LevelBlue USM Anywhere
](/products/levelblue-usm-anywhere/reviews)

## FortiGate IPS vs Snort

- Reviewers felt that FortiGate IPS meets the needs of their business better than Snort.
- When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that FortiGate IPS is the preferred option.
- For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of FortiGate IPS over Snort.