10 Best Fortinet Firewalls in 2026

Every network reaches a point where the built-in router firewall stops cutting it. Maybe you’re seeing weird traffic patterns, or a contractor’s laptop introduced something that made IT wince. You look for a purpose-built security appliance that doesn’t just block ports but inspects, filters, and isolates threats in real time. Fortinet’s FortiGate lineup is the most deployed firewall platform in the world for a reason: it scales from a tiny fanless desktop box to a chassis that handles thousands of users. But the 40F, 50G, 60F, 70F, 70G, and 90G aren’t equally right for every office. The best Fortinet firewalls balance port count, threat throughput, and subscription flexibility so you don’t overpay for ports you won’t use or under-buy for a growing team. Below, we break down all ten models to help you choose the one that matches your actual network size and security appetite.

The lineup splits into two clear camps: older F‑series appliances (40F, 60F, 70F) and newer G‑series hardware (50G, 70G, 90G) that uses a more efficient secure processor. Each has its own sweet spot. We’ll walk through every option, including the bundled subscription variants that ship with one or three years of FortiGuard UTP and FortiCare Premium. If you want a quick recommendation, see the TL;DR below.

TL;DR: The FortiGate-60F (appliance only) is the most versatile mid‑range pick with ten ports and strong IPS throughput. The FortiGate-40F with UTP bundle is the easiest turn‑key solution for a small office. The FortiGate-90G (appliance only) handles mid‑sized networks with its 10GE uplinks. The FortiGate-70G bundle offers the highest IPS performance in our roundup for growing branches.

Comparison Table

#	Product	Ports	IPS Throughput	Best For
1	FortiGate‑60F (Appliance Only)	10 GE RJ45 (2 WAN, 1 DMZ, 7 internal)	1.4 Gbps	Versatile small‑office and branch firewall
2	FortiGate‑60F 1‑Year UTP Bundle	10 GE RJ45	1.4 Gbps	One‑stop purchase with subscription included
3	FortiGate‑60F 3‑Year UTP Bundle	10 GE RJ45	1.4 Gbps	Multi‑year protection for committed teams
4	FortiGate‑40F (Appliance Only)	5 GE RJ45 (1 WAN, 4 internal)	1.0 Gbps	Ultra‑compact entry for tiny offices
5	FortiGate‑40F 1‑Year UTP Bundle	5 GE RJ45	1.0 Gbps	Entry with subscription and support bundled
6	FortiGate‑50G (Appliance Only)	5 GE RJ45	2.25 Gbps	High performance in a small fanless box
7	FortiGate‑50G 1‑Year UTP Bundle	5 GE RJ45	2.25 Gbps	Max throughput with AI‑powered protection
8	FortiGate‑70F (Appliance Only)	9 GE RJ45 (7 internal, 2 WAN)	Not specified	Compact branch with many internal ports
9	FortiGate‑70G 1‑Year UTP Bundle	10 GE RJ45 (7 internal, 2 WAN, 1 DMZ)	2.5 Gbps	Top IPS performance for growing branches
10	FortiGate‑90G (Appliance Only)	8 GE RJ45 + 2 10GE RJ45/SFP+	Exceptional	Medium business (200–500 users)

How We Picked

We evaluated these FortiGate models on the factors that actually matter when you’re deploying a next‑generation firewall for a small or mid‑sized network.

• Port count and WAN flexibility. A firewall that runs out of PoE‑free ports means you’re buying a switch anyway. We looked at how many internal, WAN, and DMZ ports each model gives you, and whether the WAN ports are dedicated or shared with the LAN.
• Security throughput (IPS and threat protection). Raw packet forwarding is table stakes — what counts is how fast the appliance can inspect SSL‑encrypted traffic and block threats. Higher IPS numbers mean you can keep full security features enabled without slowing down a gigabit internet connection.
• Subscription vs. appliance‑only. FortiGuard UTP bundles add web filtering, DNS security, antivirus, and anti‑botnet. Buying the appliance alone lets you pick your own subscription tier later, but the bundle is simpler for teams that want one SKU.
• Form factor and noise. Fanless desktop boxes (40F, 50G, 70F, 70G) fit under a desk or in a wiring closet without a rack. The 90G and some larger models include fans and need rack space. Office environment matters.
• Management and integration. Every FortiGate runs FortiOS, but we considered zero‑touch deployment, the management console’s visibility, and how easily the unit plugs into Fortinet’s Security Fabric for larger deployments.
• SD‑WAN capabilities. Several models include built‑in SD‑WAN features that can reduce the need for a separate router or WAN optimizer. The G‑series appliances bring better SD‑WAN performance thanks to newer processors.

1. FortiGate‑60F Firewall Appliance (FG‑60F, No Subscription): Best All‑Around Small Business Firewall

Pros

• Ten GE RJ45 ports including a dedicated DMZ port
• 1.4 Gbps IPS throughput handles most gigabit WAN connections with security enabled
• Compact desktop design fits on a shelf
• Zero‑touch deployment via Fortinet Security Fabric
• Purpose‑built SOC acceleration for SSL inspection

Cons

• No subscription included; you must buy FortiGuard separately to get UTP features
• Fanless design limits heat dissipation under sustained high loads
• No 10GE uplinks for future‑proofing

Best for: Small offices and branch locations that want the most port flexibility without paying for a subscription they don’t immediately need.

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The 60F is the Goldilocks appliance in Fortinet’s desktop lineup. You get two WAN ports (so you can fail over if your primary ISP drops), one DMZ port for public‑facing servers, and seven internal ports for your LAN devices. That’s enough to run a small office of twenty or thirty people without needing a separate switch for the firewall itself. The 1.4 Gbps IPS throughput means you can run full threat inspection on a symmetrical gigabit circuit and still have headroom. We like that the SOC4 chipset keeps SSL inspection fast even when you enable deep packet inspection on encrypted traffic.

The obvious trade‑off is that you’ll need to purchase a FortiGuard subscription to activate web filtering, antivirus, and anti‑botnet features. If you’re already a Fortinet shop or you want to evaluate a third‑party security stack, the appliance‑only route gives you that flexibility. For most buyers, though, the bundled version (see next entry) is simpler. The 60F hardware itself is rock solid: it’s been on the market since 2019 and has a proven track record in tens of thousands of deployments. The management console is clean and responsive, and the zero‑touch provisioning means you can ship a pre‑configured unit to a remote office and have it online in minutes.

2. FortiGate‑60F with 1‑Year FortiGuard UTP and FortiCare Premium (FG‑60F‑BDL‑950‑12): Best One‑Box Solution

Pros

• Same proven hardware as the appliance‑only 60F
• Includes one year of FortiGuard UTP (web filtering, DNS, anti‑botnet) and FortiCare Premium support
• Single SKU simplifies procurement and deployment
• Fanless and quiet

Cons

• After one year you must renew the subscription or lose UTP features
• No 10GE ports; same port ceiling as the appliance model
• 1.4 Gbps IPS may feel constraining if your internet connection exceeds that speed

Best for: Teams that want a trouble‑free purchase with security services included from day one.

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This is the same 60F hardware described above, but packed with a year of FortiGuard Unified Threat Protection and FortiCare Premium support. For a small business that doesn’t have a dedicated security engineer, buying the bundle means you don’t have to worry about licensing immediately. The UTP subscription activates web filtering (blocking phishing, malware domains), DNS security, video filtering, and anti‑botnet detection — all the layers that make a next‑gen firewall effective. FortiCare Premium gives you phone and ticket support with guaranteed response times, which is reassuring when something breaks at 3 PM on a Friday.

The catch, of course, is that the subscription expires after twelve months. Fortinet will still push firewall firmware updates, but the advanced security feeds stop working until you renew. That’s standard for enterprise firewalls, but it’s worth factoring into your total cost of ownership. If you’d rather avoid the renewal dance for three years, the 36‑month bundle (number 3 on our list) is the smarter play.

3. FortiGate‑60F with 3‑Year FortiGuard UTP and FortiCare Premium: Best Long‑Term Bundle

Pros

• Three years of UTP and support in one purchase
• Same reliable hardware as the other 60F variants
• No renewal stress for three years

Cons

• Larger upfront investment than the one‑year bundle
• Still limited to 1.4 Gbps IPS throughout the subscription term
• No hardware upgrade path if you outgrow the unit mid‑term

Best for: Organizations that prefer to lock in security services for multiple years and avoid annual renewal overhead.

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This is the same 60F hardware, but with a 36‑month term of FortiGuard UTP and FortiCare Premium. The hardware doesn’t change, so you get exactly the same performance envelope — but the multi‑year subscription gives you predictable operating costs and removes the risk of forgetting to renew mid‑project. IT managers who manage multiple remote sites often prefer this model because they can standardize on the 60F platform for three years without touching each unit’s licensing annually.

The downside is that three years is a long time in network security. By year three, you might wish you had moved to a G‑series appliance with higher throughput or 10GE ports. But if your traffic patterns are stable and you’re not planning a major bandwidth upgrade, the three‑year bundle delivers a lot of peace of mind.

4. FortiGate‑40F Firewall Appliance (FG‑40F, No Subscription): Most Compact Entry Point

Pros

• Extremely compact, fanless design — fits in a wall‑mount or on a desk
• 1 Gbps IPS throughput is enough for sub‑gigabit connections
• Low power draw and silent operation
• Includes Fortinet’s AI‑powered FortiGuard threat intelligence

Cons

• Only five ports (one WAN, four internal); expansion requires a switch
• No DMZ port without VLAN trickery
• IPS throughput tops out at 1 Gbps — limits future gigabit+ growth

Best for: Very small offices, retail branches, or home offices that need a proper firewall without the bulk.

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The 40F is the littlest FortiGate that still runs the full FortiOS feature set. It’s about the size of a thick paperback, and it runs entirely fanless, so you can drop it into a wiring closet or mount it behind a monitor without anyone hearing it. The five ports are enough for a basic setup: one WAN from the ISP, four for a couple of workstations, a printer, and a wireless access point. That’s a realistic configuration for a five‑person office or a retail storefront.

Performance is where you feel the size penalty. At 1 Gbps IPS, the 40F can handle a typical cable or fiber connection, but you can’t run full security inspection at speeds above that. Also, there’s no dedicated DMZ port; if you need to expose a server, you’ll have to use a VLAN on the internal interface. That’s workable, but not as clean as the 60F’s physical DMZ. For many small operations, the trade‑off in port count and throughput is acceptable given the tiny footprint. If you think you’ll grow beyond ten users in the next two years, the 60F is a safer bet.

5. FortiGate‑40F with 1‑Year FortiGuard UTP and FortiCare Premium (FG‑40F‑BDL‑950‑12): Best Small Office Starter Kit

(Note: same image as appliance-only but represents bundle)

Pros

• Compact hardware with one year of full UTP protection included
• FortiCare Premium support for troubleshooting
• Ideal for non‑technical teams at small sites

Cons

• Same five‑port limitation as the appliance‑only 40F
• After one year, UTP features stop unless renewed
• 1 Gbps IPS ceiling

Best for: Small office managers who want a single box that’s fully functional out of the box.

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The logic here mirrors the 60F bundles: you get the same 40F hardware plus a year of UTP and support. For a tiny office with no dedicated IT person, this is the most straightforward option. The web filtering and DNS security from FortiGuard will catch a lot of common threats before they reach users, and the anti‑botnet feature gives some peace of mind for remote workers.

The limitation is that you’re stuck with five physical ports for a year. If the office expands or you need to segment traffic (for example, a separate guest VLAN), you’ll need to add a managed switch and rely on 802.1Q VLANs. The 40F can handle that, but it’s an extra configuration step. For a pure plug‑and‑play experience with a bit more room, stepping up to the 60F bundle is worth considering.

6. FortiGate‑50G Firewall (FG‑50G, No Subscription): Highest Performance in a Fanless Desktop

Pros

• 2.25 Gbps IPS throughput — almost double the 60F
• Fanless, compact design
• Built on newer G‑series secure processor for better energy efficiency
• 1.3 Gbps SSL inspection performance

Cons

• Only five ports (one WAN, four internal)
• No 10GE or SFP connectivity
• Requires separate UTP subscription for advanced security

Best for: Small offices with a fast internet connection (over 1 Gbps) that need to inspect traffic at full line rate.

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The 50G is Fortinet’s answer to the “I need a small box that can keep up with a fiber connection” problem. While the 40F and 60F top out around 1–1.4 Gbps IPS, the 50G pushes past 2 Gbps, making it the speed king among the desktop‑sized units. That extra headroom matters if your office has a 2 Gbps fiber circuit or you plan to upgrade. The G‑series processor also handles SSL inspection more efficiently, so you can decrypt all traffic without bogging down the CPU.

The catch is port count. You only get five RJ45 ports, same as the 40F. If you need more than four internal connections, you’re adding a switch. And there’s no DMZ port. The 50G is really a speed‑focused replacement for the 40F, not a direct competitor to the 60F. For a business with a small number of users but a very fast connection — think a tech startup or a design agency uploading large files — the 50G makes a lot of sense.

7. FortiGate‑50G with 1‑Year FortiGuard AI‑Powered UTP (FG‑50G‑BDL‑950‑12): High Performance with Protection Included

(Note: same image as appliance-only)

Pros

• 2.25 Gbps IPS with one year of AI‑powered UTP services
• Same compact, fanless hardware
• Single SKU for fast deployment

Cons

• Five‑port limit
• Subscription expires after one year
• No 10GE

Best for: Small offices that want the fastest possible threat protection without buying separate licenses.

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This bundle pairs the 50G hardware with one year of FortiGuard AI‑powered UTP. The AI factor is Fortinet’s machine‑learning engine that detects novel threats based on behavior, not just signatures. In practice, that means the bundle is a strong choice if you’re worried about zero‑day malware or ransomware that hasn’t been seen on the internet yet.

The same port‑count limitation applies, so this is really for a small, growth‑limited office that values speed over expansion. If you’re setting up a remote branch with fewer than ten people and a multi‑gig link, this is one of the most future‑proof small boxes you can buy today.

8. FortiGate‑70F Firewall (FG‑70F, No Subscription): More Internal Ports for Dense Networks

Pros

• Nine GE RJ45 ports (seven internal, two WAN) — the most of any desktop F‑series
• Fanless, compact chassis
• Purpose‑built SOC acceleration
• Can act as an SD‑WAN appliance

Cons

• IPS throughput is lower than G‑series models (not explicitly stated but likely similar to 60F)
• No 10GE uplinks
• Appliance only; no subscription included

Best for: Small branch offices with many wired devices that need a single firewall‑plus‑switch combo.

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The 70F sits between the 60F and the 90G in port count: seven internal ports plus two WANs gives you nine usable RJ45 connections. That’s enough to plug in a handful of desktops, a server, a few access points, and a printer without needing a switch. For a branch office that’s already maxed out on switch ports, the 70F can simplify the physical network.

The hardware is from the F‑series generation, so performance broadly matches the 60F (1.4 Gbps IPS range). The SD‑WAN capabilities are a highlight: the 70F can bond or load‑balance two WAN links, which is useful for offices with cable and DSL as a backup. Unlike the 60F, the 70F has a slightly larger chassis, but it’s still fanless and quiet. If you’re choosing between a 60F and a 70F, the decision comes down to port count: do you need those extra three internal ports today? If yes, the 70F saves you from buying a separate eight‑port switch.

9. FortiGate‑70G with 1‑Year FortiGuard AI‑Powered UTP (FG‑70G‑BDL‑950‑12): The Desktop Performance Leader

Pros

• 2.5 Gbps IPS throughput — highest of any desktop model here
• 10 GE RJ45 ports with dedicated DMZ
• Fanless and energy efficient
• One year of AI‑powered UTP included

Cons

• Only available as a bundle (no appliance‑only option on this list)
• Subscription must be renewed after one year
• Still lacks 10GE or SFP+ ports

Best for: Growing branches that want the fastest possible threat inspection in a desktop form factor, with subscription included.

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The 70G is the newest and most powerful desktop FortiGate in this roundup. With 2.5 Gbps IPS throughput and 1.4 Gbps SSL inspection, it can comfortably handle a 2 Gbps WAN connection with full security services enabled. The ten ports match the 60F in layout (seven internal, two WAN, one DMZ), so you get both the port count and the performance uplift.

This is the model we’d recommend to a small business that expects to grow from ten users to twenty‑five in the next couple of years. The G‑series processor also brings better SD‑WAN performance, which matters if you plan to bond two ISP links or use VPN tunnels for cloud applications. The only catch is that you can’t buy the 70G as an appliance‑only SKU through this listing — it’s bundled with a one‑year subscription. That’s fine if you want UTP from day one, but if you prefer to use your own security stack, you’re stuck paying for a subscription you won’t use.

10. FortiGate‑90G Next‑Generation Firewall (FG‑90G, No Subscription): For Mid‑Sized Networks

Pros

• Eight GE RJ45 ports plus two 10GE RJ45/SFP+ shared media ports for uplinks
• Powered by Fortinet’s latest SP5 processor
• Designed for 200–500 users
• Appliance only, so you can choose your own subscription tier

Cons

• Larger chassis with fans — not silent
• Requires rack mounting for best airflow
• Overkill for small offices under 100 users

Best for: Medium businesses that need 10GE connectivity and high throughput for up to 500 users.

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The 90G is where Fortinet’s desktop line ends and the rack‑mount enterprise lineup begins, though this model is still sold as a compact desktop unit. The standout feature is the two 10GE RJ45/SFP+ shared media ports, which let you connect to a gigabit or 10‑gigabit switch without an external transceiver. That’s a huge advantage if your core switch has SFP+ uplinks or your ISP delivers 10GE handoffs.

Performance is in a different league than the smaller models. While Fortinet doesn’t publish exact IPS throughput for the 90G in the listing, Fortinet’s standard datasheet for the 90G quotes over 4 Gbps IPS — more than enough for any mid‑sized business. The SP5 processor also supports advanced features like encrypted traffic inspection at scale. This is not a cheap appliance, but if you’re managing a network of 200+ users or have a 10GE backbone, the 90G is the right starting point.

The downsides are physical: it’s bigger than the fanless models, and it includes fans that you’ll hear in a quiet office. It’s also appliance‑only, so you need to budget separately for FortiGuard subscriptions. But for a growing company that wants serious headroom, the 90G is the most future‑proof pick in this list.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Fortinet Firewall

Picking the right FortiGate comes down to matching the hardware’s port count and security throughput to your current and near‑future network demands.

Port Configuration and WAN Needs

The number of GE RJ45 ports determines how many devices you can plug directly into the firewall. Models with four internal ports (40F, 50G) work for a handful of wired devices and a switch. Models with seven internal ports (60F, 70F, 70G) can support a small server cluster or multiple access points without an extra switch. The 90G adds the ability to use 10GE for a core switch or a fast WAN link. Also, check how many WAN ports are available. Two WAN ports allow failover or load balancing; one WAN port forces you to use a DMZ port for a second internet connection, which isn’t ideal.

Security Throughput (IPS and Threat Protection)

IPS throughput tells you how fast the firewall can inspect traffic while blocking intrusions. A rule of thumb: pick a model whose IPS throughput is at least 50% higher than your internet connection speed. If you have a 500 Mbps link, a 1 Gbps IPS model gives you headroom. For a 2 Gbps fiber, you need the 50G (2.25 Gbps) or 70G (2.5 Gbps). SSL inspection throughput is equally important if you plan to decrypt and scan HTTPS traffic — the G‑series units handle that more efficiently than the F‑series.

Subscription vs. Appliance‑Only

FortiGuard UTP bundles include web filtering, DNS security, antivirus, anti‑botnet, and sometimes video filtering. Buying the appliance alone lets you opt for a la carte subscriptions or even use open‑source alternatives on the side. The bundled SKUs simplify procurement and guarantee you have all the security services running from day one. But remember that subscriptions expire (one or three years), and renewal is a separate cost. If you prefer to manage licensing directly, purchase the appliance‑only version.

Form Factor and Physical Environment

All models from 40F to 70G are fanless and can sit on a desk or in a small wall‑mount enclosure. The 90G has internal fans and is best installed in a well‑ventilated area or a small rack. Fanless units are silent and dust‑resistant, which matters if the firewall lives in an open office or a closet with limited airflow. If you need to mount the firewall in a standard 19‑inch rack, check whether a rack‑mount kit is available (the 90G has a kit; the smaller units often require a third‑party shelf).

SD‑WAN and Advanced Features

Most FortiGates include basic SD‑WAN routing, but the G‑series models (50G, 70G, 90G) offer better performance for traffic steering and WAN bonding. If your branch has multiple internet providers and you want to route VoIP traffic over the low‑latency link while sending backups over the cheaper one, the SD‑WAN capabilities on the G‑series are more responsive. The F‑series can also do SD‑WAN, but with lower throughput.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the FortiGate 40F and 60F?

The 40F has five Gigabit Ethernet ports and 1 Gbps IPS throughput, while the 60F has ten ports and 1.4 Gbps IPS. The 60F also includes a dedicated DMZ port, which the 40F lacks. The 60F is better for offices that need more wired connections or plan to use the DMZ for a public‑facing server.

Do I need a FortiGuard subscription to use a FortiGate firewall?

No. The appliance works as a stateful firewall with basic packet filtering and NAT out of the box. However, advanced features like web filtering, antivirus, intrusion prevention, and DNS security require a FortiGuard subscription. Without it, you lose most of the next‑generation firewall functionality.

What is Unified Threat Protection (UTP)?

UTP is Fortinet’s bundle of security services that includes web filtering, DNS filtering, anti‑botnet, and application control. It’s the most common subscription for small and mid‑sized businesses because it covers the main attack vectors without requiring separate licenses for each feature.

Can I mix FortiGate models in my network?

Yes. FortiGates of different models can be centrally managed via FortiManager or through the Security Fabric. You can place a 60F at a small branch and a 90G at headquarters, and manage them from a single dashboard. The FortiOS operating system is consistent across the lineup.

Is the FortiGate‑90G suitable for a small business with 20 users?

It is technically capable, but it’s overkill. The 90G is designed for 200–500 users. A 70G or even a 60F would be more appropriate and leave room for growth. The 90G’s 10GE ports and high throughput won’t be used in a 20‑user environment, and the larger chassis adds unnecessary noise and space.

How do I manage multiple FortiGates across different sites?

Fortinet offers FortiManager for centralized policy management, and FortiAnalyzer for logging. The Security Fabric integrates all FortiGates into a single view. Additionally, each FortiGate has a web‑based management console that can manage remote units via VPN tunnels.

What is FortiCare Premium?

FortiCare Premium is Fortinet’s enhanced support plan that includes 24/7 phone and online support, hardware replacement (RMA), and access to Fortinet’s Technical Assistance Center (TAC). It is bundled with the subscription SKUs on this list.

Final Verdict

The best Fortinet firewall for you depends on three variables: the number of wired devices you need to connect, the speed of your internet connection, and whether you want a subscription included. For the vast majority of small offices, the FortiGate‑60F (appliance only or with a bundle) hits the sweet spot of port count, performance, and manageability. If your connection is faster than 1 Gbps, the FortiGate‑50G or 70G will keep up better with full inspection enabled. For a medium business with up to 500 users, the FortiGate‑90G provides 10GE uplinks and unmatched throughput.

If you’re still undecided, start with the 60F appliance‑only model — it gives you the most flexibility to add FortiGuard later, and the hardware is proven across thousands of deployments.

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