Fortinet FortiGate vs KnowBe4: Complete Comparison (2026)

Updated: March 12, 20268 min read

Choosing between Fortinet FortiGate and KnowBe4 is a common decision for cybersecurity buyers in 2026. Fortinet FortiGate has been in the market since 2000, giving it a 10-year head start over KnowBe4 (founded 2010). Fortinet FortiGate serves 680K+ orgs users while KnowBe4 has 65K+ orgs users globally. Fortinet FortiGate differentiates with next-gen firewall and sd-wan, while KnowBe4 leads with phishing simulations and security training. In this head-to-head comparison, KnowBe4 earns a higher hiltonsoftware.co score of 92/100 — but the right choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and team size.

🛡️
Fortinet FortiGate
Cybersecurity
90
hiltonsoftware.co Score
VS
🎓
KnowBe4
Cybersecurity
92
hiltonsoftware.co Score
RECOMMENDED

Quick Comparison

Fortinet FortiGate
KnowBe4
Starting Price
Custom pricing
$18/user/yr
Free Plan
No
No
Users
680K+ orgs
65K+ orgs
Founded
2000
2010
Rating
4.5/5
4.6/5
Best For
Enterprises needing comprehensive network security...
Companies training employees to recognize and avoi...

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Fortinet FortiGateKnowBe4
86Ease of Use97
94Features92
90Value for Money93
89Customer Support85
94Integrations86
94Scalability88
86Learning Curve87

Pros & Cons at a Glance

Fortinet FortiGate
+Excellent price-to-performance ratio
+Comprehensive security fabric
-Management interface is complex
-Licensing model is confusing
KnowBe4
+Best-in-class phishing simulations
+Huge training content library
-Phishing tests can frustrate employees
-Admin portal has quirks
AI Verdict

After comparing Fortinet FortiGate and KnowBe4 across features, pricing, and user satisfaction, KnowBe4 takes the lead with a score of 92/100 versus Fortinet FortiGate's 90/100. KnowBe4's key advantages include "best-in-class phishing simulations" and "huge training content library". That said, Fortinet FortiGate has its own strengths — particularly "excellent price-to-performance ratio" — making it a viable alternative for specific use cases.

Neither Fortinet FortiGate nor KnowBe4 offers a free plan. Fortinet FortiGate starts at Custom pricing and KnowBe4 at $18/user/yr. For the investment, Fortinet FortiGate delivers next-gen firewall and sd-wan, while KnowBe4 provides phishing simulations and security training.

Bottom line: Choose Fortinet FortiGate if you need enterprises needing comprehensive network security with firewall and sd-wan. Go with KnowBe4 if your priority is companies training employees to recognize and avoid phishing attacks. Both are strong cybersecurity tools — we recommend trying a trial of each before committing.

CHOOSE FORTINET FORTIGATE IF:

Enterprises needing comprehensive network security with firewall and SD-WAN.

CHOOSE KNOWBE4 IF:

Companies training employees to recognize and avoid phishing attacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fortinet FortiGate better than KnowBe4 in 2026?
KnowBe4 scores 92/100 on hiltonsoftware.co compared to Fortinet FortiGate's 90/100. Fortinet FortiGate stands out for "excellent price-to-performance ratio" and is best for Enterprises needing comprehensive network security with firewall and SD-WAN. KnowBe4 is known for "best-in-class phishing simulations" and suits Companies training employees to recognize and avoid phishing attacks. Your specific workflow and team size should guide the decision.
What is the pricing difference between Fortinet FortiGate and KnowBe4?
Both offer paid-only plans. Fortinet FortiGate starts at Custom pricing and KnowBe4 at $18/user/yr. When comparing value, consider that Fortinet FortiGate (founded 2000, 680K+ orgs users) includes features like Next-gen firewall, SD-WAN, Intrusion prevention. KnowBe4 (founded 2010, 65K+ orgs users) offers Phishing simulations, Security training, Compliance training. The right choice depends on which features matter most to your team.
What are the main differences between Fortinet FortiGate and KnowBe4?
The key differences come down to focus and approach. Fortinet FortiGate excels at Next-gen firewall, SD-WAN, Intrusion prevention, while KnowBe4 focuses on Phishing simulations, Security training, Compliance training. Fortinet FortiGate's main advantage is "excellent price-to-performance ratio", though some users note "management interface is complex". KnowBe4's strength is "best-in-class phishing simulations", but "phishing tests can frustrate employees" can be a drawback. Both serve the Cybersecurity market but target different user profiles.
Can I switch from Fortinet FortiGate to KnowBe4?
Switching between Fortinet FortiGate and KnowBe4 is possible since both operate in the Cybersecurity space. Before migrating, export your data from Fortinet FortiGate and check KnowBe4's import capabilities. Key features to verify compatibility: Next-gen firewall, SD-WAN, Intrusion prevention (Fortinet FortiGate) vs Phishing simulations, Security training, Compliance training (KnowBe4). Consider running both tools in parallel during a trial period to ensure a smooth transition.
Which is better for small teams: Fortinet FortiGate or KnowBe4?
Both tools require paid subscriptions (Fortinet FortiGate: Custom pricing, KnowBe4: $18/user/yr), so evaluate based on features. Fortinet FortiGate is ideal for Enterprises needing comprehensive network security with firewall and SD-WAN, while KnowBe4 fits Companies training employees to recognize and avoid phishing attacks. Try both during their trial periods to see which fits your team's workflow.

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