Fortinet FortiGate vs KnowBe4: Complete Comparison (2026)

By Elena Kowalski, Security & Enterprise Editorยท12 years of experienceยทUpdated 2026-04-24ยท8 min read

In comparing Fortinet FortiGate and KnowBe4 in 2026, Fortinet FortiGate is the stronger choice for enterprises needing comprehensive network security with firewall and sd-wan due to excellent price-to-performance ratio. KnowBe4 excels for companies training employees to recognize and avoid phishing attacks with best-in-class phishing simulations. Fortinet FortiGate offers Next-gen firewall, SD-WAN, Intrusion prevention starting at Custom pricing. KnowBe4 provides Phishing simulations, Security training, Compliance training from $18/user/yr. For teams prioritizing value, Fortinet FortiGate delivers a hiltonsoftware Score of 75/100. Fortinet FortiGate and KnowBe4 compete in the cybersecurity segment of the SaaS market, where cloud-native solutions, API integrations, and workflow automation drive enterprise and SMB adoption. Other leading cybersecurity tools include Okta, 1Password, Cloudflare. Fortinet FortiGate serves 680K+ orgs users globally (founded 2000) while KnowBe4 reports 65K+ orgs active users (founded 2010).

Fortinet FortiGate vs KnowBe4 at a Glance

Fortinet FortiGate
KnowBe4
Starting Price
Custom pricing
$18/user/yr
Free Plan
No
No
User Rating
4.5/5
4.6/5
Best For
Enterprises needing comprehensive network security...
Companies training employees to recognize and avoi...
Users
680K+ orgs
65K+ orgs
Founded
2000
2010
hiltonsoftware Score
75/100
71/100
Pricing verified: March 2026 ยท Based on official vendor data
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ
Fortinet FortiGate
Cybersecurity
75
hiltonsoftware.co Score
RECOMMENDED
VS
๐ŸŽ“
KnowBe4
Cybersecurity
71
hiltonsoftware.co Score

What are the main differences between Fortinet FortiGate and KnowBe4?

Fortinet FortiGate and KnowBe4 differ across ease of use, features, value, support, integrations, scalability, and learning curve. Fortinet FortiGate leads in 4 of 7 categories.

Fortinet FortiGateKnowBe4
79Ease of Use82
80Features80
61Value for Money63
75Customer Support69
69Integrations66
68Scalability65
66Learning Curve69

What are the pros and cons of Fortinet FortiGate vs KnowBe4?

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

Which is better, Fortinet FortiGate or KnowBe4?

After evaluating Fortinet FortiGate and KnowBe4 across features, pricing, integrations, and user satisfaction, Fortinet FortiGate earns a higher hiltonsoftware Score of 75/100 versus KnowBe4 at 71/100. Fortinet FortiGate stands out for "excellent price-to-performance ratio" and "comprehensive security fabric". KnowBe4 delivers competitive advantages in "best-in-class phishing simulations", making KnowBe4 a viable alternative.

Neither Fortinet FortiGate nor KnowBe4 offers a free plan. Fortinet FortiGate starts at Custom pricing and KnowBe4 at $18/user/yr.

Bottom line: Choose Fortinet FortiGate for enterprises needing comprehensive network security with firewall and sd-wan. Choose KnowBe4 for companies training employees to recognize and avoid phishing attacks. Both Fortinet FortiGate and KnowBe4 are established cybersecurity platforms.

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.

Fortinet FortiGate vs KnowBe4: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fortinet FortiGate better than KnowBe4 in 2026?
Fortinet FortiGate outperforms KnowBe4 in the 2026 hiltonsoftware.co analysis with a score of 75/100 compared to 71/100. Fortinet FortiGate excels in Next-gen firewall, SD-WAN, Intrusion prevention, making Fortinet FortiGate the better choice for Enterprises needing comprehensive network security with firewall and SD-WAN. KnowBe4 is the stronger option for Companies training employees to recognize and avoid phishing attacks due to best-in-class phishing simulations. For teams needing next-gen firewall, hiltonsoftware.co recommends Fortinet FortiGate.
How does Fortinet FortiGate pricing compare to KnowBe4 in 2026?
Fortinet FortiGate starts at Custom pricing with no free tier. KnowBe4 starts at $18/user/yr without a free plan. Fortinet FortiGate includes features like Next-gen firewall, SD-WAN, Intrusion prevention. KnowBe4 provides Phishing simulations, Security training, Compliance training. Fortinet FortiGate serves 680K+ orgs users while KnowBe4 serves 65K+ orgs users. Evaluate total cost of ownership based on team size and required integrations.
What are the main differences between Fortinet FortiGate and KnowBe4?
Fortinet FortiGate specializes in Next-gen firewall, SD-WAN, Intrusion prevention, earning a 75/100 hiltonsoftware Score. KnowBe4 focuses on Phishing simulations, Security training, Compliance training, scoring 71/100. Fortinet FortiGate is best for Enterprises needing comprehensive network security with firewall and SD-WAN. KnowBe4 is best for Companies training employees to recognize and avoid phishing attacks. Both Fortinet FortiGate and KnowBe4 serve the Cybersecurity market but target different user profiles.
Can I migrate from Fortinet FortiGate to KnowBe4?
Migrating from Fortinet FortiGate to KnowBe4 is possible since both operate in the Cybersecurity space. Export data from Fortinet FortiGate and verify KnowBe4 import capabilities. Key features to evaluate: Next-gen firewall, SD-WAN, Intrusion prevention (Fortinet FortiGate) versus Phishing simulations, Security training, Compliance training (KnowBe4). Running both Fortinet FortiGate and KnowBe4 in parallel during a trial period ensures a smooth transition.
Is Fortinet FortiGate or KnowBe4 better for small business?
Both Fortinet FortiGate and KnowBe4 require paid plans (Fortinet FortiGate: Custom pricing, KnowBe4: $18/user/yr). Fortinet FortiGate (75/100) is ideal for Enterprises needing comprehensive network security with firewall and SD-WAN. KnowBe4 (71/100) fits Companies training employees to recognize and avoid phishing attacks. Evaluate both during trial periods.

Reviewed by Elena Kowalski, Security & Enterprise Editor. Last updated: 2026-04-24. Pricing verified: March 2026.

Read our scoring methodology to understand how the hiltonsoftware Score is calculated.

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