Cato Networks vs Fortinet FortiSASE: Cloud-Native or Hardware-Rooted?
Cato Networks and Fortinet FortiSASE take fundamentally different paths to SASE. Cato is built entirely in the cloud with no hardware dependencies, delivering all networking and security from a unified software platform. Fortinet extends its hardware-rooted FortiOS ecosystem into the cloud, leveraging the strength of FortiGate SD-WAN appliances and FortiGuard threat intelligence. The right choice often depends on whether you are starting fresh or building on an existing Fortinet investment.
Feature Comparison
How Cato Networks and Fortinet stack up across key capabilities.
Architecture
Cato Networks leads
Cato Networks 100% cloud-native SASE built from scratch. All networking and security services run in Cato's cloud with no on-premises hardware required. Single converged platform.
Fortinet FortiSASE extends the FortiOS operating system from on-premises FortiGate appliances into the cloud. Strong hardware roots with a growing cloud-delivered component. Not fully cloud-native.
SD-WAN
Fortinet leads Cato Networks Cloud-based SD-WAN with application-aware routing, dynamic path selection, and packet loss mitigation. Delivered entirely from Cato's backbone without edge hardware.
Fortinet FortiGate SD-WAN is consistently ranked among the best in the market. Application steering, WAN optimization, and granular traffic control. Requires FortiGate appliances at branch locations.
Security Stack
Even match Cato Networks Full security stack including FWaaS, SWG, CASB, DLP, IPS, and ZTNA. All services are natively integrated in the Cato cloud engine with a unified policy framework.
Fortinet Comprehensive security powered by FortiGuard Labs threat intelligence. Includes NGFW, SWG, CASB, DLP, sandboxing, and web filtering. FortiGuard is one of the most established threat intelligence operations in the industry.
Deployment Model
Cato Networks leads Cato Networks Fully cloud-delivered. Lightweight socket appliance or agent-based connectivity. No rack-and-stack required. Ideal for organizations without on-site IT staff.
Fortinet Hybrid model with FortiGate appliances at branch offices connecting to FortiSASE cloud services. Requires hardware provisioning and on-site installation at each location.
Management
Cato Networks leads Cato Networks Single cloud-based management console for all networking and security policies. Unified visibility, logging, and analytics. Minimal training required.
Fortinet FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer provide centralized management and analytics. Powerful tools for Fortinet-experienced teams, but managing both hardware and cloud components adds operational layers.
Migration Path
Even match Cato Networks Clean migration path for organizations replacing legacy firewalls, MPLS, or point solutions. No dependency on existing vendor relationships. Can run in parallel during transition.
Fortinet Seamless extension for existing Fortinet customers. FortiGate policies and configurations carry over to FortiSASE. Significantly easier migration for Fortinet shops than switching vendors entirely.
Pricing
Even match Cato Networks Subscription-based pricing with all services bundled. Transparent and predictable. No hardware capital expenditure required.
Fortinet Competitive pricing, especially for organizations already licensing FortiGate. Hardware costs at branch locations add to the total, but Fortinet is generally the most cost-effective traditional security vendor.
Pros & Cons
Cato Networks
Strengths
- Fully cloud-native with zero hardware dependencies
- Single management console for all networking and security
- Fastest deployment in the SASE market
- Private global backbone with built-in optimization
- Simple subscription pricing with no capital expenditure
Limitations
- No on-premises hardware option for locations that require local processing
- SD-WAN capabilities are solid but do not match FortiGate's feature depth
- Smaller threat intelligence operation than FortiGuard Labs
- Less flexibility for organizations that prefer a hybrid on-prem and cloud model
Best For
Organizations building a modern network from the ground up or replacing aging MPLS and firewall infrastructure. Cato is ideal for companies that want a pure cloud-native approach with no hardware to manage, fast deployment timelines, and a single pane of glass for all networking and security operations. Particularly strong for distributed businesses with many branch locations and lean IT teams.
Fortinet
Strengths
- Best-in-class SD-WAN with FortiGate appliances
- FortiGuard threat intelligence is among the largest and most established
- Seamless migration for existing Fortinet customers
- Competitive total cost of ownership, especially for Fortinet shops
- Flexible hybrid deployment across on-premises and cloud
Limitations
- Not truly cloud-native, still rooted in hardware-first design
- Requires FortiGate appliances at branch locations, adding hardware overhead
- Management is split across FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, and FortiSASE consoles
- More complex for organizations without existing Fortinet expertise
Best For
Organizations with an existing Fortinet investment that want to extend their security posture into a SASE framework without ripping and replacing. Fortinet FortiSASE is best for companies that value FortiGate's SD-WAN leadership, need hybrid on-premises and cloud deployments, and want to leverage FortiGuard threat intelligence at scale. It is also the most cost-effective option for organizations already licensing Fortinet products.
Our Verdict
Choose Cato Networks if you want a fully cloud-native SASE platform with no hardware requirements, a single management console, and fast deployment. Choose Fortinet FortiSASE if you already run FortiGate appliances and want to extend your existing Fortinet investment into a SASE framework with best-in-class SD-WAN and cost-effective licensing. Greenfield deployments favor Cato. Organizations with an established Fortinet footprint often find FortiSASE the most natural path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need FortiGate hardware to use FortiSASE?
Is Cato Networks a good fit if we already use Fortinet?
Which platform is more cost-effective?
Can Catch Advisors help us evaluate Cato vs Fortinet?
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