# Fortinet Secure Networking vs Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF): side-by-side comparison (2026) [Fortinet Secure Networking](https://cybersectools.com/tools/fortinet-secure-networking) is a commercial [next-gen firewalls](https://cybersectools.com/categories/next-generation-firewalls) solution by [Fortinet](https://cybersectools.com/companies/fortinet). [Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/imperva-web-application-firewall-waf) is a commercial [cloud web application and API protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cloud-waap) solution by [Imperva](https://cybersectools.com/companies/imperva). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side. ## Our take What our shortlists say about each one. ### [Fortinet Secure Networking](https://cybersectools.com/tools/fortinet-secure-networking) Best for: Organizations consolidating NGFW, SD-WAN, and SASE under one vendor For SMBs, Fortinet is one of the few enterprise-grade NGFW vendors that scales down to smaller environments without a completely different product line. The FortiGate appliances cover everything from small branch offices to large data centers. The managed SOC-as-a-Service option is worth considering if you don't have 24x7 coverage internally. From [Best Next-Generation Firewall Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-next-generation-firewalls), Fall 2026. ### [Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/imperva-web-application-firewall-waf) Best for: Regulated teams wanting managed rules, such as banks Its place here comes from choice: a cloud service, a gateway for older on-premises apps and an elastic option for modern ones, all in one product. The audit logging maps to PCI DSS and GDPR work, which helps if you answer to regulators. Decide which option each app needs, because running gateways in your own data center is a different job from using a cloud service. From [Best Cloud WAAP Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-cloud-waap-solutions), Fall 2026. Reviewed by [Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze](https://cybersectools.com/about). Need the answer fast? [Best Next-Generation Firewall Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-next-generation-firewalls) picks Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls, Fortinet FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall, Cisco Secure Firewall and 4 more. ## Side-by-side comparison | | Fortinet Secure Networking | Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) | |---|---|---| | Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial | | Category | Next-Gen Firewalls | Cloud Web Application and API Protection | | Verified | No | No | | Deployment type | Hybrid | Hybrid | | Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | | Company | Fortinet | Imperva | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | Fortinet Secure Networking | Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) | |---|---|---| | SASE | Yes | – | | ZTNA | Yes | – | | SQL Injection | – | Yes | | XSS | – | Yes | | WAF | – | Yes | ### Core features **Fortinet Secure Networking** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ### Integrations **Fortinet Secure Networking** 1 integration listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)** 4 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ## Fortinet Secure Networking vs Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) FAQ Common questions when comparing Fortinet Secure Networking vs Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) for next-gen firewalls. ### What is the difference between Fortinet Secure Networking and Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)? **Fortinet Secure Networking**: Converged network security platform with NGFW, SD-WAN, SASE, and SecOps. Built by Fortinet. **Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)**: WAF protecting web apps and APIs from OWASP Top 10 and other threats. Built by Imperva. The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ. ### Who makes Fortinet Secure Networking and Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)? **Fortinet Secure Networking** is made by Fortinet. **Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)** is made by Imperva. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit. ### Is Fortinet Secure Networking a good alternative to Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)? In part. Fortinet Secure Networking and Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) are not in the same category on CybersecTools. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ. ## Related comparisons - [Fortinet Secure Networking vs Versa Next Generation Firewall](https://cybersectools.com/compare/fortinet-secure-networking-vs-versa-next-generation-firewall) - [Fortinet Secure Networking vs BeBroadband Application Awareness Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/bebroadband-application-awareness-security-vs-fortinet-secure-networking) - [Fortinet Secure Networking vs Hillstone Networks Integrative Cybersecurity](https://cybersectools.com/compare/fortinet-secure-networking-vs-hillstone-networks-integrative-cybersecurity) - [Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) vs Versa Next Generation Firewall](https://cybersectools.com/compare/imperva-web-application-firewall-waf-vs-versa-next-generation-firewall) - [Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) vs BeBroadband Application Awareness Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/bebroadband-application-awareness-security-vs-imperva-web-application-firewall-waf) - [Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) vs Hillstone Networks Integrative Cybersecurity](https://cybersectools.com/compare/hillstone-networks-integrative-cybersecurity-vs-imperva-web-application-firewall-waf) ## Alternatives to each - [See all Fortinet Secure Networking alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/fortinet-secure-networking) - [See all Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/imperva-web-application-firewall-waf) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/fortinet-secure-networking-vs-imperva-web-application-firewall-waf For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/fortinet-secure-networking.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on Fortinet Secure Networking and Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF): funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md