FortiClient

Overview

FortiClient combines endpoint defenses with tools for remote workers and centrally managed security. Depending on edition, it can provide AI-based antivirus, ransomware protection, endpoint quarantine and automated isolation of compromised devices, alongside VPN-encrypted tunnels and zero-trust access. That breadth is valuable for organizations building around Fortinet products, but it makes the choice of edition and management model important: the standalone tier has no centralized EMS, while advanced access and protection features sit in paid editions.

Key features

The unified agent supports Universal ZTNA, VPN tunnels, URL filtering and CASB, giving remote workers more than a basic VPN connection. Endpoint protection adds an application firewall, cloud sandbox support, USB device control and ransomware and exploit protection. Automated response can detect and isolate compromised endpoints, a practical advantage for teams that need containment as well as alerts.

FortiClient is centrally managed through FortiClient EMS, with FortiClient Cloud also offered as a management option. Integrations include Fortinet Security Fabric products such as FortiGate, FortiSandbox and FortiSIEM, as well as FortiAuthenticator, Active Directory and Google G Suite Admin Console. This is a strong fit for organizations already using that ecosystem; buyers seeking a self-contained endpoint tool should weigh the value of those integrations against the added management layer.

Pricing

FortiClient VPN-only costs 0.00 USD per free. It provides a VPN client, making it the sensible choice for users who need encrypted remote access without a wider endpoint suite. Upgrading is required for support, central management and zero-trust posture assessment.

FortiClient Standalone Edition is an entry-level commercial tier for small-scale deployments. It includes remote access VPN with MFA and email technical support, but has no centralized EMS. It is a more limited choice for organizations that need central oversight across devices.

FortiClient EPP/APT Edition includes ZTNA Edition features, plus AI antivirus and malware protection, ransomware and exploit protection, an application firewall, sandboxing and removable media control. FortiClient ZTNA Edition focuses on zero-trust application access, endpoint posture checks, VPN, vulnerability remediation, web filtering, CASB and EMS management. Both paid editions use custom pricing. The stronger EPP/APT protection or ZTNA management may justify requesting a quote, but neither tier offers a published price for straightforward budget comparison.

Platforms

FortiClient supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows. Its broader deployment capabilities include Linux distributions and Windows Server hosts, and cloud support for AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. This range makes it relevant to mixed-device and cloud environments rather than only desktop fleets.

Who it's for

FortiClient is best suited to organizations that want endpoint protection, response and secure access managed within a Fortinet-centered environment. The VPN-only plan also serves users who need a free VPN client, though it gives up support, central management and posture assessment. Small deployments that want MFA and email technical support can consider Standalone Edition, while teams requiring centrally managed ZTNA and broader endpoint defenses should compare the paid editions.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Endpoint protection, ransomware defenses and automated isolation bring prevention and response into one agent.
• Pros: VPN, ZTNA, URL filtering and CASB address several remote-access needs, rather than only providing a tunnel.
• Pros: Support for major desktop and mobile platforms, Windows Server, Linux distributions and three major cloud platforms suits varied environments.
• Cons: The free tier is VPN-only; central management, support and posture assessment require an upgrade.
• Cons: Standalone Edition lacks centralized EMS, limiting its appeal for organizations that need fleet-wide oversight.
• Cons: Paid editions have custom pricing, so comparing costs requires a quote rather than a published rate.

Alternatives

For a wider category comparison, browse Endpoint Protection Platforms, Antivirus software, Zero Trust Network Access Software, Mobile Threat Defense Software and Business VPN Software.

• SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint is a paid alternative with a 179.99 USD per year plan for 5–100 workstations, but no free plan.
• Microsoft Defender for Business is worth comparing for teams of up to 300 users: its 3.00 USD per month price is billed yearly and auto-renews annually.
• Kaspersky Next is another paid endpoint option, with a free trial and cloud or on-premises deployment for its EDR Optimum tier.
• Comodo Advanced Endpoint Protection uses custom quotes and covers servers, desktops, laptops and mobile devices.
• Deep Instinct Prevention Platform is an enterprise product whose pricing requires a demo request.
• Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite prices by the number of protected stations, including servers, with quotes required.
• PC Matic offers a free plan and a 60.00 USD per year Antivirus plan, making it a freemium alternative to consider.
• Sophos Endpoint is another paid endpoint option.

Verdict

Choose FortiClient if your organization wants endpoint security and remote access in a centrally managed agent, especially within the Fortinet ecosystem. Its free VPN-only tier is a useful entry point, but organizations that need broad protection, EMS management or zero-trust posture assessment should expect a custom-priced upgrade. Look elsewhere if a published price or centralized management in an entry-level tier is essential.