Fortinet FortiClient

FortiClient is Fortinet’s endpoint agent for secure access, endpoint protection, compliance and Security Fabric telemetry. It runs on computers and mobile devices, then communicates with FortiClient EMS, FortiGate and other Fortinet products.

The product is available in capability levels that cover VPN and ZTNA access, endpoint protection, vulnerability assessment, web filtering and centralized policy management. Organizations can use EMS on premises or through hosted services.

FortiClient supports SSL VPN and IPsec VPN connections to FortiGate. Its Universal ZTNA capabilities use encrypted tunnels, user and device identity checks, single sign-on and endpoint posture validation.

Endpoint security functions include next-generation antivirus, application firewall, endpoint quarantine, ransomware protection, USB device control, web filtering and cloud sandbox integration. Some capabilities depend on the selected edition and supporting Fortinet subscriptions.

FortiClient EMS provides deployment, configuration, policy enforcement, software inventory, vulnerability dashboards, compliance rules, remote actions and endpoint grouping. EMS can integrate with Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID.

Fortinet documents integrations with FortiGate, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, FortiSandbox, FortiSASE, FortiNAC, FortiPAM, FortiMonitor and FortiSIEM. EMS also supports an API for configuration operations.

Fortinet does not publish standard public prices for the main commercial FortiClient editions. The ordering guide describes subscription licensing for VPN/ZTNA, endpoint protection and advanced threat protection, with device-based and user-based options.

Fortinet provides a VPN-only client download for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. The download page does not present it as a time-limited trial. Organizations needing centralized management or advanced endpoint features must obtain the applicable license through Fortinet or a reseller.

Pros

• Combines VPN, ZTNA and endpoint security functions in one agent.
• Integrates closely with FortiGate and the broader Fortinet Security Fabric.
• Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and Chromebooks.
• Provides centralized deployment and policy management through EMS.
• Offers an EMS REST API for configuration operations.

Cons

• Commercial pricing is not publicly listed and usually requires a quote.
• Advanced features depend on editions, subscriptions and Fortinet infrastructure.
• EMS deployment requires dedicated server resources and administrative planning.
• The product can be more complex for organizations using only basic VPN access.

Common alternatives include Cisco Secure Client for VPN and endpoint connectivity, Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect for security policy enforcement and remote access, Zscaler Client Connector for cloud-delivered zero-trust access, Ivanti Secure Access Client for enterprise remote access, and Netskope Client for security service edge deployments.

FortiClient is most suitable when an organization already operates FortiGate or other Fortinet Security Fabric components. Organizations seeking vendor-neutral or primarily cloud-native access may prefer a different client architecture.

Does FortiClient have a free version?

Fortinet provides a VPN-only client download. Central management, endpoint protection and advanced security features require the relevant licensed edition or service.

Does FortiClient include a free trial?

Fortinet’s public download page lists the VPN-only client but does not list a public, time-limited FortiClient trial. Trial availability may depend on a reseller, cloud marketplace or sales agreement.

Which operating systems does FortiClient support?

Fortinet documents support for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and Chromebooks. Exact versions depend on the FortiClient release.

Does FortiClient provide an API?

FortiClient EMS provides an API for configuration operations. Fortinet publishes the API documentation through its FortiAPI developer resources.

What products integrate with FortiClient?

Documented integrations include FortiClient EMS, FortiGate, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, FortiSandbox, FortiSASE, FortiNAC, FortiPAM, FortiMonitor and FortiSIEM.