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Sutjipto Budiman - PeerSpot reviewer
Director at Widya Presisi Solusi
Real User
Top 5
Useful for end-user protection and as a VPN
Pros and Cons
  • "Fortinet FortiClient offers a vulnerability test feature, allowing us to monitor end-user devices. This includes ensuring necessary updates, such as Windows updates, are not overlooked."
  • "The tool needs to improve its web filtering feature. Its support quality needs improvement. We speak different languages, and this can create misunderstandings."

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution for end-user protection and VPN. 

What is most valuable?

Fortinet FortiClient offers a vulnerability test feature, allowing us to monitor end-user devices. This includes ensuring necessary updates, such as Windows updates, are not overlooked.

The tool simplifies our organization's endpoint management by monitoring users to ensure they use the right tools. Additionally, it allows us to enforce IT policies. 

If a user attempts to access a suspicious website, the tool prevents the computer from opening it. It integrates with FortiClient EMS, allowing IT security to enforce additional measures such as application firewall and web filtering. This enables the company to restrict users from accessing certain websites or using specific applications, such as blocking access to YouTube.


Fortinet FortiClient has improved our team's workload and response time to security incidents.

What needs improvement?

The tool needs to improve its web filtering feature. Its support quality needs improvement. We speak different languages, and this can create misunderstandings. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the product for seven years. 

Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiClient
March 2025
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate the product's stability a nine out of ten. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I rate the tool's scalability a nine out of ten.

How was the initial setup?

The tool's deployment is not complicated. Fortinet FortiClient's team is helpful in that regard. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I rate the product's pricing a seven out of ten. 

What other advice do I have?

I rate the overall product a seven out of ten. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
IT Director at Guangdong Technion Institute of Technology
Real User
Easy to setup, priced well, and you can automatically assign VPNs to specific users
Pros and Cons
  • "When the user gets authenticated, I can assign a different VPN or network to each user."
  • "I think that FortiClient can enhance the multifactor authentication."

What is our primary use case?

The primary use case of this solution is as a firewall. 

I have two Fortinet perimeter firewall boxes in my local data center. The two boxes also provide the SSL VPN functionalities, intended for authorized users only. Not everyone in my organization has access.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features of FortiClient are that it can be integrated with Active Directory to the central authentication and that I can manage the permissions.

When the user gets authenticated, I can assign a different VPN or network to each user.

It's a  good solution for the IT department to control the access permission. I find this quite useful.

What needs improvement?

I think that FortiClient can enhance the multifactor authentication. Currently, if you want to enable dynamic tokens with FortiClient authentication, you only have one option, which is supplied by Fortinet.

You cannot integrate FortiClient VPN with Google authenticator or Microsoft authenticator, it's impossible. I think that they can improve this module.

In the next release of this solution, if they could improve the MFA, it would be a perfect solution.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution since March of 2018, almost two and a half years. 

We are always using the latest version, as they regularly update their software.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It's quite stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

They say that it can support more than 1,000 concurrent users, so I would agree that it is scalable. We have 800 users.

Because we have only authorized certain people to use it, it is restricted to the IT department. This has less than ten people in other departments. There is a total of approximately 20 people who maintain this solution.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have used several solutions. Previously, I worked with Cisco AnyConnect Access VPN and also Pulse VPN, which is originated by Juniper.

We use these other solutions to access other organizations. It is not a decision to switch. These other solutions have been provided by previous employers.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is very easy and quite straightforward.

If you are an experienced network engineer then you can easily configure that to a VPN feature in less than half an hour.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

FortiClient is quite reasonably priced. 

You can get the firewall box rather than just the SSL VPN box. When you purchase extra hardware, you are not restricted in the number of end users. 

This compares favorably to other solutions such as Cisco AnyConnects or Pulse VPN, where you have to pay extra for the end-user license and it gets quite expensive.

What other advice do I have?

If you are thinking to adopt the Fortinet SSL VPN, you have to consider the security level, because, by default, FortiClients can only integrate with FortiToken with a very limited license that will give you two. You can purchase additional FortiToken licenses for the MFA, or you can change to another solution, or the final option is to have the security level compromised, where the users just have user passwords to get authenticated.

If users share their password with other users then the account is compromised. You cannot use multifactor authentication to prevent or to mitigate that risk. If you choose to use FortiClient you have to consider that feature.

I would rate this solution an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiClient
March 2025
Learn what your peers think about Fortinet FortiClient. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2025.
842,767 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Richard Torrenueva - PeerSpot reviewer
IT Manager at a consultancy with 51-200 employees
Real User
Top 10
Efficient remote access enhanced by VPN with room for better connectivity
Pros and Cons
  • "It's simple, downloadable, and there's usually no problem."
  • "There are compatibility issues, and sometimes, especially with macOS, it's difficult to set up properly."

What is our primary use case?

Currently, we are using FortiClient, and there's only a firewall. I am using FortiClient for remote workforce environments. It's used for remote employees.

What is most valuable?

The SSL VPN. Yeah, VPN. These are just the VPN capabilities that are mostly used.

What needs improvement?

There are compatibility issues, and sometimes, especially with macOS, it's difficult to set up properly. Sometimes, it connects, sometimes not. Another improvement is that we need to know if there's a proper setup for both Mac and Windows systems. We disconnect sometimes, and we don't really know the cause. Also, the FortiClient feature should connect seamlessly without manual intervention. Sometimes, there is a need for manual configuration before connecting.

For how long have I used the solution?

Currently, we are working eight or nine years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Stability is still a five out of ten as we don't know the cause of disconnections we face.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

In terms of scalability, I'm giving FortiClient a five out of ten since there is room for improvement.

How was the initial setup?

In terms of setting up, there are no issues. It's simple, downloadable, and there's usually no problem.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Currently, since we are deploying it, compared to before, it's a good price and cost. That said, now it has become costly. The rating is seven out of ten in terms of pricing.

What other advice do I have?

Based on requirements, I can recommend the product for other users.

I'd rate the solution seven out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Hybrid Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Other
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Ganesh Khutwad - PeerSpot reviewer
Software Engineer at Rich Products
Real User
A stable solution requiring a straightforward initial setup to get started but needing improvement on the scalability front
Pros and Cons
  • "It is a stable solution."
  • "Occasionally, the solution may provide a slow connection. In addition, there may be initialization and authorization issues that one may need to take care of while using the solution."

What is our primary use case?

Occasionally, the solution may provide a slow connection. In addition, there may be initialization and authorization issues that one may need to take care of while using the solution. As a network engineer, cybersecurity professional, and individual involved in the assessment process, it is necessary to monitor VPN connectivity regularly. This involves verifying whether the VPN connections are established or not and understanding any challenges that may be affecting users. These are the areas where I need to pinpoint and look into since I have been handed over the responsibility to do so.

What is most valuable?

The price to pay for the features is significant, in my opinion. However, I don't know much about the updates and packs since our company is not involved in that part. Our primary responsibility is to check the latency during slow periods of time. We must be aware of any slowness in the user's connection since they are connected to us. If users experience slow connections, we must address the issue promptly.

What needs improvement?

Assuming myself to be the subject and your database to be the object, whenever the subject requests access to the database, the authorization process needs to be done quickly to ensure that the database can be manipulated efficiently. However, sometimes data manipulation can still take time.This can be achieved fast through authorization, authentication, or a triple authentication system. I am from India, and I have to log in to the data center in the US. I wonder why it takes time despite us having leased lines and multiple connections. Therefore, these are important topics that we need to discuss further.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Fortinet FortiClient for one year.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is a stable solution.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Scalability-wise, I rate this solution a seven and a half out of ten. There should be a proper solution for patch implementation and server hardening. I would like the solution's scalability to be improved. Also, I plan to increase the solution's usage. I have 13,000 people using Fortinet FortiClient and Cisco AnyConnect based on their work areas and connectivity requirements. Redundancy measures have been implemented to ensure connectivity for all users.

As per my observation, there are people who are supportive of Fortinet FortiClient. Their support can be crucial in making the solution scalable since they possess years of experience in this field.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup process for the solution is straightforward. The initial setup was done one year ago.

Several steps need to be followed to deploy the solution. Firstly, the software required for the solution needs to be installed. Once the software is installed, the server name needs to be provided where the software will be deployed. Additionally, the network needs to be configured by specifying the IP addresses and gateway addresses to establish connectivity.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

As a technical team member, I am not responsible to look into the pricing matters. These aspects are typically handled by the management team, who have the authority to obtain the necessary licenses based on certain established principles. Also, I can only let the management team know when the license will expire. Ultimately, the decision-makers are the business consultants.

What other advice do I have?

I used Fortinet FortiClient for cryptography, which is something one can achieve faster over the solution. An alternative solution to consider is Cisco OpenConnect. It's important to consider the requirements of its users because, ultimately, everyone goes for a different redundancy. Fortinet FortiClient and Cisco OpenConnect are VPN solutions that can establish secure connections with other individuals or networks. They are both available as open-source resources.

Since I am not from the procurement side, I cannot recommend the solution to anyone from my end. However, from a technical perspective, I will be in a position to comment. Overall, I rate this solution seven and a half out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
FrançoisNolin - PeerSpot reviewer
Cybersecurity architect at Alithya
Real User
Easy to set up and user-friendly with good support
Pros and Cons
  • "It’s really easy to use."
  • "It would be interesting if the solution offered a way to try to investigate and create a use case to trace vectors."

What is our primary use case?

FortiClient is for the VPN. FortiClient is used with FortiGate. We have 100 users across both North America and Europe. We created a rule with the firewall to authorize the countries we are in, and we have rules to authorize specific IPs. We have to link to the internet.

How has it helped my organization?

The incidents in the log have been very useful. Some projects are really a pain to investigate. This helps.

What is most valuable?

The solution is user-friendly. It’s really easy to use. It is not like Cisco where GUI is really bad.

I don't have really issues with them. In terms of features, everything is easier.

When you want to find any information, you have documentation on hand that is easy to use.

You have good support and the price is good.

The solution is very easy to set up.

What needs improvement?

I’m not sure what exactly can be improved.

It would be interesting if the solution offered a way to try to investigate and create a use case to trace vectors.

For how long have I used the solution?

I’ve used the solution for more than two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We don’t have any issues with stability. It’s been fine. There are no bugs or glitches and it doesn’t crash or freeze. We don’t have any issues with the internet or power supplies.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have about 100 users on the solution currently. We don’t really scale it.

How are customer service and support?

Technical support has been excellent. They are fantastic.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I used a different solution. However, it does not cover the same responsibilities.

Sometimes, for SOCs, I’ve looked at WatchGuard, Palo Alto, Cisco, and Check Point.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was simple and straightforward. It wasn’t difficult at all.

I wasn’t a part of the initial setup and we tried to switch since the first time the person deployed it. In FortiGate, he used the wrong setting and the wrong methodology. We had to try to make some changes without creating any issues with the production.

It is very easy when you start at the beginning. It is not long to deploy.

What about the implementation team?

We handled the setup ourselves in-house. However, when I leave the company, likely they will try working with a third party as they don’t have the time and have a contract with other clients.

What was our ROI?

I don’t deal with anything related to pricing or costs or ROI.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I don’t know the exact pricing of the solution. It’s not an aspect I worry about.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

To compare every project on FortiClient you have and compare it with Palo Alto. Palo Alto offers a few more powerful new features. You can automate the use case. You have internet analysis and endpoint analysis. I would like to see the same options in FortiClient.

What other advice do I have?

I administrate FortiGate.

Within my new job, I am trying to be a partner with FortiGate and FortiClient to sell it to other clients. I have to get my certification just to be expert

I’d advise users to just look into best practices. Maybe try to join a training session. You can also simply go on the internet and try to find the best practices that make sense for you.

I’d rate the solution eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Tushar Joshi - PeerSpot reviewer
Sr. System Administration (Grindmaster Machines Pvt Ltd) at a manufacturing company with 201-500 employees
Real User
Top 20
Effective firewall control, easy to set up, and good scalability
Pros and Cons
  • "FortiClient benefits us by allowing control over internal and external users of the Fortinet network."
  • "The user interface is a bit sluggish and needs improvement."

What is our primary use case?

We are using FortiClient to block certain firewall policies for our users.

How has it helped my organization?

FortiClient benefits us by allowing control over internal and external users of the Fortinet network. We can apply the same policies from the physical firewall to the cloud side, which is beneficial for managing both types of users.

What is most valuable?

We primarily use the firewall feature in FortiClient, which is highly valuable to us.

What needs improvement?

We require that the process be simplified more. The user interface is a bit sluggish and needs improvement.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with FortiClient for three years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

FortiClient is stable. I don't find any issues regarding its stability.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

FortiClient can easily scale up.

How are customer service and support?

The support is sluggish. Sometimes there are delays, and sometimes they do not respond. So, I would not recommend FortiClient for enterprise-level implementation based on their support.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Neutral

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is simple. It is much simpler than the previous version.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The pricing is a bit on the higher side compared to other products.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

Cyberoam has more of a competitive edge, especially with AWS.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend FortiClient to other users.

I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Other
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Ahmad Abuyahya - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Technical Support Engineer at SPACE DATA SYSTEMS
Real User
Top 20
Has real-time threat detection for scanning files and antivirus
Pros and Cons
  • "We use real-time threat detection for scanning files and antivirus. It's integrated with Fortinet FortiAnalyzer. When an endpoint is compromised, Fortinet FortiClient and FortiGate trigger to block and isolate the user on the network."
  • "The tool could use more features, such as improved antivirus scanning with filters and application control to manage users. If you don't have FortiGate for web filtering and application control, you can use these in Fortinet FortiClient EMS. This gives you two options: on-site and off-site."

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution for antivirus and endpoint security.

What is most valuable?

When combined with EMS, Fortinet FortiClient's features are most helpful for endpoint security. It does improve our company's security posture.

We use real-time threat detection for scanning files and antivirus. It's integrated with Fortinet FortiAnalyzer. When an endpoint is compromised, Fortinet FortiClient and FortiGate trigger to block and isolate the user on the network.

This integration isn't difficult—it's part of the Security Fabric when FortiAnalyzer, FortiGate, and Fortinet FortiClient work together.

It with Security Fabric and FortiGate for blacklisting IPs and blocking compromised hosts, and providing VPN connectivity to encrypt traffic.

What needs improvement?

The tool could use more features, such as improved antivirus scanning with filters and application control to manage users. If you don't have FortiGate for web filtering and application control, you can use these in Fortinet FortiClient EMS. This gives you two options: on-site and off-site.

When a user is on-site at the company, you can apply policies to control your network's web filtering and application control. But when the user or PC is outside the company, you don't need to control what they open in their browser.

This is a benefit because I don't care what users access at home - they can open YouTube or Facebook. But when they're at the company, I want to restrict what they can open in the browser. I want to block YouTube and Facebook at work but allow all access at home.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

My company has 200 users.

How are customer service and support?

The support is open for 24/7 tickets. 

How was the initial setup?

It took about three days to install - one day for server and EMS installation, integrating with the LDAP server, and pushing the Fortinet FortiClient image over group policy.

What other advice do I have?

I rate the solution a nine out of ten. 

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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SHUBHAM BHINGARDE - PeerSpot reviewer
Project Engineer at CDAC
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
Acts as an additional layer for the firewall and enables organizations to manage users and traffic
Pros and Cons
  • "The product is user-friendly."
  • "The tool is expensive."

What is our primary use case?

We use the tool for our internal private network. We have many in-house servers. If we want to connect to the servers from home, we need to use FortiClient to connect to the network and access the virtual machines.

How has it helped my organization?

We cannot access the network without FortiClient. It can be used as an additional layer for the firewall.

What is most valuable?

We can manage users and traffic using the solution. We can use it for personal communications and virtual tunnels. Only authorized employees are allowed to access and use the VPN. Others can’t make any changes. We can create a hierarchy for the employees and allow them to access particular networks. For example, we do not allow any employee to use social media.

We can monitor and restrict some websites. The product is user-friendly. The level of security depends on how well we configure the product. We can enhance the security level by adding proper configuration. We only allow access to limited websites. There is a minimum chance of clicking on any malware links.

What needs improvement?

The tool is expensive.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for more than five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate the tool’s stability a nine out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I rate the tool’s scalability a nine out of ten. We are using the enterprise version. We have purchased licenses for 100 users, but our organization has 50 to 70 users.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

We pay an annual subscription fee.

What other advice do I have?

Overall, I rate the product an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Fortinet FortiClient Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: March 2025
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Fortinet FortiClient Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.