FortiClient vs ESET Small Business Security

FortiClient8.9Visit ESET Small Business Security8.3Visit

Higher score FortiClient #5 in Antivirus Software 8.9/10 Pricing on request ✓ 1 of 3 features Visit Fortinet

vs

ESET Small Business Security #10 in Antivirus Software 8.3/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 2 of 3 features Visit ESET

• FortiClient fits best

  Enterprise teams using Fortinet infrastructure

• ESET Small Business Security fits best

  Small businesses needing broad security features

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature	FortiClient 8.9/10 Visit ↗	ESET Small Business Security 8.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.9	8.3
Ranking	#5 in Antivirus Software	#10 in Antivirus Software
Best for	Enterprise teams using Fortinet infrastructure	Small businesses needing broad security features
Pricing model	Paid	Paid
Starting price	Pricing on request	—
Free plan	—	—
Free trial	—	30 days
Deployment	Cloud, Self-hosted	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	Web, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome extension
Support	Email, Community · 24/7	Email, Live chat, Phone, Tickets, Docs
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business
Features FortiClient 1/3 · ESET Small Business Security 2/3
Ransomware protection	✓	✓
Parental controls	—	—
Password manager	—	✓ (best)
Specs
Protection scope	Complete security	Complete security
Device limit	Not checked yet	25 devices
Supported platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	Windows, Windows Server, macOS, Android, iOS
Our review
Pros	Combines antivirus, ransomware protection, VPN, and zero-trust access Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Chromebook Integrates with FortiGate, FortiSandbox, FortiSIEM, and Security Fabric	Ransomware remediation, firewall and network attack protection VPN, encryption and password manager included Supports Windows, macOS, Android and Windows Server
Cons	Pricing requires a sales conversation rather than public plan rates Editions and licenses change included features and device limits Its strongest fit depends on an existing Fortinet security environment	Coverage is limited to 5–25 devices Features vary across operating systems iOS receives privacy features rather than antivirus protection
Our verdict	FortiClient is Fortinet endpoint software for organizations that need protection, secure access, and centralized device controls across a mixed environment. Its security coverage includes antivirus and AI-powered next-generation antivirus,… Read the review →	ESET Small Business Security is a paid subscription antivirus and security suite for small businesses managing Windows PCs, macOS computers, Android devices and Windows Server systems. It combines malware detection with web access… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• FortiClient — where it wins

  • Combines antivirus, ransomware protection, VPN, and zero-trust access
  • Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Chromebook
  • Integrates with FortiGate, FortiSandbox, FortiSIEM, and Security Fabric

  Where it doesn't

  • Pricing requires a sales conversation rather than public plan rates
  • Editions and licenses change included features and device limits
  • Its strongest fit depends on an existing Fortinet security environment

• ESET Small Business Security — where it wins

  • Ransomware remediation, firewall and network attack protection
  • VPN, encryption and password manager included
  • Supports Windows, macOS, Android and Windows Server

  Where it doesn't

  • Coverage is limited to 5–25 devices
  • Features vary across operating systems
  • iOS receives privacy features rather than antivirus protection

• FortiClient8.9/10 · Pricing on request

  A broad endpoint security client for teams already invested in Fortinet infrastructure.

  Visit FortinetFull verdict →
• ESET Small Business Security8.3/10 · 30-day trial

  A broad small-business security suite covering up to 25 devices and Windows Server.

  Visit ESETFull verdict →