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Head-to-head · Vpn Client

FortiClient vs Private Internet Access

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score FortiClient #5 in Vpn Client 8.5/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 2 features Visit FortiClient
Private Internet Access #8 in Vpn Client 8.2/10 7-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 2 features Visit site

FortiClient leads on 0 checks, Private Internet Access on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreFortiClient · 8.5/10
  • Free trialonly Private Internet Access
  • Most featuresPrivate Internet Access · 1 of 2

FortiClient scores higher on our rubric for vpn client: 8.5 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.

FortiClient is the better fit for enterprises managing VPN and endpoint security. Private Internet Access is the better fit for budget-conscious users with many devices.

  • FortiClient fits best

    Enterprises managing VPN and endpoint security

  • Private Internet Access fits best

    Budget-conscious users with many devices

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 8.5/10 Visit ↗ Private Internet Access 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.5 8.2
Ranking #5 in Vpn Client #8 in Vpn Client
Best for Enterprises managing VPN and endpoint security Budget-conscious users with many devices
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price Pricing on request $3.99/mo
Free plan — —
Free trial — 7 days
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension
Support Email, Community · 24/7 Email, Live chat, Docs · 24/7
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features FortiClient 0/2 · Private Internet Access 1/2
Kill switch Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Split tunneling Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Simultaneous connections Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
VPN protocols Not checked yet Not checked yet
Server locations Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Combines remote-access VPN and ZTNA with endpoint protection.
  • Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
  • EMS or FortiClient Cloud centralizes deployment and policies.
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections across supported devices
  • WireGuard, OpenVPN, split tunneling, and a kill switch
  • 91-country network with P2P and streaming-optimized servers
Cons
  • VPN is part of a wider endpoint security suite.
  • Pricing is contact-sales rather than published by plan.
  • Supported systems and features vary by edition.
  • No free plan; the 7-day trial is limited to first-time mobile subscribers
  • Monthly billing costs more than the annual plan
  • Port forwarding is available only on selected servers
Our verdict

FortiClient is a modular endpoint agent from Fortinet for organizations that need remote access alongside endpoint security management. Depending on edition, it covers antivirus and ransomware protection, web and content filtering,…

Read the review →

Private Internet Access is a subscription VPN for individuals and teams who want encrypted internet traffic, IP address masking, and broad device coverage. Its apps and browser extension support Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and…

Read the review →
  1. FortiClientVpn Client 8.5Pricing on request
  2. Private Internet AccessVpn Client 8.27-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • FortiClient — where it wins

    • Combines remote-access VPN and ZTNA with endpoint protection.
    • Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
    • EMS or FortiClient Cloud centralizes deployment and policies.

    Where it doesn't

    • VPN is part of a wider endpoint security suite.
    • Pricing is contact-sales rather than published by plan.
    • Supported systems and features vary by edition.

  • Private Internet Access — where it wins

    • Unlimited simultaneous connections across supported devices
    • WireGuard, OpenVPN, split tunneling, and a kill switch
    • 91-country network with P2P and streaming-optimized servers

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan; the 7-day trial is limited to first-time mobile subscribers
    • Monthly billing costs more than the annual plan
    • Port forwarding is available only on selected servers

More comparisons

All vpn client comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update