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Head-to-head · Vpn Client

FortiClient vs Proton VPN

  • 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
Proton VPN #6 in Vpn Client 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 2 features Visit Proton VPN

FortiClient leads on 0 checks, Proton VPN on 1, and 1 is 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 planonly Proton VPN
  • Most featuresProton VPN · 1 of 2

FortiClient scores higher on our rubric for vpn client: 8.5 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #6.

Proton VPN offers free plan; FortiClient doesn't.

FortiClient is the better fit for enterprises managing VPN and endpoint security. Proton VPN is the better fit for individuals wanting a capable free VPN.

  • FortiClient fits best

    Enterprises managing VPN and endpoint security

  • Proton VPN fits best

    Individuals wanting a capable free VPN

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Side by side

Feature FortiClient 8.5/10 Visit ↗ Proton VPN 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.5 8.4
Ranking #5 in Vpn Client #6 in Vpn Client
Best for Enterprises managing VPN and endpoint security Individuals wanting a capable free VPN
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Pricing on request —
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension
Support Email, Community · 24/7 Email, Live chat, Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features FortiClient 0/2 · Proton VPN 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.
  • Free plan has no data limits and includes a kill switch
  • Open-source apps cover desktop, mobile, and browsers
  • Paid Plus plan adds streaming, P2P, and NetShield
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.
  • Free plan is limited to one simultaneous device
  • Free servers are in 10 randomly selected countries
  • Streaming and P2P support require a paid plan
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 →

Proton VPN is a virtual private network service from Proton AG, aimed at individuals who want encrypted internet connections and privacy features, including a no-logs policy and kill switch. Its free plan makes it a practical option for…

Read the review →
  1. FortiClientVpn Client 8.5Pricing on request
  2. Proton VPNVpn Client 8.4Free plan

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.

  • Proton VPN — where it wins

    • Free plan has no data limits and includes a kill switch
    • Open-source apps cover desktop, mobile, and browsers
    • Paid Plus plan adds streaming, P2P, and NetShield

    Where it doesn't

    • Free plan is limited to one simultaneous device
    • Free servers are in 10 randomly selected countries
    • Streaming and P2P support require a paid plan

More comparisons

All vpn client comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update