Microsoft Defender for Business vs FortiClient

Microsoft Defender for Business9.4Visit FortiClient8.9Visit

Higher score Microsoft Defender for Business #1 in Antivirus Software 9.4/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 3 features Visit Microsoft

vs

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

• Microsoft Defender for Business fits best

  Small businesses needing managed endpoint security

• FortiClient fits best

  Enterprise teams using Fortinet infrastructure

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Side by side

Feature	Microsoft Defender for Business 9.4/10 Visit ↗	FortiClient 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.4	8.9
Ranking	#1 in Antivirus Software	#5 in Antivirus Software
Best for	Small businesses needing managed endpoint security	Enterprise teams using Fortinet infrastructure
Pricing model	Paid	Paid
Starting price	$3/user/mo	Pricing on request
Free plan	—	—
Free trial	30 days	—
Deployment	Cloud, Mobile	Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support	Docs	Email, Community · 24/7
Integrations	4 integrations	5 integrations
Built for	Small business, Mid-market	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Microsoft Defender for Business 1/3 · FortiClient 1/3
Ransomware protection	✓	✓
Parental controls	Not checked yet	—
Password manager	Not checked yet	—
Specs
Protection scope	Complete security	Complete security
Device limit	5 devices	Not checked yet
Supported platforms	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Our review
Pros	EDR includes automatic attack disruption and automated remediation Protects Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices Includes vulnerability management, APIs, SIEM, and RMM integrations	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
Cons	The listed price requires annual billing Coverage is limited to 300 users and five devices per user Server protection is available only as an add-on	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
Our verdict	Microsoft Defender for Business is an endpoint security solution for small and medium-sized organizations with up to 300 users. It combines next-generation antivirus with ransomware attack disruption, vulnerability management, attack… Read the review →	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 →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Microsoft Defender for Business — where it wins

  • EDR includes automatic attack disruption and automated remediation
  • Protects Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices
  • Includes vulnerability management, APIs, SIEM, and RMM integrations

  Where it doesn't

  • The listed price requires annual billing
  • Coverage is limited to 300 users and five devices per user
  • Server protection is available only as an add-on

• 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

• Microsoft Defender for Business9.4/10 · 30-day trial

  A focused endpoint security subscription with EDR and centralized controls for small businesses.

  Visit MicrosoftFull verdict →
• FortiClient8.9/10 · Pricing on request

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

  Visit FortinetFull verdict →