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Head-to-head · Vpn Client

NetBird vs FortiClient

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score NetBird #3 in Vpn Client 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit NetBird
FortiClient #5 in Vpn Client 8.5/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 2 features Visit FortiClient

NetBird leads on 1 check, FortiClient on 0, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreNetBird · 8.8/10
  • Free planonly NetBird

NetBird scores higher on our rubric for vpn client: 8.8 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.

NetBird offers free plan; FortiClient doesn't.

NetBird is the better fit for teams wanting identity-based private network access. FortiClient is the better fit for enterprises managing VPN and endpoint security.

  • NetBird fits best

    Teams wanting identity-based private network access

  • FortiClient fits best

    Enterprises managing VPN and endpoint security

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Side by side

Feature NetBird 8.8/10 Visit ↗ FortiClient 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.5
Ranking #3 in Vpn Client #5 in Vpn Client
Best for Teams wanting identity-based private network access Enterprises managing VPN and endpoint security
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price €6/user/mo Pricing on request
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Email, Tickets, Community, Docs Email, Community · 24/7
Integrations 20 integrations 5 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features NetBird 0/2 · FortiClient 0/2
Kill switch Not checked yet Not checked yet
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
  • Peer-to-peer WireGuard networking with identity-based access policies
  • Supports SSO, MFA, device posture checks, and network segmentation
  • Available as managed cloud service or self-hosted deployment
  • Combines remote-access VPN and ZTNA with endpoint protection.
  • Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
  • EMS or FortiClient Cloud centralizes deployment and policies.
Cons
  • Device approvals and posture checks are listed on Business, not Free or Team
  • Free includes community support; ticketing support starts with Team
  • Enterprise pricing is custom rather than a published monthly rate
  • 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.
Our verdict

NetBird is an open-source Zero Trust networking platform for organizations and home users that connects users, devices, servers, cloud workloads, and private networks through encrypted peer-to-peer WireGuard connections. It suits teams…

Read the review →

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 →
  1. NetBirdVpn Client 8.8Free plan
  2. FortiClientVpn Client 8.5Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • NetBird — where it wins

    • Peer-to-peer WireGuard networking with identity-based access policies
    • Supports SSO, MFA, device posture checks, and network segmentation
    • Available as managed cloud service or self-hosted deployment

    Where it doesn't

    • Device approvals and posture checks are listed on Business, not Free or Team
    • Free includes community support; ticketing support starts with Team
    • Enterprise pricing is custom rather than a published monthly rate

  • 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.

More comparisons

All vpn client comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update