DNSFilter vs FortiClient

ManageEngine Endpoint Central

ESET Endpoint Security

AccessPatrol by CurrentWare

Endpoint Central (formerly Desktop Central) from ManageEngine is an integrated desktop & mobile device management application that enables the centralized management of desktops, servers, laptops, tablets & smartphones.

ESET Endpoint Security is a network monitoring solution, which helps businesses manage processes for detecting threats, blocking targeted attacks, preventing data breaches & providing protection against ransomware. It lets users monitor behavior of malicious processes and decloak memory segments.

Device control software. Enforce the exclusive use of authorized peripheral devices. Block USB portable storage devices and restrict file transfers to protect sensitive data against theft.

DNSFilter is a cybersecurity management software that enables enterprises, K-12 schools, and universities to detect online security threats and malware using artificial intelligence (AI) technology, machine learning (ML) algorithms, and content filtering capabilities.

Access Controls/Permissions

Activity Monitoring

Activity Tracking

AI/Machine Learning

Alerts/Escalation

Anti Spam

Anti Virus

Application Security

Audit Management

Authentication

Billing & Invoicing

Content Filtering

Customizable Reports

Dashboard

Endpoint Management

Endpoint Protection

Filtering

Firewalls

IOC Verification

Monitoring

Real-Time Monitoring

Remote Access/Control

Reporting/Analytics

Reporting & Statistics

Risk Alerts

Scheduling

Threat Protection

Threat Response

Two-Factor Authentication

Vulnerability Scanning

Web Traffic Reporting

Whitelisting/Blacklisting

DNSFilter

Web-based

Windows

iPhone

Android

iPad

WebTitan

Basic

Enterprise

Senior Support Specialist

Ease of use, user friendly, straightforward, great for blocking sites, protecting devices and setup is quick!

System Engineer

Director

We wanted a product we could deploy at the router level, DNS Filter provided that ability and a very easy to use UI and Dashboard.

IT Operations Manager

DNS filter has been easy to use, we just got our partnership about a month ago and deploying it has been simple.

Director/Owner

In addition to our standard antivirus and firewall technologies this solution with DNSFilter helps us better manage our remote devices as well and ensures our fleet is protected even now with remote working becoming the norm.

At this stage we are yet to find anything we do not like.

Chief Operations Officer

The filtering and advanced features prevent newly registered websites from being reached by users which is likly to be a malware containing site.

Centralized Services Manager

False positive malware detections can cause frustrations with customers who are not aware of the current IT security landscape.

IT Admin

We’ve only used the Windows deployments so far but I’m happy to know that we can expand to various other setups if needed.  

Roaming agents allow the systems to be protected where ever they are located.

IT Director

I found myself wanting to find and use all of the features of DNSFilter, so I called their excellent tech support and the sales rep, who also knew his product very well.  

President

It has given us the ability to greatly improve web security for our customers and icrease profit margins for our business.

We needed a software to add web protection and this fit perfectly.    

The filtration can be a little bit too strict.  

Network Administrator

We have been using it for past 2-3 years for all of our clients and it seems to do its job.

IT Manager

This can be setup and configured in under 20 minutes and is just so simple to deploy.

IT Staff

Query log should be longer than 24 hours.

With one panel we can admin all of our clients and protect the users from many different threats.

They figured out if they were in the same geographic area, and created unique 'sites' for each area.

We were early adopters of DNS Filter when the only other option on the market was OpenDNS Umbrella at a really high price point.

The software is lightweight but very effective.

IT Consultant

Our students are protected from online threats, inappropriate content and advertisements thanks to DNSFilter.

Second, the cost was appropriate for our school.

Consistent improvements, and the DNSFilter team pays very close attention to what their partners would like to see in the product and implements those changes fairly quickly.

Senior Developer

DNSFilter provided a quick and easy way to add security to our company network.

The lack of alert notifications is the only issue we've encountered while using the software.

We had a few problems with the chrome os support, but dnsfilter were helpful resolving them.

DNSFilter is very simple to deploy and maintain.  

No complaints from end-users regarding their internet connections, and the admins are very pleased with the intuitive management dashboard.

This product was a drop-in replacement for a previous DNS filtering service we had been using.

The previous solution was not dependable but DNS Filter has been a marked improvement.

Owner

Deployement is easy to start, Dashboard looks good.

DNSFilters DNS servers respond quickly and reliably.

They've improved over the years, too, making some options even easier than "way back when".

When license price is increased significantly.

Block pages are tough to configure at times

All of the functions are clearly displayed and easy to  configure.

Overall, the service was easy to set up and even easier to install.  

IT STUDENT IN CYBERSECURITY

I recommend to just about anybody who knows anything about DNS.

DNS Filtering

Security and Access Control

Threat Blocking

Setup and Deployment

Customer Support

Ease of Use

Performance and Speed

Pricing

Setup

Large Enterprises

Small Business

Freelancers

Mid-size Business

Cisco AnyConnect

Cisco AnyConnect is a virtual private network (VPN) software designed to provide remote workforce with secure enterprise-wide network access across multiple locations and devices. Administrators can utilize the platform to identify network usage details.

UTunnel VPN

UTunnel offers easy-to-deploy Cloud VPN, Zero Trust Access, and Mesh Networking solutions. Safeguard your business with secure remote access and encrypted site-to-site connectivity between distributed business networks. Deployment in minutes, Robust Support, and Affordable Pricing Plans!

Perimeter 81

Perimeter 81 is a leading network cybersecurity solution offering secure remote access and network capabilities managed over a multi-tenant cloud and highly scalable for organizations worldwide.

FortiClient is an endpoint protection software that helps businesses identify malicious attacks across multiple vectors, including web, USB, and email. The software inventory management module allows managers to monitor all software installed on an endpoint and remove outdated applications.

Activity Dashboard

Compliance Management

Device Management

Encryption

Mobile Access

Real-Time Reporting

SSL Security

Summary Reports

Web Threat Management

FortiClient

Linux

OpenVPN Access Server

Bitdefender GravityZone

Connection instability and technical glitches

Software Developer

on any sudden momentarily network drop, it immediately disconnects, but it do not show up to reconnect nor it tries to reconnect on its own to spare you some nerves, if you miss short lived message popup you will have to manually open it and check connection status (first page ZERO TRUST TELEMETRY, youre welcome)

Senior Application Solution Analyst

It can have long periods of connection and short periods of many disconnections, which is frustrating for users engaging with mission-critical applications and infrastructure.

65% of reviewers feel negative about FortiClient’s bugs and issues. Users report frequent connection drops, unreliable auto-reconnect, and confusing error messages that make troubleshooting difficult. Some reviewers say the software sometimes fails to connect without clear reasons, requiring manual intervention or reinstallation. They indicate that compatibility problems with certain operating systems and occasional profile corruption disrupt workflow. Users find that network interruptions, slow connection times, and the need to repeatedly re-enter credentials are frustrating, especially when handling mission-critical tasks or supporting remote teams.

Flexible and secure remote work

Dy. Manager

This is one of the must-have tools for teams working remotely and accessing critical data from Business systems like ERP.

98% of reviewers feel positive about FortiClient’s remote access capabilities. Users say the software allows them to work efficiently from remote locations, manage files, and support colleagues without being onsite. Reviewers indicate that FortiClient is easy to set up and use, making it accessible even for non-technical staff. They appreciate the secure remote connection for accessing business systems, especially during situations like the pandemic, and mention that it supports a wide range of devices. Some users report that FortiClient is essential for teams working remotely, ensuring business continuity and secure access to critical data.

Reliable corporate network connectivity

Warehouse Executive

It offers a seamless hybrid work experience. Whether at home or office, it let you seamlessly access corporate applications.

Warehouse Executive 

It enables you to access organization network and application from anywhere.

95% of reviewers feel positive about FortiClient’s network access. Users think the software reliably connects them to company networks from anywhere, enabling access to essential files, applications, and servers. Reviewers appreciate that they can work from home or while traveling without losing productivity, and they say the connection process is straightforward and secure. Some users report that FortiClient supports both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, making it versatile for different setups. They indicate that the tool is valuable for hybrid work environments, as it allows seamless access to corporate resources and supports secure file sharing across the organization.

Network and System Engineer

Not great as an AV/EDR client, UI changes confuse end users, management options via EMS or FGT are both clunky and shifted over time, needs better product vision

Systems and Network Engineer

Easily integrates with Fortinet firewalls, FortiGate, and other Fortinet solutions enabling streamlined management of network and endpoint security.

I wanted HW token to don't need to type-in number everytime BUT I got token that cannot connect to PC and just click to insert the number, I must still enter it manually

what the hell" when connecting takes some time, it looks like it have failed, clearing password input and highlighting it red, confusing, then it connects if you type wrong password, it does not tell you, it throws some weird error which will make you investigate your internet connection instead (wasted hour on this)

Software Test Engineer

Very bad - constant technical issues, poor performance impact, and unreliable connections make this software more trouble than it's worth for our business needs.

Technical support engineer

Helping to secure the environment, client's environment by giving real time protection on this cyber-attack era by VPN.

Senor SDN Cloud Engineer

I have positive overall experience for FortiClient cause of its ease of use with user-friendly interface, robust suite of security features including antivirus and anti-malware protection, reliable VPN capabilities and seamless integration with FortiGate.

I haven't met yet more annoying user experience in a tool that we are supposed to use EVERY DAY, so in the end, I am connection once or twice a week just to read emails (it is also slower than our other VPN) and that is because of this bad experience which is driving me mad while I need to be focused and productive instead!

It increases your productivity as you can access corporate applications anytime, even after office hours.

Professor

Heavy system resource usage that impacts computer performance

Assistant IT Manager

I appreciate the variety of security measures available, from firewalls and VPNs to less well-known options like the VPN Portal, which enables web-based access to corporate resources and has proven to be a really practical option, especially for access from mobile devices.

The authentication/login process is simple and quick, however it will automatically disconnect if your system is locked or idle for an extended period of time, and you will need to log in again using your credentials and authentication.

Vulnerability Assessor

Integration with non fortinet tools is bit complex and needs time to set it up.

Director, Application Development

Occasionally the connection kills the local network access.  

Very few things are customized, its difficult to get rid of if once your system is locked.

ICT Infrastructure Manager

Not all the features at the top, expecially XDR; price model not flexible

I like most about FortiClient is its 'memory' for credentials and its overall stability.

Map Data Reviewer

Addition of mobile app makes it greater than the others.

Integration with FortiNet products, unique management console, easy to deploy.

Our local environment things remain secure and allow to work efficiently.

Admin Assistant

Sometimes the VPN can disconnect with no warning and takes a while to reconnect, whilst the stability of the software has got better its still far from perfect.

Salesperson

Working with Fortinet devices, it is a good complement.

It works faster and smoother on any network.

Administrator

Deleting, removing, investigating files which left after deinstall, rebooting, reinstalling etc.

ServiceNow Developer

Provides secure remote access to the corporate network with multiple layers of protection.

Analyst Infraestructure

currently used it as a VPN to connect to my work environment, it is good, and stable, it maintains the connection without interruptions so that you can work calmly from the comfort of your home, squares or wherever you are more comfortable

Consultant

Forticlient is a user-friendly and easy to get your hands on authentication software that allows our clients to connect to their worksite remotely.

Full stack developer

It is my daily driver when I am working from home, as I need access to resources blocked outside from the office network. With FortiClient I can work from home as if I am working securely from the office.

Software Engineer

Forticlient enables cloud-based security policy management granting the consumers restricted admission to configuration and analytics.

DNSFilter vs FortiClient Comparison (2026)

DNSFilter

FortiClient

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives