FortiClient vs OpenVPN Access Server

Cisco AnyConnect

UTunnel VPN

Perimeter 81

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 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 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 The software inventory management module allows managers to monitor all software installed on an endpoint and remove outdated applications.

Access Controls/Permissions

Activity Dashboard

Activity Tracking

Alerts/Escalation

Application Security

Authentication

Compliance Management

Device Management

Encryption

Firewalls

Mobile Access

Monitoring

Real-Time Monitoring

Real-Time Reporting

Remote Access/Control

Reporting/Analytics

SSL Security

Summary Reports

Two-Factor Authentication

Vulnerability Scanning

Web Threat Management

FortiClient

Web-based

iPad

Android

Windows

iPhone

Linux

OpenVPN Access Server

Bitdefender GravityZone

Connection instability and technical bugs

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)

System Administrator

when the connection fails the software prompt a message that is sometimes not clear for technical support to investigate.

64% 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 occasionally fails to connect or takes a long time to establish a connection, disrupting critical tasks. They mention problems with saving settings, compatibility issues across operating systems, and the need for frequent manual intervention. Users find that these technical glitches can interrupt workflow, require repeated reinstallation, and sometimes lead to frustration when support or clear notifications are lacking.

Reliable remote work connectivity

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 think the software enables them to securely connect to company resources from virtually any location, which is essential for remote work and field operations. Reviewers appreciate being able to access files, servers, and business applications without hassle, allowing them to maintain productivity outside the office. Some users report that the tool is easy to set up and user-friendly, making it suitable for both IT and non-IT staff. They say it supports remote troubleshooting and collaboration, especially during periods of increased remote work.

Seamless corporate network access

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 features. Reviewers indicate that the software allows them to connect to their corporate networks and access essential applications, files, and systems from anywhere. Users say this seamless connectivity supports hybrid and remote work, letting them perform job duties as if they were in the office. They find the tool reliable for secure data transmission and easy to configure for different environments. Some users highlight that FortiClient works well across various network types and provides the security needed for accessing sensitive organizational resources.

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

Director, Application Development

Occasionally the connection kills the local network access.  

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.

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

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.

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

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.

IT Engineer

Due to my experience in the field of networks, it is considered the best option for protection and security

Reliability is the most important point when using a VPN, with all the included aspects it covers.

Therefore, we must go through the login process several times per day, which is incredibly exhausting.

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.

Lead TA

The authentication/Login process is easy and speedy but as soon as your system is locked or stayed idle for a longer time, it will auto disconnect and you would need to log in again with the credentials and authentication.

Infrastructure Engineer

limited customization and advanced options

Configuration with tools from other providers can be complicated.

Managed Services Technician

Whenever trying to connect to VPN a certificate notification pops up behind the client and if you aren't paying attention it could be missed and cause the connection to fail or stall out.

In about 5 - 10 minutes you can start using it. Once you are logged in to the remote VPN, you do not feel the application is running, as it does not interfere with your work.

IT Support Specialis

Obviously it isnt designed for end user or customer use, but as an administrator the layout and applications that are managed by the actual firewalls are easily accessible and well formatted.

Owner

Sometimes the security certificate popup, that appears at 40% of the connection process, will appear behind the main window instead of in front.

Security and Access Control

Bugs and Issues

User Interface

Network Access

Ease of Use

Firewall

Performance and Speed

Mobile Device

Client

Small Business

Mid-size Business

Freelancers

Large Enterprises

Fortinet

GoodAccess

Cybersecurity platform (SASE/SSE) that enables easy Zero Trust Architecture implementation for medium enterprises, any scale.

Secure remote access solution to your private network, in the cloud or on-prem. 

Activity Monitoring

Anonymous Browsing

Data Security

DNS Leak Protection

Event Logs

IP Masking

Policy Management

Secure Browsing

Secure Login

Threat Intelligence

Threat Response

User Management

VPN Tunneling

Windscribe 

Pritunl

NordVPN

Growth

IT Director

I created this as a Virtual Machine at my Organization and used it for years to be able to remote in from my computer and phone.

Machinist

We use this at my manufacturing job to look at cameras pointed at machines to see when they are done and we aren’t at the shop.

Project Manager

Automatically keeps you logged in so you dont have to log in each time you need to use systems

Customer Concierge

There are just rare instances that when updates are available, it stops working but once the update is completed, everything will be back to normal.

Head of IT

From signing up to downloading and installing the appliance the entire thing can be done and up and running in basic form in around 20/30 minutes.

I've only stopped using it because my new Router has a built-in VPN connection App

Internet Technology Technician

Helpful customer support to keep performance fast.

The system allows for many concurrent connections and performs well.

Learning how to use the VPN is easier since the interface is very user friendly.

No learning curve present and was very easy to update

Material and Logistics Coordinator

I have " mid-tier " internet at my home, so when utilizing a VPN that already " slows " your speeds, combining it with average internet is definitly a snail race.. But better safe than sorry!

Software Analyst

I think the first set up to configure is a bit harsh, but that's fine because it ensures that you prepare a robust environment and can protect you from things you don't know about in your first steps.

It's simple yet intuitive dashboard sets it off against other products.

Founder

In just a few minutes, anyone can get started with setting up a virtual private network even without much computer skills, because it is compatible with various operating systems such as Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android.

What i liked most about Access Server, was the user friendly interface.

ITOM Specialist

We use this VPN on a daily basis to protect our service departments information ..

Principal Engineer

IT Specialists

very easy to user, the GUI is user's friendly

Editor

From how your server operates to how the client on your device works, OpenVPN offers quite a lot of features for a free program.

President

OpenVPN is completely free, has a good support community online (has a big user base which helps tremendously for any opensource software) and is easy to implement for both Windows and Linux environment.

All in all if the hardware accepts the OpenVPN profiles things move smoothly. When sourcing inexpensive devices to create a private network OpenVPN is great option.

It can be slow dependent on where you are accessing it from..

I have found OpenVPN when implemented at the router level to be an effective means of protecting one's internet activities from intruders and bad actors.

The configuration can become tedious if you are not used to networking lingo and words, once it's set up though, you can set it and forget it.

Software Engineer Manager

Offers complete vpn functions and excellent iOS, Windows and MacOS clients.

Has speed limitations (due to protocol being used) so it cannot be used for high bandwidth scenarios.

You also need to pay some amount to simultaneously use the VPN service on several devices.

Controller

OpenVPN has been a saver allowing me to travel for work and still complete sensitive tasks while on the road without compromising security of the data. If we didn't use OpenVPN, I would not be able to travel as much as I do.  

NFT Artist & Promoter

There isn't Always-On-VPN option in android version of the application.

Great way to quickly get a team connected to our cloud VPN server.

I would recommend Open VPN, the payment method (pay for the users you use) is great since you don´t have to be thinking in how many licences you require, and also it is a simple tool to get VPNs with great technical requirements.

FortiClient vs OpenVPN Access Server Comparison (2026)

FortiClient

OpenVPN Access Server

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives