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Fortinet FortiClient vs OpenVPN Access Server comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Jul 31, 2025

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

ROI

Sentiment score
6.0
Fortinet FortiClient boosts efficiency, offers high ROI, enhances security, and saves VPN costs despite implementation concerns.
Sentiment score
2.1
OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise efficiently connects employees, balancing initial costs with intellectual value, and provides essential connectivity benefits.
The VPN performance has a substantial impact on our remote workforce.
 

Customer Service

Sentiment score
6.6
Fortinet FortiClient support is praised for responsiveness but criticized for delays and inefficiencies with complex issues and basic packages.
Sentiment score
3.6
OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise technical support is highly rated, with responsive service and comprehensive documentation aiding user problem-solving.
They initiate the troubleshooting process quickly and resolve issues in a timely manner.
In 99% of cases, we do not have to do configurations on our own as they are normally handled by their service providers.
They provide very good support, and an issue I had was resolved quickly over the phone.
It was very good, and I would rate it an eight.
I have not dealt with support or customer service, however, the documentation is good, and I would rate it a seven out of ten.
 

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score
7.3
Fortinet FortiClient is praised for its scalability, handling numerous users efficiently with seamless expansion when managed properly.
Sentiment score
5.5
OpenVPN Access Server is scalable yet faces challenges like international expansion, downtime, and client ease-of-expansion processes.
We normally take into consideration while installing the product that it can scale up to approximately 20%, but not more than that.
I hope Fortinet will start an insider developer program where professionals can provide feedback on new releases to ensure improvements.
We can add more licenses and Fortinet tokens, demonstrating excellent scalability.
It's not very easy to expand, and it would be beneficial if the process were simpler.
I would give OpenVPN a six out of ten for scalability, as it's usually a single user or single device.
 

Stability Issues

Sentiment score
7.9
Fortinet FortiClient is highly stable and reliable, with occasional issues often due to external factors, receiving high ratings.
Sentiment score
4.1
OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise is stable and reliable, with minor issues during Windows 10 updates resolved by patches.
Its stability level is excellent.
I normally get a call within 15-20 minutes after logging a complaint.
The overall stability of Fortinet FortiClient rates at nine out of ten.
 

Room For Improvement

Fortinet FortiClient needs enhancements in management, interface, compatibility, security features, reports, support, and pricing for improved user experience.
OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise needs improved usability, stability, security, and features like Active Directory support and centralized management.
FortiClient needs improvement in restricting user information and ensuring more secure customer data to better protect source code and reduce the risk of security breaches.
There are advanced features like Zero Trust that I currently do not use but could be beneficial for security.
Fortinet frequently releases updates without thorough testing.
If they had a one-click setup where you provide credentials instead of manually running commands, that would be beneficial.
OpenVPN could improve in centralized management.
 

Setup Cost

Fortinet FortiClient provides a free VPN version; additional features require affordable licensing, with discounts and bundling options available.
OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise offers transparent pricing, affordable plans, and exceptional value, making it cheaper than Microsoft and Cisco.
FortiClient is a value-for-money product and is not considered expensive compared to similar products on the market.
Justifying the price to clients can be difficult.
FortiClient is included in a package with the UTM features, so there is no separate cost for it.
My experience with pricing is excellent as the pricing is free.
 

Valuable Features

Fortinet FortiClient offers robust security features, user-friendly interface, and seamless integration, making it valuable for comprehensive endpoint management.
OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise offers easy setup, strong security, compatibility, affordability, and seamless integration with multiple operating systems.
The most valuable feature of FortiClient is its high security level.
We appreciate its VPN capabilities and the features that offer extra security functionalities like antivirus and malware scanning.
I strongly recommend this solution, especially for Fortinet customers who use FortiGate or other Fortinet products, as they can easily integrate these features and exchange information seamlessly.
The most valuable features of OpenVPN are its ease of use, client familiarity, end-user familiarity, operating system integration, and price points.
What I appreciate the most about OpenVPN Access Server is that it's very easy to set up.
 

Categories and Ranking

Fortinet FortiClient
Ranking in Enterprise Infrastructure VPN
1st
Average Rating
8.0
Reviews Sentiment
6.7
Number of Reviews
101
Ranking in other categories
Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) (15th), Endpoint Compliance (1st)
OpenVPN Access Server
Ranking in Enterprise Infrastructure VPN
2nd
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
5.9
Number of Reviews
50
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of September 2025, in the Enterprise Infrastructure VPN category, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiClient is 10.5%, down from 13.7% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of OpenVPN Access Server is 15.3%, up from 15.3% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Enterprise Infrastructure VPN Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
Fortinet FortiClient10.5%
OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise15.3%
Other74.2%
Enterprise Infrastructure VPN
 

Q&A Highlights

NC
Oct 31, 2021
 

Featured Reviews

MuhammadJahangir - PeerSpot reviewer
Users only need to install the VPN and authenticate with their email address
I primarily use remote VPN solutions to connect securely. We have configured both site-to-site VPN and remote VPN, and it is connected to FortiClient Implementing this solution has streamlined time management in our organization. Without SSO, we would need manual configuration for each PC, but…
LAWAL YUSUF - PeerSpot reviewer
Has robust features for encryption and stability
We use the product for secure remote access, including WiFi and IoT device security The product has strong encryption and scalability features. It provides security for private network connections. The product’s connectivity is very slow. It could be faster. We have been using OpenVPN Access…
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
14%
Manufacturing Company
10%
Comms Service Provider
7%
Government
6%
Computer Software Company
18%
Comms Service Provider
11%
University
7%
Educational Organization
6%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business58
Midsize Enterprise23
Large Enterprise24
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business30
Midsize Enterprise7
Large Enterprise14
 

Questions from the Community

How does Fortinet FortiClient compare with Open VPN Access Server?
Fortinet FortiClient is a feature-rich solution that is easy to use and deploy without sacrificing safety and security. It has a very fast connection rate and has a built-in VPN. With this solution...
What's the difference between Fortinet's FortiEDR and FortiClient?
I suggest Fortinet’s FortiEDR over FortiClient for several reasons. For starters, FortiEDR guarantees solid protection because it continually scans servers for emerging vulnerabilities, which gives...
What do you like most about OpenVPN Access Server?
OpenVPN Access Server is a simple and easy-to-use solution that I can use myself without anybody's help.
What needs improvement with OpenVPN Access Server?
Currently, the solution works as it is for our requirements. We are still evaluating full scope of options and fine-tuning e.g. split VPN to allow LAN access whilst on VPN.
 

Also Known As

FortiClient
OpenVPN
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data
Verizon, Amazon, Disney, HP, Microsoft, IBM, Samsung
Find out what your peers are saying about Fortinet FortiClient vs. OpenVPN Access Server and other solutions. Updated: July 2025.
866,956 professionals have used our research since 2012.