We performed a comparison between OpenVPN Access Server and Fortinet FortiClient based on our users’ reviews in four categories. After reading all of the collected data, you can find our conclusion below.
Comparison Results: Based on the parameters we compared, OpenVPN Access Server comes out ahead of Fortinet FortiClient. While both solutions have their strengths, Fortinet FortiClient's initial setup takes longer and lacks automation, additionally, the remote deployment process can be challenging.
"It's an ideal gateway solution for small and medium businesses, i.e., around 300 devices can be easily handled."
"The solution has good performance."
"The stability is pretty good."
"The initial setup of this solution is easy."
"The solution's most valuable feature is its integration capabilities. The processing is fast and the reporting is also very good."
"The integration capabilities are good."
"The solution is very scalable. It just depends on the number of licenses an organization has. The enterprise management console is related to the number of clients, and the client interface itself is free to download."
"It is very simple to use. I've used some of the others in the past, such as Cisco AnyConnect, which was a nightmare. I've used a couple of others, but FortiClient is very simple to use."
"The solution's TNA feature blocks devices from entering the network that do not meet compliance protocols."
"The technical support from Fortinet and local vendors is good."
"The initial setup phase of OpenVPN Access Server was fine, and it was easy."
"It was very easy to set up users."
"The product has strong encryption and scalability features. It provides security for private network connections."
"It is much easier to scale and troubleshoot compared to regular Windows-based VPN solutions or PPTP daemon."
"It allows our employees to work remotely across Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms."
"It is very easy to look at the quality of the connection and the bandwidth and do an investigation if there are problems on the network."
"The most valuable thing about OpenVPN Access Server is its ease of use."
"Highly configurable. You can create your own custom client installer and can rebrand the server-side program."
"There must be a more easy-to-use GUI."
"Occasionally, the solution may provide a slow connection. In addition, there may be initialization and authorization issues that one may need to take care of while using the solution."
"The solution has some issues with stability on the user side."
"FortiClient is not communicating with the new version of the firewall."
"In terms of improvements, their SSL VPN tunnel can be a lot better. I've seen other products that have got much better VPN features than Fortinet. Some of my colleagues get this error called "License not available." When they get this error, they have to uninstall and reinstall it. This kind of problem is there, and sometimes, we have to open a case with Fortinet to resolve it. Their support is quick, so we are able to resolve and move forward. In terms of new features, when it is connecting, it should check the endpoint and say whether the end client is actually safe enough or whether there is a vulnerability. It should give a pop-up on the client itself. Because I'm on the admin side, I can also see this information in the log. However, if a non-IT user, such as a user from finance, is working on this and there is some problem, he or she would not know about this and would call IT admin to say that this is not working. If the users get a message explaining why and what is happening, it is easy for them to understand."
"We would like Fortinet to add the function or the possibility to use all FortiClient features for free."
"The reports could be easier to set up."
"It would be interesting if the solution offered a way to try to investigate and create a use case to trace vectors."
"Its stability can be improved. It is not as reliable as I would like it to be. There are times when things don't work quite right. Our biggest pain point is not related to Fortinet FortiClient and the whole scheme of things. It is related to one of the additional services called FortiGuard. They are the arm that does all of the updates to definitions, keeps all the signatures updated, and responds to new threats and whatnot. What we have found is that they react quickly, but sometimes their solutions aren't compatible with all of the components of the Fortinet security suite, specifically around FortiSandbox."
"Open VPN Access Server could be more user-friendly."
"If we had to create something for someone who was not necessarily tech savvy, I had to set that up on their computer, I had to write "read me's" and other things so that they could install their client and then connect to the VPN by themselves. So it was hard to set up for people who are not tech savvy."
"I want the tool to be faster. We have experienced connectivity issues while using OpenVPN and FortiClient."
"It could include a configuration wizard so that users who do not follow instructions well can configure a connection."
"The solution should provide a faster connection, and its security could be improved."
"If there was a Graphical User Interface to help streamline the configuration, I believe OpenVPN would probably venture more into the non-geek realm as it were."
"It is not scalable."
"I'd like to have more control over the users when they are accessing the network."
Fortinet FortiClient is ranked 2nd in Enterprise Infrastructure VPN with 86 reviews while OpenVPN Access Server is ranked 1st in Enterprise Infrastructure VPN with 45 reviews. Fortinet FortiClient is rated 8.0, while OpenVPN Access Server is rated 8.4. The top reviewer of Fortinet FortiClient writes "Easy to set up and user-friendly with good support ". On the other hand, the top reviewer of OpenVPN Access Server writes "An easy-to-use tool with which its users can access networks from home or external locations". Fortinet FortiClient is most compared with Fortinet FortiEDR, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business, Microsoft Azure VPN Gateway and Ivanti Connect Secure, whereas OpenVPN Access Server is most compared with Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client, Microsoft Azure VPN Gateway, Check Point Remote Access VPN, SonicWall Netextender and Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange. See our Fortinet FortiClient vs. OpenVPN Access Server report.
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