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FortiClient vs SmartShield Comparison

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FortiClient

4.3(159 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

FortiClient is powerful, lightweight endpoint protection software that combines anti-virus, antispyware, firewall, IDS/IPS and other security functions into one easy-to-use application. FortiClient's innovative security…

SmartShield

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Free Trial
  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Centurion SmartShield offers a unique approach to endpoint protection by creating a virtual environment where all unwanted changes are automatically erased upon reboot. This ensures that any potential threats, such as ma…

FortiClient leads on user satisfaction with a 4.3-star rating across 159 reviews.

FortiClient vs SmartShield — at a glance

FeatureFortiClientSmartShield
Rating4.3 / 5—
Reviews159—
Starting priceContact for pricingContact for pricing
Free trial No Yes
Free version No No
Best forLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
CategoryEndpoint Protection SoftwareEndpoint Protection Software
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - MacInstalled - Windows
APIAvailable—
Support modesBusiness Hours, OnlineOnline
CertificationsGDPRSOC 2
Data residencyGlobalGlobal

Key differences between FortiClient and SmartShield

  • Free trial: SmartShield offers a free trial; FortiClient does not.
  • Deployment: FortiClient supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; SmartShield supports Installed - Windows.

FortiClient vs SmartShield — find the better fit before you commit.

01

Which tool fits your team best

02

Which is actually cheaper for your team size

03

Where each product wins, per real buyers

Most Endpoint Protection Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.

FortiClient - Endpoint Protection Software
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FortiClient vs SmartShield: Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

FortiClient

Best for centralized endpoint security with integrated VPN and threat protection.

Choose if
  • You need a single lightweight client combining antivirus, firewall, VPN, and web filtering.
  • Your organization uses Fortinet infrastructure and FortiGate policies for seamless integration.
  • You require secure remote workforce connectivity with easy multi-OS setup.
Consider alternatives if
  • You need extensive third-party app integrations and a broad marketplace.
  • Your team lacks dedicated IT security staff to manage complexity and customization.

SmartShield

Best for

Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business

FortiClient typically suits Large Enterprises and Medium Business. SmartShield tends to fit Large Enterprises and Medium Business better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.

Description

FortiClient is powerful, lightweight endpoint protection software that combines anti-virus, antispyware, firewall, IDS/IPS and other security functions into one easy-to-use application. ... Read More about FortiClient

Centurion SmartShield offers a unique approach to endpoint protection by creating a virtual environment where all unwanted changes are automatically erased upon reboot. This ensures that ... Read More about SmartShield

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.34

(159)

Best Company Size

Medium BusinessLarge Enterprises
—
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Software Demo

Demo

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How do FortiClient and SmartShield Compare on Features?

Total Features

6 Features

2 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

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Compare FortiClient and SmartShield on pricing

Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.

Pricing Option

      Pricing Page

      Pricing information not available

      SmartShield pricing

      FortiClient vs SmartShield: Other Details

      Organization Types supported

      • Large Enterprises
      • Small Business
      • Medium Business
      • Large Enterprises
      • Small Business
      • Medium Business

      Platforms Supported

      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Installed - Mac
      • Installed - Windows
      • Mobile - Android
      • Mobile - iOS
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Installed - Mac
      • Installed - Windows
      • Mobile - Android
      • Mobile - iOS

      Modes of support

      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online
      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online

      API Support

      • Available
      • Not Available
      Get help choosing
      Get help choosing

      FortiClient vs SmartShield Security & Compliance

      Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.

      SOC 2

      —
      ✓ Yes

      HIPAA

      —
      ✗ No

      GDPR

      ✓ Yes
      —

      Single Sign-On (SSO)

      ✓ Yes
      —

      Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

      ✓ Yes
      —

      Data Encryption

      ✓ Yes
      —

      Audit Logs

      ✓ Yes
      —

      Data Residency

      🌐 Global
      🌐 Global

      FortiClient User Reviews & Rating Comparison

      User Ratings

      No reviews available for the product

      Rating Distribution

      134

      51

      12

      1

      1

      No reviews available for this product

      Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

      Buyer sentiment

      Users generally appreciate FortiClient’s centralized security features and ease of use but note challenges with complexity and limited marketplace options.

      What buyers like

      • Centralized security features
      • Ease of setup
      • Remote work support

      Common complaints

      • Complexity for new users
      • Limited app marketplace

      What buyers like

      • Ensures security without interfering with daily tasks.
      • Easy to deploy and manage without extensive IT expertise.
      • Prevents persistent infections by eliminating unauthorized changes.

      Common complaints

      • Permanent system changes require manual exceptions.
      • Primarily focused on endpoint security without broader network safeguards.
      • Unsaved legitimate changes are also erased on reboot.

      Pros and Cons

      • Centralizes antivirus, malware protection, VPN, and web filtering in one application

      • Easy setup and use across multiple operating systems

      • Supports remote work connectivity with secure access

      • Steep learning curve for newcomers due to feature richness and customization options

      • Limited marketplace for additional apps and connectors

      • Ensures security without interfering with daily tasks.

      • Easy to deploy and manage without extensive IT expertise.

      • Prevents persistent infections by eliminating unauthorized changes.

      • Permanent system changes require manual exceptions.

      • Primarily focused on endpoint security without broader network safeguards.

      Positive Reviews

      No reviews available for the product

      No reviews available for the product

      Used FortiClient or SmartShield? Tell buyers what actually differs.

      Media and Screenshots

      Screenshots

      FortiClient screenshot

      6 Screenshots

      Centurino

      3 Screenshots

      Videos

      video-0

      2 Videos

      video-0

      1 Videos

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      Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].

      Frequently asked questions

      Which is better, FortiClient or SmartShield?
      FortiClient edges out the other on user ratings (4.3 vs -1.0). That said, the best pick depends on your use case, so use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
      Do FortiClient and SmartShield offer a free trial?
      SmartShield offers a free trial. FortiClient does not.
      What is the starting price of FortiClient vs SmartShield?
      FortiClient starts at Contact for pricing. SmartShield starts at Contact for pricing.
      What are the top alternatives to FortiClient?
      Top alternatives to FortiClient include Webroot Business Endpoint Protection, VMware Carbon Black Cloud, Kaspersky Endpoint Security, Symantec Endpoint Protection, Cisco AMP for Endpoints.
      What are the top alternatives to SmartShield?
      Top alternatives to SmartShield include Webroot Business Endpoint Protection, Cybeats, VMware Carbon Black Cloud, Pareto Security, Kolide.