# Fortinet FortiClient vs Malwarebytes Student Protection Program: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Fortinet FortiClient](https://cybersectools.com/tools/fortinet-forticlient) is a commercial [endpoint protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp) solution by [Fortinet](https://cybersectools.com/companies/fortinet). [Malwarebytes Student Protection Program](https://cybersectools.com/tools/malwarebytes-student-protection-program) is a free [endpoint protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp) solution by [Malwarebytes](https://cybersectools.com/companies/malwarebytes). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Our take

What our shortlists say about the one we picked.

### [Fortinet FortiClient](https://cybersectools.com/tools/fortinet-forticlient)

Best for: Companies already running Fortinet firewalls

It earns its place because Fortinet firewalls use its device data to enforce access rules, so one agent handles endpoint protection and access control at once. If you already run FortiGate, that can replace a separate VPN client and endpoint agent. If you do not, weigh it against focused endpoint suites, because much of its value depends on the firewall side.

From [Best Endpoint Security Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-endpoint-security-solutions), Fall 2026.

Reviewed by [Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze](https://cybersectools.com/about).

## Side-by-side comparison

| | Fortinet FortiClient | Malwarebytes Student Protection Program |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Free |
| Category | Endpoint Protection Platform | Endpoint Protection Platform |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Hybrid | Cloud |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup |
| Company | Fortinet | Malwarebytes |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Fortinet FortiClient | Malwarebytes Student Protection Program |
|---|---|---|
| URL Filtering | Yes | – |
| ZTNA | Yes | – |
| Ransomware | – | Yes |
| Education | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Fortinet FortiClient**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**Malwarebytes Student Protection Program**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

### Integrations

**Fortinet FortiClient**

12 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**Malwarebytes Student Protection Program**

No integrations listed.

## Which one fits you

Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.

- [Fortinet FortiClient](https://cybersectools.com/tools/fortinet-forticlient) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options and you are a small business or a mid-market company or an enterprise.
- [Malwarebytes Student Protection Program](https://cybersectools.com/tools/malwarebytes-student-protection-program) fits if you want a cloud product, you are a startup and you need a free product.

## Fortinet FortiClient vs Malwarebytes Student Protection Program FAQ

Common questions when comparing Fortinet FortiClient vs Malwarebytes Student Protection Program for endpoint protection platform.

### What is the difference between Fortinet FortiClient and Malwarebytes Student Protection Program?

**Fortinet FortiClient**: Unified endpoint agent providing ZTNA, VPN, EPP, and fabric integration, built by Fortinet.

**Malwarebytes Student Protection Program**: Free 2-year premium security for eligible US college students, built by Malwarebytes.

The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.

### Who makes Fortinet FortiClient and Malwarebytes Student Protection Program?

**Fortinet FortiClient** is made by Fortinet. **Malwarebytes Student Protection Program** is made by Malwarebytes. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is Fortinet FortiClient a good alternative to Malwarebytes Student Protection Program?

Often, yes. Fortinet FortiClient and Malwarebytes Student Protection Program are both Endpoint Protection Platform products. Key differences: Fortinet FortiClient is Commercial while Malwarebytes Student Protection Program is Free. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Fortinet FortiClient vs PC Matic SuperShield](https://cybersectools.com/compare/fortinet-forticlient-vs-pc-matic-supershield)
- [Fortinet FortiClient vs Cyemptive ZeroStrike](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cyemptive-zerostrike-vs-fortinet-forticlient)
- [Fortinet FortiClient vs Broadcom Symantec Enterprise Cloud](https://cybersectools.com/compare/broadcom-symantec-enterprise-cloud-vs-fortinet-forticlient)
- [Malwarebytes Student Protection Program vs PC Matic SuperShield](https://cybersectools.com/compare/malwarebytes-student-protection-program-vs-pc-matic-supershield)
- [Malwarebytes Student Protection Program vs Cyemptive ZeroStrike](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cyemptive-zerostrike-vs-malwarebytes-student-protection-program)
- [Malwarebytes Student Protection Program vs Broadcom Symantec Enterprise Cloud](https://cybersectools.com/compare/broadcom-symantec-enterprise-cloud-vs-malwarebytes-student-protection-program)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Fortinet FortiClient alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/fortinet-forticlient)
- [See all Malwarebytes Student Protection Program alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/malwarebytes-student-protection-program)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/fortinet-forticlient-vs-malwarebytes-student-protection-program

For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/fortinet-forticlient.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on Fortinet FortiClient and Malwarebytes Student Protection Program: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md
