# Fortinet FortiClient vs Pareto Security: 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). [Pareto Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/pareto-security) is a free [endpoint protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp) solution. 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 | Pareto Security |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Free |
| Category | Endpoint Protection Platform | Endpoint Protection Platform |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Hybrid | On-Premises |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB |
| GitHub stars | – | 429 |
| Last commit | – | Mar 2026 |
| Company | Fortinet | – |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Fortinet FortiClient | Pareto Security |
|---|---|---|
| URL Filtering | Yes | – |
| ZTNA | Yes | – |
| macOS | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Fortinet FortiClient**

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

**Pareto Security**

No features listed.

### Integrations

**Fortinet FortiClient**

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

**Pareto Security**

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 mid-market company or an enterprise.
- [Pareto Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/pareto-security) fits if you need to run it on your own servers, you are a startup, you need a free product and you want an open-source product.

## Fortinet FortiClient vs Pareto Security FAQ

Common questions when comparing Fortinet FortiClient vs Pareto Security for endpoint protection platform.

### What is the difference between Fortinet FortiClient and Pareto Security?

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

**Pareto Security**: A security checklist app for your Mac that helps you with basic security hygiene and prevents 80% of problems.

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

### Who makes Fortinet FortiClient and Pareto Security?

**Fortinet FortiClient** is made by Fortinet. **Pareto Security** is open-source with 429 GitHub stars. 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 Pareto Security?

Often, yes. Fortinet FortiClient and Pareto Security are both Endpoint Protection Platform products. Key differences: Fortinet FortiClient is Commercial while Pareto Security is Free, Pareto Security is open-source. 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)
- [Pareto Security vs PC Matic SuperShield](https://cybersectools.com/compare/pareto-security-vs-pc-matic-supershield)
- [Pareto Security vs Cyemptive ZeroStrike](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cyemptive-zerostrike-vs-pareto-security)
- [Pareto Security vs Broadcom Symantec Enterprise Cloud](https://cybersectools.com/compare/broadcom-symantec-enterprise-cloud-vs-pareto-security)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Fortinet FortiClient alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/fortinet-forticlient)
- [See all Pareto Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/pareto-security)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/fortinet-forticlient-vs-pareto-security

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 Pareto Security: 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