FortiClient vs Zscaler Private Access (2026): which should you pick?

Pick FortiClient if

• Fits if your company already runs Fortinet gateways and wants a matching client
• Makes sense if you want a free VPN-only client for a single device

Look elsewhere if

• Skip it if you want to control a desktop remotely, as it is a VPN and endpoint agent
• Watch out: no prices are published and editions are bought through Fortinet's channels
• Watch out: support, central management and posture assessment aren't in the VPN-only edition
• Tight if you manage many devices, since central management needs a separately deployed EMS

Pick Zscaler Private Access if

• Fits if you are a company security team replacing a VPN with per-app access
• Makes sense if you already buy Zscaler services

Look elsewhere if

• Skip it if you want to remotely control a personal computer, as this is a business security service
• Watch out: no prices are published and the page offers a demo request only
• Watch out: the page doesn't list supported client platforms
• Tight if you want a trial, as none is listed

FortiClient

• No prices are published; editions are bought through Fortinet's How to Buy channels.
• Support, central management and zero trust posture assessment are not in the VPN-only edition.
• Central management needs a separately deployed FortiClient EMS.
• It is a VPN and endpoint agent, not a tool for controlling a desktop remotely.

Zscaler Private Access

• No prices are published; the page offers a demo request and sales contact only.
• The product page does not list supported client platforms or a free trial.
• It is a business security service, not a tool for remotely controlling a personal computer.

FortiClient

VPN and ZTNA tunnels

The unified agent supports both zero trust application access and VPN-encrypted tunnels for remote workers.

Endpoint posture checks

ZTNA Edition includes real-time endpoint posture checks and VPN with continuous assessment.

Web filtering and CASB

URL and video filtering through FortiGuard, plus inline and API-based CASB, are part of the ZTNA Edition.

Endpoint protection

The EPP/APT Edition adds AI-powered antivirus and malware protection on top of the ZTNA features.

Central management

Editions are managed centrally from the FortiClient Endpoint Management Server, with central logging and reporting available.

Fabric integration

As a Fabric Agent it reports device information to the Fortinet Security Fabric for visibility and control.

Zscaler Private Access

App-level access

Connects authorized users directly to specific applications, so the corporate network and the apps are not exposed to the public internet.

AI-assisted app segmentation

Discovers applications automatically and suggests app segments and policies to limit lateral movement.

Privileged Remote Access

Gives remote workers and third parties clientless access to RDP, SSH and VNC production systems.

Browser Access

Lets users reach private apps through a browser, alongside lightweight client software.

Private Service Edge

Brings the same direct user-to-app, least-privileged access to users who are on premises.

Business continuity

Keeps policy-enforced access to critical applications available during connectivity outages.

FortiClient

• VPN-only$0

  VPN client without support or central management; the downloads page points to Enterprise tiers for those.

• Standalone EditionCustom

  Subscription with email support, aimed at small businesses. Sold through Fortinet's How to Buy channels.

• ZTNA EditionCustom

  Adds zero trust application access, posture checks, web filtering, CASB and management through EMS.

• EPP/APT EditionCustom

  Everything in ZTNA Edition plus AI-powered antivirus and malware protection.

Zscaler Private Access

Pricing could not be confirmed. See zscaler.com.