By Fortinet
Report updated Apr 16, 2026
FortiClient 6.0
For enterprise remote workers and IT security teams requiring secure, managed access to legacy Fortinet (FortiOS 6.0 and below) environments.
FortiClient 6.0 is an established utilities app that is free with in-app purchases. With a 3.5/5 rating from 2.2K reviews, it shows polarized user reception.
What is FortiClient 6.0?
Current Momentum
v6.0 · 80mo ago
ZombieFortiClient 6.0 has not been updated since August 2019 and is currently in a zombie state. No recent feature additions or maintenance have been recorded.
Active Nemesis
Cisco Secure Client
By Cisco
Other Rivals
7-Day Rank Pulse 🇺🇸
UtilitiesNo ranking data
Rating Pulse 🇺🇸
What makes this app unique?
What Does It Look Like?
How Is The App's Momentum Right Now?
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What Are The Key Features?
Creates a fully encrypted secure tunnel between the mobile device and FortiGate for all traffic.
Enforces web category filtering and content security across browsers to ensure compliance.
Enables secure, identity-aware access to private applications based on device posture and user verification.
Utilizes machine learning and AI for next-generation antivirus (NGAV) and behavior-based anti-exploit protection.
Automatically isolates compromised or suspicious endpoints to prevent security outbreaks.
How much does it cost?
- Free mobile client for basic VPN and web filtering
- Enterprise-grade licensing via FortiClient EMS for advanced security features
The app serves as a gateway to the Fortinet Security Fabric; revenue is generated through enterprise-level EMS subscriptions rather than direct app store purchases.
Who Built It?
Fortinet
Securing enterprise network infrastructure through integrated remote access and multi-factor authentication tools. Providing IT professionals with managed connectivity for Fortinet-protected environments.
Portfolio
13
Apps
Who is Fortinet?
Fortinet leverages its position as a hardware-centric security vendor to drive adoption of its mobile software ecosystem, effectively tethering enterprise users to the Fortinet Security Fabric. Their moat is built on deep integration with proprietary back-end infrastructure, making their mobile clients essential components for organizations already committed to FortiGate hardware. The strategic tension lies in their transition from legacy, hardware-dependent utilities toward a more modern, Zero Trust-oriented mobile experience that must maintain compatibility with a vast, fragmented base of existing enterprise deployments.
Who is Fortinet for?
- Enterprise IT administrators
- Remote employees requiring secure
- Managed access to corporate networks
Portfolio momentum
Released 17 updates across 14 apps in the last 6 months, indicating a high-frequency maintenance and development cycle for their security suite.
What other apps does Fortinet make?
What do users think recently?
Analysis in progress, available soon
What is the competitive landscape for FortiClient 6.0?
How's The Utilities Market?
Market outlook for this category
Available very soon
The rivals identified
The Nemesis
Head to Head
Cisco Secure Client holds a clear strategic edge due to its active development and modern OS support. While FortiClient 6.0 remains essential for legacy Fortinet environments, Cisco's solution offers a more robust and future-proof security posture for modern enterprises.
What sets FortiClient 6.0 apart
Native integration with legacy FortiOS (5.2, 5.6, 6.0) environments that newer clients may not support
Includes built-in web category filtering directly within the mobile client
What's Cisco Secure Client's Edge
Significantly more frequent update cadence and active maintenance compared to the legacy FortiClient 6.0
Stronger brand recognition and trust among enterprise IT administrators for stable remote access
Contenders
Automatic gateway selection based on the fastest available connection
Deep integration with Prisma Access for cloud-delivered security
Cloud-native architecture that eliminates the need for traditional VPN concentrators
Granular application-level access control rather than full network tunneling
Ivanti Secure Access Client
★4.4 (5K)Pulse Secure LLC
🚀Formerly Pulse Secure, this is a dedicated enterprise access client with a long history of reliable SSL VPN performance.
Strong focus on 'Always-On' VPN capabilities and per-app VPN tunneling
Comprehensive host checker features to ensure device compliance before connection
Peers
Advanced traffic management and load balancing integration
Highly customizable access policies based on user identity and device posture
Seamless integration with Check Point's SandBlast mobile threat defense
Simplified user interface focused on one-tap connectivity
New Kids on the Block
Utilizes Cloudflare's massive global network for extremely low-latency connections
Combines consumer-grade speed (WARP) with enterprise-grade security controls
Tailscale
★4.3 (3.7K)Tailscale Inc.
⚡A fast-growing zero-config mesh VPN based on WireGuard that is increasingly being adopted by enterprises for ZTNA.
Peer-to-peer connectivity that bypasses traditional central VPN bottlenecks
Extremely simple setup using existing identity providers (SSO)
The outtake for FortiClient 6.0
Strengths to defend, gaps to attack
Core Strengths
- Native integration with legacy FortiOS (5.2, 5.6, 6.0)
- Built-in web category filtering across all browsers
- Advanced ZTNA and AI-powered protection features
- Automated endpoint quarantine for threat containment
Critical Frictions
- No app updates since August 2019 (v6.0.5)
- Fragmented user experience requiring a separate app for FortiOS 6.2+
- Legacy support only; lacks optimization for modern iOS versions
Growth Levers
- Convert legacy users to the modern unified FortiClient app
- Leverage ZTNA to displace traditional VPN-only competitors
Market Threats
- Cisco Secure Client's active maintenance and modular architecture
- Cloud-native ZTNA solutions (Zscaler, Cloudflare) eliminating VPN hardware needs
- Security risks associated with unpatched, legacy software
What are the next best moves?
Accelerate legacy user migration to the modern FortiClient app
The app has not been updated since 2019, creating a significant security and compatibility gap compared to Cisco Secure Client's active maintenance.
Audit ZTNA feature performance on modern iOS versions
While ZTNA is listed as a differentiator, the 2019 update date suggests it may not utilize current Apple security frameworks (e.g., NetworkExtension updates).
Consolidate app store presence to reduce user confusion
The requirement to download a different app for FortiOS 6.2+ (as noted in the description) creates friction and potential churn to competitors like GlobalProtect.
Feature Gaps vs Competitors
- Modular architecture for umbrella roaming and ISE integration (available in Cisco Secure Client)
- Cloud-native architecture without VPN concentrators (available in Zscaler and Cloudflare)
- Peer-to-peer mesh connectivity (available in Tailscale)
- Frequent security patch cycles and modern iOS optimization (available in Cisco Secure Client)
Key Takeaways
FortiClient 6.0 is a legacy utility currently in maintenance mode, serving a shrinking base of older FortiOS environments. While its ZTNA and AI features are strong on paper, the lack of updates since 2019 makes it a high-risk asset compared to Cisco's actively maintained ecosystem.
Where Is It Heading?
Declining
Last updated August 23, 2019 — the app is in maintenance mode, not active development.
Explicit developer note directing users to a new app for FortiOS 6.2+ — indicates a sunsetting strategy for this version.
Maintains 4.1 rating despite age — suggests core VPN stability for legacy users remains functional.