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Cisco AnyConnect vs. Citrix Gateway vs. OpenVPN Access Server

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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    Cisco AnyConnect

    Score9 out of 10
    N/ACisco offers an SSL VPN solution via AnyConnect.N/A

    Citrix Gateway

    Score8.1 out of 10
    N/ACitrix Gateway (or Citrix NetScaler Gateway) is an access gateway with SSL VPN solution, providing single sign-on (SSO) and authentication for remote end users of network assets.

    $995

    per month

    OpenVPN Access Server

    Score8.6 out of 10
    N/AOpenVPN headquartered in Pleasanton allows users to create secure access to a private network in the cloud or on-premise with Access Server. Access Server is available to deploy directly on various cloud platforms like Amazon AWS, Google GCP, Microsoft Azure, DigitalOcean, and also available as ready-to-deploy virtual appliances for Microsoft HyperV and VMWare ESXi. Alternately, OpenVPN Access Server Virtual Appliance is a full-featured secure network tunneling VPN virtual appliance solution…

    $27

    per month 3 connections (minimum)

    Pricing
    Cisco AnyConnectCitrix GatewayOpenVPN Access Server
    Editions & Modules
    No answers on this topic
    No answers on this topic
    3-99 Connections
    $9
    per month per connection
    2,000 Connections
    $3,100.00
    per month per connection
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    Cisco AnyConnectCitrix GatewayOpenVPN Access Server
    Free Trial
    NoNoYes
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoNoYes
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    NoNoNo
    Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional Details—The price for a Citrix Gateway (VPX) perpetual license is $995.00. You must contact the sales team for subscription license pricing.More connections reduces cost per connection, as does going with an annual plan versus a monthly price.
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    Cisco AnyConnectCitrix GatewayOpenVPN Access Server
    Considered Multiple Products
    Cisco
    Chose Cisco AnyConnect
    Cisco AnyConnect is a little more straightforward and works better in legacy contexts, in our experience. That being said, it does lack some of the functionality and information provided by OpenVPN, and other logistical factors are relevant as well.
    Incentivized
    Chose Cisco AnyConnect
    Easier to set up on existing Cisco-based devices and equipment. In a Unix-based server environment, OpenVPN may be more appropriate. OpenVPN is great but offers little in the form of support unless via another third-party company. OpenVPN offers more options in terms of …
    Incentivized
    Chose Cisco AnyConnect
    I have tried the above too. I have noticed that the consistency and reliability that connect provides are way better than theirs. Integration with 2-factor authentication apps is something extremely important, and I am not sure if this two software provide such functionality. …
    Incentivized
    Chose Cisco AnyConnect
    We have Citrix Xenapp installed for remote connectivity as well as the Cisco AnyConnect. Since installing the AnyConnect, we have 2 out of 130 users that now use Citrix Xenapp for remote connectivity - everyone else prefers AnyConnect for speed of connection, less profile …
    Incentivized
    Chose Cisco AnyConnect
    I've tried other VPN services in the past, actually use OpenVPN with another company. I am not a huge advocate of using other VPN products because I've worked with Cisco AnyConnect for so many years. Its been a solid and reputable VPN that I would recommend to any …
    Incentivized
    Cloud Software Group
    No answer on this topic
    OpenVPN
    No answer on this topic
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    96%
    Would buy again
    92 Answers
    100%
    Would buy again
    11 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Delivers good value for the price
    98%
    Delivers good value for the price
    80 Answers
    100%
    Delivers good value for the price
    10 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Happy with the feature set
    96%
    Happy with the feature set
    92 Answers
    100%
    Happy with the feature set
    11 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    94%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    61 Answers
    100%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    9 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Implementation went as expected
    96%
    Implementation went as expected
    66 Answers
    100%
    Implementation went as expected
    9 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Features
    Cisco AnyConnectCitrix GatewayOpenVPN Access Server
    Virtual Private Network
    Comparison of Virtual Private Network features of Cisco AnyConnect and Citrix Gateway and OpenVPN Access Server
    Feature
    Cisco AnyConnect
    9.2
    29 Ratings
    3% above category average
    Citrix Gateway
    -
    Ratings
    OpenVPN Access Server
    8.4
    2 Ratings
    6% below category average
    AES 256-bit Encryption9.429 Ratings00 Ratings8.52 Ratings
    Kill Switch9.122 Ratings00 Ratings9.52 Ratings
    Multi-Platform Support8.828 Ratings00 Ratings8.02 Ratings
    Split Tunneling9.126 Ratings00 Ratings8.02 Ratings
    IP Address Masking9.426 Ratings00 Ratings8.02 Ratings
    No-Logs Policy9.122 Ratings00 Ratings8.52 Ratings
    Multiple Server Locations9.123 Ratings00 Ratings7.01 Ratings
    Automatic Wi-Fi Protection9.524 Ratings00 Ratings9.01 Ratings
    Simultaneous Connections9.424 Ratings00 Ratings9.52 Ratings
    Customer Support Services9.025 Ratings00 Ratings8.01 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    Cisco AnyConnectCitrix GatewayOpenVPN Access Server
    Small Businesses
    No answers on this topic
    No answers on this topic
    No answers on this topic
    Medium-sized Companies
    No answers on this topic
    No answers on this topic
    No answers on this topic
    Enterprises
    No answers on this topic
    Ivanti Secure Unified Client
    Score4.7 out of 10
    No answers on this topic
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    Cisco AnyConnectCitrix GatewayOpenVPN Access Server
    Likelihood to Recommend
    9.3
    (118 ratings)
    8.0
    (16 ratings)
    9.5
    (3 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    9.8
    (12 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Usability
    9.2
    (97 ratings)
    8.0
    (3 ratings)
    10.0
    (2 ratings)
    Availability
    9.9
    (9 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Performance
    8.9
    (3 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Support Rating
    8.9
    (95 ratings)
    8.0
    (3 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    9.0
    (7 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Configurability
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Ease of integration
    10.0
    (7 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Product Scalability
    9.0
    (3 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Vendor post-sale
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Vendor pre-sale
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    Cisco AnyConnectCitrix GatewayOpenVPN Access Server
    Likelihood to Recommend
    Cisco
    Providing secure remote access with a robust VPN, creating an encrypted tunnel so employees can safely access internal company resources like file servers and private apps from anywhere. It also allows enforcing device compliance: depending on policies, checks whether a device has an active antivirus and the latest OS updates before allowing it to connect. When there is not much need for remote access, the cost is too high.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cloud Software Group
    Citrix Gateway is a reliable remote access and remote desktop solution. It comes with some amazing security features and enables teams to work remotely. In addition, it guarantees easy, secure access to business apps and desktops through features such as SSO and MFA. It is an ideal tool to have if your business has remote teams.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    OpenVPN
    If you looking for a reliable, light weight and secure VPN server, than OpenVPN Access Server is the one. Easy to install and manage, OpenVPN will provide secure remote connections, with a very good integration with almost all LDAP directories, for user management. With my experience, I don't see any scenario that OpenVPN won't be able to handle.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Pros
    Cisco
    • All Cisco AnyConnect data transfer processes are secure to enhance security.
    • It can connect multiple terminals across various sites directly.
    • Centralized management of the workstations connected to the network became easier than ever for managers with multiple locations in the organization's workforce.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cloud Software Group
    • It simplifies IT management - has greatly reduced our IT administrative burden.
    • It enhances contextual access and security. Policy-based access helps improve security by considering location, device, and user identity.
    • Unified access and performance. The tool ensures a single point of entry for all applications.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    OpenVPN
    • Speed of logging in.
    • Lengthy session times.
    • Ease of troubleshooting.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cons
    Cisco
    • Cisco AnyConnect can use the system resources as long as the program is being run.
    • Account activation may be very difficult when connecting from areas requiring captive portal login, if certain settings are not allowed.
    • By default, it is possible to request the user to authenticate again at specific intervals.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cloud Software Group
    • Opening of apps - it often crashes. My coworker even told me a trick to 'spam click' the app when it shows a certain error to be able to bypass it to get the app open.
    • Ability to customize from a user point of view - hiding apps, customizing visual, etc.
    • Desktop version never remaining signed in (MacBook) - much easier to just access via web.
    • After new laptop/new hire logs into the web version of Citrix and downloads the launcher, the launcher should then auto-fill the URL rather than requesting it again.
    • Citrix seems to reset at 12:00pm EST every day, given 15 minute reminder before shutting down the app. It would be great if this timer could be visible in the corner, or simply scheduled for different times depending on regions as it's quite disruptive.
    • Citrix seems to reset at 12:00pm EST every day, given 15 minute reminder before shutting down the app. It would be great if this timer could be visible in the corner, or simply scheduled for different times depending on regions as it's quite disruptive.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    OpenVPN
    • some times error logs are not clear
    • Configuring 3rd party apps can sometimes be problematic
    • Limited functionality for iPhone users, but I believe that is due to an apple issue.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Likelihood to Renew
    Cisco
    It is perhaps the second most functional tool we have, it will definitely be renewed every year. Our network is stable, which ensures that there is less for our technicians to troubleshoot, which frees them up to ensure other parts of the company are maintained. This keeps our costs low and our downtime at a minimum.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cloud Software Group
    No answers on this topic
    OpenVPN
    No answers on this topic
    Usability
    Cisco
    It is very useful tool for companies having hybrid work culture. It will allow their employees to work seamlessly from home, office, other branches. This tool will increase your productivity as it will facilitates your employees to access corporate applications 24x7. Overall it is easy to use, deploy and integrate.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cloud Software Group
    Citrix is a visually very clean platform, allowing for ease of use from even the least tech-savvy. That being said, the apps crashes a lot (scheduled or otherwise), and apps very often refuse to open from the dashboard, making for a frustrating/confusing experience from those who have not yet experienced these same issues daily for years now. The launcher app (for MacBook) leaves a lot to be desired in terms of both setup and daily use, making the web version more viable. First-time users are also often confused on what Citrix is - and how each app connects in order to open a program (explaining "log into Citrix on the web, then download the launcher app, then launch the Spectra app via Citrix web, which will open in the Citrix launcher app on your laptop to launch the app, but you have to paste in the URL again and log in again to access" is a handful)
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    OpenVPN
    Whatever console or firewall you are running OpenVPN Access Server, it's configuration is very easy to do. You can create multiple tunnels, with different pourposes and authetication methods. It also has a quick and easy view of the connections opened, with possible actions, such as a very efficient kill switch and reconnect options.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Reliability and Availability
    Cisco
    I have been using Cisco AnyConnect for past two years and thus I can say very firmly that I have never seen the outage from the Cisco AnyConnect services either It is VPN, System Scans or the Network Connectivity. Talking about the errors likewise major errors I have faced throughout my period of use.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cloud Software Group
    No answers on this topic
    OpenVPN
    No answers on this topic
    Performance
    Cisco
    Absolutely no speed issues, and I see no evidence of slowdowns across any of the multiple platforms I use daily. It's operation is completely invisible most of the time, except where there is a loss of connection due to server issues or a loss of power. Everything loads quickly and accurately.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cloud Software Group
    No answers on this topic
    OpenVPN
    No answers on this topic
    Support Rating
    Cisco
    I don't know but nobody provides proper support for us as end user. They should have people to check whether end user is facing issues or not. Cisco AnyConnect having very high charges and still there is no proper support! Many requests and many tickets have opened, but the working speed is very low for the support team! They should have it to optimize.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cloud Software Group
    Support is pretty good and pretty fast to respond. I can't say I can really complain about the support experience I've had with them, as they've resolved issues within a reasonable time-frame. Of course, they could always be faster and better, but I think for what we pay, it's well worth the money.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    OpenVPN
    No answers on this topic
    Implementation Rating
    Cisco
    Our Managed Services vendor helped us with the implementation. When we initially setup our AnyConnect using MFA for remote connectivity, the setup was easy and straight forward and worked just fine. After a year, we decided to change to an "always on" feature and use machine and user based security certificates instead of MFA. We had to open a ticket with Cisco support and have their assistance getting this feature to work. Turned out they had a small bug in the code for that version of AnyConnect and it has since been corrected. We have had no issues with the upgrades since that time. The deployment of the software to the user machines was done with SCCM and was straight forward. The user machine upgrades are easy - when the user machine connects and sees a new version available, it upgrades itself! What could be easier?
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cloud Software Group
    No answers on this topic
    OpenVPN
    No answers on this topic
    Alternatives Considered
    Cisco
    Cisco is one of our core partners besides Microsoft and SAP. And so yes, we are utilizing very many projects from Cisco. I would mention the whole networking equipment, the routing equipment, the wireless LAN, and also when it comes to infrastructure to compute infrastructure, we are utilizing Cisco servers within our converged infrastructure Flex spot. So we have been running a flex bot from Cisco, NetApp, and VMware for 12 years, and we are still very satisfied with the product. We are looking forward to upgrading to the newest blades and fabric interconnect to continue this journey.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cloud Software Group
    We chose Citrix Netscaler Gateway for its wide market presence and its great experience over time. Although the implementation time may be longer than in the other solutions, I think the results are better and it allows configuration with greater capacity than the others. The cost is similar in all the solutions seen.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    OpenVPN
    OpenVPN had a better UI and usability for our team. It was more straightforward, had better SAML integration, and allowed our team to be on the VPN and on our network in seconds. We had some issues getting Nord to work for our use cases, and have run into pretty much zero issues with OpenVPN.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Scalability
    Cisco
    Cisco AnyConnect has been a speedy, reliable, and efficient tool for the creation of your own VPN whatever location that you've brought your laptop. Customer support is consistently top-notch, coming up with quick fixes to whatever difficulties are thrown your way. I would not hesitate to reccommend Cisco AnyConnect to any business that needs connected employees throught the world.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cloud Software Group
    No answers on this topic
    OpenVPN
    No answers on this topic
    Return on Investment
    Cisco
    • We are able to seamlessly work on multiple clients daily, and it allows us to quickly handle more projects at the same time.
    • Cisco AnyConnect has allowed our own company's coworkers to remotely connect back to the corporate network, easily assisting work schedules and processes, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being forced to work remotely, meant our processes still happened quickly and efficiently, by being able to leverage and use Cisco AnyConnect VPN.
    • Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, I have worked 100% remotely for a few years now. This was always due to the reliable connectivity and ease of use with Cisco AnyConnect VPN. I live 2+ hours from our nearest corporate office, and even further from some of my client locations, and I have always been able to connect to any of my multiple Cisco AnyConnect VPN connections, within seconds.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cloud Software Group
    • We use Citrix Gateway as booking tool which is important to us.
    • We check our metrics using Citrix which is also important to the company as our performance.
    • We can see also comments and opinions of the customers using this tool.
    Read full review
    OpenVPN
    • Only 2 free users, it would be nice if they would expand to 5.
    • Easy way to establish a VPN backbone between two locations
    • Great for work at home or BCP events.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    ScreenShots

    OpenVPN Access Server Screenshots

    Product screenshotProduct screenshot