Quick Overview
- 1#1: Cisco Identity Services Engine - Comprehensive NAC solution offering policy-based access control, device profiling, and threat containment across wired, wireless, and VPN networks.
- 2#2: Aruba ClearPass - Policy management platform for secure network access, providing authentication, authorization, and enforcement for users and devices.
- 3#3: Forescout Platform - Agentless NAC tool delivering real-time visibility, access control, and automated compliance for IoT, OT, and IT devices.
- 4#4: Fortinet FortiNAC - Integrated NAC solution with device profiling, segmentation, and zero-trust access control within the Fortinet Security Fabric.
- 5#5: ExtremeControl - AI-driven NAC for dynamic policy enforcement, role-based access, and automated onboarding in fabric-based networks.
- 6#6: Portnox Cloud NAC - Cloud-native NAC platform simplifying zero-trust access with passwordless authentication and conditional policies.
- 7#7: SecureW2 Cloud RADIUS - Certificate-based NAC for seamless, secure Wi-Fi and VPN access with automated device enrollment and management.
- 8#8: Ivanti Pulse Policy Secure - Unified access control gateway providing NAC, SSL VPN, and endpoint compliance for secure remote and internal access.
- 9#9: Genians NAC - Affordable NAC solution with deep device visibility, profiling, and granular policy enforcement for SMBs and enterprises.
- 10#10: Auconet NAC - Scalable NAC system for user and device authentication, authorization, and hotspot management in multi-tenant environments.
We evaluated tools based on feature depth (including device profiling, zero-trust integration, and threat containment), performance, ease of deployment and management, and value across scales—from small businesses to large enterprises.
Comparison Table
Network Access Control (NAC) software is essential for safeguarding networks by regulating device access, with a range of tools from robust enterprise solutions to flexible platforms. This comparison table examines key offerings like Cisco Identity Services Engine, Aruba ClearPass, Forescout Platform, Fortinet FortiNAC, and ExtremeControl, guiding readers to understand their strengths and find the right fit for their security needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cisco Identity Services Engine Comprehensive NAC solution offering policy-based access control, device profiling, and threat containment across wired, wireless, and VPN networks. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 2 | Aruba ClearPass Policy management platform for secure network access, providing authentication, authorization, and enforcement for users and devices. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Forescout Platform Agentless NAC tool delivering real-time visibility, access control, and automated compliance for IoT, OT, and IT devices. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Fortinet FortiNAC Integrated NAC solution with device profiling, segmentation, and zero-trust access control within the Fortinet Security Fabric. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | ExtremeControl AI-driven NAC for dynamic policy enforcement, role-based access, and automated onboarding in fabric-based networks. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Portnox Cloud NAC Cloud-native NAC platform simplifying zero-trust access with passwordless authentication and conditional policies. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 7 | SecureW2 Cloud RADIUS Certificate-based NAC for seamless, secure Wi-Fi and VPN access with automated device enrollment and management. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Ivanti Pulse Policy Secure Unified access control gateway providing NAC, SSL VPN, and endpoint compliance for secure remote and internal access. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Genians NAC Affordable NAC solution with deep device visibility, profiling, and granular policy enforcement for SMBs and enterprises. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Auconet NAC Scalable NAC system for user and device authentication, authorization, and hotspot management in multi-tenant environments. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.3/10 |
Comprehensive NAC solution offering policy-based access control, device profiling, and threat containment across wired, wireless, and VPN networks.
Policy management platform for secure network access, providing authentication, authorization, and enforcement for users and devices.
Agentless NAC tool delivering real-time visibility, access control, and automated compliance for IoT, OT, and IT devices.
Integrated NAC solution with device profiling, segmentation, and zero-trust access control within the Fortinet Security Fabric.
AI-driven NAC for dynamic policy enforcement, role-based access, and automated onboarding in fabric-based networks.
Cloud-native NAC platform simplifying zero-trust access with passwordless authentication and conditional policies.
Certificate-based NAC for seamless, secure Wi-Fi and VPN access with automated device enrollment and management.
Unified access control gateway providing NAC, SSL VPN, and endpoint compliance for secure remote and internal access.
Affordable NAC solution with deep device visibility, profiling, and granular policy enforcement for SMBs and enterprises.
Scalable NAC system for user and device authentication, authorization, and hotspot management in multi-tenant environments.
Cisco Identity Services Engine
enterpriseComprehensive NAC solution offering policy-based access control, device profiling, and threat containment across wired, wireless, and VPN networks.
pxGrid ecosystem integration for real-time context sharing across security tools
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is a leading network access control (NAC) platform that provides comprehensive policy enforcement for secure access across wired, wireless, VPN, and SD-Access networks. It offers device profiling, posture assessment, guest and BYOD management, and integration with threat intelligence for zero-trust security. ISE enables granular access control based on user identity, device health, location, and context, making it ideal for enterprise-scale deployments.
Pros
- Exceptional integration with Cisco networking ecosystem and pxGrid for third-party sharing
- Advanced features like TrustSec SGTs, threat-centric NAC, and automated device compliance
- Scalable for large enterprises with high availability and robust reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial deployment requiring expertise
- High licensing costs scaled by endpoints, users, or features
- Resource-intensive hardware requirements for high-throughput environments
Best For
Large enterprises with Cisco-centric infrastructure seeking enterprise-grade NAC with zero-trust capabilities.
Pricing
Subscription-based licensing starting at ~$10-50 per endpoint/user annually, plus base node fees; scales with features and deployment size.
Aruba ClearPass
enterprisePolicy management platform for secure network access, providing authentication, authorization, and enforcement for users and devices.
Universal policy enforcement across any access method with dynamic segmentation and machine learning-driven profiling
Aruba ClearPass is a comprehensive Network Access Control (NAC) solution from HPE Aruba Networking that enforces granular access policies across wired, wireless, and VPN environments. It provides robust features like 802.1X authentication, device profiling, BYOD onboarding, guest management, and endpoint posture assessment to ensure secure network access. ClearPass integrates deeply with Aruba infrastructure and third-party systems via REST APIs, enabling automated policy enforcement and dynamic segmentation.
Pros
- Exceptional policy engine with contextual enforcement based on user, device, and location
- Seamless integration with Aruba switches, APs, and multi-vendor ecosystems
- Advanced profiling and OnGuard for real-time endpoint compliance checking
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial deployment
- High licensing costs scaled to endpoints
- Resource-intensive for smaller networks
Best For
Large enterprises with hybrid networks requiring sophisticated NAC, BYOD support, and integration with existing Aruba infrastructure.
Pricing
Endpoint-based licensing starting at $5-15 per concurrent endpoint annually, with minimum commitments for enterprise deployments often exceeding $20,000/year.
Forescout Platform
enterpriseAgentless NAC tool delivering real-time visibility, access control, and automated compliance for IoT, OT, and IT devices.
Agentless, passive device discovery and continuous compliance assurance across all network segments without endpoint software
Forescout Platform is an agentless network access control (NAC) solution that provides comprehensive visibility, classification, and policy enforcement across IT, IoT, OT, and IoMT devices. It discovers all connected endpoints in real-time without requiring software agents, assesses compliance, and dynamically enforces access controls to mitigate risks. The platform also integrates with existing security tools for automated orchestration and response, supporting zero-trust architectures in complex enterprise environments.
Pros
- Agentless deployment enables quick visibility into unmanaged devices like IoT and OT
- Advanced policy enforcement with behavioral analysis and automated remediation
- Seamless integrations with SIEM, firewalls, and other security ecosystems
Cons
- Complex initial setup and configuration requiring skilled personnel
- High enterprise-level pricing that may not suit smaller organizations
- Steep learning curve for optimizing advanced features
Best For
Large enterprises with diverse, hybrid networks needing granular, agentless control over IT, IoT, and OT devices.
Pricing
Subscription-based, typically starting at $50,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments, scaled by IP addresses or devices managed.
Fortinet FortiNAC
enterpriseIntegrated NAC solution with device profiling, segmentation, and zero-trust access control within the Fortinet Security Fabric.
Automated, AI-driven device profiling and behavioral analytics for rogue detection across unmanaged IoT/OT assets
Fortinet FortiNAC is a robust Network Access Control (NAC) solution that delivers comprehensive visibility, automated policy enforcement, and granular control over wired, wireless, VPN, and IoT/OT devices on enterprise networks. It enables zero-trust access by profiling devices, detecting rogues, and dynamically segmenting traffic to mitigate threats in real-time. Integrated deeply with the Fortinet Security Fabric, FortiNAC automates responses and orchestrates security across the ecosystem for enhanced threat protection.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Fortinet Security Fabric for unified management
- Advanced device profiling and IoT/OT visibility with automated quarantine
- Dynamic segmentation and zero-trust policy enforcement
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial deployment
- Higher pricing unsuitable for small businesses
- Optimal performance requires Fortinet ecosystem alignment
Best For
Large enterprises with Fortinet infrastructure needing scalable, zero-trust NAC for diverse device environments.
Pricing
Quote-based; perpetual licenses or subscriptions typically $15-30 per endpoint/year, scaling with deployment size and features.
ExtremeControl
enterpriseAI-driven NAC for dynamic policy enforcement, role-based access, and automated onboarding in fabric-based networks.
Universal tagging and policy enforcement across Extreme Fabric Connect for dynamic, automated network segmentation
ExtremeControl by Extreme Networks is a comprehensive Network Access Control (NAC) solution designed to secure wired, wireless, and VPN access points with policy-based enforcement. It automates device profiling, user authentication via 802.1X, RADIUS, and SAML, and applies contextual access controls using role-based policies. Integrated deeply with Extreme's Fabric Connect, it supports zero-trust architectures, micro-segmentation, and AI-driven anomaly detection for enterprise-scale deployments.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Extreme Networks hardware and Fabric Connect for automated policy enforcement
- Advanced automation including AI/ML-based device profiling and threat detection
- Scalable micro-segmentation and zero-trust support for large, complex environments
Cons
- Steeper learning curve and complex initial setup for non-Extreme users
- Pricing premiums without existing Extreme infrastructure
- Fewer native integrations with non-Extreme ecosystem tools compared to top competitors
Best For
Enterprises with Extreme Networks infrastructure needing tightly integrated, fabric-aware NAC for zero-trust security.
Pricing
Quote-based licensing, typically perpetual or subscription per port/device starting around $10-20 annually; bundles with Extreme hardware.
Portnox Cloud NAC
enterpriseCloud-native NAC platform simplifying zero-trust access with passwordless authentication and conditional policies.
Agentless, cloud-native enforcement that works universally across wired, wireless, and remote access without software agents
Portnox Cloud NAC is a fully cloud-native Network Access Control (NAC) solution that delivers zero-trust access enforcement for wired, wireless, VPN, and remote users without requiring on-premises hardware or agents on most devices. It supports industry standards like 802.1X, RADIUS, and integrates with existing switches, access points, firewalls, and MDM systems for seamless policy application. The platform offers real-time visibility, automated remediation, and passwordless authentication to secure diverse device types including IoT and BYOD.
Pros
- Agentless deployment simplifies rollout across diverse environments
- Cloud-managed scalability with no hardware maintenance required
- Robust zero-trust policies supporting IoT, BYOD, and legacy devices
Cons
- Subscription pricing can escalate for large-scale deployments
- Some advanced integrations require custom configuration
- Relies on stable internet connectivity for full functionality
Best For
Mid-sized enterprises and organizations seeking quick, scalable NAC deployment without on-premises infrastructure.
Pricing
Per-device or per-user subscription starting at ~$5-10/month, with volume discounts and custom enterprise plans.
SecureW2 Cloud RADIUS
enterpriseCertificate-based NAC for seamless, secure Wi-Fi and VPN access with automated device enrollment and management.
JoinNow MultiOS zero-touch provisioning for cross-platform device onboarding and certificate enrollment
SecureW2 Cloud RADIUS is a fully managed, cloud-based RADIUS-as-a-Service (RaaS) platform designed for secure 802.1X network access control, primarily targeting Wi-Fi and wired networks. It excels in certificate lifecycle automation, passwordless authentication via EAP-TLS, and seamless device onboarding through its JoinNow MultiOS portal. The solution integrates with identity providers like Azure AD, Okta, and MDM tools such as Intune, enabling Zero Trust access without on-premises infrastructure.
Pros
- Unlimited scalability with cloud-native RADIUS deployment
- Automated certificate management and passwordless auth
- Broad integrations with IdPs, MDMs, and NAC platforms
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small organizations
- Primarily optimized for Wi-Fi, less emphasis on full wired/VPN NAC
- Advanced configurations require networking expertise
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing scalable, cloud-based 802.1X authentication with certificate-driven Zero Trust security.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$1-2 per device/month; custom enterprise plans with volume discounts.
Ivanti Pulse Policy Secure
enterpriseUnified access control gateway providing NAC, SSL VPN, and endpoint compliance for secure remote and internal access.
Unified Secure Access combining NAC, SSL VPN, and zero-trust policy enforcement in one platform
Ivanti Pulse Policy Secure is a robust Network Access Control (NAC) solution designed to secure network access for users, devices, and IoT endpoints across wired, wireless, and VPN connections. It enforces granular policies using 802.1X, RADIUS, and agent-based profiling to ensure compliance and mitigate risks. The platform supports zero-trust principles with continuous posture assessment and seamless integration with SIEM and identity management systems.
Pros
- Comprehensive policy enforcement with 802.1X and agentless onboarding
- Strong scalability for large enterprises and hybrid environments
- Integrated VPN and zero-trust access capabilities
Cons
- Complex initial setup and steep learning curve for admins
- User interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Pricing can be high for smaller organizations
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, multi-vendor networks requiring unified NAC and VPN security.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing; typically $50-100 per concurrent user annually or appliance bundles starting at $10,000+ with subscriptions.
Genians NAC
enterpriseAffordable NAC solution with deep device visibility, profiling, and granular policy enforcement for SMBs and enterprises.
Distributed NAC architecture for edge-based enforcement and scalability without single points of failure
Genians NAC is a robust Network Access Control solution designed to provide comprehensive visibility and control over all network-connected devices, including managed IT assets, BYOD, IoT, and OT endpoints. It supports both agent-based and agentless deployment modes, enabling automated policy enforcement, segmentation, and compliance checks across hybrid environments. The platform excels in device profiling and risk-based access decisions, integrating with existing security tools for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Superior device discovery and profiling for IoT/OT environments
- Flexible agentless and agent-based deployment options
- Strong automation for policy enforcement and remediation
Cons
- Complex initial setup and configuration
- Limited native integrations with some major SIEMs
- Pricing lacks transparency without a quote
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing detailed visibility and control over diverse device ecosystems including IoT and OT.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically per-node subscription starting around $10-20 per endpoint annually, with perpetual license options available.
Auconet NAC
enterpriseScalable NAC system for user and device authentication, authorization, and hotspot management in multi-tenant environments.
Agentless DPI-based device profiling that identifies and classifies endpoints in seconds without software installation
Auconet NAC is an agentless Network Access Control solution that uses deep packet inspection (DPI) to profile devices and enforce zero-trust policies without requiring endpoint agents. It integrates seamlessly with existing switches, wireless controllers, and firewalls to segment networks and control access based on user, device, and context. Designed for on-premises deployments, it offers rapid setup and automated compliance enforcement for SMBs and mid-sized enterprises.
Pros
- Agentless deployment simplifies rollout and maintenance
- Fast device profiling via DPI for quick policy enforcement
- Strong compatibility with major network hardware vendors
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting compared to enterprise leaders
- Primarily on-premises, lacking robust cloud-native options
- Scalability challenges in very large environments (>10k devices)
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking simple, agent-free NAC for zero-trust network segmentation.
Pricing
Quote-based licensing starting at ~$5-10 per endpoint annually, with perpetual options available; scales with device count.
Conclusion
This compilation of top network access control tools underscores the strength of modern security solutions. Leading as the top choice, Cisco Identity Services Engine stands out for its comprehensive policy-based access control, device profiling, and threat containment across wired, wireless, and VPN networks. Aruba ClearPass and Forescout Platform follow as strong alternatives, with Aruba offering robust policy management and Forescout providing agentless visibility and compliance for IoT and OT environments—each addressing distinct organizational needs. Together, they highlight the diversity of effective NAC solutions, from enterprise-wide coverage to specialized use cases.
Explore the top-ranked tools, starting with Cisco Identity Services Engine, to fortify your network security with tailored, reliable access control that adapts to modern challenges.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison