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Top 10 Best Pam Software of 2026

Discover the top 10 best PAM software solutions to streamline access management. Find expert picks and make an informed choice today.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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Privileged access management (PAM) tools are indispensable for protecting organizations from cyber threats by securing critical credentials, enforcing least-privilege access, and monitoring high-risk sessions across hybrid and cloud environments. With options ranging from endpoint-focused solutions to AI-driven platforms, selecting the right tool—such as CyberArk, BeyondTrust, or Delinea—directly impacts security resilience and operational efficiency.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: CyberArk - Leading privileged access management solution that secures human and machine identities across hybrid environments.
  2. 2#2: BeyondTrust - Unified platform for endpoint privilege management, remote access, and session monitoring to prevent credential abuse.
  3. 3#3: Delinea - Cloud-native privileged access management for protecting secrets, credentials, and enforcing least privilege.
  4. 4#4: One Identity Safeguard - Comprehensive vaulting and session management tool with analytics for auditing privileged access.
  5. 5#5: ManageEngine PAM360 - All-in-one PAM solution integrating discovery, governance, deployment, and SIEM for threat detection.
  6. 6#6: ARCON PAM - AI-driven privileged access management with just-in-time access and risk-based analytics.
  7. 7#7: WALLIX Bastion - Secure bastion host for session recording, access control, and compliance in critical infrastructures.
  8. 8#8: senhasegura - Robust PAM platform offering granular controls, video auditing, and DevOps integration.
  9. 9#9: StrongDM - Modern infrastructure access platform enabling secure, audited access without VPNs or bastions.
  10. 10#10: Osirium - Agentless, automated privileged access management focused on reducing attack surface through privilege elevation.

Tools were evaluated based on core capabilities (including vaulting, JIT access, and analytics), market validation, user-friendliness, and overall value, ensuring they address the evolving needs of modern IT and security teams.

Comparison Table

Explore the landscape of privileged access management (PAM) with our comparison table, featuring tools such as CyberArk, BeyondTrust, Delinea, One Identity Safeguard, ManageEngine PAM360, and more. This guide breaks down core functionalities, deployment models, and integration strengths, equipping readers to identify the solution that best fits their security goals and operational needs. Whether assessing upgrades, new implementations, or evaluating options, clear insights here will streamline informed decision-making.

1CyberArk logo9.7/10

Leading privileged access management solution that secures human and machine identities across hybrid environments.

Features
9.9/10
Ease
8.4/10
Value
9.1/10

Unified platform for endpoint privilege management, remote access, and session monitoring to prevent credential abuse.

Features
9.5/10
Ease
8.7/10
Value
8.8/10
3Delinea logo8.6/10

Cloud-native privileged access management for protecting secrets, credentials, and enforcing least privilege.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
8.2/10
Value
8.0/10

Comprehensive vaulting and session management tool with analytics for auditing privileged access.

Features
9.0/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
8.2/10

All-in-one PAM solution integrating discovery, governance, deployment, and SIEM for threat detection.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
8.4/10
Value
9.3/10
6ARCON PAM logo8.2/10

AI-driven privileged access management with just-in-time access and risk-based analytics.

Features
8.5/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
8.7/10

Secure bastion host for session recording, access control, and compliance in critical infrastructures.

Features
8.5/10
Ease
7.2/10
Value
7.5/10

Robust PAM platform offering granular controls, video auditing, and DevOps integration.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
7.4/10
Value
8.0/10
9StrongDM logo8.7/10

Modern infrastructure access platform enabling secure, audited access without VPNs or bastions.

Features
9.3/10
Ease
8.5/10
Value
8.0/10
10Osirium logo7.8/10

Agentless, automated privileged access management focused on reducing attack surface through privilege elevation.

Features
8.2/10
Ease
7.0/10
Value
7.5/10
1
CyberArk logo

CyberArk

enterprise

Leading privileged access management solution that secures human and machine identities across hybrid environments.

Overall Rating9.7/10
Features
9.9/10
Ease of Use
8.4/10
Value
9.1/10
Standout Feature

Digital Vault with unbreakable encryption and distributed architecture for the most secure, tamper-proof credential storage and rotation

CyberArk is the leading Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution, providing comprehensive security for privileged accounts, credentials, and sessions across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. It enables just-in-time access, session monitoring, threat detection, and automated credential rotation to prevent credential theft and lateral movement by attackers. Trusted by thousands of enterprises, including most Fortune 500 companies, it delivers scalable, robust PAM capabilities with advanced analytics for compliance and risk management.

Pros

  • Unmatched depth in PAM features including credential vaulting, session isolation, and endpoint privilege management
  • Scalable for global enterprises with strong support for multi-cloud and hybrid infrastructures
  • Advanced threat analytics, AI-driven detection, and seamless compliance reporting (e.g., NIST, GDPR)

Cons

  • High implementation complexity requiring significant expertise and time
  • Premium pricing that may be prohibitive for SMBs
  • Steep learning curve for initial configuration and ongoing management

Best For

Large enterprises and critical infrastructure organizations needing enterprise-grade PAM to secure highly sensitive privileged access in complex, regulated environments.

Pricing

Custom enterprise licensing, typically starting at $50,000-$100,000 annually depending on users/assets, with subscription-based SaaS or on-prem options.

Visit CyberArkcyberark.com
2
BeyondTrust logo

BeyondTrust

enterprise

Unified platform for endpoint privilege management, remote access, and session monitoring to prevent credential abuse.

Overall Rating9.1/10
Features
9.5/10
Ease of Use
8.7/10
Value
8.8/10
Standout Feature

BeyondInsight risk analytics engine that provides real-time visibility and predictive insights into privileged access risks

BeyondTrust is a comprehensive Privileged Access Management (PAM) platform that secures privileged credentials, enables secure remote access, and enforces least privilege across endpoints, servers, and cloud environments. It includes tools like Password Safe for credential vaulting, Privileged Remote Access for session monitoring and recording, and Endpoint Privilege Manager for application control and just-in-time elevation. The solution provides detailed auditing, risk analytics via BeyondInsight, and supports hybrid deployments to minimize cyber risks from over-privileged accounts.

Pros

  • Comprehensive PAM suite covering credential management, remote access, and endpoint protection
  • Advanced session monitoring, recording, and playback with AI-driven risk analytics
  • Scalable for hybrid/cloud environments with strong integrations (e.g., SIEM, ITSM)

Cons

  • High enterprise pricing may deter SMBs
  • Steep learning curve for initial setup and customization
  • UI can feel dated in some modules compared to newer competitors

Best For

Large enterprises and regulated industries needing robust, scalable PAM across diverse IT environments.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $50,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments, scaling per user/device and features (on-prem, SaaS, or hybrid).

Visit BeyondTrustbeyondtrust.com
3
Delinea logo

Delinea

enterprise

Cloud-native privileged access management for protecting secrets, credentials, and enforcing least privilege.

Overall Rating8.6/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
8.2/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Just-in-Time Privileged Access (JITPAM) that dynamically grants minimal privileges only when needed, reducing attack surface.

Delinea provides comprehensive Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions, including Secret Server for credential vaulting and session management, and Privilege Manager for endpoint privilege elevation. It secures privileged accounts across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments with features like just-in-time access, threat detection, and automated workflows. Designed for enterprises, Delinea emphasizes scalability, compliance reporting, and integration with DevOps tools to mitigate insider threats and credential abuse.

Pros

  • Extensive feature set including JIT access and AI-powered analytics
  • Strong scalability for large enterprises
  • Robust integrations with IAM and SIEM tools

Cons

  • Complex initial deployment and configuration
  • Premium pricing may deter smaller organizations
  • Advanced features require significant training

Best For

Large enterprises with complex hybrid IT environments seeking enterprise-grade PAM compliance and threat analytics.

Pricing

Quote-based enterprise licensing starting around $5,000/year for basic deployments, scaling with users, endpoints, and features.

Visit Delineadelinea.com
4
One Identity Safeguard logo

One Identity Safeguard

enterprise

Comprehensive vaulting and session management tool with analytics for auditing privileged access.

Overall Rating8.5/10
Features
9.0/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
8.2/10
Standout Feature

Real-time session shadowing and intervention, allowing admins to view, control, or terminate sessions instantly

One Identity Safeguard is a robust Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution that provides secure vaulting of privileged credentials, just-in-time access provisioning, and comprehensive session monitoring. It supports a wide range of protocols including SSH, RDP, and VNC, with features like real-time session recording, playback, and intervention for enhanced security. Deployable as hardened appliances in on-premises, virtual, or cloud environments, it integrates with Active Directory, LDAP, and other identity providers to streamline privileged access governance.

Pros

  • Advanced session management with real-time monitoring, recording, and video playback
  • Flexible deployment options including clustered appliances for high availability
  • Strong compliance and auditing capabilities with detailed reporting

Cons

  • Complex initial setup and configuration requiring specialized expertise
  • Higher cost for scaling to large environments
  • Less intuitive user interface compared to some cloud-native competitors

Best For

Mid-to-large enterprises needing a hardened, appliance-based PAM solution with superior session control for regulated industries.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing starting at ~$15,000-$25,000 per appliance annually, scaling by managed accounts/systems and support level.

5
ManageEngine PAM360 logo

ManageEngine PAM360

enterprise

All-in-one PAM solution integrating discovery, governance, deployment, and SIEM for threat detection.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
8.4/10
Value
9.3/10
Standout Feature

Integrated SIEM module for real-time risk scoring and threat analytics within the PAM platform

ManageEngine PAM360 is a comprehensive privileged access management (PAM) solution that provides secure vaulting of credentials, just-in-time access provisioning, and real-time session monitoring for privileged accounts across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. It includes advanced features like risk-based analytics, automated password rotation, and integrated SIEM capabilities for threat detection and compliance auditing. Ideal for organizations seeking unified visibility into privileged activities, it supports multi-platform access control and detailed auditing reports.

Pros

  • Feature-rich with built-in SIEM and threat analytics
  • Cost-effective pricing compared to enterprise competitors
  • Seamless integration with Active Directory and other ManageEngine tools

Cons

  • Scalability limitations for ultra-large enterprises
  • Interface can feel cluttered for beginners
  • Advanced customization requires technical expertise

Best For

Mid-market to large enterprises needing affordable, all-in-one PAM with strong analytics and compliance reporting.

Pricing

Appliance-based perpetual licensing starting at $4,955 for 150 concurrent sessions, plus annual maintenance; scales with sessions/users.

6
ARCON PAM logo

ARCON PAM

enterprise

AI-driven privileged access management with just-in-time access and risk-based analytics.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
8.5/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
8.7/10
Standout Feature

Unified Session Manager with AI-driven behavioral analytics for real-time threat detection during privileged sessions

ARCON PAM is a comprehensive Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution that secures high-risk privileged credentials through vaulting, enforces just-in-time access, and provides real-time session monitoring and recording. It supports multi-platform environments including cloud, on-premise, and hybrid setups, with advanced features like behavioral analytics and risk-based authentication. Designed for enterprises seeking robust PAM capabilities at a competitive price point, it helps mitigate insider threats and lateral movement risks effectively.

Pros

  • Cost-effective pricing compared to market leaders
  • Strong session management with video auditing and keystroke logging
  • Excellent multi-protocol support and quick deployment options

Cons

  • User interface can feel dated and less intuitive
  • Limited third-party integrations compared to top-tier solutions
  • Customer support responsiveness varies by region

Best For

Mid-sized enterprises and organizations in emerging markets needing affordable, feature-rich PAM without enterprise-level complexity.

Pricing

Quote-based pricing; typically starts at $50-100 per privileged account/year, with perpetual licenses available for on-premise deployments.

Visit ARCON PAMarcon.co.in
7
WALLIX Bastion logo

WALLIX Bastion

enterprise

Secure bastion host for session recording, access control, and compliance in critical infrastructures.

Overall Rating7.8/10
Features
8.5/10
Ease of Use
7.2/10
Value
7.5/10
Standout Feature

Real-time session shadowing and intervention, allowing admins to take over and halt suspicious activities instantly

WALLIX Bastion is a robust Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution that serves as a secure bastion host and access gateway for controlling and monitoring privileged sessions to critical IT infrastructure. It provides credential vaulting, multi-protocol support (SSH, RDP, VNC, etc.), session recording, real-time monitoring, and intervention capabilities to prevent unauthorized actions. Ideal for compliance-heavy environments, it ensures audit trails and integrates with identity providers for seamless MFA enforcement.

Pros

  • Comprehensive session recording and playback with forensic search
  • Strong multi-protocol support and real-time session intervention
  • Excellent compliance reporting for standards like GDPR, SOX, and PCI-DSS

Cons

  • Complex initial setup and configuration requiring expertise
  • Higher pricing limits appeal for smaller organizations
  • User interface feels dated compared to newer PAM competitors

Best For

Mid-to-large enterprises in regulated industries needing advanced session management and auditing for privileged access.

Pricing

Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically starting at $40,000-$60,000 annually for basic deployments, scaling with users, sessions, and features.

8
senhasegura logo

senhasegura

enterprise

Robust PAM platform offering granular controls, video auditing, and DevOps integration.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
7.4/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Advanced session proxy with full video recording, real-time blocking, and AI-powered OCR indexing for searchable audit trails

senhasegura is a robust Privileged Access Management (PAM) platform designed to secure, control, and audit privileged credentials and sessions across hybrid IT environments. It provides credential vaulting, just-in-time privileged access, session monitoring with video recording and playback, and advanced threat analytics to mitigate insider threats and lateral movement. The solution supports a wide range of systems, including on-premises, cloud, and DevOps tools, ensuring compliance with standards like GDPR, PCI-DSS, and NIST.

Pros

  • Comprehensive session recording with OCR search and tamper-proof auditing
  • Strong support for just-in-time access and multi-factor authentication
  • Scalable architecture with low overhead for high-volume environments

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for initial setup and configuration
  • Limited out-of-the-box integrations compared to market leaders
  • Pricing lacks transparency and can escalate with add-ons

Best For

Mid-to-large enterprises seeking cost-effective PAM with advanced session management for regulated industries.

Pricing

Quote-based enterprise licensing starting around $50,000 annually, depending on users, assets, and modules; modular pricing available.

Visit senhasegurasenhasegura.com
9
StrongDM logo

StrongDM

enterprise

Modern infrastructure access platform enabling secure, audited access without VPNs or bastions.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.3/10
Ease of Use
8.5/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Universal protocol-aware proxy enabling agentless, VPN-free access to any infrastructure resource

StrongDM is a modern Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution that delivers secure, just-in-time access to infrastructure like servers, databases, Kubernetes clusters, and cloud services without VPNs, SSH keys, or agents. It uses a universal proxy architecture to broker connections, enforce policies via SSO and identity providers, and provide comprehensive audit logs for compliance. Ideal for dynamic environments, it simplifies access management while maintaining granular controls and observability.

Pros

  • Agentless access across diverse resources (servers, DBs, K8s)
  • Robust auditing with full session recording and search
  • Seamless integration with SSO, CI/CD, and cloud providers

Cons

  • Pricing scales aggressively with users/resources
  • Initial network setup can be complex
  • Less ideal for very small teams due to enterprise focus

Best For

Mid-to-large enterprises managing access in hybrid/multi-cloud environments with dynamic infrastructure.

Pricing

Custom pricing based on users and resources; typically starts at $50+/user/month for enterprises, with free trial.

Visit StrongDMstrongdm.com
10
Osirium logo

Osirium

enterprise

Agentless, automated privileged access management focused on reducing attack surface through privilege elevation.

Overall Rating7.8/10
Features
8.2/10
Ease of Use
7.0/10
Value
7.5/10
Standout Feature

The Access Engine for credential-less, proxied just-in-time access to any device or application

Osirium is a Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution focused on just-in-time, passwordless access to critical IT infrastructure, using a proxy-based Access Engine to broker secure sessions without exposing credentials. It excels in session monitoring, recording, and adaptive policy enforcement across servers, databases, network devices, and cloud environments. Designed for reducing privileged account risks, it emphasizes device-centric controls over traditional vaulting approaches.

Pros

  • Robust just-in-time privilege elevation minimizes standing privileges
  • Passwordless access via intelligent proxy reduces credential theft risks
  • Strong session recording and auditing for compliance

Cons

  • Fewer integrations with modern cloud-native tools compared to leaders
  • Complex initial deployment and configuration
  • Pricing lacks transparency and can be high for smaller orgs

Best For

Mid-sized enterprises seeking a secure, device-focused PAM solution for hybrid IT environments without needing extensive credential vaulting.

Pricing

Enterprise subscription model with custom quotes; typically starts at $50,000+ annually depending on users and assets.

Visit Osiriumosirium.com

Conclusion

The top-tier privileged access management tools reviewed present a strong landscape, with CyberArk leading as the best choice, excelling in securing hybrid environments across human and machine identities. BeyondTrust follows, offering a unified platform for endpoint and session management to curb credential abuse, while Delinea stands out with its cloud-native focus on protecting secrets and enforcing least privilege. Each tool brings distinct strengths, making them viable alternatives for diverse organizational needs.

CyberArk logo
Our Top Pick
CyberArk

Elevate your privileged access security by starting with CyberArk, the top-ranked solution, and explore the others to find the ideal fit for your unique environment and requirements.