Quick Overview
- 1#1: CyberArk - CyberArk secures privileged accounts, credentials, and secrets across hybrid environments with advanced session monitoring and threat analytics.
- 2#2: Delinea Secret Server - Delinea Secret Server vaults and manages privileged credentials with just-in-time access and automated discovery for enterprises.
- 3#3: BeyondTrust Privilege Management - BeyondTrust provides endpoint privilege management, secure remote access, and credential vaulting to minimize privileged risks.
- 4#4: One Identity Safeguard - One Identity Safeguard delivers appliance-based privileged access management with session recording and multi-platform support.
- 5#5: ManageEngine PAM360 - ManageEngine PAM360 offers comprehensive privileged access governance, remote session management, and threat analytics in one console.
- 6#6: ARCON PAM - ARCON PAM provides risk-based privileged access control, session monitoring, and behavioral analytics for secure operations.
- 7#7: WALLIX Bastion - WALLIX Bastion secures bastion host access with session recording, replay, and granular auditing for critical infrastructure.
- 8#8: Hitachi ID Privileged Access Manager - Hitachi ID Privileged Access Manager automates password rotation, vaults credentials, and enforces least privilege across systems.
- 9#9: SSH PrivX - SSH PrivX enables passwordless, just-in-time access to SSH, RDP, and Kubernetes without agents using a zero-trust model.
- 10#10: StrongDM - StrongDM provides unified infrastructure access control with auditing and query-based permissions replacing VPNs.
Tools were selected and ranked based on a rigorous assessment of advanced features (including session monitoring, just-in-time access, and threat analytics), technical reliability, user experience, and overall value, ensuring they excel in addressing the diverse challenges of privileged access management.
Comparison Table
Navigating privileged access management (PAM) software is key for securing critical systems, with tools varying widely in features, usability, and integration. This comparison table examines leading solutions—including CyberArk, Delinea Secret Server, BeyondTrust Privilege Management, One Identity Safeguard, and ManageEngine PAM360—assessing factors like administration complexity and compatibility. Readers will discover how to match tools with their unique security needs and operational workflows.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CyberArk CyberArk secures privileged accounts, credentials, and secrets across hybrid environments with advanced session monitoring and threat analytics. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Delinea Secret Server Delinea Secret Server vaults and manages privileged credentials with just-in-time access and automated discovery for enterprises. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | BeyondTrust Privilege Management BeyondTrust provides endpoint privilege management, secure remote access, and credential vaulting to minimize privileged risks. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | One Identity Safeguard One Identity Safeguard delivers appliance-based privileged access management with session recording and multi-platform support. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | ManageEngine PAM360 ManageEngine PAM360 offers comprehensive privileged access governance, remote session management, and threat analytics in one console. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 6 | ARCON PAM ARCON PAM provides risk-based privileged access control, session monitoring, and behavioral analytics for secure operations. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | WALLIX Bastion WALLIX Bastion secures bastion host access with session recording, replay, and granular auditing for critical infrastructure. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Hitachi ID Privileged Access Manager Hitachi ID Privileged Access Manager automates password rotation, vaults credentials, and enforces least privilege across systems. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | SSH PrivX SSH PrivX enables passwordless, just-in-time access to SSH, RDP, and Kubernetes without agents using a zero-trust model. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | StrongDM StrongDM provides unified infrastructure access control with auditing and query-based permissions replacing VPNs. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
CyberArk secures privileged accounts, credentials, and secrets across hybrid environments with advanced session monitoring and threat analytics.
Delinea Secret Server vaults and manages privileged credentials with just-in-time access and automated discovery for enterprises.
BeyondTrust provides endpoint privilege management, secure remote access, and credential vaulting to minimize privileged risks.
One Identity Safeguard delivers appliance-based privileged access management with session recording and multi-platform support.
ManageEngine PAM360 offers comprehensive privileged access governance, remote session management, and threat analytics in one console.
ARCON PAM provides risk-based privileged access control, session monitoring, and behavioral analytics for secure operations.
WALLIX Bastion secures bastion host access with session recording, replay, and granular auditing for critical infrastructure.
Hitachi ID Privileged Access Manager automates password rotation, vaults credentials, and enforces least privilege across systems.
SSH PrivX enables passwordless, just-in-time access to SSH, RDP, and Kubernetes without agents using a zero-trust model.
StrongDM provides unified infrastructure access control with auditing and query-based permissions replacing VPNs.
CyberArk
enterpriseCyberArk secures privileged accounts, credentials, and secrets across hybrid environments with advanced session monitoring and threat analytics.
Privileged Session Manager (PSM) for real-time session isolation, monitoring, and playback without exposing credentials
CyberArk is a market-leading Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution designed to secure, control, and monitor human and machine privileged accounts across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. It provides automated credential rotation, just-in-time access, session isolation, and behavioral analytics to enforce least privilege and detect threats in real-time. Widely adopted by Fortune 500 companies, CyberArk excels in compliance with standards like NIST, GDPR, and PCI-DSS through its robust auditing and reporting capabilities.
Pros
- Comprehensive PAM capabilities including vaulting, discovery, and endpoint privilege management
- Advanced threat detection with AI-driven analytics and isolated session monitoring
- Scalable for large enterprises with seamless integrations to thousands of applications and systems
Cons
- High implementation complexity and steep learning curve for initial setup
- Premium pricing that may be prohibitive for small to mid-sized organizations
- Resource-intensive deployment requiring dedicated expertise
Best For
Large enterprises and critical infrastructure organizations requiring enterprise-grade PAM with advanced threat prevention and compliance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually for basic deployments, scaling with users, accounts, and features.
Delinea Secret Server
enterpriseDelinea Secret Server vaults and manages privileged credentials with just-in-time access and automated discovery for enterprises.
Event-Driven Just-in-Time (JIT) Access with no standing privileges and automatic de-provisioning
Delinea Secret Server is a leading Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution that provides a secure vault for storing, managing, and automatically rotating privileged credentials across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. It enforces least-privilege access through just-in-time provisioning, session monitoring, recording, and playback to detect anomalies and ensure compliance. The platform integrates seamlessly with DevOps tools, supports API-driven secrets management, and scales for enterprise needs with features like high availability clustering.
Pros
- Robust automated password rotation and discovery across diverse systems
- Comprehensive session monitoring with AI-powered anomaly detection
- Flexible deployment options including cloud-native and air-gapped on-premises
Cons
- Steep learning curve for configuration and advanced scripting
- Higher pricing tier suitable mainly for mid-to-large enterprises
- UI can feel dated compared to newer competitors
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises requiring scalable PAM with strong compliance and DevOps integration.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at approximately $50,000 annually for standard editions, scaling with users, appliances, and advanced features.
BeyondTrust Privilege Management
enterpriseBeyondTrust provides endpoint privilege management, secure remote access, and credential vaulting to minimize privileged risks.
Risk-based intelligent privilege elevation with just-in-time access and automated policy workflows
BeyondTrust Privilege Management is a comprehensive Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution designed to enforce least privilege principles across endpoints, servers, and workstations on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It enables just-in-time privilege elevation, application control, and credential vaulting to minimize standing privileges and reduce cyber risks. The platform integrates analytics and reporting for compliance and threat detection, making it ideal for securing hybrid environments.
Pros
- Granular just-in-time privilege elevation prevents privilege abuse
- Multi-platform support with strong endpoint hardening capabilities
- Advanced analytics and tamper-proof policy enforcement
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex policy configuration
- Higher pricing suitable mainly for enterprises
- Some deployment overhead in large-scale environments
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing robust endpoint privilege management and least privilege enforcement in hybrid IT setups.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically $5-15 per endpoint per month depending on features and scale.
One Identity Safeguard
enterpriseOne Identity Safeguard delivers appliance-based privileged access management with session recording and multi-platform support.
Safeguard Privileged Sessions (PSM) for secure, credentialless proxy access with real-time monitoring and tamper-proof recording.
One Identity Safeguard is a comprehensive Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution that provides secure credential vaulting, session monitoring, and just-in-time privileged access controls across hybrid environments. It supports multiple platforms including Windows, Unix/Linux, and mainframes, with appliance-based deployment for quick setup and scalability. The tool excels in proxying sessions to prevent direct credential exposure and offers detailed auditing and analytics for compliance.
Pros
- Robust session proxying and recording with video playback for forensic analysis
- Agentless deployment options via appliances for simplified management
- Broad protocol support (SSH, RDP, VNC) and integration with SIEM and identity tools
Cons
- Complex initial configuration and customization for large-scale environments
- Higher pricing that may not suit smaller organizations
- User interface feels dated compared to newer cloud-native PAM competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with on-premises or hybrid infrastructures requiring strong session monitoring and compliance auditing.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise licensing, typically starting at $40,000-$60,000 annually for basic appliance deployments, scaling with users, sessions, or managed systems.
ManageEngine PAM360
enterpriseManageEngine PAM360 offers comprehensive privileged access governance, remote session management, and threat analytics in one console.
Integrated XDR threat analytics with real-time risk scoring and SIEM correlation
ManageEngine PAM360 is a comprehensive privileged access management (PAM) solution that centralizes credential vaulting, session monitoring, and just-in-time privileged access across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. It includes endpoint privilege management, automated password discovery and rotation, video session recording, and integrated threat analytics with SIEM capabilities. Designed for scalability, it supports multi-platform deployment and integrates seamlessly with other ManageEngine tools for unified security operations.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including just-in-time access, session recording, and built-in SIEM integration
- Competitive pricing with strong ROI for mid-market enterprises
- Agentless deployment and broad platform support for quick setup
Cons
- UI can feel cluttered for complex configurations
- Advanced AI-driven analytics lag behind top-tier competitors
- Scalability challenges reported in very large deployments exceeding 10,000 endpoints
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises seeking a cost-effective, all-in-one PAM solution with robust session management and analytics.
Pricing
Starts at $795/year for 10 privileged accounts; scales with users/endpoints, free edition for up to 2 admins.
ARCON PAM
enterpriseARCON PAM provides risk-based privileged access control, session monitoring, and behavioral analytics for secure operations.
RiskBlox AI-powered behavioral analytics for real-time risk scoring and anomaly detection
ARCON PAM is a robust Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution that secures privileged credentials, enforces least privilege access, and provides real-time monitoring across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. It features credential vaulting, session recording with video auditing, just-in-time (JIT) access provisioning, and advanced behavioral analytics via its RiskBlox engine for threat detection. The platform emphasizes compliance with standards like GDPR, PCI-DSS, and NIST, while integrating RPA capabilities for automated privileged tasks.
Pros
- Advanced AI-driven RiskBlox analytics for proactive threat detection
- Unified platform supporting multi-cloud, hybrid, and on-prem deployments
- Comprehensive session management with video replay and granular auditing
Cons
- Complex initial deployment and configuration requiring expertise
- Quote-based pricing lacks transparency for smaller organizations
- Fewer native integrations with niche tools compared to market leaders
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises needing scalable PAM with strong behavioral analytics in diverse IT environments.
Pricing
Enterprise subscription model with custom quotes; typically starts at $50,000+ annually depending on users, assets, and modules.
WALLIX Bastion
enterpriseWALLIX Bastion secures bastion host access with session recording, replay, and granular auditing for critical infrastructure.
Bastion Proxy architecture that brokers all privileged sessions without exposing credentials or direct target access
WALLIX Bastion is a robust Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution designed to secure access to critical IT assets, including servers, cloud environments, databases, and industrial systems. It provides centralized control through proxy-based access, automated password rotation, session recording with playback, and real-time monitoring. The platform supports compliance with standards like GDPR, NIST, and PCI-DSS, while integrating with SIEM and ITSM tools for enhanced auditing and incident response.
Pros
- Rapid deployment with virtual appliances and quick setup
- High-fidelity session recording and behavioral analytics
- Strong multi-protocol support including SSH, RDP, VNC, and Kubernetes
Cons
- Complex configuration for advanced custom integrations
- Pricing can escalate quickly for large-scale deployments
- Limited out-of-the-box reporting compared to enterprise leaders
Best For
Mid-sized enterprises and industrial organizations needing reliable PAM with strong session management and compliance features without extreme complexity.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription or perpetual licensing starting around €10,000 annually for small deployments, scaling with users, targets, and modules.
Hitachi ID Privileged Access Manager
enterpriseHitachi ID Privileged Access Manager automates password rotation, vaults credentials, and enforces least privilege across systems.
Agentless SSH key discovery and lifecycle management across thousands of endpoints
Hitachi ID Privileged Access Manager is an enterprise-grade Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution designed to secure, control, and monitor privileged accounts across diverse IT environments including servers, databases, applications, and cloud services. It automates password and SSH key discovery, rotation, and vaulting while enforcing least privilege access through just-in-time provisioning and multi-factor authentication. The platform also includes session recording, behavioral analytics for threat detection, and supports both agent-based and agentless deployment options for flexibility in hybrid setups.
Pros
- Extensive multi-platform support for Windows, Unix/Linux, databases, and cloud environments
- Robust automation for password/SSH key management and just-in-time access
- Strong integration with Hitachi ID Identity Manager and third-party IAM tools
Cons
- Complex initial deployment and configuration requiring skilled administrators
- Pricing lacks transparency and can be high for mid-sized organizations
- Limited public documentation and community support compared to top competitors
Best For
Large enterprises with heterogeneous on-premises and cloud infrastructures seeking comprehensive PAM controls.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise licensing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually based on managed accounts, servers, and features.
SSH PrivX
enterpriseSSH PrivX enables passwordless, just-in-time access to SSH, RDP, and Kubernetes without agents using a zero-trust model.
Bastionless access proxy with cryptographic host pairing for secure, zero-trust connections without agents or vaults
SSH PrivX is a zero-trust privileged access management (PAM) solution from SSH Communications Security that delivers bastionless, agentless access to servers, databases, and applications via SSH, RDP, and web protocols. It eliminates shared credentials by providing just-in-time (JIT) ephemeral access, role-based permissions, and seamless integration with identity providers like Okta and Azure AD. The platform emphasizes scalability for hybrid and multi-cloud environments, with built-in auditing, session recording, and compliance reporting to meet strict security standards.
Pros
- Agentless architecture simplifies deployment and reduces target system overhead
- Just-in-time access with ephemeral credentials minimizes standing privileges and attack surface
- Robust auditing, session recording, and integration with SIEM tools for compliance
Cons
- Limited native support for non-SSH/RDP protocols compared to broader PAM suites
- Initial setup and role configuration can have a learning curve for complex environments
- Enterprise pricing may be cost-prohibitive for small to mid-sized organizations
Best For
Large enterprises and DevOps teams managing hybrid cloud/on-premises infrastructure requiring scalable, agentless PAM.
Pricing
Freemium model with a free community edition (up to 10 users); commercial editions start at ~$5,000/year for Essential, scaling to custom enterprise subscriptions based on users and features.
StrongDM
enterpriseStrongDM provides unified infrastructure access control with auditing and query-based permissions replacing VPNs.
Agentless proxy architecture enabling seamless, audited access to any infrastructure without installing software on targets or endpoints
StrongDM is a modern Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution that delivers secure, just-in-time access to infrastructure resources like servers, databases, Kubernetes clusters, and cloud services without requiring VPNs, bastions, or shared credentials. It uses a proxy-based architecture to enforce least privilege, integrate with SSO/MFA providers, and provide comprehensive auditing including session recordings and database query playback. Ideal for dynamic, cloud-native environments, it simplifies compliance and reduces breach risks through granular controls and real-time monitoring.
Pros
- Universal coverage for diverse infrastructure (SSH, RDP, DBs, K8s, cloud)
- Advanced auditing with video replay and query-level insights
- Scalable just-in-time access with no agents or VPNs required
Cons
- High pricing that scales with users and resources
- Steep initial setup and learning curve for complex deployments
- Less focus on traditional app/SaaS PAM compared to infrastructure
Best For
Enterprises with hybrid/multi-cloud infrastructure needing audited, agentless privileged access at scale.
Pricing
Free tier for small teams; paid plans are usage-based (users + resources), typically $50+/user/month for Business tier, custom Enterprise pricing via sales.
Conclusion
After evaluating the top 10 privileged access management tools, CyberArk stands out as the leading choice, excelling in securing hybrid environments with advanced session monitoring and threat analytics. Delinea Secret Server and BeyondTrust Privilege Management are strong alternatives, offering robust just-in-time access and endpoint security respectively, ensuring organizations can align solutions with their unique needs. These tools demonstrate the critical role of integration, automation, and zero-trust principles in modern privileged access defense.
To strengthen your privileged access security, explore CyberArk—its comprehensive capabilities make it the top pick for businesses looking to enhance protection and streamline operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison