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Pulse Secure VS OpenConnect

Compare Pulse Secure VS OpenConnect and see what are their differences

Pulse Secure logo Pulse Secure

Pulse Secure provides a consolidated offering for access control, SSL VPN, and mobile device security. Contact Pulse Secure at 408-372-9600 to get a free demo.

OpenConnect logo OpenConnect

VPN client compatible with Cisco AnyConnect SSL VPN
  • Pulse Secure Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-16
  • OpenConnect Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-29

Pulse Secure features and specs

  • Comprehensive Security
    Pulse Secure offers a robust set of security features, including endpoint compliance, threat detection, and SSL VPN capabilities to ensure a secure connection for remote access.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The platform provides an intuitive interface that simplifies the process of configuring and managing secure connections for both administrators and end-users.
  • Integration
    Pulse Secure integrates well with various enterprise systems such as identity management, network access control, and mobile device management.
  • High Performance
    Pulse Secure delivers high performance in terms of connection speed and reliability, ensuring minimal downtime and efficient remote access.
  • Multi-Platform Support
    The solution supports multiple operating systems and devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, making it versatile for diverse organizational needs.

Possible disadvantages of Pulse Secure

  • Cost
    The licensing and operational costs can be high, especially for small to medium-sized businesses, making it a more viable option for larger enterprises.
  • Complexity in Setup
    Initial setup and configuration can be complex and may require expert knowledge or specialized training.
  • Customer Support
    Some users have reported that customer support can be slow or inconsistent in resolving issues.
  • Resource Intensive
    The software can be resource-intensive, potentially affecting the performance of less powerful devices or older hardware.
  • Vendor Lock-In
    Relying heavily on Pulse Secure for security and remote access can lead to vendor lock-in, making future migrations to different solutions difficult and costly.

OpenConnect features and specs

  • Open Source
    OpenConnect is an open-source project, which means it is free to use, distribute, and modify. Users can inspect the source code for security vulnerabilities and customize it to fit their needs.
  • Compatibility
    OpenConnect is compatible with multiple VPN protocols, including Cisco's AnyConnect SSL VPN, Juniper's Network Connect, and Pulse Secure. This makes it a versatile tool for connecting to various network systems.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    It runs on various operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS, allowing users to connect to VPNs from different devices and environments.
  • Community Support
    Being an open-source project, OpenConnect benefits from contributions and support from a global community of developers and users who add features, fix bugs, and assist with troubleshooting.
  • Security
    OpenConnect offers strong security features, including support for DTLS and SSL/TLS protocols, providing encrypted and secure connections.

Possible disadvantages of OpenConnect

  • Complex Setup
    For users unfamiliar with command-line interfaces and VPN configuration, setting up OpenConnect can be complex and challenging.
  • Limited GUI Support
    OpenConnect primarily operates via the command line and lacks a comprehensive graphical user interface (GUI), which might be a disadvantage for users who prefer graphical tools.
  • Documentation Variability
    While there's documentation available, users might find inconsistencies or gaps due to the decentralized nature of contributions, making troubleshooting less straightforward.
  • Feature Parity
    In certain cases, OpenConnect may lack some features present in the proprietary VPN clients it aims to replace, potentially limiting functionality for some advanced configurations.

Analysis of Pulse Secure

Overall verdict

  • Pulse Secure is generally viewed positively for its performance, comprehensive security features, and flexibility. However, user experiences can vary based on specific needs, deployed infrastructure, and support expectations. Overall, it is a solid option for organizations seeking secure and scalable remote access solutions.

Why this product is good

  • Pulse Secure is considered a reliable option for businesses looking for secure access solutions. It offers a range of features, including VPN capabilities, Zero Trust security, and cloud-based access management, which are essential for safeguarding network communications. Its robust integration options and ease of use make it a popular choice among IT professionals.

Recommended for

  • Businesses in need of a scalable VPN solution
  • Organizations seeking Zero Trust security frameworks
  • Enterprises requiring robust network access control
  • IT departments looking for comprehensive endpoint security management

Pulse Secure videos

Pulse Secure VPN demo for Chrome

OpenConnect videos

How to Use TorGuard's Stealth VPN (Openconnect vs OpenVPN Stunnel)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Pulse Secure and OpenConnect)
Security & Privacy
80 80%
20% 20
VPN
0 0%
100% 100
Security
100 100%
0% 0
Web And Mobile Application Security

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Pulse Secure and OpenConnect, you can also consider the following products

Avast - Avast security software products are developed for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Android and Linux users by AVAST Software.

WireGuard - Fast, Modern, Secure VPN Tunnel

StackPath - Secure Content Delivery Network, DDoS, WAF Service

OpenVPN - OpenVPN - The Open Source VPN

Flexera Software Vulnerability Manager - Flexera Software Vulnerability Manager provides solutions to continuously track, identify and remediate vulnerable applications.

Tunnelblick - free software for OpenVPN on OS X and macOS