

OpenVPN Access Server and Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) are both contenders in the VPN solutions category. OpenVPN Access Server has the upper hand in affordability and compatibility, appealing to budget-conscious users, whereas Cisco Secure Client is preferred for its robust features and security suitable for larger enterprises.
Features: OpenVPN Access Server is known for its open-source nature, ease of integration, and cross-platform support, making it accessible across various operating systems. The solution provides a user-friendly interface, enhancing setup and configuration convenience. Cisco Secure Client offers strong security features, including multi-factor authentication and seamless remote connections. It is favored for its stability and ease of use in complex environments.
Room for Improvement: OpenVPN Access Server could enhance its graphical user interface, scalability, and centralized management capabilities. Improving security measures to guard against intrusions would be beneficial. Cisco Secure Client may need to streamline its configuration process, reduce update frequency, and expand platform compatibility while aiming for a more intuitive user interface.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: OpenVPN Access Server offers flexible deployment options, supporting both cloud and on-premises setups with community-driven support. It benefits from extensive documentation and user forums. Cisco Secure Client ensures stable deployment across various settings but can be complex and costly, with reliable technical support that could improve in responsiveness and adaptability to diverse scenarios.
Pricing and ROI: OpenVPN Access Server provides significant value as an open-source option, appreciated for low costs relative to its capabilities. Cisco Secure Client operates on a paid licensing model, justifying its expense with comprehensive features and security. Both solutions achieve positive ROI, with Cisco favored by large organizations for security needs, while OpenVPN suits smaller enterprises or personal users seeking cost-effective solutions.
Cisco offers very high-quality customer service.
Cisco technical support is difficult, and it requires lots of contracts.
Over the years, there's been a decline in the quality, mainly in areas such as the experience level of support engineers and the time taken to address and escalate issues.
I would rate the technical support an eight on a scale of one to ten.
Any issue was solved in five to ten minutes.
It was very good, and I would rate it an eight.
A smaller firewall can handle fewer sessions, while a larger one can handle tens of thousands of sessions.
The scalability of Cisco Secure Client depends on the hardware I choose.
Regarding scalability, Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) rates as excellent because we can scale out by simply buying more licenses from the vendor.
When we deploy and install OpenVPN Access Server, the principle is to install and forget.
It's not very easy to expand, and it would be beneficial if the process were simpler.
It is scalable on AWS because it is a matter of increasing the instance size and increasing the number of licenses.
I would rate the stability ten out of ten.
The stability is really good, and I would rate it up to nine.
Regarding the performance of Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect), I have not seen any issues because performance-wise it functions properly.
Regarding stability, I have not had any crashes, performance issues, or stability issues with OpenVPN Access Server.
I find it very stable.
I am using Intune for deployments, and it's not easy to create an automated deployment where users do not need to register server addresses.
Vendors offer more features, such as a kill switch.
Cisco's security portfolio, including Secure Client and the firewalls, is falling behind.
If they had a one-click setup where you provide credentials instead of manually running commands, that would be beneficial.
If there was a dedicated plan for startups, it would be really helpful.
You can see who can access what resources from the user view, but you can also see the reverse, which is which resource can be accessed by what users.
Palo Alto and Fortinet provide free VPN connections, but Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) requires a license purchase.
I perceive the pricing to be a seven, however, I have perpetual licenses.
The pricing seems to align equally with other competitors like Palo Alto during a competitive situation.
My experience with pricing is excellent as the pricing is free.
The experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing for OpenVPN Access Server is really good, not that expensive.
My experience with the pricing, setup cost, and licensing cost of OpenVPN Access Server is that the licensing is fair for the value provided.
Beneficial for businesses needing secure access outside the office.
Additionally, it gives the user flexibility of working from anywhere, which is a major feature we are looking at.
Cisco Secure Client's AnyConnect VPN's reliability has been absolutely wonderful, as well as the ability to connect from any network, regardless of location.
The most valuable features of OpenVPN are its ease of use, client familiarity, end-user familiarity, operating system integration, and price points.
The main benefits I have seen from using OpenVPN Access Server include secure access to private resources over the public internet.
OpenVPN Access Server has positively impacted my organization by allowing access to our private services, enhancing security, and enabling remote work from anywhere.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| OpenVPN Access Server | 13.3% |
| Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) | 6.1% |
| Other | 80.6% |

| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 27 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 10 |
| Large Enterprise | 46 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 34 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 8 |
| Large Enterprise | 15 |
Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) delivers reliable, stable connectivity and seamless integration with Active Directory, ensuring secure remote access through a one-click VPN capability. It's lightweight, user-friendly, and supports major operating systems, enhancing remote work flexibility.
Cisco Secure Client, including AnyConnect, is designed for secure remote connectivity, offering multi-factor authentication, advanced malware protection, and automatic error diagnostics. Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, it provides an intuitive setup and a clean interface. While it excels in ease of use, issues such as the outdated Linux build and the need for modern UI enhancements persist. Users also face connectivity challenges with frequent updates and high prices, alongside the need for better endpoint security and system integration. Popular for remote work, it facilitates secure access to corporate networks, allowing seamless interactions with resources like emails, documents, and applications.
What key features does Cisco Secure Client offer?Cisco Secure Client is widely implemented across industries for secure remote connectivity, especially in sectors requiring constant access to servers, data centers, and research labs. It supports remote work by enabling employees in diverse fields to access internal resources efficiently, maintaining productivity and security.
OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise provides secure, scalable remote access with strong encryption and cross-platform compatibility, leveraging open-source flexibility for cost-effectiveness. It's ideal for connecting remote workers, maintaining privacy, and securing network communications.
OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise is renowned for its ease of setup and adaptability, supporting Linux and different operating systems, which ensures robust security and seamless integration across network scenarios. With features like two-factor authentication and customizable installers, it emphasizes privacy and remote connectivity. While it offers robust documentation and community support, there are challenges with user management due to the lack of a simple GUI. Users note stability issues under heavy traffic, and improvements in security features and configuration automation are desired. Despite these areas for enhancement, it remains a reliable choice for secure remote access.
What are the key features?
What benefits and ROI should users seek?
In industries such as finance and healthcare, OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise secures sensitive data while enabling remote access across LANs and VPCs. It's utilized for encrypted traffic protection, facilitating site-to-site VPNs, and connecting mobile workers securely, thus maintaining data integrity in interoffice communications and IoT platforms.
We monitor all Enterprise Infrastructure VPN reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.