CyberArk Identity vs F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) comparison

CyberArk Identity vs. F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM)

December 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

ROI

Sentiment score

5.0

Many users find CyberArk Identity valuable for saving time, enhancing security, fostering efficiency, and yielding beneficial returns.

Sentiment score

6.8

F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager offers cost savings, quick ROI, and enhances security by ensuring crucial access and reducing costs.

I have seen over 30% return on investment due to the improvement in operational efficiencies through automation, which enhances productivity.

JosephAndiwo

Private Wealth Advisor at Arima Fund Limited

For more quotes and insights, download the CyberArk Identity report

No quotes available

For more quotes and insights, download the F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) report

Customer Service

Sentiment score

6.4

CyberArk Identity's customer service is generally effective but faces criticism for response delays and expertise inconsistencies.

Sentiment score

6.8

F5 BIG-IP APM customer service receives mixed reviews, with some praising responsiveness and others citing delays and communication issues.

They resolved the problem immediately after I reported it, on the same day, within one hour.

Access Management Analyst at Telefónica

They respond immediately when requests are raised, and they are always available for priority one tickets.

VishalPawar

Lead Identity Engineer at a tech vendor with 501-1,000 employees

I received prompt responses and support, which I would rate as very good.

For more quotes and insights, download the CyberArk Identity report

Cybersecurity Delivery Analyst at Accenture

Even if they respond, they don't update me with the process or what's going on.

Professional Services Specialist at a security firm with 51-200 employees

Most of the technical support is managed in-house due to our extensive experience with F5 products.

Business Development Manager at Pylones

F5 technical support is responsive and helpful.

For more quotes and insights, download the F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) report

Solutions Manager at Macroview Telecom Limited

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score

7.4

CyberArk Identity is praised for its scalability, accommodating diverse company sizes and ease of license expansion.

Sentiment score

7.3

F5 BIG-IP APM scales for diverse deployments, offering flexibility and effective tools, though hardware limitations might challenge scalability.

We can use it on different phones and computers, demonstrating its scalability.

WalwasaMulutazah Yahaya

Program associate at IMAGINE HER

When delving deep into the concepts, there is a lot to address and learn, especially when facing real-time scenarios.

For more quotes and insights, download the CyberArk Identity report

Cybersecurity Delivery Analyst at Accenture

You can scale it out pretty easily, and you can implement it very small.

Giovanni Perini

Cloud Specialist at Perini Beheer

The product's flexibility and company culture contribute to resolving these challenges.

Business Development Manager at Pylones

I would rate the scalability of F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) between seven and eight.

For more quotes and insights, download the F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) report

Solutions Manager at Macroview Telecom Limited

Stability Issues

Sentiment score

8.0

CyberArk Identity is highly praised for its reliable stability, quick issue resolution, and effective performance, despite network connectivity challenges.

Sentiment score

7.9

F5 BIG-IP APM is praised for reliability, performance, and minimal bugs, with minor suggestions for log clarity improvement.

We no longer have our data infiltrated by unauthorized persons, and tracking actions within the system has become very easy.

JosephAndiwo

Private Wealth Advisor at Arima Fund Limited

When you have it in the cloud, you have CyberArk every time you need it.

For more quotes and insights, download the CyberArk Identity report

Access Management Analyst at Telefónica

With a stable network, due to the redundant data centers across the globe, it is a lot easier to use as a SaaS solution.

RiaanDu Preez

Senior Cyber Security Specialist Architect at a tech consulting company with 11-50 employees

On a scale from one to ten for stability, I would rate F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) a ten.

Solutions Manager at Macroview Telecom Limited

Sometimes, the logs are not quite informational or easy to understand.

For more quotes and insights, download the F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) report

Professional Services Specialist at a security firm with 51-200 employees

Room For Improvement

CyberArk Identity requires user interface improvements, better integration, enhanced documentation, and easier deployment for improved adoption and operations.

F5 BIG-IP APM requires improvements in pricing, cloud integration, user interface, documentation, support, and additional features for enhanced performance.

It would be helpful if they released a generalized document for processes such as migration.

For more quotes and insights, download the CyberArk Identity report

Cybersecurity Delivery Analyst at Accenture

Integration or deployment is extremely difficult for CyberArk Identity.

IsaacHammond

Head of IT at Skutin Solutions

There's a need to enhance network performance.

S Azeem

Senior Technology Manager at a outsourcing company with 501-1,000 employees

If I could copy and paste objects instead of picking and configuring them from scratch each time, it would be great.

Professional Services Specialist at a security firm with 51-200 employees

The main improvement needed for F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) is to integrate into the cloud-delivered services from F5.

For more quotes and insights, download the F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) report

Business Development Manager at Pylones

The ability to run the Anycast feature would be valuable, as the current solution only operates on-premises.

SalihUcpinar

Senior Cyber Security Consultant at KoçSistem

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Setup Cost

CyberArk Identity pricing is high but justified for enterprises with discounts and flexible licensing to balance costs.

F5 BIG-IP APM is costly but valued for high performance, with unpredictable cloud pricing and additional fees for features.

Regarding pricing, it can be quite a lot for small companies.

For more quotes and insights, download the CyberArk Identity report

Access Management Analyst at Telefónica

The pricing is acceptable.

WalwasaMulutazah Yahaya

Program associate at IMAGINE HER

If I am not going fully cloud, there are additional resources I will need to purchase, such as spinning more VMs or acquiring an HSM device to encrypt the vault.

IsaacHammond

Head of IT at Skutin Solutions

F5 products are more expensive than other solutions but are valued for their quality and reliability.

For more quotes and insights, download the F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) report

Business Development Manager at Pylones

Valuable Features

CyberArk Identity enhances security and efficiency through integrations, password management, user monitoring, and comprehensive compliance and risk analysis tools.

F5 BIG-IP APM offers secure remote access with SSL VPN, multi-factor authentication, and comprehensive integration and security features.

It impacts zero trust security strategies. It prevents lateral movements in the organization.

IsaacHammond

Head of IT at Skutin Solutions

The two-factor authentication is very important, but the fact that every account is being regenerated every time we use it is the most important security feature for us.

Giovanni Perini

Cloud Specialist at Perini Beheer

It is the most powerful access management system.

For more quotes and insights, download the CyberArk Identity report

Access Management Analyst at Telefónica

APM is quite flexible for customers to use, providing secure remote access through various host-checking conditions for both machines and users.

Solutions Manager at Macroview Telecom Limited

It provides robust security and offers integration with multi-factor authentication systems, which is crucial for an organization's security policy.

Business Development Manager at Pylones

A lot of features are useful to me, including mostly the authentication, SAML, or SSO, with no sign-on.

For more quotes and insights, download the F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) report

Professional Services Specialist at a security firm with 51-200 employees

Categories and Ranking

CyberArk Identity

Ranking in Access Management

7th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.7

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Authentication Systems (9th), Identity Management (IM) (9th), Authorization Software (3rd), Enterprise Password Managers (7th), User Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) (9th), Active Directory Management (6th), Cloud Resource Access Management (2nd), Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) (6th)

F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Man...

Ranking in Access Management

9th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Secure Web Gateways (SWG) (15th), Network Access Control (NAC) (7th), SSL VPN (5th), Remote Access (10th)

Mindshare comparison

As of January 2026, in the Access Management category, the mindshare of CyberArk Identity is 3.5%, up from 2.5% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) is 2.0%, up from 1.9% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Access Management Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
CyberArk Identity	3.5%
F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM)	2.0%
Other	94.5%

Access Management

Featured Reviews

Has strengthened privileged access control and improved audit visibility through session monitoring and password rotation

Cybersecurity Delivery Analyst at Accenture

On the identity product side, it is awesome. However, they can improve in the documentation parts. For example, if there is a migration process, I can see the maximum customers are moving from self-hosted to on-premises or from on-premises to the cloud. It would be helpful if they released a generalized document for processes such as migration. A clear overview document would assist us in understanding more about the tool, configurations, and automations to enhance our security. Regarding the initial setup of CyberArk Identity, I faced some challenges. At some points, I could not find proper documentation for deploying, enhancing, or integrating with other components. I could not find the proper documentation in the community portal.

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SalihUcpinar

Senior Cyber Security Consultant at KoçSistem

Has provided reliable policy controls and secure web access for large enterprises

I consider Cloudflare when evaluating centralized access control features; Cloudflare utilizes multi-factor authentication and full API support, while F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) needs to enhance its API support. I recommend F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) for large companies such as Tüpraş and Ford. Tüpraş is one of the biggest companies in Turkey, along with other customers such as Tofaş, Euroko, Koç Holding, and more. For on-premises deployment, I would rate it a 10. For cloud deployment, I would rate it a seven. I primarily use it on-premises. I rate F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) eight out of ten.

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881,082 professionals have used our research since 2012.

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

14%

Computer Software Company

11%

Manufacturing Company

11%

Healthcare Company

Financial Services Firm

14%

Manufacturing Company

12%

Government

Computer Software Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	20
Midsize Enterprise	4
Large Enterprise	10

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	9
Midsize Enterprise	1
Large Enterprise	9

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about CyberArk Identity?

The integration capabilities, ability to integrate CyberArk into the overall IBB strategy of our current clients.

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for CyberArk Identity?

I am not certain about CyberArk Identity's exact pricing model. For comparison, Okta was around five dollars per user. CyberArk Identity offers good discounts to some clients, which influences thei...

What needs improvement with CyberArk Identity?

We do not specifically use the password vaulting feature of CyberArk Identity. The centralized user dashboard of CyberArk Identity has not been that important for us. If it would be possible to sha...

What do you like most about F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM)?

In my opinion, the GUI is perfect with the configuration options provided. F5 BIG-IP has given customization options and policy configuration tools in the GUI. It's good and good enough to work.

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM)?

F5 products are more expensive than other solutions but are valued for their quality and reliability, akin to purchasing a Bentley as opposed to an Audi.

What needs improvement with F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM)?

F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) is not user-friendly and operates slowly. Additional features for architecture such as Anycast would be beneficial. The ability to run the Anycast feature woul...

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Product Reports

Download CyberArk Identity product report

CyberArk Identity

January 2026

F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM)

January 2026

F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) report

Download F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) product report

Also Known As

Idaptive

F5 Access Policy Manager

Overview

CyberArk Identity is a versatile identity management solution suitable for a wide range of enterprises. It is designed to enhance enterprise security and improve user experience. Its focus on security, compliance, and operational efficiency, combined with positive user feedback, makes it a strong contender in the identity management space.

CyberArk Identity offers a robust suite of features to manage user identities and access privileges. It focuses on securing access to resources across various environments, including cloud and on-premises applications. Its capabilities include single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), lifecycle management, and privileged access management. These features are engineered to streamline access control, enhance security, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Single Sign-On (SSO) simplifies user access by providing a single authentication point for multiple applications.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring additional verification methods.
Lifecycle Management automates user account provisioning and deprovisioning, aligning with HR processes and compliance requirements.
Privileged Access Management secures and monitors access to critical systems and data by privileged users.

According to our user interviews, CyberArk Identity is praised for its reliability and user-friendly interface. IT professionals highlight the ease of integration with existing systems, while business executives appreciate the visibility it provides into access and identity management across the organization. Users also commend the responsive customer support, which is crucial for enterprise-level solutions.

IT Professionals found that CyberArk Identity's focus on multi-layered security significantly reduced the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access. With a centralized dashboard and automation features, you can streamline identity and access management tasks, saving time and reducing complexity. Finally, it helps meet various compliance requirements.

CyberArk

F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) is an access management proxy solution for managing global access to the enterprise networks, cloud providers, applications, and application programming interfaces (APIs). Through a single management interface, BIG-IP APM consolidates remote, mobile, network, virtual, and web access.

BIG-IP APM can also serve as a bridge between modern and classic authentication and authorization protocols and methods. For applications which are unable to support modern authentication and authorization protocols, like SAML and OAuth with OIDC, but which do support classic authentication methods, BIG-IP APM converts user credentials to the appropriate authentication standard supported by the application.

BIG-IP APM Benefits:

Ease of use
Flexibility
Ability to integrate with other systems
Security features
Granular access control
Responsive and helpful support team

BIG-IP APM Features:

Support for Identity Aware Proxy (IAP) enabling Zero Trust application access
Context-based authorization with dynamic L4/L7 ACLs
Integration with third-party MFA solutions
DTLS 2.0 mode for delivering and securing applications
SAML 2.0 identity federation support
Support for OAuth 2.0 authorization protocol
SSO support for classic authentication (Kerberos, header- based, etc.), credential caching, OAuth 2.0, SAML 2.0, and FIDO2 (U2F)
AAA server authentication and high-availability
Integration with leading IAM vendor products (Microsoft, Okta, Ping Identity)
BIG IP Edge Client and F5 Access integrate with VMware Horizon ONE (AirWatch), Microsoft Intune and IBM MaaS360
Risk-based access leveraging third-party UEBA and risk engines (HTTP Connector)

Reviews from Real Users

Below are some reviews and helpful feedback written by BIG-IP APM users.

Mahmmoud Rabie, Senior Site Reliability Engineer, writes that BIG-IP APM is "A highly stable solution for load balancing, but the initial setup is complex."

Clyde Livingston, Senior Process Specialist at Telstra, says that BIG-IP APM is "Easy to use, useful access remotely, but lacking stability."

Chris Lam, Senior Solution Consultant at Macroview Telecom Limited, states that BIG-IP APM is "Useful for remote access VPN and VPI integration with VMware.

Sample Customers

MLB, Citi, Pfizer, SulAmerica, GE Capital, Shiseido

City Bank, Ricacorp Properties, Miele, American Systems, Bangladesh Post Office