F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) vs Sophos Network Access Control comparison

F5 and Sophos are both solutions in the Network Access Control (NAC) category. F5 is ranked #7 with an average rating of 8.5, while Sophos is ranked #9 with an average rating of 7.5. F5 holds a 1.4% mindshare in NAC, compared to Sophos’s 2.3% mindshare. Additionally, 88% of F5 users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 95% of Sophos users who would recommend it.

F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Man...

Read 18 F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) reviews

3,128 Views
407 Comparison Views

88% willing to recommend

Sophos Network Access Control

Read 24 Sophos Network Access Control reviews

1,172 Views
1,149 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Man...

Sophos Network Access Control

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 5, 2024

Sophos Network Access Control and F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) are leading solutions in the network security market. Sophos is favored for its cost-effectiveness and efficient support, while F5 APM offers a more extensive feature set that justifies its higher pricing.

Features: Sophos Network Access Control provides straightforward integration, strong endpoint visibility, and effective network health checks. F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) stands out with comprehensive access control, flexible policy management, and the ability to cater to complex environments.

Room for Improvement: Sophos could enhance its range of security policies, improve scalability for larger networks, and integrate with third-party systems. F5 APM could benefit from simplifying its user interface, reducing deployment complexity, and lowering resource consumption.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Sophos is praised for easy deployment and responsive customer support. F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) requires a more complex setup due to its extensive capabilities but provides structured deployment guides.

Pricing and ROI: Sophos's budget-friendly setup is appealing for smaller organizations seeking quick ROI. F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) offers a strategic investment for larger companies, with its in-depth capabilities promising a higher ROI.

To learn more, read our detailed F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) vs. Sophos Network Access Control Report (Updated: February 2026).

Buyer's Guide

F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) vs. Sophos Network Access Control

February 2026

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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:

Categories and Ranking

F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Man...

Ranking in Network Access Control (NAC)

7th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Secure Web Gateways (SWG) (15th), SSL VPN (5th), Remote Access (10th), Access Management (10th)

Sophos Network Access Control

Ranking in Network Access Control (NAC)

9th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.2

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of February 2026, in the Network Access Control (NAC) category, the mindshare of F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) is 1.4%, up from 1.0% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Sophos Network Access Control is 2.3%, up from 1.3% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Network Access Control (NAC) Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM)	1.4%
Sophos Network Access Control	2.3%
Other	96.3%

Network Access Control (NAC)

Featured Reviews

SÜ

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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HirenPatel2

Manager at rspl

Have faced delays in support despite strong multi-layer policy configuration

I have observed some disadvantages as we have experienced one particular problem. We were facing an issue of synchronization of the endpoint with our firewall with help on a cloud for heartbeat syncing. However, it was not syncing as per our requirement. The user has to connect our firewall with the help of VPN. We were supposed to assume a solution on a cloud, which has good synchronization on a cloud with Sophos Central. It will sync with our firewall as well with the help of Sophos Central. Endpoint and firewall synchronization is not as smooth as we are expecting from Sophos Network Access Control. We have to connect with VPN. We are expecting that if we have already installed an endpoint on our system and it is connected to the internet, then it must be synchronized on a cloud with Sophos Central. Through Sophos Central, it must connect with our firewall. If the endpoint is configured on Sophos Central and the firewall is also configured in Sophos Central, then there should be no need to connect to VPN.

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Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"I recommend F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) to others due to its reliability, and it is perceived as critical to security infrastructure."

"The tool is reliable and easy to configure."

"We have seen a return on investment from F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager. It provided access at a time when we didn't have it."

"F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) provides excellent WAF and bot defense solutions."

"The product allows us to create customized portals for your users."

"The portal access was very good."

"Our customers have never complained about the stability"

"F5 BIG-IP APM is relatively easy to use."

More F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) pros

"The wifi control is fantastic and makes it very easy to administer."

"The solution offers very good visibility."

"We have had interactions with the technical support team through the Xnet platform. It's good."

"The installation is very straightforward."

"The most valuable features of Sophos Network Access Control are the quick response times to threats and reliable security."

"Sophos Network Access Control has many valuable features: for access controls, MAC binding is available, the authentication page is useful, and continuous device assessments have a positive impact on our network security management."

"Sophos Network Access Control saves our clients time and money."

"We get full visibility into the network as a product, which is one of the key features of the product because recently they have acquired another product called Secure Wave, which is integrated into Sophos Network Access Control and provides advanced capabilities for managed detection and remediation, MDR, a major plus for customers."

More Sophos Network Access Control pros

Cons

"F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) does not have a direction for SaaS."

"I'd suggest improved documentation integration directly within the GUI. Right now, finding comprehensive documentation often requires going to external websites like the community portal."

"Regarding price, I'm not directly involved in purchasing, but our CIO thinks the product is very expensive. He's considering moving from the tool to Citrix NetScaler WAF because it's cheaper, and we already have Citrix for VDI. We got NetScaler almost free as part of our VDI deal. Three years ago, I convinced him to use the solution because it's better, but now, with budget constraints, he may want to switch."

"Integrating identity providers and single sign-on solutions can simplify user authentication and access control."

"F5 BIG-IP APM disconnects when you leave it for long enough, but that is natural for IT solutions to do. That's a little bit frustrating."

"We do not have knowledgeable support teams locally."

"The solution is quite costly."

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

More F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) cons

"I would like to be able to fully customize the reports."

"What needs to be improved on is the fact that Sophos consumes a lot of processor resources and, once it starts scanning, the RAM utilization is very high."

"Users are not controlled by role-based access; it's basically device-based control. The definition of role-based control is a little vague here because on the cloud level, it regulates access rather than tasks."

"The solution could offer more useful documentation."

"Continuous development in specific areas might be required."

"I would like more details on the incoming connection, like what is the download speed and how it fluctuates. If Sophos can give that information, it would be really good."

"It would be beneficial to consider some improvements regarding the dashboard."

"The interface on the cloud could be a bit better - just to give more performance on it."

More Sophos Network Access Control cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"I rate the tool's pricing an eight out of ten."

"Recently, they have simplified the licensing"

"The tool is a little bit expensive."

"The product is very expensive."

"I rate the price of Sophos Network Access Control a five out of ten."

"Sophos Network Access Control is an expensive solution."

"Sophos Network Access Control is very cheap compared to other solutions like Cisco, Barracuda, and Palo Alto."

"It is quite expensive."

"Sophos Network Access Control is costly but has a similar price range as CrowdStrike and Check Point. The product can get more market share if Sophos can play around with Sophos Network Access Control pricing and improve it."

"It provides a moderate pricing option for all of its features and benefits."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

14%

Manufacturing Company

12%

Government

Computer Software Company

Government

10%

Computer Software Company

10%

Manufacturing Company

Healthcare Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

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

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	16
Midsize Enterprise	3
Large Enterprise	3

Questions from the Community

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.

See all answers

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.

See all answers

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...

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Sophos Network Access Control?

The pricing of Sophos Network Access Control is good, but it is somewhat high.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Sophos Network Access Control?

In my opinion, one feature that should be added is the ability to trace emails from individuals who change their IP address or send misbehaving emails from alternative networks. If someone sends a ...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Sophos Network Access Control?

Sophos Network Access Control serves primary use cases for both networking purposes and security purposes.

See all answers

Comparisons

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Compared 5% of the time

Citrix Gateway vs F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM)

Compared 5% of the time

Fortinet FortiGate vs F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM)

Compared 4% of the time

Symantec Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) vs F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM)

Compared 4% of the time

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Aruba ClearPass vs Sophos Network Access Control

Compared 27% of the time

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs Sophos Network Access Control

Compared 18% of the time

Portnox vs Sophos Network Access Control

Compared 13% of the time

Twingate vs Sophos Network Access Control

Compared 12% of the time

Fortinet FortiNAC vs Sophos Network Access Control

Compared 11% of the time

More Sophos Network Access Control Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM)

February 2026

F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) report

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

Buyer's Guide

Sophos Network Access Control

January 2026

Download Sophos Network Access Control product report

Also Known As

F5 Access Policy Manager

No data available

Overview

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.

Sophos NAC Provides comprehensive, easy-to-deploy network access control that protects enterprise networks from the threats posed by non-compliant, compromised, or misconfigured endpoint computers. The software solution is vendor-neutral and works with existing network infrastructure and security applications. Computers are permitted or denied access to the network, based on a centrally defined, policy-driven assessment - and isolated, quarantined for remediation, automatically remediated, or sent alerts. Administrators can define and manage policies uniquely for managed and guest computers, including checking their security status and ensuring that no unwanted applications are run.

Sophos

Sample Customers

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

Rushmoor Borough Council

Buyer's Guide

F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) vs. Sophos Network Access Control

February 2026

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