Cisco AnyConnect vs OpenConnect

Struggling to choose between Cisco AnyConnect and OpenConnect? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Cisco AnyConnect is a Network & Admin solution with tags like vpn, remote-access, cisco, secure-connection.

It boasts features such as Secure remote access VPN, Multiple VPN protocols (SSL, IPSec, IKEv2), Pre-deployment via Active Directory, SMS, etc, Centralized management via Cisco Prime Infrastructure, Integrated posture and compliance checks, Per-app VPN for secure access to specific resources, Clientless VPN via web browser, Network Access Manager for NAC and pros including Secure and flexible remote access, Broad platform and OS support, Integrates with other Cisco security products, Granular access controls and compliance enforcement, Centralized deployment and management, Per-app VPN increases security.

On the other hand, OpenConnect is a Network & Admin product tagged with vpn, cisco, networking, security.

Its standout features include Open source VPN client, Supports Cisco AnyConnect SSL VPN, Supports DTLS and TLS protocols, User authentication via certificates or passwords, NetworkManager integration, Proxy support, IPv4 and IPv6 support, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Works on Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, Actively maintained, Secure encrypted connections, Easy to setup and use.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Cisco AnyConnect

Cisco AnyConnect

Cisco AnyConnect is a VPN client that provides secure VPN connections to Cisco VPN headends and cloud services. It enables remote users to securely access corporate resources and applications over the internet.

Categories:
vpn remote-access cisco secure-connection

Cisco AnyConnect Features

  1. Secure remote access VPN
  2. Multiple VPN protocols (SSL, IPSec, IKEv2)
  3. Pre-deployment via Active Directory, SMS, etc
  4. Centralized management via Cisco Prime Infrastructure
  5. Integrated posture and compliance checks
  6. Per-app VPN for secure access to specific resources
  7. Clientless VPN via web browser
  8. Network Access Manager for NAC

Pricing

  • Subscription-Based
  • Pay-As-You-Go

Pros

Secure and flexible remote access

Broad platform and OS support

Integrates with other Cisco security products

Granular access controls and compliance enforcement

Centralized deployment and management

Per-app VPN increases security

Cons

Complex setup and management

License costs can get expensive for large deployments

Interoperability limited to Cisco products

Requires supporting Cisco infrastructure


OpenConnect

OpenConnect

OpenConnect is an open-source client for Cisco AnyConnect compatible VPNs. It allows users to securely access private intranet services through an encrypted VPN tunnel.

Categories:
vpn cisco networking security

OpenConnect Features

  1. Open source VPN client
  2. Supports Cisco AnyConnect SSL VPN
  3. Supports DTLS and TLS protocols
  4. User authentication via certificates or passwords
  5. NetworkManager integration
  6. Proxy support
  7. IPv4 and IPv6 support

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Works on Linux, macOS, Windows, Android

Actively maintained

Secure encrypted connections

Easy to setup and use

Cons

Limited configuration options

No official support from Cisco

Lacks some AnyConnect features like Always-On VPN

Setup can be tricky for novice users