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.

Feature	Cisco AnyConnect	OpenConnect
Overall Score	1	N/A
Primary Category	Network & Admin	Network & Admin

Product Overview

Cisco AnyConnect

Description: 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.

OpenConnect

Description: 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.

Key Features Comparison

Cisco AnyConnect Features

• 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

OpenConnect Features

• 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

Pros & Cons Analysis

Cisco AnyConnect

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

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

Pricing Comparison

Cisco AnyConnect

• Subscription-Based
• Pay-As-You-Go

OpenConnect

• Open Source