OpenConnect vs Cisco AnyConnect

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

OpenConnect is a Network & Admin solution with tags like vpn, cisco, networking, security.

It boasts features such as 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 pros including Free and open source, Works on Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, Actively maintained, Secure encrypted connections, Easy to setup and use.

On the other hand, Cisco AnyConnect is a Network & Admin product tagged with vpn, remote-access, cisco, secure-connection.

Its standout features include 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 it shines with pros like 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.

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

Product Overview

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.

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.

Key Features Comparison

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

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

Pros & Cons Analysis

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

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

Pricing Comparison

OpenConnect

• Open Source

Cisco AnyConnect

• Subscription-Based
• Pay-As-You-Go