Check Point Remote Access VPN vs F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) comparison

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Comparison Buyer's Guide
Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Check Point Remote Access VPN and F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out in this report how the two Remote Access solutions compare in terms of features, pricing, service and support, easy of deployment, and ROI.
To learn more, read our detailed Check Point Remote Access VPN vs. F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) Report (Updated: March 2024).
765,234 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Featured Review
Quotes From Members
We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use.
Here are some excerpts of what they said:
Pros
"The team has full visibility of the users that connect allowing them to keep control of who is in the network and what data they are allowing to come in and out.""Among its most valuable features is how it quickly and easily connects everyone to the VPN service.""The biggest advantage of Check Point Remote Access VPN is that we already use the Check Point firewall. We only needed to enable the feature and do the configuration in order to enable the VPN feature. We didn't need to buy or manage new hardware. This was a big advantage.""Our number of users working remotely vastly increased during the COVID 19 pandemic. Check Point Remote Access VPN allowed us to quickly make the transition from in-office to remote work.""The safety of online interactions when working with this product has enabled members to convene productive meetings without fear of being attacked.""The security of the solution is a good feature, the stability is a valuable feature, and the customization is also a nice feature.""The solution offers great security features, including zero-day protection, malware protection, anti-phishing, et cetera.""Thanks to all these security processes, our users can access our infrastructure with the certainty that we will not be compromised."

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"The product allows us to create customized portals for your users.""The most valuable feature is the virtual IP creation. It's our most frequently used feature.""The performance of the solution is valuable.""Stickiness is the most valuable feature of the product.""The solution is stable and reliable.""F5 BIG-IP APM is relatively easy to use.""This is a product that is easy to install and integrate, and it is simple to use.""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."

More F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) Pros →

Cons
"There needs to be a way to create a VPN client specific to our environment so that we can easily lock down who can connect.""The cost of maintenance is high compared to most products in the market.""The Linux version may have an app (similar to Windows) instead of a shell script.""You have no ability to reserve a total number of licenses. The VPN user licenses are assigned per gateway, and if you enable MEP function is not so easy to size the gateway licenses.""Connection of devices from various locations is efficient though there are a few challenges when there is a network failure.""In the case of URL translation of the VPN Web portal, the requests made from the front end to the back end weren't valid (due to the use of dynamic subdomains). In the case of host translations, the request was made to the same host, however, we cannot specify the ports, which, in our case, are used to redirect to different servers.""We encounter challenges for the product’s installation and troubleshooting processes compared to other VPN products.""Generally, the license is included with the Check Point gateway licensing, however, in terms of the number of users that can be activated for use, it is generally five users."

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"The technical support’s response time must be improved.""Integrating identity providers and single sign-on solutions can simplify user authentication and access control.""Cloud services are something that F5 Access Policy Manager could do better""F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager has room for improvement in integration with other products.""The solution is quite costly.""In my opinion, the GUI side needs some improvement based on my usage. Sometimes, it doesn't work as efficiently as the CLI side.""The price of this product can be improved.""The solution’s GUI looks very old."

More F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) Cons →

Pricing and Cost Advice
  • "My understanding is that the pricing and licensing are very competitive, and it's not one of their more expensive products. We buy licenses for the solution and have licenses for the endpoint servers."
  • "The price of this product is good."
  • "Organizations that already have the Check Point NGFW need to purchase an additional license to have access to the VPN functionality."
  • "There is a license required for this solution."
  • "Check Point Remote Access VPN is not expensive and the cost is annual."
  • "I can say that the licensing costs are charged annually."
  • "I give the price of the solution a five out of ten."
  • "My company makes yearly payments only towards the licensing costs attached to Check Point Remote Access VPN, as there are no extra costs attached to the product."
  • More Check Point Remote Access VPN Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "Recently, they have simplified the licensing"
  • "The product is very expensive."
  • "The tool is a little bit expensive."
  • More F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) Pricing and Cost Advice →

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    Questions from the Community
    Top Answer:We encounter challenges for the product’s installation and troubleshooting processes compared to other VPN products. It is difficult to restore settings in cases of connection failure. This particular… more »
    Top Answer:We use Check Point Remote Access VPN for security features.
    Top Answer:The most valuable feature is the virtual IP creation. It's our most frequently used feature.
    Top Answer:The tool is a little bit expensive. I rate the pricing a six out of ten.
    Top Answer:In my opinion, the GUI side needs some improvement based on my usage. Sometimes, it doesn't work as efficiently as the CLI side. Feature-wise, sometimes when I log in to the GUI and want to see the… more »
    Ranking
    4th
    out of 45 in Remote Access
    Views
    2,533
    Comparisons
    1,808
    Reviews
    30
    Average Words per Review
    511
    Rating
    8.6
    13th
    out of 45 in Remote Access
    Views
    1,100
    Comparisons
    901
    Reviews
    9
    Average Words per Review
    348
    Rating
    8.1
    Comparisons
    Also Known As
    Check Point Remote Access VPN, Check Point Endpoint Remote Access VPN
    F5 Access Policy Manager
    Learn More
    Overview

    Remote secure access VPN is a solution that provides users with remote access to an organization’s network. The host may have VPN client software loaded or use a web-based client. The solution leverages security features like multi-factor authentication, endpoint scanning, and encryption of all data in motion.

    Check Point Remote Access VPN provides individuals with protected and efficient access to a company network from anywhere. This strategy fosters collaboration and connectivity between distributed teams and offices.

    Features of Check Point Remote Access VPN

    Key features of the secure remote access VPN include:

    • Compliance Scanning

    The system enforces endpoint security with endpoint compliance. It monitors and verifies the security status of each endpoint and reports back to the Security Gateway. The gateway, in turn, checks the compliance level and directs the connectivity to the right resources.

    • 3 Deployment Options

    Users can deploy the Remote Access VPN in one of three ways:

    1. Integrated with an Endpoint Security solution. In this case, you get a firewall, an application control (not in macOS), the remote access VPN, and compliance features included in the package.
    2. As a Standalone Check Point Mobile for Windows. This package includes a remote access VPN and compliance features.
    3. As a Standalone Secure Remote. This tier only includes the Remote Access VPN.
    • Central Management

    Remote Access VPN is centrally managed. The centralized console enables management and enforcement of policies with a single log-in.

    • Mobile Access Option

    The Remote Access VPN has a web portal that users can use to connect securely to corporate applications, such as web-based resources, file-sharing, and email. Administrators can customize the web portal to match the brand identity.

    • 2 Remote Access Options

    Remote Access VPN offers two choices for remote access:

    1. SSL VPN Portal: Includes the mobile access web portal, an SSL network extender, Check Point Mobile for iOS and Android, and a capsule workspace for iOS and Android.
    2. Layer 3 VPN Tunnel: Includes the endpoint security remote access VPN, Check Point Mobile for Windows, the capsule connect for iOS and Android, the VPN plugin for Windows 8.1, and the capsule VPN for Windows 10.
    • Authentication Support

    The authentication features include password management, RADIUS challenge/response, CAPI software, and hardware tokens. P12 certificates, and SecurID.

    • Encryption Tunnel

    The system establishes a VPN tunnel on demand. It also re-arranges connections when roaming. The tunnel can automatically tear down when the user is on the corporate LAN.

    • Connect Options

    There are several connection features, such as Hotspot detection, office mode IP, split tunneling, and automatic fallback to HTTPS.

    Benefits of Check Point Remote Access VPN

    One of the key advantages of Remote Access VPN is that it provides remote workers with a secure way to connect to a corporate network from any device, including their personal devices. The data encryption in transit enables them to securely access the resources they need for their tasks.

    It also provides IT support and technicians with a faster way to troubleshoot software issues. In the case of a ticket, IT doesn’t need to go to the server location to fix the problem but can troubleshoot it remotely.

    A remote secure access VPN is also an affordable alternative for small and medium-sized businesses, without requiring expensive infrastructure.

    Reviews from Real Users

    A Global IT Network and Security Service Senior Specialist at a manufacturing company who uses Check Point Remote Access VPN says, "I found the MEP feature the most valuable. This has improved users' latency allowing the users to connect to the nearest Azure Check Point VM."

    "Organizations that already use the Check Point NGFW Solution do not require any additional hardware, which makes the implementation straightforward and reduces the time to go live," explains Basil D., Senior Manager at a financial services firm.

    Manuel B., a Voice and data infrastructure specialist at a tech services company, says that "The IPSec VPN, Mobile Access, and Identity Awareness are three of the blades with which we have been working with since the pandemic. This has given us great mobility, making our network more dynamic."



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

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

    Sample Customers
    Osmose, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
    City Bank, Ricacorp Properties, Miele, American Systems, Bangladesh Post Office
    Top Industries
    REVIEWERS
    Financial Services Firm17%
    Computer Software Company11%
    Manufacturing Company11%
    Security Firm11%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company14%
    Comms Service Provider9%
    Financial Services Firm9%
    Government9%
    REVIEWERS
    Comms Service Provider27%
    Media Company18%
    Computer Software Company18%
    Financial Services Firm18%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Financial Services Firm13%
    Computer Software Company12%
    Government12%
    Manufacturing Company8%
    Company Size
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business36%
    Midsize Enterprise30%
    Large Enterprise34%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business27%
    Midsize Enterprise16%
    Large Enterprise57%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business46%
    Large Enterprise54%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business17%
    Midsize Enterprise13%
    Large Enterprise70%
    Buyer's Guide
    Check Point Remote Access VPN vs. F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM)
    March 2024
    Find out what your peers are saying about Check Point Remote Access VPN vs. F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) and other solutions. Updated: March 2024.
    765,234 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    Check Point Remote Access VPN is ranked 4th in Remote Access with 57 reviews while F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) is ranked 13th in Remote Access with 12 reviews. Check Point Remote Access VPN is rated 8.8, while F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) is rated 8.2. The top reviewer of Check Point Remote Access VPN writes "Is easy to use and has a nice interface, but the scalability needs to improve". On the other hand, the top reviewer of F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) writes " Facilitates packet inspection, modification, and offloading and offers visibility and troubleshooting capabilities, allowing for pre-production server testing". Check Point Remote Access VPN is most compared with OpenVPN Access Server, Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client, Check Point Harmony Mobile, Fortinet FortiClient and Perimeter 81, whereas F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) is most compared with Citrix Gateway, CyberArk Privileged Access Manager, Microsoft Remote Desktop Services, Ivanti Connect Secure and Fortinet FortiNAC. See our Check Point Remote Access VPN vs. F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) report.

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    We monitor all Remote Access reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.