We performed a comparison between Cisco IOS SSL VPN and F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) based on real PeerSpot user reviews in five categories. After reading all of the collected data, you can find our conclusion below.
Comparison Results: Cisco IOS SSL VPN is the preferred option over F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) according to user reviews. It is described as user-friendly, secure, and feature-rich. F5 BIG-IP APM is stable and reliable but complex and expensive, with room for improvement in reporting and management. It also requires a larger team for maintenance compared to Cisco IOS SSL VPN, which is easy to install and has excellent customer support. Overall, Cisco IOS SSL VPN is a reliable and scalable solution that provides a strong ROI.
"Cisco IOS SSL VPN is stable, and once we connect, we don't face any issues and can do our work."
"The multicast feature is useful for us."
"It's a stable solution."
"The setup and installation was easy."
"Cisco VPN is easy to connect."
"The solution is very stable."
"I have found that Cisco IOS SSL VPN is stable."
"The product's setup phase was easy."
"The performance of the solution is valuable."
"This is a product that is easy to install and integrate, and it is simple to use."
"The load balancing features are valuable."
"Stickiness is the most valuable feature of the product."
"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 APM is relatively easy to use."
"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."
"The tool is reliable and easy to configure."
"The product’s dashboard is not good enough."
"The solution needs to integrate password-less technology so that you don't have to remember passwords each time that you log in, which is otherwise tedious. We should be able to log in as long as our system is connected to the internet."
"It can be difficult to find service and at times we cannot connect with the internet easily."
"The company sets the policies for the default location, and destination, which the VPN connects. If there is a problem with one of those locations, which happens sometimes when I travel I need to have an option to select a different available location. Currently, I am unable to see that from a user's point of view."
"Cisco has a history of problems with the area of web filtering, because of which my company sometimes had to change the vendor and the appliance."
"The product costs a lot of money."
"I have no notes in terms of areas of improvement."
"I would like for it to have support for the Dutch language. I typically use English in 99% of our communications but for some people, it matters."
"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."
"We do not have knowledgeable support teams locally."
"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."
"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."
"The solution is quite costly."
"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."
More F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) Pricing and Cost Advice →
Cisco IOS SSL VPN is ranked 1st in SSL VPN with 47 reviews while F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) is ranked 4th in SSL VPN with 13 reviews. Cisco IOS SSL VPN is rated 8.6, while F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) is rated 8.2. The top reviewer of Cisco IOS SSL VPN writes "The solution is very stable and scalable, but it is expensive, and the configuration is complicated". 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". Cisco IOS SSL VPN is most compared with Fortinet FortiClient, Zyxel VPN Client, Ivanti Connect Secure, Citrix Gateway and SonicWall Netextender, whereas F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) is most compared with Citrix Gateway, CyberArk Privileged Access Manager, Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine), Microsoft Remote Desktop Services and Aruba ClearPass. See our Cisco IOS SSL VPN vs. F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) report.
See our list of best SSL VPN vendors.
We monitor all SSL VPN 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.