How Does a Full Identity Platform Stack Up?
We know you've got options. Here's an honest look at how IronWiFi's identity platform compares to 8 RADIUS and NAC solutions — from open-source and on-premise to cloud competitors — so you can pick what's right for you.
Which Network Identity Solution Is Right for You?
Click any card to see the full breakdown
IronWiFi vs FreeRADIUS
FreeRADIUS is open-source and powerful, but"free" can get expensive fast when you factor in the time and effort to manage 802.1X authentication yourself.
IronWiFi vs Cisco ISE
Cisco ISE is the enterprise heavyweight. We offer most of the WPA2-Enterprise features you actually need, without the hefty price tag or complexity.
IronWiFi vs Microsoft NPS
NPS ties you to Windows Server and LDAP-based Active Directory. If you're going cloud-first, there's an easier way.
IronWiFi vs Aruba ClearPass
ClearPass does it all — at a price. If you just need WiFi authentication done right, we might be the simpler choice.
IronWiFi vs Portnox
Portnox is a full NAC platform with device posture and ZTNA. If WiFi auth is your main need, you might be buying more than necessary.
IronWiFi vs SecureW2
SecureW2 is the PKI and certificate management specialist. Great for that, but if you need WiFi auth without the complexity, there's an easier path.
IronWiFi vs Foxpass
Foxpass (Splashtop) is a developer-first tool with cloud LDAP and SSH. IronWiFi is WiFi-first with captive portals and guest WiFi.
IronWiFi vs JumpCloud
JumpCloud is a full directory platform where RADIUS is one feature. For WiFi auth alone, you might be paying for a lot you don't need.
IronWiFi vs FortiAuthenticator
FortiAuthenticator is powerful within the Fortinet ecosystem, but locks you into FortiGate hardware. IronWiFi works with any vendor, no ecosystem required.
IronWiFi vs daloRADIUS
daloRADIUS is a free web UI for FreeRADIUS, but you still manage the Linux server, database, and security patches yourself. IronWiFi handles all of that.
IronWiFi vs Cloudpath
RUCKUS Cloudpath excels at device onboarding within Ruckus environments. IronWiFi delivers the same with any AP vendor and simpler cloud deployment.
IronWiFi vs RADIUSaaS
RADIUSaaS does cloud RADIUS authentication well, but that's all it does. IronWiFi adds captive portals, guest WiFi, SCEP, and analytics on top.
IronWiFi vs Purple WiFi
Purple WiFi (now by Broadcom) does venue analytics, but needs separate RADIUS infrastructure. IronWiFi unifies authentication and analytics in one platform.
*IronWiFi prices shown are billed annually. Monthly billing is also available.
How Does IronWiFi Compare to Other RADIUS and Identity Solutions?
Here's how we compare at a glance
| Feature | IronWiFi | FreeRADIUS | Cisco ISE | Microsoft NPS | Aruba ClearPass | Portnox | SecureW2 | Foxpass | JumpCloud |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| What You'll Pay | Custom pricing | Free (+ IT costs) | Contact vendor | Windows Server license | Contact vendor | Quote-based | Quote-based | Quote-based | Custom pricing |
| Time to Get Running | 30 minutes | 2-6 weeks | 4-12 weeks | 1-2 weeks | 4-8 weeks | Days | Weeks | ~10 minutes | Hours |
| Cloud-Native | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hardware Needed | None | Linux server | Dedicated appliance | Windows Server | Dedicated appliance | None | None | None | None |
| Microsoft Entra ID | ✓ Native | Manual config | ✓ | AD sync required | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Okta Integration | ✓ Native | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Limited |
| Google Workspace | ✓ Native | ✗ | Limited | ✗ | Limited | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Captive Portal | ✓ Built-in | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| OpenRoaming | ✓ WBA Partner | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | Limited | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Uptime SLA | 99.9% SLA | Self-managed | Self-managed | Self-managed | Self-managed | SLA available | SLA available | SLA available | Multi-region |
| Free Trial | 14 days | N/A | Eval license | N/A | Eval license | Demo only | Demo only | Free tier | 10 users free |
| Transparent Pricing | ✓ | N/A (open source) | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
As of 2026, cost estimates include hardware, licensing, and IT staff time where applicable. Quote-based pricing noted where vendors don't publish prices. Your numbers may vary.
Why Are Teams Switching to a Cloud Identity Platform?
In 2026, over 1,000 organizations in 108 countries trust us with their WiFi
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