IronWiFi vs JumpCloud
JumpCloud is a powerful cloud directory that can do RADIUS. But if WiFi authentication is your main goal, you might be paying for a whole directory platform you don't need.
IronWiFi is a dedicated WiFi authentication platform, while JumpCloud is a full cloud directory that includes RADIUS as one of many features. JumpCloud requires its directory subscription alongside RADIUS, costing significantly more just for WiFi auth. IronWiFi pricing is customized — contact sales. It also adds captive portals, guest WiFi, and OpenRoaming that JumpCloud does not offer.
Full Directory Platform vs WiFi Specialist
JumpCloud has built an impressive open directory platform — SSO, MDM, LDAP, conditional access, patch management, and yes, RADIUS. It's a one-stop shop for identity management. But here's the thing: if you mainly need WiFi authentication, you're buying into a full directory platform just to get one feature. IronWiFi is built specifically for WiFi, so you get exactly what you need — captive portals, guest WiFi, OpenRoaming, IoT auth — without paying for SSO, MDM, and everything else.
The Hidden Cost of"Just RADIUS"
JumpCloud's RADIUS module requires the JumpCloud directory alongside it — so you're paying for both just to get WiFi auth, with no captive portal, no guest WiFi, and no per-AP pricing option. IronWiFi is purpose-built for WiFi and includes all those features. Contact sales to compare total cost for your setup.
Feature Comparison
| Cost Component | IronWiFi | JumpCloud |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi Auth Only | Custom pricing | Directory + RADIUS required |
| Guest WiFi Plan | Custom pricing | N/A |
| IoT Plan | Custom pricing | N/A |
| SAML Authentication | Included | Included |
| SCEP | Included | N/A |
| Cloud PKI | Included | N/A |
| Setup Time | 30 minutes | Hours (full platform) |
| Free Option | 14-day trial | 10 users free |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | IronWiFi | JumpCloud |
|---|---|---|
| 802.1X WiFi Authentication | ✓ | ✓ |
| EAP-TLS / PEAP / TTLS | ✓ | ✓ |
| Microsoft Entra ID | ✓ Native | ✓ (directory) |
| Okta Integration | ✓ Native | Limited |
| Google Workspace | ✓ Native | ✓ |
| Cloud Directory / SSO | ✗ | ✓ |
| MDM | ✗ | ✓ |
| Conditional Access | ✗ | ✓ |
| LDAP-as-a-Service | ✗ | ✓ |
| Captive Portal | ✓ | ✗ |
| Guest WiFi Management | ✓ | ✗ |
| OpenRoaming | ✓ WBA Partner | ✗ |
| Passpoint | ✓ | ✗ |
| IoT Authentication | ✓ | Limited |
| Cloud PKI | ✓ Included | ✗ |
| SCEP | ✓ Included | ✗ |
| SAML Authentication | ✓ Included | ✓ (SSO platform) |
| Compliance Certifications | SOC 2, GDPR | SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR |
| Per-AP Pricing | ✓ | ✗ |
| Cloud-Native | ✓ | ✓ |
| AI-Powered Intelligence | ✓ AI Center | ✗ |
When Does JumpCloud Make Sense?
- You need a full cloud directory platform (SSO, MDM, LDAP, RADIUS all-in-one)
- Replacing Active Directory with a cloud-native directory is the goal
- Device management (MDM) and conditional access are requirements
- You're under 10 users and the free tier covers your needs
- RADIUS is just one piece of a bigger identity puzzle
When Is IronWiFi the Better Fit?
- WiFi authentication is the primary use case
- Captive portals and guest WiFi are must-haves
- You need per-AP pricing for guest WiFi scenarios
- OpenRoaming or Passpoint is on your roadmap
- IoT device authentication with a dedicated plan matters
- You already have an identity provider (Okta, Microsoft Entra ID, Google) and just need RADIUS
- You want to be up and running in 30 minutes, not hours
The Bottom Line
JumpCloud is a solid cloud directory — if you need SSO, MDM, LDAP, and RADIUS under one roof, it makes sense. But if WiFi authentication is what you're really after, you're paying for a full directory platform just to get a RADIUS feature. IronWiFi is purpose-built for WiFi: captive portals, guest WiFi, OpenRoaming, IoT, per-AP pricing — without paying for an entire directory you may not need. Sometimes the specialist beats the generalist.
Ready to See What WiFi-First Looks Like?
Take IronWiFi for a spin. Start a 14-day free trial — all WiFi features included.