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 publishes its pricing — from $13/AP + $6.50/user per month, billed monthly or annually ($65/month minimum). See pricing. 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 | From $13/AP + $6.50/user per month | Directory + RADIUS required |
| Guest WiFi Plan | From $13/AP + $6.50/user per month | N/A |
| IoT Plan | From $13/AP + $6.50/user per month | 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.