IronWiFi vs Microsoft NPS
Why keep babysitting Windows Servers for RADIUS? Get cloud authentication that works with Azure AD, Okta, and Google - no infrastructure headaches.
Is There a Better Alternative to Microsoft NPS?
Look, NPS has been solid for orgs running Windows Server and Active Directory. But here's the thing - as teams move to Azure AD, Okta, and Google Workspace, NPS starts showing its age. IronWiFi gives you cloud RADIUS that actually speaks to modern identity providers out of the box.
How Does IronWiFi Stack Up Against NPS?
| Factor | IronWiFi | Microsoft NPS |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Cloud (30 min) | On-premise (1-2 weeks) |
| Infrastructure | None required | Windows Server + AD |
| Annual Cost (500 users) | ~$2,400 | ~$15,000+ (licensing + maintenance, as of 2026) |
| Azure AD / Entra ID | ✓ Native | Complex (AD sync required) |
| Okta | ✓ Native | ✗ |
| Google Workspace | ✓ Native | ✗ |
| Active Directory | ✓ | ✓ |
| Captive Portal | ✓ Built-in | ✗ |
| Guest WiFi | ✓ | ✗ Separate tool |
| OpenRoaming | ✓ | ✗ |
| Web Console | ✓ | ✗ MMC only |
| High Availability | Built-in (6 regions) | Manual NLB setup |
| Uptime SLA | 99.9% | None |
What's the Problem with Cloud Identity?
NPS was built for on-premise Active Directory - that's just how it was designed. In 2026, as more teams move to cloud identity, NPS becomes the weak link:
- Azure AD-only users can't log in - NPS needs on-premise AD sync to work
- Okta and Google Workspace? Forget it - There's no native integration
- Want MFA? Good luck - You'll need the NPS Extension and a complex Azure MFA setup
- Cloud-first companies still run on-prem servers just to keep RADIUS alive
IronWiFi cuts through all of this. You authenticate directly against Azure AD (Entra ID), Okta, or Google Workspace - no on-premise infrastructure needed.
How Do the Features Compare?
| Feature | IronWiFi | Microsoft NPS |
|---|---|---|
| PEAP-MSCHAPv2 | ✓ | ✓ |
| EAP-TLS (Certificates) | ✓ | ✓ |
| EAP-TTLS | ✓ | ✓ |
| MAC Authentication | ✓ | ✓ |
| VLAN Assignment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Group-Based Policies | ✓ | ✓ |
| Social Login (Guest) | ✓ | ✗ |
| SMS/Email Registration | ✓ | ✗ |
| Payment Integration | ✓ | ✗ |
| Analytics Dashboard | ✓ | ✗ Event logs only |
| API Access | ✓ REST API | PowerShell only |
When Does NPS Still Make Sense?
- You're all-in on on-premise Active Directory with no plans to go cloud
- You've got Windows Server licenses and IT staff to manage it
- NPS is already running and working fine - if it ain't broke...
- You don't need guest WiFi or captive portals
When Is It Time to Switch to IronWiFi?
- You're moving to Azure AD, Okta, or Google Workspace (or already there)
- You need guest WiFi with captive portals that actually work
- You're tired of maintaining on-premise RADIUS servers
- You want OpenRoaming or Passpoint support
- You'd love high availability without the NLB headaches
- You'd rather use a modern web console than the MMC
What's the Bottom Line?
NPS is fine if you're running a traditional on-premise AD shop. But if you're adopting cloud identity? NPS just adds complexity you don't need. IronWiFi connects natively to Azure AD, Okta, and Google - no Windows Servers to maintain for RADIUS. Most teams migrate in under 2 hours and never look back.
Ready to Ditch the Windows Server?
Try IronWiFi free for 14 days. Keep your existing access points - just point them at us. Azure AD, Okta, and Google work out of the box.