ExtremeControl vs Sophos Network Access Control comparison

Extreme Networks and Sophos are both solutions in the Network Access Control (NAC) category. Extreme Networks is ranked #10 with an average rating of 7.7, while Sophos is ranked #8 with an average rating of 8.2. Extreme Networks holds a 1.9% mindshare in NAC, compared to Sophos’s 1.8% mindshare. Additionally, 87% of Extreme Networks users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 94% of Sophos users who would recommend it.

ExtremeControl

Read 8 ExtremeControl reviews

750 Views
750 Comparison Views

87% willing to recommend

Sophos Network Access Control

Read 22 Sophos Network Access Control reviews

1,053 Views
1,021 Comparison Views

94% willing to recommend

ExtremeControl

Sophos Network Access Control

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 5, 2024

Sophos Network Access Control and ExtremeControl are products focused on managing network access for improved security. ExtremeControl is the preferable option due to its extensive features and perceived long-term value.

Features: Sophos Network Access Control offers robust threat detection, seamless integration with existing network infrastructure, and effective risk assessment capabilities. ExtremeControl provides advanced visibility, comprehensive control over diverse network environments, and extensive third-party integration. ExtremeControl's advanced monitoring tools further enhance its network management capabilities.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: ExtremeControl features a straightforward deployment model and efficient onboarding processes, making it suitable for organizations with limited IT resources. Its customer service is known for quick response times and comprehensive support. Sophos requires more in-depth configuration during deployment, potentially extending the setup timeline, though it does offer reliable deployment options.

Pricing and ROI: Sophos Network Access Control attracts budget-conscious buyers with its lower initial costs and competitive pricing strategy, providing a satisfactory ROI for those prioritizing budget control. ExtremeControl's higher upfront cost is justified by its advanced functionality and integration options, promising a favorable ROI over time.

To learn more, read our detailed ExtremeControl vs. Sophos Network Access Control Report (Updated: September 2025).

Buyer's Guide

ExtremeControl vs. Sophos Network Access Control

September 2025

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Helped 867,370 peers since 2012

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

ExtremeControl

Ranking in Network Access Control (NAC)

10th

Average Rating

7.8

Reviews Sentiment

6.1

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Sophos Network Access Control

Ranking in Network Access Control (NAC)

8th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.2

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of September 2025, in the Network Access Control (NAC) category, the mindshare of ExtremeControl is 1.9%, up from 1.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Sophos Network Access Control is 1.8%, up from 1.4% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Network Access Control (NAC) Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
Sophos Network Access Control	1.8%
ExtremeControl	1.9%
Other	96.3%

Network Access Control (NAC)

Featured Reviews

Jose Mota

IT specialist at FERCAM SpA

Has a simple setup process, but it could be affordable

We have noticed similarities between Extreme and Ubiquiti, particularly in their functionality, like how they operate wirelessly and can be managed from the cloud or locally. Based on our experience, Ubiquiti's system may be more user-friendly and capable of handling heavy loads. Still, Extreme could be more reliable, although you have yet to compare them side by side directly. For instance, we have observed Extreme performing well in a warehouse environment, which might have a different level of network traffic than a convention center.

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Vishal Deshwal

technical associate at seamlessinfotech.com

Technical support excels but hardware enhancements are needed for faster processing

The best features in Sophos Network Access Control are fewer than FortiNAC and Cisco ISE, but when discussing budget and customer support, different vendors have different perspectives. Cisco is better in support, FortiNAC is better in security, and different vendors maintain different perspectives. I utilized the device quarantine feature around eight months ago. It is specifically for when any malicious or harmful file comes to the system. Through NAC, we can put it in quarantine, and if anything comes or goes from this system, it will be monitored continuously. We can define these parameters as needed. The role-based access controls feature of Sophos Network Access Control allows persons at different positions in an organization to have different types of roles. We can give them full access as an administrator, provide some network access, or give users only read-only access. This depends on the user's requirements and the position they hold within the organization, allowing us to grant roles according to their post. The integration capabilities of Sophos Network Access Control are good, as it can easily integrate with other solutions and vendors.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"The solution is easy to use."

"The company also uses Cisco ISE in other places. I have been told that ExtremeControl is easier to use than ISE. The other reason we prefer ExtremeControl is stability. That's why they chose it for this big hospital in Oslo."

"It has effectively enhanced network security and integrated with other security tools to streamline operations."

"On a scale of 1-10, I rate ExtremeControl a 10."

"There is information on migrating most of the cloud system's features."

"Overall, I would rate ExtremeControl nine out of ten."

"I can know which end users are using which features."

"Web protection, URL filtering, and application filtering are the most valuable features of Sophos Network Access Control."

"I am very satisfied with this solution overall. All of the features that we use have been working successfully."

"There is really good visibility for the appliance."

"What Sophos has done is integrate almost the entire OSI layer infrastructure. It gives me visibility across my infrastructure. It gives me visibility into all the mobile devices that are on my network and into the security I have on those mobile devices."

"The most valuable features of Sophos Network Access Control are the quick response times to threats and reliable security."

"The platform's most valuable features include robust reporting and analytics capabilities, which provide deep insights into our sales performance and customer behavior."

"The solution offers very good visibility."

"I found all Sophos Network Access Control features valuable, but IP blocking is the most useful."

More Sophos Network Access Control pros

Cons

"I'd like to have access to more information on the traffic passing through."

"The installation is easy, it can take between five minutes to four hours depending on the complexity of the environment. The speed of the installation could improve for more complex environments."

"I would rate their technical support five out of ten. They have strict upgrade policies."

"There isn't enough development for the on-premises controller."

"The initial setup was not easy. It requires an experienced person to deploy ExtremeControl, and deployment can take from days to weeks depending on the complexity of the network."

"One improvement could be better clarification, namely that the system only works optimally with all components purchased together."

"In terms of cost, I believe ExtremeControl is reasonably priced for big enterprises, but for smaller ones, they need to consider that the price for less than 1,000 users is important, as this is the minimum number of users required for a license. Below this number, we are not competitive with other vendors."

"It would be beneficial to consider some improvements regarding the dashboard."

"The solution can improve the for applying policies. They can be complex depending don't the group they are applied to."

"The solution could offer more useful documentation."

"The solution could increase the integration with other platforms or other systems. This would be very useful."

"In order to provide better management, it would be ideal with they offered better plugins for their firewall."

"The user interface, in terms of managing the product, could be better."

"One area in which the product could be improved is the user interface. While functional, it can be somewhat cluttered and unintuitive, especially for new users."

"Sophos Network Access Control could be improved by having an ASIC chip similar to FortiNAC, as this would provide better processing for big organizations."

More Sophos Network Access Control cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"ExtremeControl can be expensive compared to other options in the market."

"I rate the price of Sophos Network Access Control a five out of ten."

"Sophos Network Access Control is very cheap compared to other solutions like Cisco, Barracuda, and Palo Alto."

"It provides a moderate pricing option for all of its features and benefits."

"It is quite expensive."

"Sophos Network Access Control is an expensive solution."

"Sophos Network Access Control is costly but has a similar price range as CrowdStrike and Check Point. The product can get more market share if Sophos can play around with Sophos Network Access Control pricing and improve it."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

12%

Government

11%

Healthcare Company

11%

Educational Organization

10%

Computer Software Company

12%

Government

10%

Construction Company

Comms Service Provider

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	3
Midsize Enterprise	3
Large Enterprise	3

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	15
Midsize Enterprise	3
Large Enterprise	2

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about ExtremeControl?

It has effectively enhanced network security and integrated with other security tools to streamline operations.

See all answers

What needs improvement with ExtremeControl?

Regarding improvements for ExtremeControl, I think it is good as it is; however, some other products can support features like certificate management, which ExtremeControl currently lacks. Adding c...

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What is your primary use case for ExtremeControl?

The main use cases for ExtremeControl among my customers are to authenticate the users here for the end systems in their companies and to manage authentication, authorization, and systems, and they...

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What do you like most about Sophos Network Access Control?

Sophos Network Access Control has a useful interface, and I like its dashboard, which is very useful for us to check everything.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Sophos Network Access Control?

I am not able to say much on the financial specifics as it pertains to the sales unit.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Sophos Network Access Control?

A point for improvement for Sophos Network Access Control would be to implement a SIEM tool functionality. For example, CrowdStrike is direct competition to Sophos Network Access Control, not even ...

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Comparisons

Aruba ClearPass vs ExtremeControl

Compared 43% of the time

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs ExtremeControl

Compared 33% of the time

Fortinet FortiNAC vs ExtremeControl

Compared 13% of the time

Forescout Platform vs ExtremeControl

Compared 10% of the time

More ExtremeControl Competitors

Aruba ClearPass vs Sophos Network Access Control

Compared 35% of the time

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs Sophos Network Access Control

Compared 23% of the time

Portnox vs Sophos Network Access Control

Compared 12% of the time

Fortinet FortiNAC vs Sophos Network Access Control

Compared 12% of the time

Twingate vs Sophos Network Access Control

Compared 10% of the time

More Sophos Network Access Control Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Network Access Control (NAC)

August 2025

Download ExtremeControl product report

Buyer's Guide

Sophos Network Access Control

August 2025

Download Sophos Network Access Control product report

Also Known As

Extreme Access Control, Enterasys NAC

No data available

Overview

ExtremeControl lets you manage secure and automated access for both, BYOD and IoT devices from one convenient dashboard. It makes it easy to roll out granular policies across your wired and wireless networks to meet industry and company compliance obligations. Identity based network access control keeps unauthorized people and devices from accessing your network.

Extreme Networks

Sophos NAC Provides comprehensive, easy-to-deploy network access control that protects enterprise networks from the threats posed by non-compliant, compromised, or misconfigured endpoint computers. The software solution is vendor-neutral and works with existing network infrastructure and security applications. Computers are permitted or denied access to the network, based on a centrally defined, policy-driven assessment - and isolated, quarantined for remediation, automatically remediated, or sent alerts. Administrators can define and manage policies uniquely for managed and guest computers, including checking their security status and ensuring that no unwanted applications are run.

Sophos

Sample Customers

Street Crane, Robert Bosch, Molex Chengdu, Weir Valves & Controls UK, Renault, AESSEAL, Ducati, Alexander Dennis, UK Ministry of Defence, Manz

Rushmoor Borough Council

Buyer's Guide

ExtremeControl vs. Sophos Network Access Control

September 2025

Free Report: ExtremeControl vs. Sophos Network Access Control

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