F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) vs Prisma Access Browser comparison

F5 and Palo Alto Networks are both solutions in the Secure Web Gateways (SWG) category. F5 is ranked #15 with an average rating of 8.3, while Palo Alto Networks is ranked #22 with an average rating of 7.7. F5 holds a 1.4% mindshare in WSG, compared to Palo Alto Networks’s 2.2% mindshare. Additionally, 88% of F5 users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 66% of Palo Alto Networks users who would recommend it.

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Download the report

Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 9, 2025

F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager APM and Prisma Access Browser are competing in secure access management. Prisma Access Browser seems to have the upper hand with its integrated cloud-native architecture that supports scalability and ease of use, especially for organizations focusing on cloud deployments.

Features: F5 BIG-IP APM offers comprehensive policy management capabilities, detailed access controls, and flexibility in customization tailored for enterprises needing robust network security. Prisma Access Browser provides advanced threat detection and prevention, along with a sophisticated cloud-first design that facilitates remote work environments with seamless integration into cloud ecosystems.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: F5 BIG-IP APM requires careful planning and can be complex to deploy due to its extensive feature set, often needing specialized support. Prisma Access Browser is praised for its swift deployment and minimal infrastructure requirements, with strong support that aligns with its cloud-based delivery.

Pricing and ROI: F5 BIG-IP APM involves a higher initial setup cost due to hardware and complexity, delivering significant ROI for companies needing detailed control over user access. Prisma Access Browser entails lower upfront costs linked to its SaaS model, providing compelling ROI through reduced operational overhead and flexible scaling.

To learn more, read our detailed F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) vs. Prisma Access Browser Report (Updated: December 2025).

Buyer's Guide

F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) vs. Prisma Access Browser

December 2025

Download the complete report

Helped 881,114 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

iboss

Mindshare comparison

As of January 2026, in the Secure Web Gateways (SWG) category, the mindshare of iboss is 2.4%, up from 1.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) is 1.4%, up from 0.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Prisma Access Browser is 2.2%, up from 1.1% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Secure Web Gateways (SWG) Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
iboss	2.4%
F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM)	1.4%
Prisma Access Browser	2.2%
Other	94.0%

Secure Web Gateways (SWG)

Featured Reviews

reviewer2701851

Managing Director

Enhances web security with a single pane of glass and flexible deployment

I don't see any need for improvement; one of the really good things about iboss as a company is that they listen to customer feedback. I have suggested enhancements, and they are responsive, making changes for the better, and they do a lot of testing. To improve iboss, although we haven't used it, we considered the VPN solution that comes with the highest tier licensing, which includes DLP and various other add-ons. We prefer using another product which automatically logs you back onto your network when turning on your PC. With iboss, the connection is manual, which doesn't meet our needs. Additionally, sizing can be tricky because, although the initial recommendations may seem adequate, actual usage may require more gateways than anticipated.

Read full review

SÜ

SalihUcpinar

Senior Cyber Security Consultant at KoçSistem

Has provided reliable policy controls and secure web access for large enterprises

I consider Cloudflare when evaluating centralized access control features; Cloudflare utilizes multi-factor authentication and full API support, while F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) needs to enhance its API support. I recommend F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) for large companies such as Tüpraş and Ford. Tüpraş is one of the biggest companies in Turkey, along with other customers such as Tofaş, Euroko, Koç Holding, and more. For on-premises deployment, I would rate it a 10. For cloud deployment, I would rate it a seven. I primarily use it on-premises. I rate F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) eight out of ten.

Read full review

Nishant .

Security Services Specialist at TD SYNNEX

Prisma Access browser enhances user security with isolation but demands improvements in customer support

The best feature of the Prisma Access Browser is browser isolation. Isolation makes the user experience very good and real-time, while the container is in a different zone. This is a great feature because if phishing or something happens, it doesn't impact the user's system. The same capability is provided by Zscaler with RBI and Netskope as well. Real-time threat monitoring for the Prisma Access Browser is good. It provides good data, and the customer was very happy. As part of the feedback, Palo Alto and I collected responses from them. They haven't faced any problems or false positives. The false positive scenario is less than 1% in Palo Alto.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"The security aspect of the solution, particularly the malware behind it, is excellent. That's something that really helped us out. It's not just a simple proxy that just blocks the insights of potential threats that come on behind it. They do malware detection and that helps us a lot."

"We were impressed by the solution's mental health function, which can detect if someone needs help. It scans what users are browsing and flags warning signs so we can check to see if they are okay. We've had to use it a couple of times."

"Content filtering is the most useful feature of iboss."

"Valuable features: Within the filter: Controls (Web categories, applications, and Allow/Block list) and Network (local Subnets). Within the reporter: Logs (Event Log) and Reports."

"The solution has massively improved our security posture, giving us full visibility into what our staff does online."

"Our primary use case for this product is DLP,"

"Its initial setup was straightforward."

"iboss is among the few products providing inline filtering where no application is needed on the device. It operates on the network side and is not device-based. This feature was one of the main reasons why we stayed with them for so long."

More iboss pros

"The most valuable feature is the virtual IP creation. It's our most frequently used feature."

"The solution is stable and reliable."

"The product allows us to create customized portals for your users."

"I rate the overall solution nine out of ten."

"F5 BIG-IP APM is relatively easy to use."

"On a scale from one to ten for stability, I would rate F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) a ten."

"In my opinion, the GUI is perfect with the configuration options provided. F5 BIG-IP has given customization options and policy configuration tools in the GUI. It's good and good enough to work."

"The portal access was very good."

More F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) pros

"Prisma Access Browser improves security because the browser is one of the attack surfaces, it needs more security on the endpoint device and standardization of device usage, and it also helps standardize the access policy to the internet."

"Prisma Access Browser is the most capable, advanced, and flexible product."

Cons

"Sometimes when you call in support, you get someone who is just following a sheet. It feels like a runaround. You feel that you are running into that support wall."

"One thing I would like to see differently with their Zero Trust platform is that some of the AI aspects related to high-risk activities have more false positives."

"I am currently doing a PoC of the zero trust aspect of it. Compared to other similar solutions, it is hard to get around each feature. It takes a while to get used to it."

"The dashboards for local use could be better."

"The area I would like to see improvement in is the ability with in the reporter to navigate directly to the content the user is traversing. It is kind of there, but it's not perfect. Quite frequently, I receive links that lead me to pages with error messages."

"For zero trust implementation, we encountered complexity issues, especially with a large infrastructure company ExxonMobil."

"Its pricing could be better."

"Sometimes the agent stops working in iboss, and we have to reinstall the agent."

More iboss cons

"If I could copy and paste objects instead of picking and configuring them from scratch each time, it would be great."

"F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager has room for improvement in integration with other products."

"The technical support’s response time must be improved."

"F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) is not user-friendly and operates slowly."

"F5 BIG-IP APM disconnects when you leave it for long enough, but that is natural for IT solutions to do. That's a little bit frustrating."

"The solution is quite costly."

"We do not have knowledgeable support teams locally."

"I'd suggest improved documentation integration directly within the GUI. Right now, finding comprehensive documentation often requires going to external websites like the community portal."

More F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) cons

"The maturity of the product needs improvement as the implementation is very complex."

"In the beginning, the solution may not be very user-friendly and could be complex."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"It is not expensive, and it is also not cheap. iboss is priced right in the sweet spot for the number of features it offers."

"We have not priced the solution recently, but they were competitive with other vendors in the past."

"It is probably in line with other solutions, but I do not deal with the financial side."

"The overall pricing for iboss is very competitive and transparent."

"It is expensive compared to one of its competitors."

"We had the cost of purchasing a new appliance along with the implementation and licensing costs. However, the following year, the cost of just licensing was similar to what was paid the previous year for a new appliance along with the implementation and licensing costs."

"Recently, they have simplified the licensing"

"The product is very expensive."

"The tool is a little bit expensive."

"I rate the tool's pricing an eight out of ten."

Information not available

See which vendors are best for you

Use our free recommendation engine to learn which Secure Web Gateways (SWG) solutions are best for your needs.

See recommendations

881,114 professionals have used our research since 2012.

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

11%

Computer Software Company

10%

Manufacturing Company

Comms Service Provider

Financial Services Firm

14%

Manufacturing Company

12%

Government

Computer Software Company

Financial Services Firm

16%

Computer Software Company

11%

Manufacturing Company

Retailer

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	6
Midsize Enterprise	6
Large Enterprise	5

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	9
Midsize Enterprise	1
Large Enterprise	9

No data available

Questions from the Community

What needs improvement with iboss?

For zero trust implementation, we encountered complexity issues, especially with a large infrastructure company Exxon...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for iboss?

Previously when I used iboss, we did the POC for iboss for ExxonMobil. Four or five people wanted to move from our ol...

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for iboss?

Regarding pricing, setup costs, and licensing, iboss is not cheap, and that's my only concern. There are cheaper alte...

See all answers

What do you like most about F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM)?

In my opinion, the GUI is perfect with the configuration options provided. F5 BIG-IP has given customization options ...

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM)?

F5 products are more expensive than other solutions but are valued for their quality and reliability, akin to purchas...

See all answers

What needs improvement with F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM)?

F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) is not user-friendly and operates slowly. Additional features for architecture ...

See all answers

What needs improvement with Prisma Access Browser?

I wanted to ask about the advantages of the product, but what about disadvantages? Do I see any improvements in Prism...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Prisma Access Browser?

I am using Prisma Access Browser for various purposes, and my main use case revolves around its advanced technology.

See all answers

What advice do you have for others considering Prisma Access Browser?

I work with Palo Alto Firewall, and I am also interested in Prisma Access Browser and DLP. I remember that I worked w...

See all answers

Comparisons

Netskope vs iboss

Compared 13% of the time

Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks vs iboss

Compared 10% of the time

Cisco Umbrella vs iboss

Compared 9% of the time

Zscaler Internet Access vs iboss

Compared 8% of the time

FortiSASE vs iboss

Compared 7% of the time

More iboss Competitors

Ivanti Connect Secure vs F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM)

Compared 6% of the time

CyberArk Privileged Access Manager vs F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM)

Compared 5% of the time

Fortinet FortiGate vs F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM)

Compared 5% of the time

Citrix Gateway vs F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM)

Compared 5% of the time

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM)

Compared 4% of the time

More F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) Competitors

Island vs Prisma Access Browser

Compared 42% of the time

Google Chrome Enterprise vs Prisma Access Browser

Compared 11% of the time

Menlo Secure vs Prisma Access Browser

Compared 8% of the time

Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks vs Prisma Access Browser

Compared 7% of the time

LayerX vs Prisma Access Browser

Compared 6% of the time

More Prisma Access Browser Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

iboss

January 2026

Download iboss product report

Buyer's Guide

F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM)

January 2026

F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) report

Download F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) product report

Buyer's Guide

Prisma Access Browser

January 2026

Download Prisma Access Browser product report

Also Known As

iBoss Cloud Platform

F5 Access Policy Manager

No data available

Overview

Iboss offers a comprehensive cloud-based security platform valued for its scalability and autonomous features, ensuring robust security with easy deployment and management capabilities.

Renowned for its robust security architecture, Iboss integrates seamlessly within diverse networks, delivering efficient granular filtering and advanced content categorization. Its single pane of glass console provides ease of management, allowing rapid scalability suitable for rapidly deploying environments. Operates in BYOD setups due to inline filtering without device installation. Integration with cloud-based applications enhances user control, and features like SASE, SSL inspection, and ChatGPT risk protection stand as highlights. Despite its strengths, users have pointed out areas for enhancement like direct navigation in reports, SSL decryption, and better cloud integration while having room to improve data loss prevention.

What are the most important features of Iboss?

Scalability: Supports rapid deployment across diverse networks.
SASE: A consolidated approach to secure access.
SSL Inspection: Ensures safe data transmission.
Granular Filtering: Detailed control over accessible content.
Single Pane Management: Unifies control through a centralized console.

What benefits should users consider in reviews?

Cost-effectiveness: Offers competitive pricing with robust features.
Autonomous Operation: Reduces management overhead.
Responsive Support: Provides assistance when needed.
Flexible Deployment: Available for both cloud and on-premises environments.

The usage of Iboss spans educational institutions, specifically K-12, to enforce internet policies, protect data, and support remote work environments. It provides web filtering and security frameworks to ensure safe browsing. Its platform-as-a-service model offers flexibility for both cloud-based and on-premises requirements, integrating seamlessly to deliver enhanced security features suitable for various deployment needs including zero trust, CASB, and network security for work-from-home setups.

iboss

F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) is an access management proxy solution for managing global access to the enterprise networks, cloud providers, applications, and application programming interfaces (APIs). Through a single management interface, BIG-IP APM consolidates remote, mobile, network, virtual, and web access.

BIG-IP APM can also serve as a bridge between modern and classic authentication and authorization protocols and methods. For applications which are unable to support modern authentication and authorization protocols, like SAML and OAuth with OIDC, but which do support classic authentication methods, BIG-IP APM converts user credentials to the appropriate authentication standard supported by the application.

BIG-IP APM Benefits:

Ease of use
Flexibility
Ability to integrate with other systems
Security features
Granular access control
Responsive and helpful support team

BIG-IP APM Features:

Support for Identity Aware Proxy (IAP) enabling Zero Trust application access
Context-based authorization with dynamic L4/L7 ACLs
Integration with third-party MFA solutions
DTLS 2.0 mode for delivering and securing applications
SAML 2.0 identity federation support
Support for OAuth 2.0 authorization protocol
SSO support for classic authentication (Kerberos, header- based, etc.), credential caching, OAuth 2.0, SAML 2.0, and FIDO2 (U2F)
AAA server authentication and high-availability
Integration with leading IAM vendor products (Microsoft, Okta, Ping Identity)
BIG IP Edge Client and F5 Access integrate with VMware Horizon ONE (AirWatch), Microsoft Intune and IBM MaaS360
Risk-based access leveraging third-party UEBA and risk engines (HTTP Connector)

Reviews from Real Users

Below are some reviews and helpful feedback written by BIG-IP APM users.

Mahmmoud Rabie, Senior Site Reliability Engineer, writes that BIG-IP APM is "A highly stable solution for load balancing, but the initial setup is complex."

Clyde Livingston, Senior Process Specialist at Telstra, says that BIG-IP APM is "Easy to use, useful access remotely, but lacking stability."

Chris Lam, Senior Solution Consultant at Macroview Telecom Limited, states that BIG-IP APM is "Useful for remote access VPN and VPI integration with VMware.

Prisma Access Browser enhances enterprise security with its cloud-delivered architecture, offering secure web access and threat protection for organizational networks through a streamlined interface.

By delivering consistent security through a single platform, Prisma Access Browser provides scalable and flexible protection, ensuring reliability and efficiency. The service prioritizes advanced threat prevention and zero-trust security models to safeguard business applications and user data. Enterprises can confidently operate, knowing their infrastructure withstands evolving digital challenges.

What are the key features of Prisma Access Browser?

Cloud-Delivered Architecture: Provides centralized management and rapid deployment capabilities.
Advanced Threat Prevention: Offers state-of-the-art protection against cyberthreats.
Zero Trust Security: Ensures all data interactions are verified and secure.
Scalable Platform: Adjusts seamlessly to accommodate growing business requirements.

What benefits or ROI should you consider in reviews?

Improved Security Posture: Enhanced protection reduces vulnerability to attacks.
Cost Efficiency: Cloud infrastructure minimizes hardware investment.
Operational Agility: Simplified management leads to less downtime and greater efficiency.
Compliance Support: Helps maintain adherence to regulatory standards.

Prisma Access Browser is widely implemented across finance, healthcare, and technology industries for its robust security and deployment speed. Financial institutions value its capacity to protect sensitive transactions, while healthcare providers appreciate the encryption of patient information. In tech, it supports seamless integration with existing IT frameworks.

Palo Alto Networks

Sample Customers

More than 4,000 global enterprises trust the iboss Cloud Platform to support their modern workforces, including a large number of Fortune 50 companies.

City Bank, Ricacorp Properties, Miele, American Systems, Bangladesh Post Office

Lemonade, Rapyd, Telit Cinterion, Landry’s, Golden Nugget, Houston Rockets

Buyer's Guide

F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) vs. Prisma Access Browser

December 2025

Free Report: F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) vs. Prisma Access Browser

Find out what your peers are saying about F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) vs. Prisma Access Browser and other solutions. Updated: December 2025.

DOWNLOAD NOW

881,114 professionals have used our research since 2012.

See our F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) vs. Prisma Access Browser report.

See our list of best Secure Web Gateways (SWG) vendors.

We monitor all Secure Web Gateways (SWG) reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.