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F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM) vs OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise vs Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive Summary

Review summaries and opinions

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

ROI

Sentiment score
7.1
F5 BIG-IP LTM offers strong ROI with 24/7 availability and security, though some note high costs and variable returns.
Sentiment score
2.1
OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise efficiently connects employees, balancing initial costs with intellectual value, and provides essential connectivity benefits.
Sentiment score
7.3
Prisma Access enhances security, reduces costs, and simplifies operations, offering great ROI and scalability with integrated insights and technology consolidation.
 

Customer Service

Sentiment score
6.7
F5 BIG-IP's customer service is praised for expertise and resources, though some experience delays and regional support issues.
Sentiment score
3.6
OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise technical support is highly rated, with responsive service and comprehensive documentation aiding user problem-solving.
Sentiment score
6.8
Prisma Access support is efficient and knowledgeable, but users seek faster response times and improved language-specific expertise.
I would rate the technical support of F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM) nine out of ten.
It was very good, and I would rate it an eight.
I have not dealt with support or customer service, however, the documentation is good, and I would rate it a seven out of ten.
The product is reliable, making customer support less frequently needed.
We rarely need to contact support due to having a strong internal team and a robust product.
 

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score
7.4
F5 BIG-IP LTM is valued for scalability, flexibility, and adaptability, with configuration and licensing considerations for optimal deployment.
Sentiment score
5.5
OpenVPN Access Server is scalable yet faces challenges like international expansion, downtime, and client ease-of-expansion processes.
Sentiment score
7.6
Prisma Access excels in scalability and flexibility, though challenges exist in extensive deployments and complex integrations at large scales.
It's not very easy to expand, and it would be beneficial if the process were simpler.
I would give OpenVPN a six out of ten for scalability, as it's usually a single user or single device.
To scale, one would need to upgrade or acquire more hardware.
Prisma Access provides significant scalability, allowing integration of different systems.
Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks is a cloud-based solution, and from my experience, there are no issues with scalability.
 

Stability Issues

Sentiment score
8.0
F5 BIG-IP LTM is valued for stability, handling high loads well despite occasional bugs, making it preferred by organizations.
Sentiment score
4.1
OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise is stable and reliable, with minor issues during Windows 10 updates resolved by patches.
Sentiment score
7.9
Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks is praised for stable performance and reliability, with minimal downtime even during updates.
I think the stability of Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks is excellent, and I would rate it ten out of ten.
Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks works efficiently during peak usage times.
Prisma Access is very stable.
 

Room For Improvement

F5 BIG-IP LTM is expensive, complex, lacks flexibility, and needs better UI, reporting, support, cloud integration, and pricing.
OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise needs improved usability, stability, security, and features like Active Directory support and centralized management.
Prisma Access needs better documentation, integration, and pricing, alongside UI, authentication, and global coverage improvements for enhanced user experience.
I assess the compatibility of OpenVPN Access Server with different client software and operating systems as quite easy.
OpenVPN could improve in centralized management.
Hosting it in the cloud can mitigate these issues by allowing connection through the nearest Palo Alto or Prisma Cloud regional hub.
There is a lack of integration with third-party solutions like CrowdStrike or SentinelOne in Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks.
 

Setup Cost

F5 BIG-IP LTM pricing is higher with complex licensing, but performance justifies the cost; AWS Marketplace is convenient yet costlier.
OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise offers transparent pricing, affordable plans, and exceptional value, making it cheaper than Microsoft and Cisco.
Prisma Access is costly but valued for comprehensive security features, though licensing complexity and extra support costs are concerns.
My experience with pricing is excellent as the pricing is free.
From my experience, Palo Alto is more expensive compared to solutions like Netskope and Triscale.
The pricing is on the higher side, rating it around eight to nine out of ten.
Pricing for Prisma Access and Prisma SD WAN is high due to the need for different hardware flavors like IONs.
 

Valuable Features

F5 BIG-IP LTM provides traffic management, security, and customization with iRules, SSL offloading, and an intuitive interface.
OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise offers easy setup, strong security, compatibility, affordability, and seamless integration with multiple operating systems.
Prisma Access offers robust security features, seamless integration, and real-time alerts, making it ideal for reliable organizational protection.
One of the most beneficial features of F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM) is its ability to identify compromised traffic and its capabilities in authentication.
The most valuable features of OpenVPN are its ease of use, client familiarity, end-user familiarity, operating system integration, and price points.
What I appreciate the most about OpenVPN Access Server is that it's very easy to set up.
These features are security-driven, providing robust protection against increasing cyber threats by integrating NG Firewalls, SD WAN, and CASB, all within a fully cloud-native solution.
One of the most valuable features of Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks is the ability to manage on-premise firewalls.
GlobalProtect has been beneficial for its cloud security capabilities, which are vital as businesses seek hybrid options and need to support remote workers while addressing latency issues.
 

Mindshare comparison

Application Delivery Controllers (ADC) Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM)15.7%
NetScaler14.4%
HAProxy11.9%
Other58.0%
Application Delivery Controllers (ADC)
Enterprise Infrastructure VPN Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise13.0%
Fortinet FortiClient12.0%
Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)7.0%
Other68.0%
Enterprise Infrastructure VPN
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks15.3%
Netskope12.1%
Cato SASE Cloud Platform11.8%
Other60.8%
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
 

Featured Reviews

Bonieber  Orofeo - PeerSpot reviewer
Identifying compromised traffic and securing data has been a significant advantage
One of the most beneficial features of F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM) is its ability to identify compromised traffic and its capabilities in authentication. Additionally, the security aspect of it provides a significant advantage as it helps us secure our data, which is a major investment and benefit for us. Before using this system, we had difficulties in storing our data and managing the traffic that comes in and out.
LAWAL YUSUF - PeerSpot reviewer
Has robust features for encryption and stability
We use the product for secure remote access, including WiFi and IoT device security The product has strong encryption and scalability features. It provides security for private network connections. The product’s connectivity is very slow. It could be faster. We have been using OpenVPN Access…
Amar-Patil - PeerSpot reviewer
Enables seamless policy management and supports secure remote work
Our primary use case for Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks is to control the internet and serve as an internet proxy. Additionally, we use it for secure remote work One of the most valuable features of Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks is the ability to manage on-premise firewalls. We can…
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Financial Services Firm
16%
Computer Software Company
12%
Government
8%
Manufacturing Company
7%
Computer Software Company
18%
Comms Service Provider
10%
University
7%
Educational Organization
7%
Computer Software Company
13%
Manufacturing Company
12%
Financial Services Firm
12%
Government
6%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business61
Midsize Enterprise31
Large Enterprise84
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business30
Midsize Enterprise7
Large Enterprise14
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business21
Midsize Enterprise21
Large Enterprise28
 

Questions from the Community

What needs improvement with F5 BIG-IP?
The GUI of F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM) could be improved. It's not something regarding how it processes or ...
What is your primary use case for F5 BIG-IP?
F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM) is a perfect product for load balancing and WAF, and I would recommend it far m...
How does Fortinet FortiClient compare with Open VPN Access Server?
Fortinet FortiClient is a feature-rich solution that is easy to use and deploy without sacrificing safety and securit...
What do you like most about OpenVPN Access Server?
OpenVPN Access Server is a simple and easy-to-use solution that I can use myself without anybody's help.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for OpenVPN Access Server?
We recommend checking the compliance you need for the project and picking the product that meets those requirements w...
What is the better solution - Prisma Access or Zscaler Private Access?
We looked into Prisma Access before choosing Zscaler Private Access (ZPA). Palo Alto’s Prisma Access is a secure ac...
What do you like most about Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks?
The most valuable features of the solution are in the areas of the secure remote access it provides while also being ...
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks?
From my experience, Palo Alto is more expensive compared to solutions like Netskope and Triscale.
 

Also Known As

F5 BIG-IP, BIG-IP LTM, F5 ASM, Viprion, F5 BIG-IP Virtual Edition , Crescendo Networks Application Delivery Controller, BIG IP
OpenVPN
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access, Prisma Access, GlobalProtect, Palo Alto GlobalProtect Mobile Security Manager, Prisma SaaS by Palo Alto Networks, Prisma Access
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Riken, TransUnion, Tepco Systems Administration, Daejeon University, G&T Bank, Danamon, CyberAgent Inc.
Verizon, Amazon, Disney, HP, Microsoft, IBM, Samsung
Concord Hospital, State of Colorado, Essilor International, RheinLand Versicherungsgruppe, University of Westminster, Universidade Nove de Julho, SPAR Austria, CAME Group, ZipRealty, Greenhill & Co., IKT Agder, Aviva Stadium, Animal Logic, Management & Training Corporation, Brigham Young University Hawaii, School District of Chilliwack
Find out what your peers are saying about NetScaler, F5, Microsoft and others in Application Delivery Controllers (ADC). Updated: August 2025.
865,985 professionals have used our research since 2012.