Forescout Platform vs Sophos Network Access Control comparison

Forescout and Sophos are both solutions in the Network Access Control (NAC) category. Forescout is ranked #4 with an average rating of 8.4, while Sophos is ranked #8 with an average rating of 8.2. Forescout holds a 11.8% mindshare in NAC, compared to Sophos’s 1.8% mindshare. Additionally, 88% of Forescout users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 94% of Sophos users who would recommend it.

Forescout Platform

Read 77 Forescout Platform reviews

7,678 Views
5,221 Comparison Views

88% willing to recommend

Sophos Network Access Control

Read 23 Sophos Network Access Control reviews

1,001 Views
971 Comparison Views

94% willing to recommend

Forescout Platform

Sophos Network Access Control

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 5, 2024

Sophos Network Access Control and Forescout Platform are competitive solutions within the network security category. Forescout generally has an edge due to its comprehensive features, while Sophos wins on pricing and support, making it ideal for budget-conscious buyers.

Features: Sophos offers straightforward policy management, threat isolation, and robust security. Forescout provides extensive device visibility, automated responses, and advanced integration capabilities with other IT systems.

Room for Improvement: Sophos could better enhance its device visibility and automation features. Additionally, its integration capabilities with third-party systems could be expanded. Forescout may improve by simplifying its user interface and reducing the complexity of its initial setup. The solution would benefit from streamlined network configuration processes.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Sophos has a simpler deployment process with efficient, accessible customer service. Forescout requires a more intricate setup but offers personalized support, which may require additional resources.

Pricing and ROI: Sophos is praised for its lower initial setup costs, appealing to small to medium enterprises. Forescout, with higher initial costs, tends to provide superior ROI through scalability and feature set, attracting larger enterprises seeking long-term value.

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

Buyer's Guide

Forescout Platform vs. Sophos Network Access Control

September 2025

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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

Forescout Platform

Ranking in Network Access Control (NAC)

4th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.6

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

IoT Security (3rd), Endpoint Compliance (3rd), Extended Detection and Response (XDR) (15th)

Sophos Network Access Control

Ranking in Network Access Control (NAC)

8th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.1

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of October 2025, in the Network Access Control (NAC) category, the mindshare of Forescout Platform is 11.8%, down from 13.6% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Sophos Network Access Control is 1.8%, up from 1.3% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Network Access Control (NAC) Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
Forescout Platform	11.8%
Sophos Network Access Control	1.8%
Other	86.4%

Network Access Control (NAC)

Featured Reviews

Odai Halawani

Sr. Security Engineer at Topvision

It's an easy and effective solution, especially for device profiling without agents

Forescout Platform's most valuable aspect is its excellent device profiling for devices without agents, which is crucial for our work due to challenges with agent-based devices. Its isolation and blocking actions are particularly effective for network security. The device compliance feature helps us ensure device compliance through immediate actions like updating antivirus software. We have already integrated Forescout with antivirus and vulnerability assessment tools, allowing it to monitor vulnerability scores and automatically isolate devices if critical vulnerabilities are detected.

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HirenPatel2

Manager at rspl

Have faced delays in support despite strong multi-layer policy configuration

I have observed some disadvantages as we have experienced one particular problem. We were facing an issue of synchronization of the endpoint with our firewall with help on a cloud for heartbeat syncing. However, it was not syncing as per our requirement. The user has to connect our firewall with the help of VPN. We were supposed to assume a solution on a cloud, which has good synchronization on a cloud with Sophos Central. It will sync with our firewall as well with the help of Sophos Central. Endpoint and firewall synchronization is not as smooth as we are expecting from Sophos Network Access Control. We have to connect with VPN. We are expecting that if we have already installed an endpoint on our system and it is connected to the internet, then it must be synchronized on a cloud with Sophos Central. Through Sophos Central, it must connect with our firewall. If the endpoint is configured on Sophos Central and the firewall is also configured in Sophos Central, then there should be no need to connect to VPN.

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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

"Forescout Platform's most valuable aspect is its excellent device profiling for devices without agents, which is crucial for our work due to challenges with agent-based devices. Its isolation and blocking actions are particularly effective for network security. The device compliance feature helps us ensure device compliance through immediate actions like updating antivirus software. We have already integrated Forescout with antivirus and vulnerability assessment tools, allowing it to monitor vulnerability scores and automatically isolate devices if critical vulnerabilities are detected."

"Emergency response, risk assessment information to get a view of the of the vulnerability."

"The most valuable feature of Forescout Platform is that it has everything that Aruba has at significantly less cost."

"The most valuable features of ForeScout is the fact that it can do network access control either with 802.1x or without 802.1x."

"The most valuable feature of the Forescout Platform is the large capacity it can handle. Additionally, the interface of the platform is good."

"The most valuable features are remote access and administration scripts."

"The initial setup is quite simple. It's not too complex or difficult to set up."

"Forescout Platform's most valuable features are that it is very granular. We are able to cull out a lot of information about our particular device or endpoint. The configuration and the visibility are very seamless. Overall the solution is very easy to handle and it's very comprehensive."

More Forescout Platform pros

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

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

"We have had interactions with the technical support team through the Xnet platform. It's good."

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

"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."

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

"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."

"Sophos has helped us to save time and money and to better manage web activities. It has also helped us to reduce misuse of the network and restrict hacking attempts."

More Sophos Network Access Control pros

Cons

"The system controls could be better."

"Regarding pricing, there is room for improvement to enhance competitiveness with other vendors and solutions."

"Forescout needs to improve its cloud management and remote connectivity."

"Two things can be improved in the Forescout Platform. First of all, the support for some certain proprietary protocols from other vendors, but they are very widely used. If the TechEx from Cisco, was added to Forescout, then it will be a full solution for me."

"They should improve features related to IT security. ForeScout should analyze behavior to see if the behavior is malicious behavior and block this device. They should develop the ability to analyze the behavior of the device in my environment."

"The console is a fat client, and a web interface would be preferable."

"For improvements, I think technical support could be enhanced. The time zone difference makes remote support difficult - I'm in Indonesia, and they're in the US. Maybe the Forescout Platform could provide engineers from Asia Pacific."

"Definitely, having more third-party integration would be an improvement."

More Forescout Platform cons

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

"Users are not controlled by role-based access; it's basically device-based control. The definition of role-based control is a little vague here because on the cloud level, it regulates access rather than tasks."

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

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

"I would like to see mobile administration capabilities in the next release so that we can administer the device from a mobile device."

"Endpoint and firewall synchronization is not as smooth as we are expecting from Sophos Network Access Control."

"Sophos Network Access Control needs improvement regarding its slow interface, loading time, and reporting."

"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."

More Sophos Network Access Control cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The solution is not priced low. There are no hidden costs."

"We might have paid in the ballpark of $20,000 yearly for our licenses. I do not recall there being other fees over and above the standard licensing fee."

"The product's pricing is reasonable."

"The ROI is priceless."

"It's about $160,000, but I'm not sure how long that is for or what it includes. Because we were a test base, we were provided with servers, but now, Forescout wants us to buy servers because those servers are now end-of-life or end-of-service. For our lifecycle management program, in order to get a refresh on those servers, we would have to buy servers or use our own network resources to house Forescout. Forescout takes up about 13 or 14 virtual CPUs."

"Time savings in finding rogue devices as well as identifying potentially unwanted devices on the network has saved the organization time and money."

"The Forescout Platform's pricing is in the middle range, not too cheap or expensive."

"Licenses are perpetual but can come with renewable support."

More Forescout Platform pricing and cost advice

"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."

"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."

"Sophos Network Access Control is an expensive solution."

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

"It is quite expensive."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

13%

Financial Services Firm

11%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Government

Computer Software Company

12%

Government

10%

Manufacturing Company

Comms Service Provider

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	30
Midsize Enterprise	10
Large Enterprise	43

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

Questions from the Community

What advice do you have for others considering Forescout Platform?

Forescout is a very powerful NAC product that does not rely on port level configuration. It can detect and block unauthorized devices very quickly. But it has a lot of capabilities and really would...

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What advice do you have for others considering Forescout Platform?

I would rate the Forescout Device and Visibility Control Platform at a six out of ten.

See all answers

What advice do you have for others considering Forescout Platform?

I recommend doing a compression demo. If people use it, they will buy it. So they have to see the product in place. That's the main recommendation is to do a proof of concept. If they do, they will...

See all answers

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 think the pricing of the solution is expensive.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Sophos Network Access Control?

See all answers

Comparisons

Aruba ClearPass vs Forescout Platform

Compared 22% of the time

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs Forescout Platform

Compared 19% of the time

Fortinet FortiNAC vs Forescout Platform

Compared 13% of the time

Nozomi Networks vs Forescout Platform

Compared 5% of the time

Portnox vs Forescout Platform

Compared 5% of the time

More Forescout Platform 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

More Sophos Network Access Control Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Forescout Platform

October 2025

Download Forescout Platform product report

Buyer's Guide

Sophos Network Access Control

September 2025

Download Sophos Network Access Control product report

Also Known As

Forescout Platform, CounterACT for Endpoint Compliance, ForeScout CounterACT

No data available

Overview

Forescout Platform provides today’s busy enterprise organizations with policy and protocol management, workflow coordination, streamlining, and complete device and infrastructure visibility to improve overall network security. The solution also provides concise real-time intelligence of all devices and users on the network. Policy and protocols are delineated using gathered intelligence to facilitate the appropriate levels of remediation, compliance, network access, and all service operations. Forescout Platform is very flexible, integrates well with most of today’s leading network security products, and is a very cost-effective solution.

Forescout Platform Features

Real-time complete visibility: With Forescout eyeSight, each and every device is classified when any attempt to access your network has been made. This includes - but is not limited to - desktops, laptops, android devices, virtual machines, switches, VoIP phones, USB memory sticks, webcams, IoT devices, and more.
Policy-based and manual controls: In today’s busy robust environment, networks are continually changing; there are different types and amounts of devices connected, various software applications, network compliance requirements, and the constant potential for risk make managing an IT network a very daunting challenge. The Forescout Console is used to simplify the administration and management of important alerts, remediation, and access controls to keep the network secure.
Intuitive real-time dashboards: Forescout Dashboards, a component of Forescout WebClient, is a comprehensive web-based intelligence center that gives full visibility and real-time insight of the complete network using both out-of-the-box and user-created widgets. The dashboards are very intuitive and deliver robust, easy-to-understand information about device visibility, compliance, health monitoring, and more.
Advanced reporting capabilities: The Forescout Reports Plugin will generate numerous valuable reports indicating real-time and overall status information about endpoint compliance, device details, networks guests, protocols, and more. The reports help to ensure IT administrators, executives, security teams, and other important shareholders stay well-informed about all network activity at all times.
Comprehensive third-party overview: Forescout eyeExtend facilitates seamless information sharing with third-party vendors, networks, and IT management solutions supporting improved automated workflows, productivity, cost-effectiveness, and overall security.

Real User Reviews

An important main feature of Forescout is the visibility the solution offers.

One reviewer who is a Consultant at a tech services company, says, "Within three or four days, you can have complete visibility of your infrastructure on the network. Compared to other solutions, the deployment of the solution is easier and we can close the project quickly."

Users also appreciate that the user interface is clear and easy to understand.

An Instructor at a tech services company, shares, "The most valuable feature of the Forescout Platform is the large capacity it can handle. Additionally, the interface of the platform is good."

Forescout

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

NHS Sussex, SAP, SEGA, Vistaprint, Miami Children's Hospital, Pioneer Investments, New York Law School, OmnicomGroup, Meritrust

Rushmoor Borough Council

Buyer's Guide

Forescout Platform vs. Sophos Network Access Control

September 2025

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