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OpenVPN Access Server vs Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Jul 30, 2024

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
2.9
OpenVPN Access Server provides long-term cost savings and minimizes errors, essential for remote employee connectivity despite initial learning costs.
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
5.3
OpenVPN Access Server's support is rated highly, with many users relying on extensive documentation and community resources.
Sentiment score
6.8
Prisma Access support is efficient and knowledgeable, but users seek faster response times and improved language-specific expertise.
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
5.8
OpenVPN Access Server effectively scales for growing demands, though adjustments may cause downtime; suitable for businesses of varying sizes.
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
6.1
OpenVPN Access Server is stable with minor performance issues; usually rated 7-9/10, reliable connectivity, careful updates advised.
Sentiment score
7.9
Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks is praised for stable performance and reliability, with minimal downtime even during updates.
Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks works efficiently during peak usage times.
I think the stability of Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks is excellent, and I would rate it ten out of ten.
GlobalProtect is a satisfying solution, and the product is robust without major stability issues.
 

Room For Improvement

OpenVPN Access Server needs enhanced user interface, stability, security, and automation to improve user experience and operational efficiency.
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.
There is a lack of integration with third-party solutions like CrowdStrike or SentinelOne in Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks.
Hosting it in the cloud can mitigate these issues by allowing connection through the nearest Palo Alto or Prisma Cloud regional hub.
 

Setup Cost

Enterprise buyers favor OpenVPN for its cost-effective, flexible pricing, starting free with optional upgrades and straightforward licensing.
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.
The pricing is on the higher side, rating it around eight to nine out of ten.
From my experience, Palo Alto is more expensive compared to solutions like Netskope and Triscale.
Pricing for Prisma Access and Prisma SD WAN is high due to the need for different hardware flavors like IONs.
 

Valuable Features

OpenVPN Access Server is appreciated for security, scalability, multi-platform support, affordability, and user-friendly features like two-factor authentication.
Prisma Access offers robust security features, seamless integration, and real-time alerts, making it ideal for reliable organizational protection.
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.
 

Categories and Ranking

OpenVPN Access Server
Ranking in Enterprise Infrastructure VPN
2nd
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
6.4
Number of Reviews
49
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Prisma Access by Palo Alto ...
Ranking in Enterprise Infrastructure VPN
5th
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
7.0
Number of Reviews
64
Ranking in other categories
Secure Web Gateways (SWG) (4th), Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB) (1st), ZTNA as a Service (2nd), Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) (3rd)
 

Mindshare comparison

As of July 2025, in the Enterprise Infrastructure VPN category, the mindshare of OpenVPN Access Server is 12.7%, down from 15.4% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks is 6.6%, up from 5.4% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Enterprise Infrastructure VPN
 

Featured Reviews

Bertrand Moutault - PeerSpot reviewer
An easy-to-use tool with which its users can access networks from home or external locations
Sometimes OpenVPN Access Server is difficult to connect to, and in our company, we don't know why it is difficult. The product may not connect if we lose connection at times. There are certain shortcomings in the product's stability that need improvement. In general, I want to improve the connect connectivity of the solution since I sometimes face stability issues.
Ángel García Favieres - PeerSpot reviewer
Experience seamless networking with reliable support and enhanced security
It is all about the interface. The Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks interface is more difficult than FortiGate. The area where we encountered most problems was the permissions system. When the client wanted to give me access, they did not want to give me super admin access because they wanted me to have access only for specific tasks. We had significant trouble with configuring those permissions and making them work, as there are many options on the permissions panel. The permissions tab should be more generalized. There are so many options that you always have to open a case for technical support. The technical support team resolved these issues effectively, but this remains an area for improvement.
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
18%
Comms Service Provider
9%
Educational Organization
8%
University
7%
Computer Software Company
13%
Financial Services Firm
12%
Manufacturing Company
12%
Government
6%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

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 security. It has a very fast connection rate and has a built-in VPN. With this solution...
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?
My experience with pricing is excellent as the pricing is free.
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 access service edge (SASE) designed to deliver network security in a cloud-deliver...
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 user-friendly.
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

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

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 OpenVPN Access Server vs. Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks and other solutions. Updated: July 2025.
862,499 professionals have used our research since 2012.