SonicWall Global VPN Client vs SonicWall SMA comparison

SonicWall Global VPN Client and SonicWall SMA are both solutions in the SSL VPN category. SonicWall Global VPN Client is ranked #10 with an average rating of 10.0, while SonicWall SMA is ranked #7 with an average rating of 9.7. SonicWall Global VPN Client holds a 2.2% mindshare in SV, compared to SonicWall SMA’s 4.5% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of SonicWall Global VPN Client users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 91% of SonicWall SMA users who would recommend it.

SonicWall Global VPN Client

Read 3 SonicWall Global VPN Client reviews

97 Views
97 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

SonicWall SMA

Read 15 SonicWall SMA reviews

966 Views
270 Comparison Views

91% willing to recommend

SonicWall Global VPN Client

SonicWall SMA

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on May 21, 2025

SonicWall SMA and SonicWall Global VPN Client compete in secure remote access solutions. SonicWall Global VPN Client seems to have the upper hand with its robust features, while SonicWall SMA excels in pricing and support.

Features: SonicWall SMA offers strong access control, management tools, and a unified client-less option. SonicWall Global VPN Client provides comprehensive network security, reliable encryption, and flexibility for remote connections.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: SonicWall SMA simplifies deployment with user-friendly architecture and efficient customer service. SonicWall Global VPN Client allows seamless setup across various platforms, supported by a resource-rich customer service team.

Pricing and ROI: SonicWall SMA offers cost-effective initial setup, providing savings in operational expenses over time. SonicWall Global VPN Client involves a moderate initial investment, offering a higher ROI due to advanced security features.

To learn more, read our detailed SonicWall Global VPN Client vs. SonicWall SMA Report (Updated: July 2025).

Buyer's Guide

SonicWall Global VPN Client vs. SonicWall SMA

July 2025

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Helped 865,384 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

SonicWall Global VPN Client

Ranking in SSL VPN

10th

Average Rating

10.0

Reviews Sentiment

4.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

SonicWall SMA

Ranking in SSL VPN

7th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

5.6

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Universal Access Gateways (2nd), Enterprise Infrastructure VPN (18th)

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2025, in the SSL VPN category, the mindshare of SonicWall Global VPN Client is 2.2%. The mindshare of SonicWall SMA is 4.5%, up from 3.7% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

SSL VPN

Featured Reviews

Winsley De Oliveira

Owner at ANOC

Reliable and efficient remote access boosts our network management capabilities

The SonicWall Global VPN Client is a very good product. Once I was connected for four days in a row with no faults or interruptions. It's fast, stable, and works. It's simple and effective. We use robust encryption protocols with the SonicWall Global VPN Client. These protocols help with maintaining confidentiality and security of the network data across our organization. Today it's a fact that you have to cryptograph your servers, hard disks, desktops, everything. The VPN is just part of that. The experience with the setup process and user interface of the SonicWall Global VPN Client is very easy. With the SonicWall Global VPN Client, you create a connection to the firewall, set up the cryptographic settings, keys, and passwords. Then download, create a download file, import in the client, enter username and password, and it's done. It is absolutely very simple.

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Maheshbabu T

Project Manager at CGG

It allows us to provide CML-based access to any user, but the reporting could be better

I rate SonicWall SMA seven out of 10. If you're planning to implement this solution, I suggest checking the version to ensure it's compatible with your other technology. I say go for it if it's suitable for your use case. Multifactor authentication technologies are built into the product, whereas some products lack multifactor authentication. We need only one or two. They provide authentication, gateway integration, OTP integration, etc.

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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

"It simplifies connecting remote clients to secure networks without extensive configuration."

"This VPN has a secure tunnel created between the end user and the standard machine. This secure connection facilitates the transfer of data without compromising on security or speed."

"It is faster than other security options when using remote connections."

"Secure Mobile Access (SMA) is easy to configure and the deployment is straightforward. However, this is mostly because of the AWS setup."

"Blocklisting and allowlisting are the most beneficial features for network security."

"I think they ask for a fair price."

"I am very satisfied with the technical support."

"The performance is good."

"I like the load balancing capability."

"The most valuable feature of this solution is they have IT consultants that know SonicWall."

More SonicWall SMA pros

Cons

"There is always a delay in response when I try to work on the VPN."

"The product's integration process need improvement with certain regional network configurations, especially in locations where ISP practices can affect performance."

"SonicWall's reporting isn't good. Reports should be part of a data plan. The login mechanism should be improved. It would be helpful if the client could use an agent to log in. An agent-server model would improve the performance of the RDB, which consumes a lot of bandwidth."

"I'd like to see the product maybe polish keyboards in Bookmark."

"The solution has 2FA, it will generate a token and send it to an email, but multifactor authentication is not available. I would suggest that there should be MFA integration and provided with the appliance."

"The product's technical support services could be improved."

"Enhancing live tracking capabilities could improve the product, particularly in monitoring user activity and request statuses in real-time on the web interface."

"The overall menu is not very user-friendly and it could be easier."

"The problem is that when combined with what the client already has, there are two different logins and two different management systems, and these should be consolidated into a single interface."

"The solution could integrate better with other platforms."

More SonicWall SMA cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"It is a cost-effective product."

"All the costs are included in a bundled license."

"The cost of the licensing is based on the maximum number of concurrent users, and it costs a lot to add them."

"This solution is priced well and we currently have the maximum number of licenses allowed."

"I don't know about the pricing of the SSL-VPN box. I know the SSL-VPN software is free. Global VPN client, by comparison, is licensed for around $150 or something like that. But the SSL-VPN software is free. It is already built-in with the box."

"Our licenses are stackable and can be anywhere from five users to a million users."

"The platform has medium pricing."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

No data available

Computer Software Company

16%

Construction Company

Comms Service Provider

Retailer

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

Questions from the Community

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for SonicWall Global VPN Client?

It is a cost-effective product.

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What needs improvement with SonicWall Global VPN Client?

I have not evaluated the product yet, so I do not have specific feedback. Currently, it is not a perfect product for me. It depends on the requirements of the architecture.

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What is your primary use case for SonicWall Global VPN Client?

I am still working with Sunny Core and using several solutions like SonicWall Firewall with NSM and Net Extender. I am utilizing the Global VPN, which is part of SonicWall, primarily to connect to ...

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What do you like most about SonicWall SMA?

Blocklisting and allowlisting are the most beneficial features for network security.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for SonicWall SMA?

The pricing for the solution could be a lot less.

See all answers

What needs improvement with SonicWall SMA?

I haven't utilized the high availability and scalability features of SonicWall SMA yet because I've never had a need to. I don't know where they can focus their energy on continuous improvements, a...

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Comparisons

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

SSL VPN

July 2025

Download SonicWall Global VPN Client product report

Buyer's Guide

SonicWall SMA

July 2025

Download SonicWall SMA product report

Also Known As

No data available

SonicWall Aventail, SonicWall SMA SSL-VPN, SonicWall Secure Mobile Access

Overview

SonicWall Global VPN Client provides a secure and scalable VPN solution suited for businesses seeking robust remote access with easy deployment and centralized management.

This VPN client offers a comprehensive range of features for secure remote connectivity, making it appropriate for businesses of all sizes. It supports centralized management, allowing IT teams to configure and monitor connections with ease. With a focus on security, it uses advanced encryption technologies to protect data transmissions. It integrates seamlessly with SonicWall's hardware and software, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. This flexibility makes it a favored choice for businesses aiming to maintain secure operations with employees working remotely.

What are the valuable features of SonicWall Global VPN Client?

Easy Deployment: Facilitates quick setup and configuration.
Centralized Management: Offers comprehensive control over multiple users.
Advanced Encryption: Ensures secure data transmission across networks.
Seamless Integration: Works well with SonicWall products for enhanced performance.

What benefits and ROI should users look for?

Cost Efficiency: Reduces overhead related to secure remote access infrastructure.
Scalability: Supports growing businesses without sacrificing performance.
Enhanced Security: Protects sensitive corporate data from cyber threats.
Improved Productivity: Enables uninterrupted workflow for remote employees.

SonicWall Global VPN Client is widely implemented in sectors like healthcare, finance, and education, where data security is crucial. Its advanced security features and seamless remote access integration support industries with stringent compliance and remote collaboration requirements.

SonicWall

SonicWall SMA is a unified secure access gateway that enables organizations to provide anytime, anywhere and any device access to mission critical corporate resources. SMA's granular access control policy engine, context aware device authorization, application level VPN and advanced authentication with single sign-on empowers organizations to embrace BYOD and mobility in a hybrid IT environment.

SonicWall

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

UnitedStack, Newport City Homes, Faith Lutheran College Redlands, PRIME aerostructures GmbH, Celtic Manor Resort

Buyer's Guide

SonicWall Global VPN Client vs. SonicWall SMA

July 2025

Free Report: SonicWall Global VPN Client vs. SonicWall SMA

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