F5 is a company that specializes in multi-cloud security and application delivery solutions, offering automation, security, performance, and insight capabilities to help customers create, secure, and operate adaptive applications. In this article, we will explore the top 10 alternatives to F5, providing you with options to find the best fit for your organization's needs.

1. Twingate

We might be a little biased, but we firmly believe Twingate is the top choice.

Twingate's mission is to simplify cybersecurity, making it less intimidating and more accessible. Our Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution delivers secure and efficient remote access, characterized by detailed access controls, rapid deployment, and an intuitive user interface for both administrators and end-users. Twingate empowers a range of organizations to transition from traditional VPNs to a more advanced, software-defined mesh network, ideal for securing both private and cloud-based data. Designed with the sophisticated requirements of technical teams in mind, Twingate enhances the workflows of IT, DevOps, and Security professionals.

Why opt for Twingate for remote access?

Twingate is redefining remote access with its Zero Trust Network Access, boasting strong access controls, comprehensive automation, and swift performance. Highlights of Twingate include:

• Powerful peer-to-peer connections: Utilizing NAT traversal and QUIC protocols, Twingate establishes direct, secure peer-to-peer connections, ensuring each request is thoroughly verified.

• Minimized attack surface: Twingate reduces network vulnerabilities by controlling lateral traffic with strict access control policies and removing the need for open inbound ports.

• Advanced network monitoring: Offering extensive logging and analytics and integration with major SIEMs, Twingate allows for detailed monitoring and refinement of access policies.

• Precise access controls: Implement and automate minimal privilege access with Twingate to protect corporate assets like cloud environments and SaaS platforms.

• Versatile multi-factor authentication (MFA): Twingate supports a range of MFA methods, including TOTP, biometrics, and security keys, ensuring broad protection for various resources.

• Streamlined compliance: Twingate aligns with stringent standards such as SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, and more, ensuring compliance is straightforward and efficient.

• Automated zero trust implementation: With an API-first approach and native access automation, Twingate seamlessly integrates into your existing security and infrastructure stacks.

• Extended internet security: With DNS filtering and DoH capabilities, Twingate extends its security reach beyond your network, safeguarding users everywhere with just one agent.

Explore the transformative features of Twingate

• Features: Standout features include multi-device support, no bandwidth limits, real-time customer service, and adaptable access control.

• Use cases: Twingate is perfect for businesses needing secure remote access, network segmentation, data safeguarding, VPN replacement, or the implementation of internet security measures like DNS filtering.

• Pricing: Twingate offers various plans: a free Starter plan, a Teams plan at $5 per user per month, a Business plan at $10 per user per month, and customized pricing for Twingate Enterprise. Opting for annual billing nets a 15% discount on Teams and Business plans.

• Reviews: Twingate has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on G2.

Twingate is trusted by leading companies such as Webflow, Modern Health, Cameo, and Blend as their go-to security provider.

2. Axis Security

Axis Security offers a modern Security Service Edge (SSE) platform that securely connects users to business resources, supports all ports and protocols, offers agent and agentless support, and provides end-user experience monitoring.

• Use cases: Axis Security is ideal for organizations looking to implement a zero-trust approach, prioritize high-level security, and securely connect users to business resources regardless of application, device, or location.

• Features: Key features include robust zero-trust security, centralized policy management, graphical interpretation of data and logs, and secure application access. However, it lacks comprehensive user activity logs.

• Price: Axis Security offers four pricing plans: ZTNA Only, Core, Enterprise, and Harmony. Users may request a demo for further details.

• Reviews: Axis Security has an average rating of 4.7/5 on G2.

3. Cloudflare

Cloudflare is a web performance and security company that offers a connectivity cloud to help businesses regain control while connecting and protecting their people, apps, and data.

• Use cases: Cloudflare is ideal for businesses looking to improve web performance, enhance security, and maintain control over their digital assets.

• Features: Key features of Cloudflare include content delivery, DDoS protection, web application firewall, DNS services, and serverless computing. However, some users find the product to be technical and challenging to navigate.

• Price: Cloudflare offers four pricing plans: Free, Pro, Business, and Enterprise. Each plan comes with its own set of features and pricing details. A free trial is available.

• Reviews: Cloudflare DNS has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on G2.

4. Netskope

Netskope is a global cybersecurity leader that offers an Intelligent Security Service Edge (SSE) platform, helping organizations apply zero trust principles to protect data.

• Use cases: Netskope is ideal for organizations looking to implement a zero trust approach, secure their cloud environments, and protect sensitive data with integrated security services.

• Features: Key features of Netskope include integrated data context, visibility, instance awareness, adaptive policy controls, and complete threat and data protection with sensitive data awareness. However, some users find the implementation complex and requiring expertise.

• Price: Pricing plans for Netskope are not mentioned on their website. However, they offer a demo of their security services.

• Reviews: Netskope has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on G2.

5. Cato Networks

Cato Networks is a cloud-native service that securely and optimally connects all branches, data centers, people, and clouds using the concept of SASE (Secure Access Service Edge).

• Use cases: Cato Networks is suitable for organizations looking to migrate from MPLS to Secure SD-WAN, secure remote access, secure branch internet access, optimize global connectivity, and secure hybrid-cloud and multi-cloud environments.

• Features: Key features of Cato Networks include converged and cloud-native architecture, global coverage, secure and optimized traffic, and a range of product offerings such as SSE 360, Remote Access, Edge SD-WAN, Global Private Backbone, Multi-Cloud / Hybrid-Cloud, SaaS Optimization, and Cato Management Application.

• Price: Cato Networks offers a free trial, but for more specific pricing information, users can request a demo.

• Reviews: Cato SASE Cloud has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on G2.

6. OpenVPN

OpenVPN is a business VPN solution for secure networking, offering two main products: Cloud Connexa and Access Server. Cloud Connexa provides an easy way to connect and secure businesses, while Access Server is a self-hosted solution that offers full control over network security.

• Use cases: OpenVPN is suitable for businesses looking to secure their networks, protect access to SaaS applications, enforce zero trust access, and secure DNS.

• Features: Key features include easy set up, web-scale flexibility, scalability, efficiency, and the ability to shield data at scale for Cloud Connexa, and an easy-to-use Admin Web UI, pre-configured clients for team connectivity, and scalability through clustering for Access Server.

• Price: OpenVPN offers Free, Standard, and Custom pricing plans for Access Server. The Free plan does not have a time limit and does not require a credit card. A promotion is available for the Standard plan, saving $240 with yearly billing.

• Reviews: OpenVPN Access Server has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on G2.

7. Palo Alto Networks

Palo Alto Networks is a global cybersecurity leader offering a range of products and services, including the Panorama management platform, which provides static rules and dynamic security updates in an ever-changing threat landscape.

• Use cases: Palo Alto Networks Panorama is suitable for businesses looking to centrally manage multiple site firewalls, monitor network security in real-time, and maintain a uniform policy across their network.

• Features: Key features include centralized management of all Palo Alto Network firewalls, real-time monitoring and reporting capabilities, uniform policy across the network, and streamlined configuration processes.

• Price: Pricing information is not readily available. However, users may contact Palo Alto Networks to learn more about the pricing structure.

• Reviews: Palo Alto Networks Panorama has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on G2.

8. Netgate pfSense

Netgate offers secure networking solutions, including pfSense Plus and TNSR software, which provide firewall, router, and VPN functionalities.

• Use cases: Netgate is suitable for those looking to secure their networks, protect access to SaaS applications, enforce zero trust access, and secure DNS.

• Features: Key features include firewall, router, VPN, and attack prevention capabilities, as well as various appliances available for pfSense Plus and TNSR software.

• Price: pfSense Plus software is available on Netgate appliances starting at $189, with cloud options through Amazon and Azure marketplaces ranging from $0.01/hr to $0.40/hr. Migration from a pre-installed pfSense CE image starts at $129/yr.

• Reviews: Netgate pfSense has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on G2.

9. Fortinet

Fortinet is a global cybersecurity leader offering a range of products and services, including network firewalls, secure networking, security operations, and universal SASE.

• Use cases: Fortinet is suitable for businesses looking to secure their networks, protect access to SaaS applications, enforce zero trust access, and secure DNS.

• Features: Key features include network firewalls, secure networking, security operations, universal SASE, and AI-driven technologies such as FortiPoints, FortiOS, FortiCloud, FortiGuard Labs, and OT Security.

• Price: Specific pricing is not available, but users may contact Fortinet for more information.

• Reviews: Fortinet Firewalls have an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on G2.

10. Banyan Security

Banyan Security is a Zero Trust Remote Access solution that provides a simple and scalable way to secure access to company applications and services.

• Use cases: Banyan Security is suitable for businesses looking to replace traditional VPN access, secure access to applications and services, and implement a zero trust approach to network security.

• Features: Key features include secure network access, users and devices management, visibility and compliance, operations and automation, secure access to private resources, SaaS application security, and internet threat protection.

• Price: Banyan Security offers three pricing plans: Team, Enterprise, and Unlimited.

• Reviews: Banyan Security has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on G2.