A10 Networks Lightning ADC vs NetScaler comparison

A10 Networks Lightning ADC

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Dec 17, 2024

NetScaler and A10 Networks Lightning ADC are competing in the application delivery controller market. A10 Networks Lightning ADC holds an advantage with its cloud-native architecture, offering superior scalability and integration.

Features: NetScaler provides application performance optimization, load balancing, and security which are beneficial for complex IT environments. A10 Networks Lightning ADC is notable for its cloud-native design, integrated security functions, and high scalability. The focus on cloud integration distinguishes A10 Networks, especially for cloud-driven businesses.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: NetScaler's deployment is direct, supported by solid customer support aiding initial setups. A10 Networks Lightning ADC offers an intuitive cloud-native deployment model, shortening onboarding times. While both have reliable customer service, NetScaler's is slightly more recognized for responsiveness.

Pricing and ROI: NetScaler's pricing model offers long-term value, making it cost-effective across different deployment sizes. A10 Networks Lightning ADC, though possibly costlier initially, provides value for cloud-native environments with enhanced scalability and performance, ensuring higher ROI for cloud-focused organizations.

To learn more, read our detailed A10 Networks Lightning ADC vs. NetScaler Report (Updated: April 2025).

A10 Networks Lightning ADC vs. NetScaler

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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

A10 Networks Lightning ADC

Ranking in Application Delivery Controllers (ADC)

17th

Average Rating

7.0

Reviews Sentiment

6.3

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

NetScaler

Ranking in Application Delivery Controllers (ADC)

1st

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

7.0

Number of Reviews

107

Ranking in other categories

Network Management Applications (3rd), Web Application Firewall (WAF) (12th)

Mindshare comparison

As of April 2025, in the Application Delivery Controllers (ADC) category, the mindshare of A10 Networks Lightning ADC is 0.3%, up from 0.3% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of NetScaler is 14.8%, down from 15.6% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Application Delivery Controllers (ADC)

Featured Reviews

RONALDO DE MELO

Sales Account Executive at l8

Efficient application security while optimizing connections

The initial setup is simple; it is not complex. The configuration itself is simple and can be done in a couple of hours. However, the migration of the system to A10 Networks takes longer due to critical applications. Clients prefer to move them one by one, which is why it takes a significant amount of time. The configuration itself is simple, especially for this application.

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DEMİRHAN ÇAVUŞOĞLU

Cloud Consultant at Migros Ticaret A.Ş.

A tool for centralized management including inventory and sales tracking

Citrix ADM has the ability to implement policies to tighten security. For instance, you can restrict access to your network from outsiders or lack necessary security measures such as antivirus programs. Additionally, there's the Delivery Controller, which allows for comprehensive monitoring and management tasks such as remote restarts, maintenance, and registration. Another essential component is the Director, which provides detailed insights into sessions, including identifying session failures, connection issues, user lockouts, etc. It presents a list of problems to address, enabling you to click on them and resolve them efficiently.

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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

"What I like about Lightning ADC, is that instead of having a big appliance sitting in front of the Kubernetes cluster, Lightning can pretty much go inside of Kubernetes."

"It allows you to secure the application while balancing the connections for many other customers, reducing CPU usage and server load."

"Our clients appreciate that this is a security enabled solution."

"Its customer support service is good."

"Its flexibility, agility, and robustness are the most valuable. Its management and implementation are also quite easy."

"The most valuable feature is the SSL VPN."

"Helped us a lot with load balancing."

"The work balancing applications are the most valuable feature."

"We have good customer support."

"Content filtering, security layer, and application customization features are the most valuable."

"One of the most beneficial features for application delivery is its integration with Citrix Storefront, facilitating user logins and ensuring continuity during data center outages."

More NetScaler pros

Cons

"We would like to see some improvement in the rapidity with which we can customize security facts within the solution."

"A10 documentation is not as open and accessible as AWS and Azure documentation is."

"The support from A10 should be improved."

"Scripting and writing expressions need to be improved by putting logic behind the rules and improve policies involving some of the scripting part, which is a tedious task to do."

"The only thing customers told me that could be improved is that they would like to be able to purchase and receive the products in one box, rather than two boxes. This is something related to marketing, though."

"Too many bugs in the software and it's always difficult when you need to update."

"If one device or switch fails, the failover to another device is not seamless which is painful."

"The reporting is not so good. They don't have an application to connect the logs."

"I would like to see the virtual and desktop license included in the pricing."

"Mastering it requires significant learning and training due to its complexity."

"We would like the licensing model for this product to be improved, as it isn't currently very transparent. There isn't a standard package available, and each extra feature creates an additional cost."

More NetScaler cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

Information not available

"The solution is undoubtedly very good, but it is expensive."

"Price-wise, I feel that the solution is a little bit expensive."

"For the specific use case that my customers primarily engage with, I would give the pricing a rating of seven out of ten."

"Its licensing cost is much higher than other products, but it is acceptable because it is a one-time investment, and we are getting our requirements fulfilled when we buy this product. So, there is no issue with the pricing."

"Our licensing fees including technical support are approximately $3,500 USD."

"I rate the pricing an eight out of ten since it is expensive."

"Citrix NetScaler VPX is not the cheapest solution out there, but you get what you pay for."

"The price for Citrix ADC here in Mexico was good, when you compare it with F5 and Radware."

More NetScaler pricing and cost advice

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Use our free recommendation engine to learn which Application Delivery Controllers (ADC) solutions are best for your needs.

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

No data available

Computer Software Company

15%

Educational Organization

13%

Financial Services Firm

11%

Government

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about A10 Networks Lightning ADC?

It allows you to secure the application while balancing the connections for many other customers, reducing CPU usage and server load.

What needs improvement with A10 Networks Lightning ADC?

There is room for improvement in the customer service and support team. The support from A10 should be improved.

What is your primary use case for A10 Networks Lightning ADC?

We sell a couple of boxes to Comodo Federal and Bank of Brazil, which are the biggest banks here in Brazil. They also have a F5 tool.

What do you like most about Citrix ADC?

The most valuable feature for us is the application firewalling in Citrix NetScaler, ensuring only valid traffic enters our environment.

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Citrix ADC?

After deployment, Citrix Netscaler shifted to a subscription-based license scheme for support, which is slightly more expensive.

What needs improvement with Citrix ADC?

Citrix NetScaler is a robust product, but mastering it requires significant learning and training due to its complexity. While it could be easier to manage, it is like transitioning from driving a ...

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Product Reports

Application Delivery Controllers (ADC)

Download A10 Networks Lightning ADC product report

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Also Known As

Lightning ADS

Citrix ADC, Citrix NetScaler VPX, NetScaler Console, NetScaler Web Application Firewall

Overview

A cloud-native, software-defined solution that provides integrated advanced load-balancing, performance optimization, application security and per-application analytics to increase operational agility and application performance.

A10 Networks

One platform for a consistent application delivery and security experience because nobody has time to learn multiple systems to manage ADC deployments. NetScaler is built with a single code base using a software-based architecture, so no matter which ADC form factor you choose — hardware, virtual machine, bare metal, or container — the behavior will be the same.

Sample Customers

Handle Financial

ABB Schweiz, Aer Lingus, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Amnet Technology Solutions, Aramex International, Ascenty, Atos, Autodesk

A10 Networks Lightning ADC vs. NetScaler