Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs Sophos Network Access Control comparison

Cisco and Sophos are both solutions in the Network Access Control (NAC) category. Cisco is ranked #2 with an average rating of 7.9, while Sophos is ranked #10 with an average rating of 7.3. Cisco holds a 22.4% mindshare in NAC, compared to Sophos’s 2.2% mindshare. Additionally, 87% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 95% of Sophos users who would recommend it.

Cisco Identity Services Eng...

Read 145 Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) reviews

15,135 Views
9,838 Comparison Views

87% willing to recommend

Sophos Network Access Control

Read 24 Sophos Network Access Control reviews

1,030 Views
999 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

Cisco Identity Services Eng...

Sophos Network Access Control

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 5, 2024

Sophos Network Access Control and Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) both compete in the network security space. While Sophos is appreciated for its pricing and support, Cisco ISE is considered superior due to its advanced features and integrations that justify its higher cost.

Features: Sophos Network Access Control offers streamlined access management, endpoint visibility, and simplified deployment for smaller networks. Cisco ISE provides comprehensive network segmentation, advanced policy enforcement, and better integration options, offering a robust solution for larger, complex networks.

Room for Improvement: Sophos could enhance its integration capabilities, increase scalability, and add advanced policy features. Cisco ISE could simplify initial setup, improve ease of use, and enhance cost-effectiveness for smaller installations.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Sophos is known for easy deployment suiting smaller organizations with limited integration needs, coupled with good support. Cisco ISE requires a more complex setup but is backed by extensive documentation and a robust support network, beneficial for larger enterprises.

Pricing and ROI: Sophos Network Access Control is noted for its competitive pricing and low setup costs, ensuring a quick ROI. Cisco ISE demands a higher initial investment but provides greater value over time through its extensive features, suggesting a better long-term ROI for organizations needing advanced capabilities.

To learn more, read our detailed Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs. Sophos Network Access Control Report (Updated: December 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs. Sophos Network Access Control

December 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

Cisco Identity Services Eng...

Ranking in Network Access Control (NAC)

2nd

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.6

Number of Reviews

145

Ranking in other categories

Cisco Security Portfolio (4th)

Sophos Network Access Control

Ranking in Network Access Control (NAC)

10th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.2

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of January 2026, in the Network Access Control (NAC) category, the mindshare of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is 22.4%, down from 28.3% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Sophos Network Access Control is 2.2%, 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 (%)
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)	22.4%
Sophos Network Access Control	2.2%
Other	75.4%

Network Access Control (NAC)

Featured Reviews

NicolasFigaro

Network and Technology Information Manager at Akkodis

Has improved authentication management and simplified visitor network access

The log capacity in Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) could be enhanced because today natively on the ISE can only have a look at the logs from the day before. You cannot search into the oldest logs; you have to use another tool for that. This can be blocking if you don't have any log consolidation solution. To do a search for an issue or something that happened two days ago, you cannot search directly in there. The capacity of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) could be enhanced. Something between one week and one month for the log capacity would be nice.

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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

"It's keeping our company safe from rogue devices connecting to our network. From a security standpoint, there's peace of mind knowing that every device that connects is a good one."

"Being able to authenticate wired users through 802.1X is valuable as it enhances our security."

"For device administration, all devices have multifactor authentication in collaboration with IT, so it secures access to all of our devices. For guest and wireless access, it's a matter of a lowly manager who we give access to the portal and he can assign access to the guests, so it's a very simple process now. It keeps the IT focusing on their work, and gives the business people the right access."

"It provides client provisions and profiling as well as guest access."

"Profiling is one of the most valuable features. We have a lot of different devices between cameras, access points, and laptops that get plugged in."

"I have found that all of the features are valuable. It is very easy to deploy because we are able to port users directly from Active Directory (AD) and LDAP."

"We found all the features of the product to be valuable."

"Not having to trust devices and being able to set those levels of trust and more finely control our network is a benefit."

More Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) pros

"We get full visibility into the network as a product, which is one of the key features of the product because recently they have acquired another product called Secure Wave, which is integrated into Sophos Network Access Control and provides advanced capabilities for managed detection and remediation, MDR, a major plus for customers."

"Sophos' technical support is great, very fast and responsive, and they always know how to fix the problem."

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

"I am very satisfied with this solution overall. All of the features that we use have been working successfully."

"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."

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

"The scalability of the system and the performance of the system and the solution's most valuable features."

"The user interface makes it easy to configure and use."

More Sophos Network Access Control pros

Cons

"On the network services devices, when you click on filter, the filter comes up. However, when I type in a search and I want to click on something it defaults back to the main page. I keep having an issue with that, and I'm not doing anything wrong."

"The interface is not very user-friendly and it is not simple to use."

"In order to make it a ten, it should be more user-friendly. You need somebody who is knowledgeable about it to use it. It's not easy to use. We have to rely heavily on technical support."

"If I was going to improve anything, it would be the ease of migration. It's really difficult at the moment if you're looking to upgrade ISE 2.1 and you want to go to ISE 3.1 or 3.2, that whole upgrade path and, particularly, the licensing is quite a minefield to sort out."

"Migration could be better. Right now, we back up with the new version, and it requires a lot of licensing and other things. Whenever we choose a product, it's very difficult because we have to meet the requirements of each feature. There is no standard feature, so the best system that we bought may not fit the solution. We have to look at every feature that the customer uses. If you compare it with other products like Aruba, it's not the same. With Cisco, I have to read all about the features on this version and the licensing required for the product. In Aruba, that thing is covered when you get one license because it covers almost everything. It could also be more scalable."

"Documentation is probably the worst part of the software."

"Cisco ISE's real-time data analytics for database logging could be improved."

"The price here in Brazil is very expensive."

More Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) cons

"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."

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

"Continuous development in specific areas might be required."

"The solution could offer more useful documentation."

"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."

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

"I would like more details on the incoming connection, like what is the download speed and how it fluctuates. If Sophos can give that information, it would be really good."

"An area that could be improved is the information about licensing, which is fairly confusing at present."

More Sophos Network Access Control cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"I think the price is okay."

"The licensing is subscription-based and based on the user account."

"There are other cheaper options available."

"The price for Cisco ISE itself is very low, however, Cisco professional services are quite expensive. Subscription amount is dependent on number of users."

"Pricing and licensing are not my expertise. As far as budgeting is concerned, we run an ELA with Cisco. It's a part of our ELA."

"I would rate the pricing an eight out of ten, one being cheap and ten being expensive."

"The price can be lower, especially for subscriptions. It should be a lot cheaper to have a wide range of customers. The price should be comparable to competitive products like Forescout or Fortinet FortiNAC. Forescout is cheaper for customers looking for a cloud solution."

"There is a license to use this solution and the price is reasonable."

More Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) pricing and cost advice

"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."

"Sophos Network Access Control is very cheap compared to other solutions like Cisco, Barracuda, and Palo Alto."

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

"It provides a moderate pricing option for all of its features and benefits."

"It is quite expensive."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Manufacturing Company

11%

Computer Software Company

11%

Financial Services Firm

Government

10%

Computer Software Company

10%

Manufacturing Company

Healthcare Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	44
Midsize Enterprise	32
Large Enterprise	91

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	16
Midsize Enterprise	3
Large Enterprise	3

Questions from the Community

Which is better - Aruba Clearpass or Cisco ISE?

Aruba ClearPass is a Network Access Control tool that gives secure network access to multiple device types. You can adapt the policies to VPN access, wired, or wireless access. You can securely ...

See all answers

What are the main differences between Cisco ISE and Forescout Platform?

OK, so Cisco ISE uses 802.1X to secure switchports against unauthorized access. The drawback of this is that ISE cannot secure the port if a device does not support 802.1x. Cameras, badge readers, ...

See all answers

How does Cisco ISE compare with Fortinet FortiNAC?

Cisco ISE uses AI endpoint analytics to identify new devices based on their behavior. It will also notify you if someone plugs in with a device that is not allowed and will block it. The user exper...

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

What is your primary use case for Sophos Network Access Control?

I am currently using the product as a customer. We are using Sophos Network Access Control solution for security purposes and security analysis only.

See all answers

Comparisons

Aruba ClearPass vs Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

Compared 24% of the time

Fortinet FortiNAC vs Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

Compared 20% of the time

Forescout Platform vs Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

Compared 8% of the time

CyberArk Privileged Access Manager vs Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

Compared 3% of the time

Portnox vs Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

Compared 3% of the time

More Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) Competitors

Aruba ClearPass vs Sophos Network Access Control

Compared 27% of the time

Portnox vs Sophos Network Access Control

Compared 13% of the time

Twingate vs Sophos Network Access Control

Compared 11% of the time

Fortinet FortiNAC vs Sophos Network Access Control

Compared 10% of the time

Forescout Platform vs Sophos Network Access Control

Compared 8% of the time

More Sophos Network Access Control Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

January 2026

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) report

Download Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) product report

Buyer's Guide

Sophos Network Access Control

December 2025

Download Sophos Network Access Control product report

Also Known As

Cisco ISE

No data available

Overview

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) offers comprehensive network access control and visibility, supporting features like 802.1X authentication, profiling, and posturing. It integrates with Microsoft and other Cisco products, facilitating robust security policies across distributed networks.

Cisco Identity Services Engine is a key player in network access control, offering centralized management and a user-friendly interface. It supports zero trust principles and provides strong authentication for wired and wireless networks. ISE's capabilities include granular security policies, enhanced device posturing, and seamless integration, bolstering security infrastructure. Users benefit from its dual authentication through EAP, simplifying access management across networks.

What are the key features of Cisco ISE?

802.1X Authentication: Supports network security for authorized device access.
Profiling: Identifies devices for accurate policy enforcement.
Posturing: Evaluates device compliance for access decisions.
TACACS: Streamlines network device authentication and authorization.
Guest Access: Provides secure access to visitors.
Microsoft Compatibility: Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft environments.

What benefits and ROI should be considered?

Security Enhancement: Offers strong network security policies.
Operational Efficiency: Centralized management improves operational aspects.
Improved Compliance: Ensures adherence to industry standards.
Scalability: Supports growing network demands effectively.

In industries like finance, healthcare, and education, Cisco ISE is pivotal for securing wired and wireless networks, implementing BYOD policies, and managing user access. Organizations leverage ISE for effective authentication and authorization, while maintaining compliance with industry security standards.

Cisco

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

Aegean Motorway, BC Hydro, Beachbody, Bucks County Intermediate Unit , Cisco IT, Derby City Council, Global Banking Customer, Gobierno de Castilla-La Mancha, Houston Methodist, Linz AG, London Hydro, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Molina Healthcare, MST Systems, New South Wales Rural Fire Service, Reykjavik University, Wildau University

Rushmoor Borough Council

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs. Sophos Network Access Control

December 2025

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