Forescout Platform vs Sophos Network Access Control comparison

Forescout and Sophos are both solutions in the Network Access Control (NAC) category. Forescout is ranked #5 with an average rating of 8.3, while Sophos is ranked #9 with an average rating of 7.5. Forescout holds a 10.3% mindshare in NAC, compared to Sophos’s 2.3% mindshare. Additionally, 88% of Forescout users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 95% of Sophos users who would recommend it.

Forescout Platform

Read 78 Forescout Platform reviews

7,380 Views
4,576 Comparison Views

88% willing to recommend

Sophos Network Access Control

Read 24 Sophos Network Access Control reviews

1,172 Views
1,149 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

Forescout Platform

Sophos Network Access Control

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 5, 2024

Sophos Network Access Control and Forescout Platform are competitive solutions within the network security category. Forescout generally has an edge due to its comprehensive features, while Sophos wins on pricing and support, making it ideal for budget-conscious buyers.

Features: Sophos offers straightforward policy management, threat isolation, and robust security. Forescout provides extensive device visibility, automated responses, and advanced integration capabilities with other IT systems.

Room for Improvement: Sophos could better enhance its device visibility and automation features. Additionally, its integration capabilities with third-party systems could be expanded. Forescout may improve by simplifying its user interface and reducing the complexity of its initial setup. The solution would benefit from streamlined network configuration processes.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Sophos has a simpler deployment process with efficient, accessible customer service. Forescout requires a more intricate setup but offers personalized support, which may require additional resources.

Pricing and ROI: Sophos is praised for its lower initial setup costs, appealing to small to medium enterprises. Forescout, with higher initial costs, tends to provide superior ROI through scalability and feature set, attracting larger enterprises seeking long-term value.

To learn more, read our detailed Forescout Platform vs. Sophos Network Access Control Report (Updated: February 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Forescout Platform vs. Sophos Network Access Control

February 2026

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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

Forescout Platform

Ranking in Network Access Control (NAC)

5th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

IoT Security (4th), Endpoint Compliance (4th), Extended Detection and Response (XDR) (21st)

Sophos Network Access Control

Ranking in Network Access Control (NAC)

9th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.2

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of February 2026, in the Network Access Control (NAC) category, the mindshare of Forescout Platform is 10.3%, down from 13.4% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Sophos Network Access Control is 2.3%, 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 (%)
Forescout Platform	10.3%
Sophos Network Access Control	2.3%
Other	87.4%

Network Access Control (NAC)

Featured Reviews

AshishKumar Rai

Security Consultant at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

Comprehensive visibility has strengthened endpoint control and automated threat response across networks

When it comes to improving Forescout Platform, I have faced some issues recently, particularly with the switch integration part. When integrating a switch, it asks for the vendor type, and often it does not match. For example, one series of HP switches may not be found in that vendor list. This leads to frustration because you have to check again with different HP models, and once you integrate a switch, you cannot edit the vendor list without removing it. Other issues are being worked on, particularly related to switch integration. I believe they will be fixed in the next upgrade or patch fix. There are no major issues, but the configuration changes needed for the switch model are necessary, and I think it would help if during integration, an admin user could check the password or credential used, as they currently cannot see the password after it is entered and saved.

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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

"The plugins are very robust -- the ability scanner, patch management system, and SQL integrator."

"The scalability is good."

"Provides a good overview of all devices on a network."

"The user interface is quite simple."

"The stability is amazing for the Forescout Platform. We have been using Forescout for four years, and no one complained about the stability."

"The standout strength of this solution lies in its unique capability to effectively manage unmanaged switches."

"We think it's simple. We think it's very useful and we really like reports and everything."

"The product is very easy to work with and easy to deploy."

More Forescout Platform pros

"The wifi control is fantastic and makes it very easy to administer."

"The solution offers very good visibility."

"The role-based access controls feature of Sophos Network Access Control allows persons at different positions in an organization to have different types of roles."

"Sophos Network Access Control has many valuable features: for access controls, MAC binding is available, the authentication page is useful, and continuous device assessments have a positive impact on our network security management."

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

"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."

"The installation is very straightforward."

"The most valuable features of Sophos Network Access Control are the quick response times to threats and reliable security."

More Sophos Network Access Control pros

Cons

"The initial setup is a bit complex."

"Customer support could be improved by providing direct assistance from Forescout employees or specialists at customer sites to enhance the support experience and effectiveness."

"The solution should include integration with other firewalls."

"The licensing costs are quite high. With the amount of hardware we have, we need too many licenses to make the product effective and it's ultimately just too costly."

"When we automate an email to send to a user, sometimes it gets blocked, but that has nothing to do with Forescout. It depends on the mail gateway that we use or integrate with."

"Regarding pricing, there is room for improvement to enhance competitiveness with other vendors and solutions."

"The fact that Forescout Platform doesn't have a presence in the South African region is a weakness because of which you can't ask for help from them if you have any problems."

"The technical support could be improved in terms of response time and first-level support quality."

More Forescout Platform cons

"Sophos Network Access Control could be improved by having an ASIC chip similar to FortiNAC, as this would provide better processing for big organizations."

"Sometimes we encounter intermediate-level support staff who use trial-and-error approaches, but sometimes we receive support from excellent staff members who resolve issues within seconds."

"What needs to be improved on is the fact that Sophos consumes a lot of processor resources and, once it starts scanning, the RAM utilization is very high."

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

"It would be good if Sophos Network Access Control had better integration with other devices."

"The solution can improve the for applying policies. They can be complex depending don't the group they are applied to."

"The interface on the cloud could be a bit better - just to give more performance on it."

"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."

More Sophos Network Access Control cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"We have a very clear licensing model for business. I don't have to have a Ph.D. to be able to understand the licensing model as you might need for other solutions. If I know exactly what we want, it can tell you which license you need. The solution is easy for purchasing, ordering, and ease of deployment as well."

"I would rate Forescout Platform's pricing as four out of five."

"The price of Forescout is reasonable when compared to Cisco ISE."

"Time savings in finding rogue devices as well as identifying potentially unwanted devices on the network has saved the organization time and money."

"There are no additional costs that I am aware of."

"Licenses are perpetual but can come with renewable support."

"The cost of the solution depends on the customer's requirement because the customer is asking for different integration with a different product. Forescout Platform's price would start to get a bit higher. However, overall the price is a little expensive. It's can fit within the customer budget."

"They base the license on the number of devices, which is quite misleading."

More Forescout Platform pricing and cost advice

"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."

"It is quite expensive."

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

"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."

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

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Manufacturing Company

12%

Financial Services Firm

11%

Computer Software Company

Government

11%

Computer Software Company

Manufacturing Company

Healthcare Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	30
Midsize Enterprise	10
Large Enterprise	44

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

Questions from the Community

What advice do you have for others considering Forescout Platform?

Forescout is a very powerful NAC product that does not rely on port level configuration. It can detect and block unauthorized devices very quickly. But it has a lot of capabilities and really would...

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What advice do you have for others considering Forescout Platform?

I would rate the Forescout Device and Visibility Control Platform at a six out of ten.

See all answers

What advice do you have for others considering Forescout Platform?

I recommend doing a compression demo. If people use it, they will buy it. So they have to see the product in place. That's the main recommendation is to do a proof of concept. If they do, they will...

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Sophos Network Access Control?

The pricing of Sophos Network Access Control is good, but it is somewhat high.

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What needs improvement with Sophos Network Access Control?

In my opinion, one feature that should be added is the ability to trace emails from individuals who change their IP address or send misbehaving emails from alternative networks. If someone sends a ...

See all answers

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

Sophos Network Access Control serves primary use cases for both networking purposes and security purposes.

See all answers

Comparisons

Aruba ClearPass vs Forescout Platform

Compared 16% of the time

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs Forescout Platform

Compared 14% of the time

Fortinet FortiNAC vs Forescout Platform

Compared 11% of the time

Armis vs Forescout Platform

Compared 6% of the time

Portnox vs Forescout Platform

Compared 4% of the time

More Forescout Platform Competitors

Aruba ClearPass vs Sophos Network Access Control

Compared 25% of the time

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

Compared 20% of the time

Fortinet FortiNAC vs Sophos Network Access Control

Compared 13% of the time

Portnox vs Sophos Network Access Control

Compared 12% of the time

Ivanti NAC vs Sophos Network Access Control

Compared 5% of the time

More Sophos Network Access Control Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Forescout Platform

February 2026

Download Forescout Platform product report

Buyer's Guide

Sophos Network Access Control

January 2026

Download Sophos Network Access Control product report

Also Known As

Forescout Platform, CounterACT for Endpoint Compliance, ForeScout CounterACT

No data available

Overview

Forescout Platform provides today’s busy enterprise organizations with policy and protocol management, workflow coordination, streamlining, and complete device and infrastructure visibility to improve overall network security. The solution also provides concise real-time intelligence of all devices and users on the network. Policy and protocols are delineated using gathered intelligence to facilitate the appropriate levels of remediation, compliance, network access, and all service operations. Forescout Platform is very flexible, integrates well with most of today’s leading network security products, and is a very cost-effective solution.

Forescout Platform Features

Real-time complete visibility: With Forescout eyeSight, each and every device is classified when any attempt to access your network has been made. This includes - but is not limited to - desktops, laptops, android devices, virtual machines, switches, VoIP phones, USB memory sticks, webcams, IoT devices, and more.
Policy-based and manual controls: In today’s busy robust environment, networks are continually changing; there are different types and amounts of devices connected, various software applications, network compliance requirements, and the constant potential for risk make managing an IT network a very daunting challenge. The Forescout Console is used to simplify the administration and management of important alerts, remediation, and access controls to keep the network secure.
Intuitive real-time dashboards: Forescout Dashboards, a component of Forescout WebClient, is a comprehensive web-based intelligence center that gives full visibility and real-time insight of the complete network using both out-of-the-box and user-created widgets. The dashboards are very intuitive and deliver robust, easy-to-understand information about device visibility, compliance, health monitoring, and more.
Advanced reporting capabilities: The Forescout Reports Plugin will generate numerous valuable reports indicating real-time and overall status information about endpoint compliance, device details, networks guests, protocols, and more. The reports help to ensure IT administrators, executives, security teams, and other important shareholders stay well-informed about all network activity at all times.
Comprehensive third-party overview: Forescout eyeExtend facilitates seamless information sharing with third-party vendors, networks, and IT management solutions supporting improved automated workflows, productivity, cost-effectiveness, and overall security.

Real User Reviews

An important main feature of Forescout is the visibility the solution offers.

One reviewer who is a Consultant at a tech services company, says, "Within three or four days, you can have complete visibility of your infrastructure on the network. Compared to other solutions, the deployment of the solution is easier and we can close the project quickly."

Users also appreciate that the user interface is clear and easy to understand.

An Instructor at a tech services company, shares, "The most valuable feature of the Forescout Platform is the large capacity it can handle. Additionally, the interface of the platform is good."

Forescout

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

NHS Sussex, SAP, SEGA, Vistaprint, Miami Children's Hospital, Pioneer Investments, New York Law School, OmnicomGroup, Meritrust

Rushmoor Borough Council

Buyer's Guide

Forescout Platform vs. Sophos Network Access Control

February 2026

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