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Cisco ASx500 [EOL] vs SonicWall SMA comparison

Why PeerSpot?
Cisco and SonicWall are both solutions in the Universal Access Gateways category. Additionally, 100% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 91% of SonicWall users who would recommend it.
Cisco ASx500 [EOL]
Read 2 Cisco ASx500 [EOL] reviews
    100% willing to recommend
    SonicWall SMA
    Read 15 SonicWall SMA reviews
    • 3,394 Views
    • 339 Comparison Views
    91% willing to recommend
     

    Comparison Buyer's Guide

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    Executive Summary
    We performed a comparison between Cisco ASx500 [EOL] and SonicWall SMA based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

    Find out what your peers are saying about Citrix, SonicWall and others in Universal Access Gateways.

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    To learn more, read our detailed Universal Access Gateways Report (Updated: October 2026).
    Buyer's Guide
    Universal Access Gateways
    October 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

    Cisco ASx500 [EOL]
    Average Rating
    8.0
    Number of Reviews
    2
    Ranking in other categories
    No ranking in other categories
    SonicWall SMA
    Average Rating
    8.0
    Reviews Sentiment
    5.6
    Number of Reviews
    15
    Ranking in other categories
    Universal Access Gateways (2nd), SSL VPN (6th), Enterprise Infrastructure VPN (15th)
     

    Featured Reviews

    YD
    YuQing Ding
    Principle Network and Database Engr at Parsons Corporation
    Secure, scalable, and straightforward installation
    The technical support from Cisco is not very good. In a recent experience, they asked us for 20 minutes about our project and then redirected around to other people. I need to report to this agent, I need to register to this database, there is too much involved in getting a solution. This has always been the case, they are asking us too many questions, and then when it comes down to a solution, it is at a bare minimum. This is something they can improve on, but they do not seem eager to improve. However, we do have an assigned project representative that is helpful.
    Read full review
    BA
    Barry Arendt
    Owner at ThinkEzIT
    Security enhances through autonomous protection and strong support while multi-factor authentication secures access
    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, as I haven't been looking at what they're releasing. We're a small shop, so we drop stuff in and manage it and do what we need to do to maintain it. If we run into an issue, we contact support. There's a learning curve, but it comes down to getting support to train you on the product, and then once you have the training you need, you're able to make the changes and updates that you need to.
    Read full review

    Quotes from Members

    We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
     

    Pros

    "Overall, it does exactly what we want it to do, considering the specific features that we want."
    "One of the most valuable features is keeping our data secure."
    "It works well for any environment that wants to use a VPN."
    "SonicWall SMA allows us to provide CML-based access to any user."
    "The performance is good."
    "The management and the dashboard are the solution's most valuable features."
    "The solution is reliable and has good overall performance."
    "I am very satisfied with the technical support."
    "SonicWall SMA has the most valuable feature of proprietary security technologies like Capture ATP."
    "It is faster than other security options when using remote connections."
    "The advanced threat protection and the endpoint control features of SonicWall SMA have helped improve security measures tremendously."
    More SonicWall SMA pros
     

    Cons

    "There is no security, such as an antivirus and URL filtering mechanism, which is something that should be improved."
    "The technical support from Cisco is not very good."
    "I'd like to see the product maybe polish keyboards in Bookmark."
    "The only thing that they could try to improve is the support for enterprise customers."
    "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."
    "SonicWall's reporting isn't good. Reports should be part of a data plan."
    "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."
    "There are some features that are available on Palo Alto or Cisco that don't exist. The solution could integrate better with other platforms."
    "The pricing for the solution could be a lot less."
    More SonicWall SMA cons
     

    Pricing and Cost Advice

    "We pay approximately $15,000 a month but that includes everything together, such as hardware."
    "This product is not too expensive and there are no costs apart from the standard licensing fee."
    "Our licenses are stackable and can be anywhere from five users to a million users."
    "All the costs are included in a bundled license."
    "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."
    "The platform has medium pricing."
    "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."
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    Top Industries

    By visitors reading reviews
    No data available
    Manufacturing Company
    14%
    Financial Services Firm
    11%
    Construction Company
    9%
    Outsourcing Company
    9%
     

    Company Size

    By reviewers
    Large Enterprise
    Midsize Enterprise
    Small Business
    No data available
    By reviewers
    Company SizeCount
    Small Business12
    Midsize Enterprise2
    Large Enterprise2
     

    Questions from the Community

    Ask a question
    Earn 20 points
    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 imp...
    See all answers
    What is your primary use case for SonicWall SMA?
    I have experience with the SonicWall SMA; we have rolled it back into our stack. We use SonicWall SMA for all of our clients that need VPNs, including doctor's offices and lawyer offices. Our c...
    See all answers
     

    Comparisons

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    Citrix Gateway vs Cisco ASx500 [EOL]
    Compared 100% of the time
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    Citrix Gateway vs SonicWall SMA
    Compared 12% of the time
    Ivanti Connect Secure vs SonicWall SMA Logo
    Ivanti Connect Secure vs SonicWall SMA
    Compared 11% of the time
    OpenVPN Access Server vs SonicWall SMA Logo
    OpenVPN Access Server vs SonicWall SMA
    Compared 10% of the time
    Sangfor SSL VPN vs SonicWall SMA Logo
    Sangfor SSL VPN vs SonicWall SMA
    Compared 9% of the time
    Microsoft Azure VPN Gateway vs SonicWall SMA Logo
    Microsoft Azure VPN Gateway vs SonicWall SMA
    Compared 5% of the time
    More SonicWall SMA Competitors
     

    Product Reports

    Buyer's Guide
    Universal Access Gateways
    October 2026
    Cisco ASx500 [EOL] reportDownload Cisco ASx500 [EOL] product report
    Buyer's Guide
    SonicWall SMA
    October 2026
    SonicWall SMA reportDownload SonicWall SMA product report
     

    Also Known As

    ASx500
    SonicWall Aventail, SonicWall SMA SSL-VPN, SonicWall Secure Mobile Access
     

    Overview

    Information not available
    Cisco

    SonicWall SMA provides fast and secure remote access, serving remote desktop needs with flexibility and ease of management. Its proprietary technologies assure reliable performance and integration capabilities, ideal for scalable and diverse environments.

    Renowned for its efficient remote desktop options and robust security features, SonicWall SMA is designed to streamline secure connections to internal networks. It supports home offices, mobile integrations, and multisite connectivity. Its management tools and setup ease ensure seamless operations, bolstered by advanced threat protection and endpoint control. Compatibility with federal markets adds to its scalability. Suggestions for improvement include refining menu structures, pricing competitiveness, and enhanced security like multifactor authentication, improved network handling, and better support services.

    What are key features of SonicWall SMA?
    • Efficient Remote Desktop: Provides seamless remote desktop access with minimal delay.
    • File Sharing: Simplifies secure file transfer and collaboration.
    • Integration Capabilities: Easily integrates with existing systems for streamlined operations.
    • Advanced Threat Protection: Protects against modern threats with proprietary technologies.
    • Scalability: Supports growing businesses with flexible and scalable solutions.
    • Federal Market Compatibility: Adheres to standards required for federal use.
    What benefits should users consider?
    • Ease of Use: User-friendly interface for simplified management and operations.
    • Performance: Reliable network performance with efficient load balancing.
    • Flexibility: Supports diverse environments and connectivity needs.
    • Affordability: Offers cost-effective remote access solutions.
    • Improved Security: Enhances data protection through advanced technologies.

    SonicWall SMA's secure VPN connections are crucial for industries needing robust data protection. Cooperative banks leverage it for safe access to core banking systems. Service providers rely on it to secure web and desktop applications for clients.

    SonicWall
     

    Sample Customers

    Aegean Motorway, Anilana Hotels and Resorts, BC Hydro, Beachbody, City of Biel, Department of Education Western Australia, Dundee Precious Metals, Fontys University, John Eagle Auto Group, Katy Independent School District, National Airport of Romania, North West Redwater, The Department of Education in Western Australia
    UnitedStack, Newport City Homes, Faith Lutheran College Redlands, PRIME aerostructures GmbH, Celtic Manor Resort
    Buyer's Guide
    Universal Access Gateways
    October 2026
    Download Free Report
    Find out what your peers are saying about Citrix, SonicWall and others in Universal Access Gateways. Updated: October 2026.
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