Side by side
Arbiter vs PacketFence
Both stand on network access control software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Web
Arbiter offers device discovery and access-control tiers, with local authentication resilience through its Edge appliance. Check that the selected plan includes enforcement and enough endpoints for your needs.
Visit Arbiter
Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+5
PacketFence combines access enforcement, authentication, onboarding, and device compliance controls. Organizations considering self-hosting should account for the stated system requirements and plan device limits.
Visit PacketFenceThe facts
| Arbiter | PacketFence | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | Web | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Asset Discovery: €29 a month | Starter: $5,000 a year |
| Plans published | 4 | 7 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | arbiter.ie | packetfence.com |
| On network access control software | #2 of 23 | #1 of 23 |
Arbiter: what it does well
- Discovers devices without endpoint agents
- Supports EAP-TLS, 802.1X, and MAC bypass
- Edge can authenticate locally during WAN outages
- Integrates with Intune and multiple SIEM destinations
- 60-day trial is listed
What to know first
- Asset Discovery does not enforce access
- Access-control plans vary by endpoint count
- Asset Discovery costs €29 per month after trial
PacketFence: what it does well
- Supports wired, wireless, and VPN access control.
- Guest workflows include self-registration and sponsored access.
- Can quarantine devices that fail security policy.
- Community Edition includes unlimited devices and full source code.
What to know first
- Self-hosted minimum is 16 GB RAM and 200 GB disk.
- Starter supports up to 250 registered devices.
- Paid plans start at $5,000 per year.
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