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Cisco Secure Access vs Octelium

Both stand on cloud access security broker software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Cisco Secure Access

Free trial AndroidAPIExtension+5

Cisco Secure Access brings several access and security controls into one cloud-managed service. Consider the per-user subscription structure and request pricing for the relevant user count and term before choosing it.

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Octelium

Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1

Choose Octelium if you need an open-source, self-hosted access platform with application-layer policies and support for a wide range of services. Its free plan is for personal and evaluation use; teams seeking commercial licensing, premium support, or listed enterprise features should look at the Enterprise package.

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The facts

Cisco Secure AccessOctelium
Free planA free trialYes
Open sourceNoNot published
Runs onAndroid, API, Extension, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, WindowsAPI, Linux, Self-hosted, Web
Lowest paid planFree or on requestFree or on request
Plans published42
MakerNot publishedNot published
Websiteumbrella.cisco.comoctelium.com
On cloud access security broker software#3 of 27#1 of 27

Cisco Secure Access: what it does well

  • Combines ZTNA, CASB, DNS security, DLP, and web gateway.
  • Detects unsanctioned SaaS applications.
  • AI controls help identify shadow AI.
  • Subscriptions include 24x7 technical support and software updates.
  • Supports Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, iOS, and Android.

What to know first

  • No free plan is listed.
  • Pricing is available on request and varies by user count and term.
  • The 14-day trial may be extended only by request.

Octelium: what it does well

  • Open-source and self-hosted, with a free forever plan for personal and evaluation use.
  • Supports a broad set of protocols, including SSH, databases, Kubernetes, MCP, and LLM modes.
  • Can inject stored upstream credentials after authorization.
  • Offers passkeys, TPM 2.0, and TOTP authentication options.
  • Provides request, database, Kubernetes, and SSH activity telemetry.

What to know first

  • The free plan is limited to personal and evaluation use.
  • Octelium runs on Kubernetes.
  • Commercial licensing and premium support are in the Enterprise package.

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