Link copied to clipboard # Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs Portnox Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/cisco-identity-services-engine-ise/portnox/export.csv) Cisco Identity Services...Portnox[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)** No pricing available **Portnox** **Contact Vendor for Pricing** Per Feature Per Year · Basic **Pricing Insights** from reviews Perceived Cost **Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)** $$$$$ **Portnox** $$$$$ Average Discount **Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)** Not enough reviews yet **Portnox** 13% Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Time to Implement **Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)**6 months Based on 100 responses **Portnox** 6 months Based on 100 responses Return on Investment **Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)**6 months Based on 100 responses **Portnox** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)** Not enough data **Portnox** Ease of Use (24) Setup Ease (16) Performance Issues (13) Poor Interface Design (6) Integrations **Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_33e164d73c37e0ec234a4b40d51f0507/cisco-catalyst-center.jpeg "Product Avatar Image") Cisco Catalyst Center ](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-catalyst-center/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_e53c653801b737650057c3a3d6d19473/cisco-duo.png "Product Avatar Image") Cisco Duo ](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-duo/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_41e58e0642c6443cb8450f1243ebcdab/cisco-secure-client.jpeg "Product Avatar Image") Cisco Secure Client ](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-client/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_2474c60ebbbbe943c2c262ededcc263c/microsoft-active-directory-certificate-services-ad-cs.png "Product Avatar Image") Microsoft Active Directory... ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-active-directory-certificate-services-ad-cs/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-identity-services-engine-ise/integrations) **Portnox** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_635d0a1ff6e04257c0709f191adc528a/lts-secure-siem.PNG "Product Avatar Image") LTS Secure SIEM ](https://www.g2.com/products/lts-secure-siem/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_685fcffbb1d262ce4dbe736eb3c92266/okta%282%29.png "Product Avatar Image") Okta ](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/portnox/integrations) Screenshots **Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)** No screenshot available **Portnox** ![Portnox screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/1300471/Portnox-Cloud-dashboard.png) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)** **9.3** /10 Based on 33 responses **Portnox** **9.0** /10 Based on 95 responses Ease of Use **Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)** **7.9** /10 Based on 33 responses **Portnox** **8.5** /10 Based on 96 responses Ease of Setup **Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)** **7.6** /10 Based on 24 responses **Portnox** **8.1** /10 Based on 85 responses Ease of Admin **Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)** **8.6** /10 Based on 22 responses **Portnox** **8.3** /10 Based on 75 responses Quality of Support **Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)** **8.9** /10 Based on 33 responses **Portnox** **8.7** /10 Based on 88 responses Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)** **9.4** /10 Based on 21 responses **Portnox** **8.5** /10 Based on 76 responses Product Direction (% positive) **Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)** **8.2** /10 Based on 32 responses **Portnox** **9.6** /10 Based on 89 responses **Features** ratings from reviews Network Access Control (NAC) **8.7** /10 Based on 32 responses **8.4** /10 Based on 83 responses Zero Trust Networking Not enough data **7.4** /10 Based on 39 responses Network Security Policy Management (NSPM) Not enough data **8.3** /10 Based on 15 responses Uncover more feature rated insights from real users to improve your shopping experience. See it for free IT Risk Management Not enough data **6.5** /10 Based on 10 responses User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 11.3% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 37.7% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 50.9% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 11.3% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 37.7% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 50.9% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 16.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 42.7% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 41.0% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 16.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 42.7% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 41.0% **Reviewers' Industry** [![Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_7104539447b2423177c675ea25b47b31/cisco-identity-services-engine-ise.jpg "Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)")](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-identity-services-engine-ise/reviews) Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) Computer & Network Security 13.2% Information Technology and Services 13.2% Computer Networking 7.5% Hospital & Health Care 7.5% Telecommunications 5.7% Other 52.8% [![Portnox](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1e6e08147fcfebfb05c3931e087e30d7/portnox.svg "Portnox")](https://www.g2.com/products/portnox/reviews) Portnox Information Technology and Services 18.0% Financial Services 7.2% Construction 6.3% Computer Software 5.4% Logistics and Supply Chain 4.5% Other 58.6% Alternatives **Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) Alternatives** ![Ivanti Policy Secure](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/acee115d49f59f727a26dd6169ca64be/ivanti-policy-secure.svg "Ivanti Policy Secure") [ Ivanti Policy Secure ](/products/ivanti-policy-secure/reviews) ![FortiNAC](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_bc2a1799b86d85110e1f2c4381c3181c/fortinac.png "FortiNAC") [ FortiNAC ](/products/fortinac/reviews) ![Forescout Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/2f18e01f4f92af20c2a2b3eb8c877e9e/forescout-platform.svg "Forescout Platform") [ Forescout Platform ](/products/forescout-platform/reviews) ![HPE Aruba Networking SSE](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_15e85acefdb9b7976b4dbca417d47a20/aruba-a-hewlett-packard-enterprise-company-hpe-aruba-networking-sse.jpg "HPE Aruba Networking SSE") [ HPE Aruba Networking SSE ](/products/aruba-a-hewlett-packard-enterprise-company-hpe-aruba-networking-sse/reviews) **Portnox Alternatives** ![Cisco Duo](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/0c4cbb48b5fd0e4e0c50c0a558e4898e/cisco-duo.svg "Cisco Duo") [ Cisco Duo ](/products/cisco-duo/reviews) ![Okta](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/fc3b8f792177eb1565971fd0bb450896/okta.svg "Okta") [ Okta ](/products/okta/reviews) ![Sprinto](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/24e646421f73973d5ae14305955f1542/sprinto-inc.svg "Sprinto") [ Sprinto ](/products/sprinto-inc/reviews) ![SolarWinds Observability](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/af917f02e5d5dda08cf58d16d36f6a8d/solarwinds-worldwide-llc-solarwinds-observability.svg "SolarWinds Observability") [ SolarWinds Observability ](/products/solarwinds-worldwide-llc-solarwinds-observability/reviews) ## Cisco Identity Services... vs Portnox FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 16, 2026 ### What is the difference between Portnox vs Cisco Identity Services...? Cisco Identity Services Engine stands out for its higher Quality of Support score and stronger reviewer-cited requirements fit, while Portnox is favored for ease of use and setup. | [Portnox](https://www.g2.com/products/portnox/reviews) | [Cisco Identity Services...](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-identity-services-engine-ise/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.4/5 (123 reviews) | 4.5/5 (52 reviews) | | Mid-Market | Enterprise | | 8.2 | 7.5 | | 8.8 | 9.3 | | Ease of Use (24 all-time mentions) | Meets Requirements (9.4 score) | ### How do the pricing models of Portnox and Cisco Identity Services... compare? Portnox and Cisco Identity Services Engine are rated at parity for value, with no significant difference in reviewer satisfaction on price or cost. - **Portnox:** In recent reviews, several buyers cite Portnox as cost-effective for cloud-native NAC, but note that pricing can be unclear and high for certain deployments. - **Cisco Identity Services Engine:** Reviewers consistently describe Cisco ISE as a high-cost solution, with licensing complexity and hardware requirements contributing to perceived expense. - **Switching Reason:** Multiple reviewers mention switching to Portnox from Cisco ISE due to lower infrastructure ownership and reduced operational overhead. ### What are the best alternatives to Portnox and Cisco Identity Services...? The top three alternatives to Portnox and Cisco Identity Services Engine are Ivanti Policy Secure, Cisco Duo, and Okta. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Portnox](https://www.g2.com/products/portnox/reviews) | 4.4/5 (123 reviews) | Mid-Market | Pricing can be unclear and high for some deployments | Ease of Use (24 all-time mentions) | | [Cisco Identity Services...](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-identity-services-engine-ise/reviews) | 4.5/5 (52 reviews) | Enterprise | High cost and complex licensing noted in reviews | Meets Requirements (9.4 score) | | [Ivanti Policy Secure](https://www.g2.com/products/ivanti-policy-secure/reviews) | 4.4/5 (29 reviews) | Enterprise | — | — | | [Cisco Duo](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-duo/reviews) | 4.5/5 (520 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | — | | [Okta](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews) | 4.5/5 (1373 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | — | ### Which Network Access Control (NAC) features should I prioritize when comparing Portnox and Cisco Identity Services...? Buyers comparing Portnox and Cisco Identity Services Engine should prioritize Security, Ease of Use, Integration Capabilities, Meets Requirements, and Quality of Support. - **Security:** Portnox (10 all-time mentions), Cisco Identity Services Engine (reviewers highlight advanced security and compliance features). - **Ease of Use:** Portnox (8.7 score, 24 all-time mentions), Cisco Identity Services Engine (7.9 score). - **Integration Capabilities:** Portnox (8 all-time mentions for integrations), Cisco Identity Services Engine (reviewers highlight deep Cisco ecosystem integration). - **Meets Requirements:** Portnox (9.1 score), Cisco Identity Services Engine (9.4 score). - **Quality of Support:** Portnox (8.8 score), Cisco Identity Services Engine (9.3 score). ### What are the pros and cons of Portnox vs Cisco Identity Services...? Portnox is strongest for ease of use and setup, while Cisco Identity Services Engine excels in support and requirements fit. - **Portnox strengths:** Ease of Use (24 all-time mentions), Setup Ease (16), Implementation Ease (13), Customer Support (11), Cloud Services (10), Security (10), Integrations (8). - **Portnox trade-offs:** Performance Issues (13), Poor Interface Design (6), Connection Issues (5), Not Intuitive (5), Pricing can be unclear or high for some deployments. - **Cisco Identity Services Engine strengths:** Meets Requirements (9.4 score), Quality of Support (9.3 score), deep Cisco ecosystem integration, advanced security and compliance features, centralized policy management, strong profiling and posture assessment. - **Cisco Identity Services Engine trade-offs:** High cost and complex licensing, steep learning curve, operational overhead for upgrades, sluggish admin GUI, interoperability challenges with non-Cisco devices. ### Is Portnox or Cisco Identity Services... better for small businesses? Portnox is the better fit for small businesses, as it is most popular in the Mid-Market segment and is frequently cited for ease of use and setup by smaller teams. - **Portnox:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; reviewers from smaller organizations highlight simple setup, intuitive interface, and reduced infrastructure requirements. - **Cisco Identity Services Engine:** Largest segment is Enterprise; reviewers note complexity and higher operational overhead, making it less suited for small business environments. ### Which Network Access Control (NAC) platform has better integrations? Portnox is favored for integrations, with reviewers frequently citing its compatibility with Microsoft Intune and Azure AD. - **Portnox:** Microsoft Intune and Azure AD integrations are highlighted in recent reviews, with 8 all-time mentions for integrations. - **Cisco Identity Services Engine:** Reviewers highlight integration with the broader Cisco ecosystem and pxGrid context sharing, but no third-party integration mention counts are supplied. ### How do Portnox and Cisco Identity Services... compare on customer support? Cisco Identity Services Engine leads on Quality of Support with a 0.5-point advantage over Portnox (9.3 vs 8.8). - **Portnox:** Reviewers frequently praise responsive and knowledgeable support, with 11 all-time mentions for customer support and positive onboarding experiences. - **Cisco Identity Services Engine:** Reviewers consistently cite strong support, including Cisco TAC, community resources, and high satisfaction with support during complex deployments. ### Which is easier to implement, Portnox or Cisco Identity Services...? Portnox is easier to implement, with a 0.7-point higher Ease of Setup score (8.2 vs 7.5). - **Portnox:** Reviewers highlight quick setup, straightforward onboarding, and minimal infrastructure requirements, with 16 all-time mentions for setup ease and 13 for implementation ease. - **Cisco Identity Services Engine:** Reviewers note a steep learning curve, complex configuration, and significant operational overhead for upgrades, especially in mixed-vendor environments. ### Which product has better Security? Security is a headline strength for both Portnox and Cisco Identity Services Engine, with reviewers citing robust access control and compliance features. - **Portnox:** Security (10 all-time mentions), 9.1 Meets Requirements score, reviewers highlight zero trust, certificate management, and compliance alignment. - **Cisco Identity Services Engine:** Security is frequently cited in reviews, 9.4 Meets Requirements score, reviewers highlight advanced profiling, posture assessment, and dynamic segmentation for strong security enforcement.