Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Cisco Secure Access · 🔐 security
Cisco Secure Access vs Pangolin
Deploy zero trust access to infrastructure, self-hosted apps, and SaaS tools in days. Identity-aware security with seamless user experience. Here is how Pangolin ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Cisco Secure Access ($6/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Pangolin is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Cisco Secure Access. Switching from Cisco Secure Access ($6/mo) saves $72/yr per solo seat, or $360/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Cisco Secure Access.
Pangolin
$0.00/mo · Open Source
Cisco Secure Access vs Pangolin Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Cisco Secure Access (Paid) | Pangolin (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $6 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $72 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $72) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $360 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $360) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $720 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $720) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 23.3k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Cisco Secure Access to Pangolin
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Cisco Secure Access.
How to deploy Pangolin
Clone https://github.com/fosrl/pangolin or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
Where your data lives
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
Why fork Pangolin instead of vibe-coding a Cisco Secure Access clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Cisco Secure Access or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 6 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Tailscale.
Cisco Secure Access vs Pangolin FAQ
Is Pangolin a good free alternative to Cisco Secure Access?+
Yes. Pangolin is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Cisco Secure Access. Deploy zero trust access to infrastructure, self-hosted apps, and SaaS tools in days. Identity-aware security with seamless user experience.
What is the catch when switching from Cisco Secure Access to Pangolin?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Cisco Secure Access.
How much do you save switching from Cisco Secure Access to Pangolin?+
Cisco Secure Access costs $6/mo ($72/yr) per seat, whereas Pangolin is $0/mo. Switching saves $72/yr for a solo user, $360/yr for a 5-person team, and $720/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Pangolin instead of Cisco Secure Access?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/fosrl/pangolin or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
