7 Best Low-Cost RADIUS Servers of 2023

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A Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) server is a special type of server that helps authenticate and authorize remote users who want to access a network. It uses a specific protocol that allows users to access the network by providing a secret code, usually a password.

With RADIUS servers, organizations have a centralized platform for managing and deploying authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) functionalities. These servers are usually placed at the outer edges of a network and communicate through specific ports, such as 1645/1813 (TCP) or 1812 (UDP).

While there are many RADIUS server options available on the market, finding a low-cost yet reliable solution can be challenging. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best low-cost RADIUS servers that offer excellent features in 2023.

Here’s a quick list of our top picks:

• FreeRADIUS: Best open-source RADIUS server (Read more)
• JumpCloud Cloud RADIUS: Best for flexible pricing (Read more)
• TekRADIUS: Best open-source for Windows (Read more)
• SecureW2 Cloud RADIUS: Best for advanced security (Read more)
• AuthenticateMyWifi: Best for device flexibility (Read more)
• ClearBox: Best for hybrid cloud (Read more)
• Foxpass: Best for LDAP integration (Read more)

Top low-cost RADIUS server comparison table

Here is a comparison table highlighting some popular low-cost RADIUS server options and their features.

	Cloud-based	Open-source	Active directory support	TCP and TLS transports	Starting pricing
FreeRadius	✘	✔	Yes, but the setup can be complicated	✔	Free
JumpCloud Cloud RADIUS	✔	✘	✔	✔	$2/mo. per user (free version also available)
TekRADIUS	✘	✔	✔	✔	$239
SecureW2 Cloud RADIUS	✔	✘	✔	✔	Approx. $5/mo. per user
AuthenticateMyWifi	✔	✘	✔	✔	$14/mo. for 10 users and 2 devices
ClearBox	Cloud and on-premise	✘	✔	✔	$599
Foxpass	✔	✘	✔	✔	$3/mo. per user

Jump to:

• What is a RADIUS server?
• Key features of RADIUS servers
• How do I choose the best low-cost RADIUS server for my business?
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Methodology

FreeRADIUS

Best open-source RADIUS server

FreeRADIUS is a free and open-source project and one of the most popular RADIUS servers. The software can be set up on an old desktop tower to serve anywhere from a dozen to a few hundred users. Alternatively, it can be installed on appropriate servers to support millions of users and requests. FreeRADIUS is designed to run on Unix, Linux, and other Unix-like operating systems.

It can be found in the repositories of most Linux distributions or manually compiled on most others. By default, FreeRADIUS has a command-line interface, and setting changes are made via editing configuration files. It’s best suited for IT professionals with Unix/Linux experience.

Pricing

Free and open-source.

Features

• Supports more authentication types than any other open-source server.
• Serves organizations ranging in size from 10 users to over a million users.
• Other RADIUS-related products include a client library, module for Apache, and pluggable authentication module (PAM) for authentication and accounting.
• Authentication protocols include Password Authentication Protocols (PAP), wireless (EAP), and Digest (VoIP).

Pros

• Open-source and widely used.
• Provides extensive customization options.
• Supports Active Directory integration.
• Offers TCP and TLS transports.
• Provides a central platform for user and system authentication.

Cons

• Limited to Linux and Unix-like operating systems.
• Configuration and setup may require technical expertise.
• Documentation can be overwhelming for beginners.

JumpCloud Cloud RADIUS

Best for flexible pricing

JumpCloud’s Cloud RADIUS offers centralized authentication to Wi-Fi networks and VPNs without hardware requirements. With JumpCloud, organizations can deploy cloud RADIUS servers to provision and deprovision user access to VPN and Wi-Fi networks from a browser.

It takes a cloud-based approach, removing the need to build, maintain, or monitor physical servers. This enables IT to quickly roll out managed RADIUS to the organization and securely authenticate users to Wi-Fi, VPNs, switches, and network devices.

JumpCloud also supports managed RADIUS as an integral part of its core directory platform or as an extension of established Identity Providers (IdPs) like Azure AD.

Pricing

JumpCloud has a free version that allows up to ten devices and also offers multiple pricing tiers.

• A La Carte: The lowest paid plan, starting at $2 per user per month.
• SSO Package: Starts at $7 per user per month.
• Core Directory Package: Starts at $11 per user per month.
• JumpCloud Platform: Starts at $15 per user per month.
• PlatformPlus: Starts at $18 per user per month.

Key Features

• Secure with multifactor authentication (MFA) and encryption.
• Cloud-based solution.
• Can be configured to use EAP-TTLS, PAP, or PEAP, as well as supporting WPA2 Enterprise and RADIUS encryption modes.
• Segment user access through dynamic VLAN tagging and use VLANs to isolate network devices.
• Automatically generates complex passwords for authentication between WAPs and RADIUS servers.

Pros

• Free version is available for up to 10 users.
• Simplified management and deployment.
• Supports Active Directory integration.
• Offers TCP and TLS transports.
• Provides MFA.
• No need to build and maintain physical infrastructure.

Cons

• It may not be suitable for those who need a lightweight RADIUS solution.
• The pricing structure may not be suitable for all budgets.

TekRADIUS

Best open-source for Windows

KaplanSoft’s TekRADIUS is a RADIUS management software that provides a convenient GUI and encompasses most features commonly found in managed RADIUS services, making it a viable DIY option.

The software is compatible with Microsoft Windows Vista, Windows 7-11, and Windows 2008-2022 servers. However, it’s important to note that TekRADIUS is limited to Windows, which may not fully meet the network security needs of certain companies.

TekRADIUS keeps an audit log in the Windows Event Log, specifically in the Application and Services Log, capturing system messages, errors, and session information while generating daily rotated log files.

Additionally, TekRADIUS can send email notifications to system administrators regarding specific system events and resource utilization. It also features a TekRADIUS Manager that allows editing the RADIUS Dictionary and creating SQL databases and tables.

Pricing

TekRADIUS pricing is somewhat obfuscated on their website, but a single purchase of their software starts at $239.00. It’s unclear how many servers or users this software supports.

Key Features

• Supports TCP and TLS transports.
• Offers the capability to edit the RADIUS Dictionary and create SQL databases and tables.
• Logs system messages, errors, and session information to a daily rotated log file and Windows Event log.
• Creation of SQL database and tables through TekRADIUS Manager.
• Can proxy RADIUS requests to other RADIUS servers.

Pros

• Open-source and customizable.
• Supports Active Directory integration.
• Offers TCP and TLS transports.
• IPv6 attribute support.

Cons

• Not cloud-based.
• Pricing is not transparent enough.
• It only runs as a Windows Service.

SecureW2 Cloud RADIUS

Best for advanced security

SecureW2’s Cloud RADIUS provides a cloud-based RADIUS server management platform for administrators seeking RADIUS management solutions that can be used from the GUI.

This managed cloud RADIUS server includes features such as a management console, device onboarding platform, certificate lifecycle management, detailed accounting and reporting, access-policy management, and other essential tools for securing WPA2 enterprise networks.

For users who prefer to maintain their own FreeRADIUS installation, Cloud RADIUS offers a vendor-neutral 802.1X security suite compatible with major players in the industry, including FreeRADIUS. This vendor neutrality makes it possible to integrate with other network infrastructures.

Pricing

SecureW2 doesn’t publish pricing information, but some users have reported quotes starting around $5 per user per month. They do offer a free demo to test out the solution.

Features

• Supports certificate authentication using proprietary turnkey PKI.
• It can be managed through GUI.
• Supports passwordless authentication.
• It is designed to work natively with cloud Identities like Azure, Okta, and Google.

Pros

• Supports Active Directory integration.
• Vendor-neutral.
• Offers TCP and TLS transports.
• The GUI makes it easy to use.

Cons

• Prices are not transparent and are reportedly somewhat high.
• Insufficient documentation on setup and deployment.

AuthenticateMyWiFi

Best for device flexibility

AuthenticateMyWiFi by NoWiresSecurity is a hosted or cloud-based service offering hosted server access specifically for 802.1X authentication. It enables small and midsized organizations to use the enterprise mode of WPA or WPA2 security for their Wi-Fi network.

The platform manages user access by setting specific login times or restricting access on certain days of the week. Additionally, it has the option to automatically deactivate user accounts by defining expiration dates and times.

Furthermore, it can control user login permissions by limiting access to specific routers or access points (APs), as well as specifying the allowed devices, such as laptops or smartphones, from which users can connect.

Pricing

AuthenticateMyWifi offers a 7-day free trial. For the paid plan, prices are determined by the number of users and access points supported. Pricing ranges from $14 per month for up to 10 users, to $70 per month for 200 users. For detailed pricing, see the table below.

Key features

• Provides access to a RADIUS server, which performs the required 802.1X authentication.
• Password-based authentication using the PEAP protocol.
• Also works on wired connections when used with business or enterprise-level switches.
• Use the cloud service on routers and APs at multiple locations.
• It can be used to schedule user access during set times or days of the week.

Pros

• Includes free trial.
• Supported on multiple devices, such as Apple iPad/iPod Touch/iPhone, and Android.
• Supports Active Directory integration.
• Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux are all supported.

Cons

• The lowest price only supports two access points.
• The pricing structure may not be suitable for all budgets or business sizes.

ClearBox

Best for hybrid cloud

ClearBox is an on-premises RADIUS server software that can run on any Windows for home, office and business. It can be hosted on a cloud-based Windows machine, such as Amazon EC2, and can integrate with AWS Directory Service.

With ClearBox, users can access free upgrades that include all fixes and product releases without any additional fees or annual payments. The platform also offers a simple licensing model where users are charged per server installation, with no limitations on the number of users and clients.

ClearBox provides a no-frills GUI for configuration, featuring a setup wizard for easy setup, while offering flexibility and customization options, including support for integration with multiple billing systems.

Pricing

ClearBox offers a 30-day free trial and is only available as a commercial product at a $599 flat rate, with discounts for bulk purchases.

Features

• Wireless 801.x authentication.
• It offers integration with Jaeger Tracing.
• SQL scripting for authentication, authorization, and accounting.
• Active Directory, LDAP, SQL authentication.
• Multiple independent authentication backends are supported.

Pros

• Free upgrades without additional charges.
• Technical support is available to all users, even for trial version runners.
• No restrictions on the number of users or clients.
• Includes on-premises and cloud options.

Cons

• The pricing model may not be pocket-friendly for smaller organizations.
• Limited to commercial buyers.

Foxpass

Best for LDAP integration

Foxpass is a RADIUS and LDAP server. It is often used to replace existing LDAP or AD servers as a way to save time for IT departments. It functions as the primary user directory to secure access to Wi-Fi and devices. It can be self-hosted or hosted in the cloud.

Foxpass offers sync capabilities with Google, O365, and SSO, helps to secure access to both Wi-Fi and machines, provides Radius Logs, and offers the option for users to choose between cloud or self-hosted deployment.

Pricing

Foxpass does not offer separate pricing for its RADIUS server solution; rather, the service comes bundled with other services. Pricing comes at three levels, with optional add-ons (such as RadSec for $2 per user, which many organizations will want to factor in).

• Standard: Starts at $3 per user per month.
• OS Logins: Starts at $5 per user per month.
• Engineering: Starts at $7 per user per month.

Key Features

• Self-service SSH keys and password management for servers, WiFi, VPN, and machines.
• Controls server access automatically with an API.
• Cloud-hosted LDAP and RADIUS that syncs with Google, Office365, and more.
• Sets minimum key strength requirements.
• Enables MFA.

Pros

• Provides a 30-day free trial.
• Enables MFA.
• Syncs with Google, Office365, etc.

Cons

• RADIUS is bundled with other services which users might not need.
• The configuration might be complex for non-technical users.

What is a RADIUS server?

The RADIUS protocol is especially valuable for those operating in organizations that have to deal with many different networking and infrastructure devices, or lack a central authentication mechanism to enable access to the network. It connects and authenticates user identities to the network or VPN.

IF YOU’RE RUNNING A WINDOWS SERVER, YOU ALREADY HAVE RADIUS CAPABILITY.

These identities might be stored in Microsoft Active Directory (AD), OpenLDAP, a cloud directory, or within the RADIUS server. Not only does this improve network security, it also saves IT a lot of manual labor.

If you’re running a Windows Server, keep in mind you already have RADIUS capability. Before using a third-party server, look into the Internet Authentication Service (IAS) component in Windows Server 2003 R2 and earlier, or the Network Policy Server (NPS) component in Windows Server 2008 and later.

Key features of RADIUS servers

Some key features commonly found in RADIUS servers include authentication, accounting, and authorization (AAA), as well as centralized management, security, and integration.

Authentication

RADIUS servers perform user authentication by validating the credentials provided during the login process.

When a user attempts to access a network resource, such as a Wi-Fi network or a VPN, the RADIUS server receives the authentication request from the network device.

It then verifies the user’s credentials, typically through a username and password combination, by checking against a user database or directory, such as Active Directory or LDAP. The server determines if the credentials are valid and grants or denies access accordingly.

Accounting

RADIUS servers provide accounting functionality to track and record network resource usage for each user session. Accounting involves logging relevant information related to a user’s network activity, such as the start and end times of a session, the amount of data transferred, and the types of services accessed.

This data is useful for various purposes, including auditing network usage, monitoring user behavior, generating billing information, or analyzing network performance. RADIUS servers can store this accounting data locally or send it to external systems for further analysis and reporting.

Authorization

Once a user is successfully authenticated, RADIUS servers handle authorization by determining the level of access the user should have. This process involves applying access policies and attributes to the authenticated user session.

Access policies define what resources or services the user is allowed to access and can include parameters such as time of access, location, or specific services. RADIUS servers enforce these policies by communicating the authorization attributes to the network devices, which then implement the appropriate restrictions or permissions for the user.

Centralized management

One of the key advantages of RADIUS servers is their ability to offer centralized management for AAA. Instead of configuring user accounts and access policies separately on each network device, administrators can manage them from a single location.

This centralized approach simplifies administration tasks, reduces the chances of misconfigurations, and ensures consistent security policies across the network. Administrators can add, modify, or delete user accounts and access policies on the RADIUS server, and the changes are automatically propagated to the network devices using RADIUS for authentication and authorization.

Security

Security is a fundamental aspect of RADIUS servers. To protect sensitive user information and network resources, RADIUS servers employ various security measures.

User credentials are transmitted securely between the network device and the RADIUS server using encryption protocols such as Transport Layer Security (TLS) or Secure Socket Layer (SSL). These encryption protocols ensure that the authentication process is not vulnerable to eavesdropping or unauthorized access.

Additionally, RADIUS servers support authentication protocols like Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP), providing more robust security by enabling methods like certificate-based or MFA.

Integration

RADIUS servers can integrate with various network infrastructure components, such as VPN servers, wireless access points, firewalls, and switches. This integration allows for seamless AAA across different network devices and services.

For example, when a user connects to a wireless network protected by a RADIUS-based authentication mechanism, the wireless access point communicates with the RADIUS server to verify the user’s credentials and apply the appropriate access policies.

How do I choose the best RADIUS server for my business?

When selecting a RADIUS server for your business, there are several factors to consider, from scalability and compatibility to ease of use and, of course, security.

Identify your requirements

Begin by understanding your business’s specific needs and requirements. Consider factors such as the number of users, the network devices you need to authenticate, the desired authentication methods (e.g., username/password, MFA), and any additional features you may require (e.g., accounting, integration with other systems). Knowing this will help you choose a RADIUS server solution that can meet these needs.

Evaluate scalability

Scalability is an important element of business that should be considered before any investment is made for software purchases. Determine whether the RADIUS server can handle your current user base and scale effectively as your business grows. Ensure that the server can accommodate potential increases in the number of users and network devices without compromising performance.

Assess compatibility

Check the compatibility of the RADIUS server with your existing network infrastructure. Ensure that it integrates seamlessly with your network devices and services, such as VPN servers, wireless access points, and switches. Verify that the RADIUS server supports the necessary authentication protocols and encryption methods required by your network devices.

Consider ease of use and administration

RADIUS servers are not easy to set up as most of them are not plug-and-play. Look for a RADIUS server that offers a user-friendly interface and straightforward configuration options if you do not have the technical expertise to configure the software. Consider the ease of adding and managing user accounts, creating access policies, and generating reports. A server with a clear and intuitive management interface will save you time and effort in the long run.

Security features

Security is crucial when it comes to RADIUS servers. Ensure that the server supports strong encryption protocols (e.g., TLS) for secure transmission of user credentials. Additionally, check if the RADIUS server supports multiple authentication methods, integration with external identity providers, and options for enforcing strong password policies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does a RADIUS server do?

A RADIUS server provides centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) for network access.

Are RADIUS servers secure?

Yes, RADIUS servers are designed with security measures to protect user information and network resources.

What’s the difference between Windows Server and RADIUS servers? 

Windows Server is a collection of operating systems designed to support administrative control of corporate networks, data storage, and applications, while RADIUS servers specifically focus on providing AAA services.

Methodology

In selecting the best low-cost RADIUS servers, we conducted a thorough evaluation and assessed the solutions based on their feature set, security measures, ease of use, and feedback from reliable review aggregate sites.

We considered factors such as authentication protocol support, scalability, encryption standards, intuitive interfaces, and cost in making our selection. Going through this systemic evaluation ensured that our list included the best affordable RADIUS servers that excel in functionality, performance, and user satisfaction.

Bottom line: Enhancing your security on a budget with RADIUS servers

Deploying a RADIUS server is crucial for ensuring secure network access and efficient user authentication. While there are numerous options available, finding a low-cost solution without compromising on features is essential for budget-conscious organizations. 

The RADIUS servers featured in this article offer excellent functionality, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. Whether you prefer an open-source solution or a commercial product, these low-cost RADIUS servers provide reliable authentication services, making them ideal choices for organizations looking to enhance their network security without incurring significant expenses.

Once your RADIUS server is set up, you’ll want a good monitoring solution. Here’s our list of the best free RADIUS server testing and monitoring tools.