Modern PAM Solutions -- CyberArk Alternatives
Modern PAM solutions take a fundamentally different approach to privileged access, replacing traditional credential vaulting with identity-based, zero-trust access models. These tools are designed for cloud-native environments where infrastructure is dynamic, developers need seamless access, and standing credentials are considered a liability. They offer faster deployments, better developer experience, and infrastructure-as-code compatibility, though they may lack the deep compliance features and broad enterprise capabilities of traditional PAM platforms like CyberArk.
Free (Community) / From $20/resource/month (Enterprise)
Best overall modern PAM alternative with open-source transparency, certificate-based access, and strong Kubernetes support. Ideal for engineering-driven organizations wanting to eliminate standing credentials.
From $70/user/month
Best for teams that need comprehensive audit logging with minimal workflow disruption. Its transparent proxy approach lets developers keep their existing tools while adding full access controls and query-level logging.
Free (OSS) / HCP Boundary from $0.20/session
Best for organizations already invested in the HashiCorp ecosystem. Its native integration with Vault and Terraform makes it the natural choice for infrastructure-as-code teams managing dynamic environments.
Open-source identity-based infrastructure access platform
Free (Community) / From $20/resource/month (Enterprise)
Engineering teams needing modern, developer-friendly infrastructure access
People-first infrastructure access platform with full audit logging
From $70/user/month
Teams needing simple, auditable infrastructure access with minimal workflow disruption
Open-source identity-based access management for dynamic infrastructure
Free (OSS) / HCP Boundary from $0.20/session
HashiCorp ecosystem users needing identity-based remote access
Compare all 3 CyberArk alternatives side-by-side across pricing, deployment, and key capabilities.
| Feature | Teleport 4.5/5 | StrongDM 4.4/5 | HashiCorp Boundary 4.1/5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Per-resource subscription | Per-user subscription | Per-session or self-hosted free |
| Open Source | + | -- | + |
| Cloud-Hosted | + | + | + |
| Self-Hosted | + | -- | + |
| Best For | Engineering teams needing modern, developer-friendly infrastructure access | Teams needing simple, auditable infrastructure access with minimal workflow disruption | HashiCorp ecosystem users needing identity-based remote access |
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| Website | Visit | Visit | Visit |
For cloud-native organizations with primarily modern infrastructure, tools like Teleport and StrongDM can serve as a complete replacement for CyberArk's access management capabilities. However, they do not provide the same depth of credential vaulting, identity governance, or legacy system support that CyberArk offers. Organizations with significant on-premises infrastructure or strict regulatory requirements may need to use modern PAM alongside or in addition to traditional PAM.
Traditional PAM, as exemplified by CyberArk, centers on credential vaulting, session proxying, and managing privileged accounts. Modern PAM solutions focus on identity-based access, eliminating standing credentials through certificate-based or just-in-time access, and providing developer-friendly interfaces. Modern PAM is better suited for dynamic cloud environments, while traditional PAM excels in regulated enterprise environments with legacy systems.
Yes, modern PAM solutions provide session recording, audit logging, and access controls that satisfy many compliance frameworks including SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS. However, some highly regulated industries may require the specific credential management and vaulting capabilities that traditional PAM platforms like CyberArk provide. Always verify that your specific compliance requirements can be met.
Modern PAM tools like StrongDM and Teleport provide direct, audited database access through proxy connections, allowing users to use their native database clients while maintaining full query-level audit logging. CyberArk manages database access primarily through credential vaulting and rotation. The modern approach offers better user experience and more granular auditing, while CyberArk provides deeper credential lifecycle management.
Open-source identity-based infrastructure access platform
ComparisonPeople-first infrastructure access platform with full audit logging
ComparisonOpen-source identity-based access management for dynamic infrastructure
CategoryCompare enterprise PAM alternatives to CyberArk including BeyondTrust, Delinea, and ManageEngine PAM360. Full-featured privileged access management platforms.
CategoryCompare identity governance alternatives to CyberArk including One Identity, SailPoint, and Delinea. Comprehensive identity governance and access management platforms.
Use CaseCompare the best privileged access management alternatives to CyberArk. Comprehensive PAM tools for credential vaulting, session management, and compliance.
Use CaseCompare zero trust access alternatives to CyberArk. Modern platforms for identity-based, least-privilege access to infrastructure and applications.