Varshini
2025-09-16 09:40:00
gbhackers.com
In an increasingly complex digital landscape, where cloud migrations, remote work, and a distributed workforce have become the norm, the traditional security perimeter has all but disappeared.
The most valuable and vulnerable assets of any organization are the privileged accounts those with elevated permissions to access critical systems and sensitive data.
Think of accounts for IT administrators, developers, third-party vendors, or automated scripts.
A single compromised privileged credential can lead to a catastrophic data breach, regulatory fines, and irreparable reputational damage. This is where Privileged Access Management (PAM) comes in.
PAM tools are a critical cybersecurity solution designed to secure, control, and monitor all privileged accounts and activities.
The core principle of PAM is to enforce the principle of least privilege, ensuring that users and applications have only the bare minimum access required to perform their tasks.
The market for PAM software is rich with innovative solutions, each offering a unique approach to managing this critical security vector.
In this article, we’ll explore the Top 10 Best Privileged Access Management (PAM) Tools for 2025, providing an in-depth review of their capabilities, strengths, and ideal use cases to help you make an informed decision.
Comparison Table: Top 10 Best Privileged Access Management (PAM) Tools 2025
Company | Password Vaulting | Session Management | Just-in-Time (JIT) Access | Secrets Management | Cloud-Native |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CyberArk | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
JumpCloud | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
StrongDM | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
ARCON | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
BeyondTrust | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Symantec | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Delinea | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
ManageEngine | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Saviynt | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
HashiCorp Boundary | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
1. CyberArk

Why We Picked It:
CyberArk’s market leadership is well-earned due to its extensive feature set and deep-rooted expertise in privileged access security.
They offer a holistic, enterprise-grade solution that addresses every facet of PAM, from credential vaulting and session isolation to just-in-time access and threat analytics.
Their platform is considered the gold standard for organizations that require a mature and all-encompassing PAM strategy.
Specifications:
CyberArk’s platform includes the core Privileged Access Security solution for managing privileged accounts and sessions, a Privileged Threat Analytics (PTA) module for detecting privileged user misuse, and Application Access Manager (AAM) for securing application secrets.
It supports a wide range of platforms and devices, including Windows, Unix/Linux, network devices, and cloud-native services.
Reason to Buy:
If your organization needs a comprehensive, enterprise-grade PAM solution from a trusted industry leader, CyberArk is an excellent choice.
It’s ideal for large enterprises with complex, hybrid environments that require a robust and scalable platform to meet strict security and compliance requirements.
Features:
- Password Vaulting: Securely stores and manages privileged credentials.
- Privileged Session Management: Isolates, controls, and records privileged sessions.
- Just-in-Time (JIT) Access: Provides temporary, on-demand access to privileged accounts.
- Secrets Management: Secures application and DevOps secrets.
- Privileged Threat Analytics: Uses behavioral analytics to detect suspicious privileged activity.
Pros:
- Industry leader with a proven track record.
- Comprehensive and highly scalable platform.
- Strong security and compliance features.
- Extensive support for various technologies.
Cons:
- Can be complex to deploy and manage.
- Higher cost compared to some competitors.
✅ Best For: Large enterprises and highly regulated industries that need a comprehensive, all-in-one PAM platform from a market leader.
🔗 Try CyberArk Privileged Access Management here → CyberArk Official Website
2. JumpCloud

Why We Picked It:
JumpCloud’s approach to PAM is unique in that it’s part of a broader, unified directory platform. Instead of a standalone PAM tool, JumpCloud offers seamless integration with its identity, device, and access management features.
We chose it because it simplifies a complex problem for organizations that are cloud-first and want to manage privileged access alongside their broader IAM strategy from a single, centralized platform.
Specifications:
JumpCloud’s PAM features include a privileged access management suite with just-in-time (JIT) access, secure password vaulting, session recording, and granular access controls.
It extends beyond traditional servers to cover applications, devices, and network resources, all managed from its cloud-based platform.
Reason to Buy:
If your organization is building a cloud-first security posture and needs a PAM solution that is tightly integrated with a modern directory and IAM platform, JumpCloud is a powerful and simplified choice.
It’s a great fit for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and enterprises that want to move away from legacy, on-premises solutions.
Features:
- Unified Platform: Integrates PAM with a cloud-native directory and IAM.
- Just-in-Time (JIT) Access: Provides on-demand, time-bound access.
- Centralized Management: Manages privileged accounts, devices, and applications from one console.
- Password Vaulting: Securely stores privileged credentials for both human and non-human identities.
- Session Recording: Records privileged sessions for auditing and forensics.
Pros:
- Cloud-native and easy to deploy.
- Part of a broader, unified identity platform.
- Simplified management for cloud-first organizations.
- Transparent and affordable pricing.
Cons:
- Less specialized than a dedicated, enterprise-focused PAM vendor.
- May lack some of the deep, advanced features of top-tier competitors.
✅ Best For: Cloud-first organizations and SMBs seeking a unified, simplified PAM solution that integrates seamlessly with their identity and access management platform.
🔗 Try JumpCloud here → JumpCloud Official Website
3. StrongDM
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Why We Picked It:
StrongDM’s platform-based approach is a game-changer for DevOps, security, and IT teams. We chose it because it goes beyond just managing credentials and focuses on securing the entire access workflow.
By acting as a central gateway, it provides a transparent and auditable layer between users and the infrastructure they need to access, enabling granular, just-in-time access without exposing credentials.
Specifications:
StrongDM’s solution works with any infrastructure, including databases, servers, Kubernetes clusters, and web applications. It offers features like automated access control, session logging, and comprehensive audit trails.
The platform integrates with existing identity providers (IdPs) like Okta and Azure AD to enforce policies based on a user’s identity and group membership.
Reason to Buy:
If your organization needs to simplify and secure access for a diverse team of engineers, developers, and administrators to a variety of infrastructure types, StrongDM is an excellent choice.
It’s particularly well-suited for organizations with a DevOps culture that needs a modern, agile, and auditable solution.
Features:
- Centralized Control Plane: Manages all access from a single platform.
- Just-in-Time Access: Grants on-demand access based on dynamic policies.
- Credential Injection: Eliminates the need for users to know or manage passwords.
- Comprehensive Audit Trails: Logs every command, query, and action taken by users.
- Infrastructure Agnostic: Works with a wide range of databases, servers, and applications.
Pros:
- Simplifies and secures access for engineers.
- Provides a single, auditable record of all activity.
- Highly flexible and infrastructure-agnostic.
- Eliminates the need for shared credentials.
Cons:
- Less focused on traditional Windows-based environments.
- May not have the breadth of features of a full PAM suite from a leader like CyberArk.
✅ Best For: DevOps and engineering-centric organizations that need a modern, agile, and auditable platform to manage and secure access to diverse infrastructure.
🔗 Try StrongDM here → StrongDM Official Website
4. ARCON

Why We Picked It:
ARCON’s strength lies in its ability to provide a comprehensive, all-in-one solution that covers the entire privileged access lifecycle.
We chose it because it is an enterprise-grade platform that is highly customizable and scalable, making it a great option for organizations with complex IT environments.
It also offers a unified dashboard that provides a 360-degree view of all privileged activities, which is critical for security and compliance teams.
Specifications:
ARCON’s PAM suite includes credential vaulting, privileged session management (PSM), privileged task automation, privileged user behavior analytics (PUBA), and a robust connector framework for seamless integration with various systems.
It supports on-premises, cloud, and hybrid deployments, providing flexibility for diverse IT landscapes.
Reason to Buy:
If your organization needs a highly configurable and scalable PAM solution that can be tailored to a complex, hybrid environment, ARCON is an excellent choice.
Its strong focus on compliance, real-time monitoring, and a unified dashboard makes it a top contender for organizations in finance, government, and other regulated sectors.
Features:
- Comprehensive PAM Suite: Covers all aspects of privileged access management.
- Unified Dashboard: Provides a single-pane-of-glass view of all privileged activities.
- Privileged User Behavior Analytics: Detects anomalous behavior in real-time.
- Highly Customizable: The platform can be configured to meet specific business needs.
- Compliance-Ready: Provides extensive reporting and auditing capabilities for various regulations.
Pros:
- Highly comprehensive and feature-rich.
- Strong focus on compliance and auditing.
- Unified dashboard for centralized visibility.
- Flexible deployment options.
Cons:
- The user interface can feel complex to some users.
- Less brand recognition in the global market compared to top leaders.
✅ Best For: Large enterprises in regulated industries that need a highly customizable, comprehensive, and scalable PAM solution for a complex, hybrid environment.
🔗 Try ARCON Privileged Access Management here → ARCON Official Website
5. BeyondTrust
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Why We Picked It:
BeyondTrust’s Privileged Remote Access solution is a standout for its specialization in securing remote connections.
We chose it because it addresses a critical and often overlooked risk vector: third-party and remote vendor access.
It eliminates the need for VPNs, which can be a security risk, and provides a secure, auditable, and controlled pathway for external users to access your critical systems.
Specifications:
BeyondTrust’s PRA solution provides a single, secure pathway for remote access. It offers features like credential injection, session recording, and granular access controls.
It also includes a robust audit trail and forensics capabilities to track every remote session. The platform can be deployed as an on-premises appliance or a cloud service.
Reason to Buy:
If your organization regularly works with third-party vendors, contractors, or remote employees who need privileged access to your network, BeyondTrust’s PRA is an excellent choice.
It provides a secure, managed, and auditable solution that significantly reduces the risk of a breach from a compromised remote connection.
Features:
- Secure Remote Access: Provides a secure, auditable, and controlled pathway for remote users.
- Credential Injection: Prevents users from having to know or manage privileged credentials.
- Session Recording and Monitoring: Records every remote session for auditing and forensics.
- Granular Access Control: Enforces least privilege by controlling who can access which systems.
- No VPN Required: Eliminates a common security risk associated with remote access.
Pros:
- Specializes in securing third-party and remote access.
- Provides a secure alternative to VPNs.
- Strong auditing and reporting capabilities.
- Easy to deploy and manage for remote users.
Cons:
- Less comprehensive for internal, on-premises PAM needs.
- May require additional BeyondTrust modules for a full PAM solution.
✅ Best For: Organizations that need to secure and control privileged remote access for third-party vendors, contractors, and remote employees.
🔗 Try BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access here → BeyondTrust Official Website
6. Symantec (Broadcom)
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Why We Picked It:
Symantec’s PAM solution, now part of Broadcom’s extensive security portfolio, is a strong contender due to its integration capabilities and enterprise-grade features.
We chose it because it is an excellent option for organizations that are already in the Symantec ecosystem and want to leverage an integrated security platform.
It provides a robust, policy-based approach to managing and securing privileged access.
Specifications:
Symantec’s PAM solution offers features like password vaulting, privileged session management, and granular access controls.
It is designed to work with on-premises and cloud-based systems and integrates with other Symantec security tools for a more holistic approach to cybersecurity.
Reason to Buy:
If your organization is already a Broadcom/Symantec customer, their PAM solution is a natural choice.
It provides a seamless integration with your existing security tools, simplifying management and providing a more unified security posture.
It is a reliable, enterprise-grade solution that provides a robust approach to privileged access.
Features:
- Policy-Based Access Control: Enforces granular, role-based access to critical systems.
- Privileged Session Management: Controls, monitors, and records privileged sessions.
- Integrated with Symantec Portfolio: Works with other Symantec security tools.
- Password Vaulting: Securely stores and manages privileged credentials.
- Compliance Reporting: Provides detailed reports for regulatory compliance.
Pros:
- Seamless integration with the broader Symantec/Broadcom portfolio.
- A well-established and trusted security vendor.
- Robust, enterprise-grade features.
- Strong policy enforcement capabilities.
Cons:
- Less innovative compared to cloud-native competitors.
- May not be a good choice for organizations not in the Symantec ecosystem.
✅ Best For: Large enterprises that are already leveraging the Symantec/Broadcom security portfolio and need an integrated PAM solution.
🔗 Try Symantec Privileged Access Management (Broadcom) here → Broadcom Official Website
7. Delinea
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Why We Picked It:
Delinea Secret Server has earned its reputation as a leading PAM tool by providing a powerful yet user-friendly solution.
We chose it because it strikes an excellent balance between enterprise-grade features and ease of deployment.
It is a great option for organizations that want a comprehensive PAM solution without the complexity and high cost often associated with market leaders.
Specifications:
Secret Server offers a full suite of PAM capabilities, including password vaulting, session recording, privileged access management, and application control.
It supports on-premises, cloud, and hybrid deployments and provides a streamlined user interface that simplifies management for IT and security teams.
Reason to Buy:
If your organization needs a full-featured, user-friendly, and cost-effective PAM solution, Delinea Secret Server is an excellent choice.
It is a great alternative to the more complex and expensive market leaders and provides a high level of security without sacrificing ease of use.
Features:
- Password Vaulting: Securely stores and manages privileged credentials.
- Session Recording: Records privileged sessions for auditing and forensics.
- Streamlined User Interface: Simplifies management and deployment.
- Flexible Deployment: Available as on-premises or cloud-based.
- Application Control: Enforces least privilege on endpoints by controlling applications.
Pros:
- User-friendly and easy to deploy.
- Comprehensive feature set.
- Cost-effective compared to top-tier competitors.
- Flexible deployment options.
Cons:
- May lack some of the advanced features of market leaders.
- Can be a more complex implementation for larger environments.
✅ Best For: Mid-sized to large organizations that need a full-featured, user-friendly, and cost-effective PAM solution.
🔗 Try Delinea Secret Server here → Delinea Official Website
8. ManageEngine
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Why We Picked It:
ManageEngine PAM360 is a compelling choice because it offers a full-featured PAM solution at a competitive price.
We chose it for its ability to provide a comprehensive, all-in-one platform that is particularly attractive to organizations looking for a cost-effective alternative to more expensive vendors.
Its integration with the broader ManageEngine suite also provides additional value for existing customers.
Specifications:
PAM360’s features include a password vault, privileged session gateway, privileged access governance, and privileged user behavior analytics.
It also includes privileged account discovery, application-to-application password management, and a dashboard for real-time visibility and reporting. It supports a variety of platforms and devices.
Reason to Buy:
If your organization is on a limited budget but still requires a comprehensive PAM solution, ManageEngine PAM360 is an excellent choice.
It provides all the necessary features for securing privileged access and can be a cost-effective entry point for organizations that are just beginning their PAM journey.
Features:
- All-in-One Platform: Combines all PAM features into a single solution.
- Privileged User Analytics: Provides insights into user behavior and detects anomalies.
- Cost-Effective: Offers a full-featured solution at a competitive price point.
- Integrated with ManageEngine: Works seamlessly with other ManageEngine tools.
- Automated Privileged Account Discovery: Finds and onboards privileged accounts automatically.
Pros:
- Cost-effective and provides excellent value.
- Comprehensive and feature-rich.
- Good for organizations already using ManageEngine tools.
- Simplifies management with a unified platform.
Cons:
- The user interface can feel a bit dated.
- May not have the brand recognition of a top-tier vendor.
✅ Best For: Mid-sized organizations with limited budgets that need a comprehensive and cost-effective PAM solution.
🔗 Try ManageEngine PAM360 here → ManageEngine Official Website
9. Saviynt
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Why We Picked It:
Saviynt’s Cloud PAM is unique because it’s built on a foundation of IGA and risk analytics.
We chose it because it is an excellent option for organizations that have a cloud-first strategy and need a PAM solution that is tightly integrated with their identity governance platform.
It provides a robust, risk-based approach to managing privileged access across a multi-cloud environment.
Specifications:
Saviynt Cloud PAM offers just-in-time (JIT) access, privileged session management, and secrets management. It is designed to work seamlessly with AWS, Azure, GCP, and other cloud providers.
The platform leverages machine learning and risk analytics to detect and prevent misuse of privileged credentials.
Reason to Buy:
If your organization is heavily invested in a multi-cloud environment and needs a PAM solution that is tightly integrated with your identity governance platform, Saviynt Cloud PAM is an excellent choice.
It provides a unified and intelligent approach to managing privileged access across a distributed, cloud-based infrastructure.
Features:
- Cloud-Native: Built for a multi-cloud and distributed environment.
- Integrated with IGA: Works seamlessly with Saviynt’s identity governance platform.
- Risk Analytics: Uses machine learning to detect and prevent privileged credential misuse.
- Just-in-Time Access: Provides on-demand, temporary privileged access.
- Secrets Management: Secures application and DevOps secrets in the cloud.
Pros:
- Tightly integrated with identity governance.
- Excellent for multi-cloud and hybrid environments.
- Leverages machine learning for risk analytics.
- Provides a unified platform for identity and access management.
Cons:
- Less focused on traditional, on-premises PAM use cases.
- Requires a significant investment in the broader Saviynt platform.
✅ Best For: Cloud-first organizations and enterprises that need a robust, intelligent, and integrated PAM solution for a multi-cloud environment.
🔗 Try Saviynt Cloud PAM here → Saviynt Official Website
10. HashiCorp Boundary
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Why We Picked It:
HashiCorp Boundary is a compelling choice because it represents a modern, developer-centric approach to privileged access.
Instead of a traditional vault-and-proxy model, Boundary acts as an identity-aware access proxy that connects users to infrastructure in a dynamic, just-in-time manner.
We chose it for its open-source nature, scalability, and ability to simplify access in a DevOps environment.
Specifications:
Boundary provides a secure, identity-based access proxy that works with any host or service. It does not require an agent on every host and integrates with popular identity providers.
It focuses on just-in-time access and provides a secure, auditable session for every connection.
Reason to Buy:
If your organization has a strong DevOps culture and needs a lightweight, scalable, and developer-friendly solution for privileged access, HashiCorp Boundary is an excellent choice.
Its open-source nature and focus on modern infrastructure make it a great option for organizations that want a flexible and agile solution.
Features:
- Identity-Aware Proxy: Connects users to infrastructure without exposing credentials.
- Open-Source: Provides flexibility and community support.
- Just-in-Time Access: Grants on-demand, temporary access.
- Scalable and Lightweight: Designed for dynamic and distributed environments.
- Auditable Sessions: Provides a record of every connection and command.
Pros:
- Open-source and developer-friendly.
- Highly scalable and lightweight.
- Modern, proxy-based architecture.
- Integrates with existing identity providers.
Cons:
- Less feature-rich than a full, enterprise PAM suite.
- Requires a certain level of technical expertise to deploy and manage.
✅ Best For: DevOps teams and organizations with a strong open-source culture that need a lightweight, scalable, and identity-aware access proxy for modern infrastructure.
🔗 Try HashiCorp Boundary here → HashiCorp Official Website
Conclusion
Choosing the right Privileged Access Management solution is a critical decision that will significantly impact your organization’s security posture.
The market is full of innovative tools, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. A single compromised privileged account can be all it takes for a devastating cyberattack.
By investing in a robust PAM tool, you are not just buying a piece of software; you are building a foundational pillar of your cybersecurity strategy.
The tools reviewed in this article represent the best in the business for 2025.
Whether you are a large enterprise in a highly regulated industry seeking an all-encompassing solution like CyberArk, a cloud-first company that needs a unified platform like JumpCloud, or a DevOps-centric organization that requires an agile, developer-friendly tool like HashiCorp Boundary, the right solution for you is on this list.
By understanding your specific needs be it on-premises, cloud-native, or a blend of both you can select a PAM partner that will help you secure your most critical assets and enforce the principle of least privilege, ensuring a more resilient and secure digital future.
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