Free Trial is currently available for our Business Plans.
Please choose an option that meets your trial needs below
$15 per user per month
Starts at 20 Users / unlimited computers
No credit card required
$2.22
per computer per month
Minimum 20 Computers
No credit card required
Compare all plans & features on the Pricing page
F5 adds another layer, but your remote access still runs through an internet-facing gateway. You still have an exposed entry point to secure, and another appliance to maintain.
TruGrid SecureRDP takes a different approach: no open inbound firewall ports, cloud authentication, and MFA enabled by default.
Implementation, licensing, security, and day-to-day operations, side by side.
| Benefits | TruGrid SecureRDP | Citrix NetScaler (Gateway) + F5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implementation & Licensing | |||
| 1 | Free Product Implementation & SupportFree installation & support for all customers | Yes Live in 1 day | No Network redesign and cutover |
| 2 | Licensing ModelStraightforward licensing with all features included | 20-user minimum Per named user per month (Site License Available) | Citrix licenses + F5 licenses |
| 3 | Security Add-on ModulesExtra paid modules needed for security | None All features included | F5 APM + Advanced WAF Licensed separately |
| 4 | SQL Database RequirementRequired for storing config and session info | Not needed | Required for Citrix CVAD |
| 5 | Unified Management ConsoleOne place to manage all users and settings | TruGrid Web | Multiple consoles (NetScaler + Multiple Citrix CVAD + F5) |
| 6 | Microsoft Entra ID IntegrationEntra ID sign-in for published resources | Yes | Yes |
| 7 | Partner Use LicensesFree internal-use licenses for partners | Free for Partners | Citrix: Platinum partners only |
| Security | |||
| 1 | No Internet-Facing GatewayRemote access without a gateway exposed to the internet | No internet-facing gateway | Internet-facing gateway with enhanced security controls |
| 2 | Internet-Facing Systems to PatchSystems open to the internet that need urgent patches | None | Two (F5 + Gateway) |
| 3 | Gateway Bypass RiskCan attackers reach the gateway directly? | No way to bypass | Yes Depends on network design |
| 4 | Secure by Default: Cloud AuthenticationUsers authenticate in the cloud before access | On by default | No At the F5 or Citrix appliance |
| 5 | Secure by Default: MFABuilt-in MFA for all users | Yes On by Default | No No built-in MFA with F5 |
| 6 | Web Application FirewallProtection against web attacks on the entry point | Not needed No exposed gateway | Only with F5 Advanced WAF |
| 7 | Secure by Default: Data Copy BlockedCopy/paste and drive sharing off by default | Yes | No Must be configured |
| 8 | Security PoliciesRestrict copy/paste, printing, drive mapping | Yes | Yes |
| 9 | Security Advisories to TrackVendors whose security bulletins you follow | One platform (TruGrid) | Two platforms (Citrix + F5) |
| 10 | Credential Guard CompliantGuards against pass-the-hash attacks | Yes | Yes |
| Infrastructure & Operations | |||
| 1 | Components to MaintainInfrastructure needed for remote access | One TruGrid Sentry server | Citrix servers, SQL, Gateway + F5 |
| 2 | High AvailabilityAccess continues if a server fails | Multiple Sentry instances | Backup F5 + extra Citrix servers |
| 3 | Skills RequiredExpertise needed to run the platform | Windows / RDP | Windows / Citrix + F5 |
| 4 | Troubleshooting PathPlatforms to check when users cannot connect | One platform (TruGrid) | Two platforms (Citrix + F5) |
| 5 | Low-Latency Fiber MeshFaster connections over the Microsoft Azure network | Yes 60+ Global Azure Regions | No |
| 6 | UpdatesHow updates are delivered | Managed / Automatic Updates Sentry Updates from Single Cloud Console | Maintenance windows for F5 and Citrix Manual Downloads |
| 7 | Health MonitoringMonitors services needed for user access | Yes | Yes In two tools |
| User Experience, Printing & Other Features | |||
| 1 | Any Device AccessApps for computers, tablets and phones | Web, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | Citrix Workspace app Web, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux |
| 2 | Non-AD Machine AccessAccess PCs not joined to Active Directory | Yes Via Secure Connect | Not available |
| 3 | Universal PrintingPrint without managing printer drivers | Microsoft RDS Universal Printing | Citrix Universal Printing |
| 4 | Profile ManagementKeeps user settings between sessions | Microsoft FSLogix | Citrix Profile Mgmt / FSLogix |
| 5 | User Experience OptimizationSmooth video, audio and USB devices | RDP / RemoteFX | Citrix HDX |
| 6 | HTML5 AccessOpen desktops from a browser | TruGrid Web (requires Native RDP) | Citrix Workspace / StoreFront |
| 7 | Path to SimplifyCan you reduce Citrix over time? | Run alongside Citrix. Then retire Citrix | Citrix stays, F5 is added |
Why these differences matter for exposure, setup, licensing, and daily work.
Comparing TruGrid with Citrix on its own? See TruGrid vs Citrix.
No open inbound ports. Users sign in through the TruGrid cloud, with MFA, before reaching your network. There is no gateway to attack at your front door.
F5 becomes the public entry point, with Citrix Gateway behind it. It is still reachable from the internet (your front door), and may be bypassed if the network allows it.
One TruGrid Sentry server. No SQL, gateway appliances, or load balancers. Most customers go live in under a day.
Every Citrix component stays, and F5 is added on top. Expect network redesign, testing, cutover, and F5 setup.
No open ports, built-in MFA, cloud sign-in, and copy/paste and drive sharing off by default.
Protection depends on which F5 modules you buy and how they are set up. Encrypted traffic passed straight through is not inspected.
One per-user subscription with every feature included. 20-user minimum. Site License available.
Citrix licenses stay, and F5 licenses are added. Two vendors, two contracts, two renewals.
One platform, continuous cloud updates. Windows skills are enough.
Two consoles, two update cycles, two platforms’ security alerts, and both Citrix and F5 skills.
Cloud-based TruGrid Web simplifies multi-tenant management.
Secure access to PCs, laptops, and VMs—domain-joined or standalone.
Eliminates maintenance, patching, backups, and upgrade complexity.
No open firewall ports, built-in MFA, and cloud authentication by default.
Real-time onboarding and support during US business hours via chat and Zoom.
Before you sign, ask your team or reseller:
With TruGrid, these questions do not apply: there is no inbound connection to protect.
If some workloads must stay on Citrix, or your team already runs F5. F5 protects what you have. It does not simplify it. If you are looking for a Citrix replacement, evaluate TruGrid before you add another layer.
Not by default. F5 can add traffic management, access policies and, with the right modules, application security. But if TLS passes through without inspection, or the gateway can still be reached directly, the gateway is still exposed. Ask for evidence that your specific setup blocks the specific threat.
No. F5 BIG-IP is an application delivery and load-balancing platform. It sits in front of Citrix. It does not replace Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops.
F5 protects an internet-facing entry point. TruGrid removes it. TruGrid SecureRDP needs no open inbound firewall ports, and users authenticate in the TruGrid cloud, with MFA enabled by default, before any connection reaches your network.
Yes. You can add TruGrid as a second access path, pilot it with real workloads, and retire Citrix components when you are ready.
Yes. TruGrid delivers your Windows desktops and RemoteApp programs from your existing hosts. Microsoft RDS CALs are still required for RDS session desktops and RemoteApp.
Yes. Citrix Gateway is the remote access part of NetScaler, Citrix’s application delivery product. Putting F5 in front of it means running two of these appliances.
Many customers implement TruGrid SecureRDP within a day, with free implementation support. Plan a pilot for complex workloads, such as line-of-business apps with peripherals.
Closing all inbound firewall ports makes networks invisible over the internet
TruGrid prevents ransomware and data theft by blocking data transfer between remote users and corporate networks
Everyone must authenticate in the cloud before accessing the network
TruGrid MFA is enabled by default. Any MFA integrated into Microsoft Azure also supported for authentication
TruGrid Global Fiber Optics Mesh bypasses internet congestion to deliver low latency experience
Many customers implement TruGrid SecureRDP within a day
Securely connect employees to their Office PCs & Virtual Desktops in the Cloud
Enjoy built-in two-factor authentication and prevent stolen logins from being used
Implement the safest and fastest "Work from Home" solution
Stop cost & pain of multiple add-ons (VPN+MFA+RDP) with one solution
Authenticate via Active Directory or Azure AD, or Hybrid AD & AAD
Implement a Remote Access solution with Zero Trust and eliminate VPN risks
Secure RDP, VDI, and DaaS without exposing firewalls
Software for desktop and application cloud hosting platform
Protect computers from BlueKeep and DejaBlue Vulnerabilities
Replace expensive software like LogMeIn, TeamViewer, & GoToMyPC
Eliminate threat of spreading ransomware over VPN connections to Office
Meet PCI / HIPAA / Cybersecurity Insurance compliance for exposed RDP Ports
Do you have some more questions? Review FAQ
TruGrid simplifies Access and Device Security for organizations by reducing complexity and associated costs.
