Citrix Gateway review
A customer-managed gateway for secure access to enterprise apps and networks.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Citrix Gateway provides remote access to virtual, SaaS, web and on-premises applications and networks. Its full SSL VPN tunnels, clientless browser access and ICA proxying address different corporate access needs, while single sign-on connects users to virtual, SaaS and web applications. Mid-market and enterprise teams are the natural audience, particularly organizations already working with Citrix Workspace or StoreFront. This is an enterprise access gateway, rather than a consumer privacy VPN.
The access and identity feature set is broad: nFactor and multi-factor authentication integrations sit alongside SAML 2.0, OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect federation, plus RADIUS, LDAP, TACACS and Diameter authentication integrations. Endpoint analysis and SmartAccess policy controls can inform access decisions. For Citrix environments, integrations include Workspace, StoreFront and Endpoint Management; deployments can be hybrid, on-premises or in public clouds using hardware or virtual appliances. Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and browser access are supported. Active-passive gateway pairs address availability, and HDX adaptive transport uses EDT over UDP.
Citrix's published licensing availability includes a free plan, but purchases are handled through Citrix sales or partners, with pricing sales-led. Buyers should discuss licensing and deployment requirements with Citrix or a partner before comparing costs. Customer-managed deployments suit organizations prepared to operate a gateway; teams seeking a simple consumer VPN or a straightforward, self-service purchase should look elsewhere. Citrix Gateway is also branded NetScaler Gateway in current documentation, while the separate Citrix Gateway service provides Citrix-managed cloud connectivity for Citrix Workspace environments.
Citrix Gateway pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Offers full SSL VPN tunnels alongside clientless browser and ICA proxy access
- Combines SSO with broad authentication and federation integrations
- Supports endpoint policy controls and active-passive high availability
- Where it doesn't
- Sales-led purchasing makes price comparisons less straightforward
- Features are geared to corporate access, not consumer VPN use
- Customer-managed appliance deployments require gateway administration
Citrix Gateway fact sheet, pricing and score →
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