Comparison

Cisco Secure Client vs HCL Sametime

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Cisco Secure Client

This application provides secure, encrypted network connectivity for mobile devices, enabling persistent access to corporate resources. It optimizes connections for various applications and traffic types, ensuring reliable access for users on the go.

Highlights
  • Encrypted network connectivity
  • Persistent corporate access
  • Optimized connection paths
  • Network roaming capability
  • Wide range of authentication options
  • Per-app VPN support
Features
Read full description

This is the Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect VPN) application for Apple iOS. Please report any questions to ac-mobile-feedback@cisco.com. Please consult with your EMM/MDM vendor on configuration changes required to configure this new version if you are not setting it up manually. Samples at: https://community.cisco.com/t5/security-blogs/anyconnect-apple-ios-transition-to-apple-s-latest-vpn-framework/ba-p/3098264 LICENSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS: You must have an active AnyConnect Plus, Apex or VPN Only term/contract to utilize this software. Use is no longer permitted for older Essentials/Premium with Mobile licensing. AnyConnect may never be used with non-Cisco servers. Trial AnyConnect Apex (ASA) licenses are available for administrators at www.cisco.com/go/license AnyConnect for iOS requires Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Boot image 8.0(4) or later. Per App VPN requires ASA 9.3(2) or later (5500-X/ASAv only) with Plus, Apex or VPN Only licensing and a minimum Apple iOS version of 10.x. For additional licensing questions, please contact ac-mobile-license-request (AT) cisco.com and include a copy of "show version" from your Cisco ASA. Ordering and Licensing Guide: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/security/anyconnect-secure-mobility-client/secure-client-og.html Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect VPN) provides reliable and easy-to-deploy encrypted network connectivity from any Apple iOS by delivering persistent corporate access for users on the go. Whether providing access to business email, a virtual desktop session, or most other iOS applications, AnyConnect enables business-critical application connectivity. Through the use of Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS), TCP-based applications and latency-sensitive traffic (such as voice over IP [VoIP]) are provided an optimized communication path to corporate resources. Additionally, the Cisco Secure Client support IPsec IKEv2 with Next Generation Encryption. Features: - Automatically adapts its tunneling to the most efficient method possible based on network constraints, using TLS and DTLS. - DTLS provides an optimized connection for TCP-based application access and latency-sensitive traffic, such as VoIP traffic - Network roaming capability allows connectivity to resume seamlessly after IP address change, loss of connectivity, or device standby - Wide Range of Authentication Options: RADIUS, RSA SecurID, Active Directory/Kerberos, Digital Certificates, LDAP, multifactor authentication - Supports certificate deployment using Apple iOS and AnyConnect integrated SCEP - Compatible with Apple iOS Connect On Demand VPN capability for automatic VPN connections when required by an application - Policies can be preconfigured or configured locally, and can be automatically updated from the VPN headend - Access to internal IPv4 and IPv6 network resources - Administrator-controlled split / full tunneling network access policy - Per App VPN (TCP and UDP) - MDM controlled If you are an end-user and have any issues or concerns, please contact your organization’s support department. If you are a System Administrator having difficulties configuring or utilizing the Application, please contact your designated support point of contact. Release Notes: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/security/anyconnect-secure-mobility-client/products-release-notes-list.html User Guide: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/security/anyconnect-secure-mobility-client/products-user-guide-list.html End user license: https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en_us/about/doing_business/legal/seula/anyconnect-SEULA-v4x.pdf

About

HCL Sametime

Secure, persistent team chat and real-time meetings across web, desktop, and mobile. Ideal for regulated industries and government entities requiring data security and auditability.

Highlights
  • Persistent chat
  • Instant meetings
  • Cross-device support
  • Contact list management
  • File and photo sharing
  • Meeting recordings
  • Screen sharing
Features
Read full description

HCL Sametime: Secure Team Chat & Meetings HCL Sametime is a highly secure, persistent team chat and meetings platform designed for the modern enterprise. Communicate in real-time across web, desktop, and mobile with the confidence that your data remains private and protected. Built for Regulated Industries Sametime is the premier choice for government entities, financial institutions, and companies in regulated industries. Whether you are navigating strict data privacy laws (GDPR, HIPAA) or require data gravity solutions, Sametime ensures your communications are secure, auditable, and under your control. Key Features: Modern Collaboration: Persistent 1:1 and group chats, now featuring Channels for better team organization. Secure Meetings: Instant or scheduled meetings with audio/video, lecture-style support, and recording capabilities. Seamless Mobility: Multi-device support with QR code one-click setup and enhanced CarPlay integration. Smart Tools: Edit sent messages, search chat history, and preview rich URLs directly in the app. Broadcast & Share: Send files, photos, and broadcast announcements to your entire community. Pinned Priority: Keep your most important chats and meetings at the top of your list. Advanced Integration: Works with HCL Sametime server versions 10, 11, and 12, including deployments embedded in HCL Domino Workspace environments. What’s New (HCL Sametime version 12.0.2 Required): Stream & Share: YouTube streaming, Live Streaming, and Camera/Screen share viewing. What’s New (HCL Sametime version 12.0.3 Required): Reactions: Streamline feedback and boost engagement with the ability to add emoji reactions to messages. Chat Search: Quickly retrieve critical information with an enhanced search to locate specific messages across your entire chat history. Read Receipts: Gain real-time visibility into your communications with indicators that confirm when your messages have been viewed by recipients. What’s New (HCL Sametime version 12.0.4 Required): Channels: Streamline department communication and project alignment within dedicated team spaces featuring full moderator controls. Edit Chat: Maintain flawless accuracy in your everyday communications with the flexibility to easily correct sent messages. Meeting Reactions: Boost live interaction and expressive feedback during video sessions with an expanded emoji palette. Meeting Summaries: Extract critical insights and catch up on missed meeting discussions seamlessly with intelligent transcript summaries powered by HCL Domino IQ. Domino Files Integration: Save chat file attachments directly to Domino Files, and share files by selecting them from Domino Files. Connectivity to HCL Sametime server infrastructure is required. Learn more at: hcl-software.com/sametime

Screenshots

Cisco Secure Client1 screens
HCL Sametime4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Cisco Secure Client at 13.0 against HCL Sametime's 18.0. On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Cisco Secure Client ships an update every 3 months, HCL Sametime every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Cisco Secure Client versus HCL Sametime: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCisco Secure ClientHCL Sametime
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.9 (2.1K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews31.5% of reviews36.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings2.1K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch
Requires iOS13.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size25 MB105 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCiscoHCL America Inc.

Customer experience

Cisco Secure Client

All ratings2,089 ratings
Positive70.7%
Neutral6.6%
Negative22.8%
Written reviews479 reviews
Positive31.5%
Neutral11.1%
Negative57.4%

HCL Sametime

Written reviews11 reviews
Positive36.4%
Neutral0.0%
Negative63.6%

Bugs and requests

Cisco Secure Client

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Cannot connect after update
  • App crashes when selecting server
  • Cannot import certificates
  • Incompatible with iOS 12/13/14
  • Disconnects frequently

Requested features

4 requests
  • Save password option
  • Dark mode
  • Face ID/Touch ID support
  • Ability to change server/port

HCL Sametime

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Cisco Secure Client

No in-app purchases

None

HCL Sametime

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Cisco Secure Client free?
Cisco Secure Client is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is HCL Sametime free?
HCL Sametime is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Cisco Secure Client or HCL Sametime have ads?
Neither Cisco Secure Client nor HCL Sametime shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Cisco Secure Client or HCL Sametime?
Cisco Secure Client ships an update every 3 months, and HCL Sametime every 2 months. Most recently, Cisco Secure Client was updated on October 18, 2026 and HCL Sametime on October 3, 2026.

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