The best replacement for 802.1x is wpa2.

The best alternatives to 802.1x are rated as following:
★★★★★  wpa2
★★★★  psk
★★★★  802.11
★★★  port security
★★★  eap
★★  wpa
★★  wpa2 enterprise
★★  nac
★  pre-shared key
★  802.11i
★  ipsec
★  802.1x
★  mab

Your alternative for 802.1x is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about 802.1x, one probably shouldn't forget about radius.

Other search terms related to 802.1x and their ratings are:
★★★★★ radius
★ vlan assignment
You have in mind a companion for 802.1x and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

Scale is based on the average worldwide traffic of 802.1x in all years. Click on graph for more.
802.1x
wpa2
psk