Quick Overview
- 1#1: Zscaler Private Access - Provides secure, zero-trust access to private applications without exposing the network.
- 2#2: Prisma Access - Delivers cloud-delivered security with zero trust network access for users and apps anywhere.
- 3#3: Netskope Private Access - Enables granular, identity-based access to private apps in a zero trust model.
- 4#4: Cloudflare Access - Secures applications with zero trust by verifying user identity and device posture before granting access.
- 5#5: Cato SASE Cloud - Offers a unified SASE platform with built-in ZTNA for optimized secure access to all resources.
- 6#6: Cisco Secure Access - Provides zero trust network access as part of Cisco's SASE solution for hybrid workforces.
- 7#7: FortiSASE - Combines ZTNA with comprehensive SASE services for secure remote and branch access.
- 8#8: Twingate - Simplifies zero trust networking with easy-to-deploy secure access for distributed teams.
- 9#9: Tailscale - Builds secure networks using WireGuard with zero trust principles for peer-to-peer access.
- 10#10: Akamai Enterprise Application Access - Delivers context-aware ZTNA to protect and connect users to applications without VPNs.
Tools were ranked by evaluating key factors including identity/device authentication strength, scalability, deployment simplicity, integration flexibility, and overall value, ensuring they deliver robust, user-centric zero trust outcomes.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) tools, such as Zscaler Private Access, Prisma Access, Netskope Private Access, Cloudflare Access, Cato SASE Cloud, and additional solutions. It outlines key features, strengths, and suitability for varied use cases, empowering readers to evaluate options effectively.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zscaler Private Access Provides secure, zero-trust access to private applications without exposing the network. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Prisma Access Delivers cloud-delivered security with zero trust network access for users and apps anywhere. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Netskope Private Access Enables granular, identity-based access to private apps in a zero trust model. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Cloudflare Access Secures applications with zero trust by verifying user identity and device posture before granting access. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | Cato SASE Cloud Offers a unified SASE platform with built-in ZTNA for optimized secure access to all resources. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | Cisco Secure Access Provides zero trust network access as part of Cisco's SASE solution for hybrid workforces. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | FortiSASE Combines ZTNA with comprehensive SASE services for secure remote and branch access. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Twingate Simplifies zero trust networking with easy-to-deploy secure access for distributed teams. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 9 | Tailscale Builds secure networks using WireGuard with zero trust principles for peer-to-peer access. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | Akamai Enterprise Application Access Delivers context-aware ZTNA to protect and connect users to applications without VPNs. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
Provides secure, zero-trust access to private applications without exposing the network.
Delivers cloud-delivered security with zero trust network access for users and apps anywhere.
Enables granular, identity-based access to private apps in a zero trust model.
Secures applications with zero trust by verifying user identity and device posture before granting access.
Offers a unified SASE platform with built-in ZTNA for optimized secure access to all resources.
Provides zero trust network access as part of Cisco's SASE solution for hybrid workforces.
Combines ZTNA with comprehensive SASE services for secure remote and branch access.
Simplifies zero trust networking with easy-to-deploy secure access for distributed teams.
Builds secure networks using WireGuard with zero trust principles for peer-to-peer access.
Delivers context-aware ZTNA to protect and connect users to applications without VPNs.
Zscaler Private Access
enterpriseProvides secure, zero-trust access to private applications without exposing the network.
App Connectors that enable agentless, outbound-only connections to private apps without opening inbound ports
Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) is a cloud-native Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution that delivers secure, identity-centric access to private applications without traditional VPNs or network exposure. It brokers direct, encrypted connections between authenticated users, devices, and apps, enforcing granular policies based on context, risk, and posture. Integrated within Zscaler's Zero Trust Exchange platform, ZPA provides comprehensive visibility, threat prevention, and scalability for hybrid workforces across global enterprises.
Pros
- Scalable cloud-native architecture with global anycast PoPs for low-latency access
- Granular policy enforcement with app segmentation and no lateral movement
- Seamless integration with Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) for full SASE stack
Cons
- Premium pricing can be prohibitive for smaller organizations
- Complex initial setup requiring expertise for large-scale deployments
- Heavy reliance on Zscaler cloud may concern on-premises purists
Best For
Large enterprises needing a mature, high-performance ZTNA solution integrated with comprehensive cloud security.
Pricing
Subscription-based, quote-only model typically $12-25 per user/month, scaled by users, apps, and bandwidth.
Prisma Access
enterpriseDelivers cloud-delivered security with zero trust network access for users and apps anywhere.
Inline next-generation firewall and threat prevention for all ZTNA traffic, ensuring security inspection without performance degradation
Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks is a cloud-delivered Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platform that provides Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) for secure, identity-based connectivity to private applications and services. It enforces granular access policies based on user identity, device posture, and contextual risk without exposing the underlying network infrastructure. Integrated with next-generation firewall capabilities, advanced threat prevention, and global points of presence, it supports distributed workforces with low-latency, scalable security.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration with Palo Alto's security ecosystem including threat prevention and DLP
- Global network of over 100 PoPs for optimal performance and scalability
- Continuous adaptive trust with AI-powered risk assessment
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex policy configurations
- High cost suitable mainly for enterprises
- Potential vendor lock-in due to proprietary ecosystem
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises requiring a unified SASE platform with robust ZTNA and integrated threat protection for remote and hybrid workforces.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $12-25 per user/month plus bandwidth and add-on feature costs for enterprise deployments.
Netskope Private Access
enterpriseEnables granular, identity-based access to private apps in a zero trust model.
Brokerless ZTNA with Publishers for direct peering and optimized private app access without hair-pinning traffic
Netskope Private Access (NPA) is a zero trust network access (ZTNA) solution that delivers secure, identity- and context-aware access to private applications without traditional VPNs or exposing apps to the internet. It uses a brokerless architecture with lightweight Publishers deployed near apps and Clients or browser gateways for users, enabling granular policy enforcement based on user, device, and risk signals. Integrated into the Netskope Security Cloud, NPA combines ZTNA with SSE capabilities like CASB, SWG, and DLP for unified security.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Netskope's SASE platform for unified visibility and threat protection
- Brokerless architecture provides low-latency, optimized access with minimal infrastructure overhead
- Advanced risk-adaptive policies using UEBA and real-time threat intelligence
Cons
- Premium pricing requires commitment to Netskope ecosystem for best value
- Complex setup for custom integrations and large-scale deployments
- Limited flexibility for organizations not using other Netskope services
Best For
Enterprises needing integrated ZTNA within a comprehensive SASE platform for hybrid workforces.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing per user/device; starts around $10-20/user/month, scales with features and volume—contact sales for quotes.
Cloudflare Access
enterpriseSecures applications with zero trust by verifying user identity and device posture before granting access.
Edge-native delivery via Cloudflare's anycast network for superior performance and automatic DDoS protection
Cloudflare Access is a Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution that enables secure, identity-aware access to private applications and resources without traditional VPNs. It uses Cloudflare's global edge network to enforce granular policies based on user identity, device posture, location, and context, protecting both self-hosted and SaaS apps. Integrated within the Cloudflare Zero Trust platform, it supports quick deployment via Cloudflare Tunnel for non-HTTP traffic and leverages built-in DDoS mitigation and WAF.
Pros
- Global edge network delivers low-latency access worldwide
- Seamless integration with major IdPs and device posture checks
- Comprehensive Zero Trust stack including Gateway and Browser Isolation
Cons
- Advanced configurations require familiarity with Cloudflare ecosystem
- Limited free tier scalability for larger teams
- Less flexible for legacy non-web protocols without tunnels
Best For
Mid-to-large organizations with distributed workforces seeking performant, edge-delivered ZTNA integrated with web security.
Pricing
Free for up to 50 users; $7/user/month (Zero Trust Standard); custom Enterprise plans.
Cato SASE Cloud
enterpriseOffers a unified SASE platform with built-in ZTNA for optimized secure access to all resources.
Converged single-pane management uniting ZTNA with full SASE stack for operational simplicity
Cato SASE Cloud is a cloud-native Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platform that includes robust Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) capabilities, enabling secure, identity-based access to private applications without traditional VPNs. It leverages a global private backbone with hundreds of Points of Presence (PoPs) for low-latency, reliable connectivity. The solution integrates ZTNA seamlessly with SD-WAN, firewall-as-a-service, secure web gateway, and CASB for comprehensive security.
Pros
- Converged SASE platform simplifies management of ZTNA alongside networking and security
- Global private backbone ensures superior performance and reliability
- Adaptive access policies with strong identity integration (e.g., Okta, Azure AD)
Cons
- Higher cost for organizations needing only standalone ZTNA
- Full feature set may overwhelm smaller teams
- Limited customization in some advanced ZTNA policy scenarios
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with distributed workforces seeking an integrated SASE solution featuring ZTNA.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing based on users, bandwidth, and features; typically starts at $10-20 per user/month at scale.
Cisco Secure Access
enterpriseProvides zero trust network access as part of Cisco's SASE solution for hybrid workforces.
Continuous Adaptive Trust, which dynamically adjusts access based on real-time risk signals from Cisco Talos threat intelligence
Cisco Secure Access is a Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution designed to provide secure, granular access to private applications without relying on traditional VPNs. It enforces continuous verification of user identity, device posture, and contextual risk factors before granting least-privilege access. As part of Cisco's SASE portfolio, it integrates seamlessly with tools like Umbrella for DNS security and Duo for MFA, supporting hybrid and remote workforces at enterprise scale.
Pros
- Robust integration with Cisco's security ecosystem (Umbrella, Duo, SecureX)
- Advanced policy engine with continuous adaptive trust and threat intelligence from Talos
- Scalable for large enterprises with high-performance global PoPs
Cons
- Complex setup and management requiring Cisco expertise
- Premium pricing that may not suit SMBs
- Limited third-party integrations compared to pure-play ZTNA vendors
Best For
Large enterprises with existing Cisco infrastructure needing comprehensive, scalable ZTNA within a SASE framework.
Pricing
Subscription-based, typically $12-25 per user/month depending on features and volume; custom enterprise quotes required.
FortiSASE
enterpriseCombines ZTNA with comprehensive SASE services for secure remote and branch access.
Integrated NGFW-as-a-Service within ZTNA for inline threat inspection without backhauling traffic
FortiSASE is Fortinet's cloud-delivered Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platform that integrates ZTNA, SD-WAN, firewall-as-a-service, and secure web gateway to provide secure connectivity for distributed workforces. As a ZTNA solution, it enforces zero-trust principles by continuously authenticating users, devices, and context before granting granular access to private applications without traditional VPNs. It leverages Fortinet's global network of Points of Presence (PoPs) and Security Fabric for consistent policy enforcement and threat protection across hybrid environments.
Pros
- Deep integration with Fortinet's Security Fabric for unified management and advanced threat intelligence
- Robust ZTNA capabilities with device posture checks, micro-segmentation, and low-latency global PoPs
- Scalable for enterprises with strong performance in high-traffic scenarios
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for users outside the Fortinet ecosystem
- Potential vendor lock-in due to proprietary integrations
- Pricing can escalate quickly for smaller organizations with advanced feature needs
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises already invested in Fortinet products seeking a comprehensive, single-vendor SASE solution with strong ZTNA.
Pricing
Subscription-based model starting at around $12-20 per user per month, scaling with bandwidth, users, and feature tiers; custom enterprise quotes available.
Twingate
enterpriseSimplifies zero trust networking with easy-to-deploy secure access for distributed teams.
Lightweight, outbound-only Connectors that require no inbound firewall changes or hardware appliances
Twingate is a modern Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) platform that replaces legacy VPNs with secure, identity-based access to private applications and resources. It deploys lightweight Connectors on resources and uses a relay network for fast, encrypted connections without exposing the full network. Ideal for distributed teams, it supports client-based and clientless access with granular policy controls based on user identity, device posture, and context.
Pros
- Rapid deployment with zero-config Connectors, often under 15 minutes
- Excellent performance via global relay network with low latency
- Strong integration with IdPs like Okta and Azure AD for seamless SSO
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for large enterprises
- Reporting and analytics are basic in lower tiers
- Limited support for legacy protocols compared to broader SASE platforms
Best For
Mid-sized teams and SMBs seeking a simple, high-performance ZTNA alternative to VPNs without complex infrastructure.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 users; Teams plan at $10/user/month (billed annually); Business at $20/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
Tailscale
enterpriseBuilds secure networks using WireGuard with zero trust principles for peer-to-peer access.
MagicDNS and shareable nodes for effortless service discovery and temporary access without port forwarding
Tailscale is a zero-trust networking platform that uses WireGuard to create secure, peer-to-peer mesh VPNs, enabling seamless access to private resources across devices and networks. It implements ZTNA principles through identity-based authentication, human-readable ACLs for granular access control, and features like subnet routers for exposing specific services securely. Unlike traditional VPNs, it avoids centralized gateways where possible, reducing latency and single points of failure.
Pros
- Exceptionally simple setup with zero-config VPN on all major platforms
- High-performance WireGuard encryption with automatic NAT traversal
- Generous free tier and intuitive ACL policy management
Cons
- Primarily network/subnet-focused rather than per-app ZTNA granularity
- Advanced enterprise features like DLP or browser isolation require integrations
- Peer-to-peer model can face issues in highly restricted firewall environments
Best For
Small to medium teams and developers needing fast, hassle-free zero-trust access to private networks and services.
Pricing
Free for personal use (3 users, 100 devices); Solo $5/user/mo; Teams $6/user/mo or $60/user/yr; Enterprise custom.
Akamai Enterprise Application Access
enterpriseDelivers context-aware ZTNA to protect and connect users to applications without VPNs.
Akamai Intelligent Edge integration for unmatched global low-latency access and built-in threat protection
Akamai Enterprise Application Access (EAA) is a cloud-native Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution that delivers secure, identity-centric access to private applications without traditional VPNs or network exposure. It verifies user identity, device posture, and context before granting granular, application-specific access, supporting both client-based and clientless connections. Built on Akamai's global edge platform, EAA ensures low-latency performance and scalability for distributed enterprises.
Pros
- Leverages Akamai's vast global edge network for superior performance and DDoS protection
- Robust identity and device posture checks with seamless IdP integrations
- Scalable architecture supporting thousands of users and apps without hardware appliances
Cons
- Complex initial setup and configuration requiring networking expertise
- Opaque, quote-based pricing that can be costly for mid-sized organizations
- Limited native support for some legacy on-premises protocols without additional agents
Best For
Large enterprises with global workforces seeking high-performance ZTNA integrated with edge security.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically per-user or per-connector subscriptions starting at several thousand dollars annually.
Conclusion
The top 10 ZTNA tools demonstrate varied strategies to protect modern workforces, yet Zscaler Private Access emerges as the standout, leading in secure, network-exposing access to private applications. Prisma Access and Netskope Private Access follow closely, offering robust cloud and identity-based solutions that cater to different operational needs. Collectively, these tools redefine secure connectivity, blending innovation with reliability.
Elevate your organization's security with the top-ranked Zscaler Private Access—experience seamless, zero-trust access that adapts to how teams work today, because securing essentials shouldn't mean compromising on flexibility.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
