You’re probably testing Zscaler right now—or paying for it—and wondering if there’s something faster, cheaper, or easier to run. In about 10 minutes of reading you’ll have:
- A 60‑second refresher on what Zscaler actually does.
- The 11 buying criteria pros use to shortlist secure service edge (SSE) vendors.
- A quick‑scan comparison table.
- Deep‑dive snapshots of the 10 best Zscaler competitors for 2025.
- A cheat‑sheet to match each platform to your situation.
- A migration checklist and FAQ to de‑risk any switch.
Bookmark it, share it with your CISO, and let’s get you a confident shortlist.
What does Zscaler do?
Zscaler delivers cloud‑native security through three big pillars:
| Pillar | What it covers |
|---|---|
| ZIA (Zscaler Internet Access) | Secure Web Gateway, cloud firewall, sandboxing, inline CASB, and DLP all delivered from Zscaler’s 150 + Points of Presence. |
| ZPA (Zscaler Private Access) | Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) that lets users reach internal apps without a VPN. |
| ZDX (Zscaler Digital Experience) | Performance monitoring so IT can see latency and app issues in real time. |
Enterprises love the scale and centralised policy model, but common pain points in 2025 are still pricing complexity, learning curve, and data‑sovereignty gaps in a few emerging regions.
How to size up any Zscaler alternative (11 quick criteria)
- SSE Coverage – Does it give you SWG, CASB (inline + API), ZTNA, DLP and FWaaS in one pane?
- Zero Trust depth – User, device, and continuous risk scores?
- Data protection – Exact Data Match (EDM) DLP, SaaS API scanning, BYOK encryption?
- Performance & PoP reach – Low‑latency edges near your users?
- Integrations – Okta, Entra ID, CrowdStrike, Splunk, SD‑WAN, MDM—native or DIY?
- Reporting UX – Single console, open APIs, SIEM export?
- Scalability & multi‑tenant – A must if you’re an MSSP.
- Pricing model – Per‑user, per‑GB, bundle tiers, hidden add‑ons?
- Compliance – FedRAMP, GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and local data residency.
- Deployment lift – Agent weight, traffic redirection tricks, migration tools.
- Support model – 24 × 7 SOC tie‑ins and named TAMs matter under attack.
Score your top three before you demo so you don’t get dazzled by shiny features that you’ll never enable.
Quick comparison snapshot
| Vendor | Best for | Full SSE stack? | Global PoPs | Pricing style | Stand‑out strength | Watch‑outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prisma Access | Large, Palo‑heavy shops | ✓ | 200 + | bundle tiers | Tight with NGFW & Cortex | Can feel Palo‑centric |
| Netskope | Data‑driven orgs | ✓ | 180 + | per‑user | Elite DLP & CASB | Premium price |
| Cisco Secure Access | Cisco networks | ✓ | 100 + | licence add‑ons | One client for SD‑WAN + SSE | Bundle maze |
| Cloudflare One | Performance buffs & dev‑first teams | ✓ | 310 + | pay‑as‑you‑go | Fastest edge & open APIs | DLP maturing |
| Fortinet FortiSASE | Fortinet SD‑WAN shops | ✓ | 120 + | device/user | Network‑security convergence | UX not as slick |
| Check Point Harmony SASE | Threat‑intel lovers | ✓ | 100 + | per‑user | Best‑in‑class IPS & threat feed | Smaller PoP mesh |
| Akamai SIA + EAA | Media/gaming globals | ✓ | 300 + | per‑user/GB | CDN‑grade latency | Console sprawl |
| iboss | Public sector, segmentation | ✓ | 100 + | per‑user | Containerised tenancy control | Smaller partner eco‑system |
| Versa SASE | Branch‑heavy SD‑WAN rollouts | ✓ | 150 + | device/site | WAN+SSE on one OS | Light inline DLP |
| Perimeter 81 | SMB to Mid‑market | Partial (SSE‑lite) | 50 + | flat per‑user | 15‑minute rollout | Lacks deep DLP |
(Sources: vendor docs and July 2025 release notes cited below.)
The top 10 Zscaler competitors & what makes them tick
1. Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access
Best for: Enterprises already running Palo Alto NGFW or Cortex XDR.
Where it beats Zscaler: Same single‑policy engine for branch firewalls and remote users; automated updates every six weeks; full App‑ID Layer 7 controls inherited from NGFW.
Where Zscaler wins: Digital experience monitoring and larger PoP mesh.
Pricing notes: Two service tiers (Business & Enterprise) plus add‑ons for ADEM and IoT discovery.
Implementation tip: Start with GlobalProtect agent rollout; flip tunnels from on‑prem firewalls to Prisma Access during cutover.
2. Netskope
Best for: Regulated firms that live and die by DLP and SaaS governance.
Why users pick it: Inline + API CASB, exact match DLP out of the box, plus “Cloud Firewall” and browser isolation. Frequent feature drops—three in Q2 2025 alone.
Where Zscaler leads: Broader third‑party ecosystem and mature private‑app segmentation.
Pricing notes: Per‑user licences, DLP packs cost extra but can bundle into the Advanced Suite.
3. Cisco Secure Access (formerly Umbrella)
Best for: Cisco‑centric networks that want one agent for AnyConnect, SD‑WAN, and SSE.
Strengths: New unified management plane and IPv6 improvements landed July 2025.
Weak spots: Feature names and licensing tiers can feel dizzying.
Pricing notes: Core licence covers DNS‑layer security; add Secure Access Advantage for full SSE.
4. Cloudflare One (Zero Trust)
Best for: Teams that crave raw speed and an open developer mindset.
Why it rocks: 310 + global edge locations, post‑quantum cryptography in Access and Gateway, and named a Visionary in Gartner’s 2025 SASE MQ.
Where Zscaler leads: Mature DLP and advanced policy object granularity.
Pricing notes: Three pay‑as‑you‑go bundles; free tier for 50 users (Gateway + Access).
5. Fortinet FortiSASE
Best for: Organisations already rocking FortiGate SD‑WAN or EDR.
Killer feature: Single OS (FortiOS) for on‑prem gear and cloud points of presence; July 2025 release added PoPs in Kenya and Brazil.
Gotchas: UI is functional, not fancy; reporting feels firewall‑centric.
Pricing notes: Per‑user or per‑device; cheaper if you already own FortiManager/FortiAnalyzer.
6. Check Point Harmony SASE
Best for: Security teams who live inside Check Point Infinity Portal.
Highlights: 2025 update brings revamped log UI and up to eight parallel IPSec tunnels for robust multi‑link connectivity.
Where it lags: Smaller PoP count compared with Zscaler and Cloudflare.
Pricing notes: One per‑user SKU covers SWG, CASB, and ZTNA; add-ons for advanced DLP.
7. Akamai Secure Internet Access + Enterprise Application Access
Best for: Global media, gaming, and high‑performance web shops.
Edge: CDN roots mean crazy‑low latency; July 2025 EAA release added flexible Application Access Groups for clientless and cliented apps.
Trade‑off: Console sprawl between SIA and EAA modules.
Pricing notes: Per‑user with optional usage‑based bandwidth tiers.
8. iboss
Best for: Public sector, EDU, and anyone needing strict tenant isolation.
Secret sauce: Containerised architecture keeps each customer’s traffic segregated; predictable per‑user pricing.
Weaknesses: Fewer marketplace integrations; smaller channel network.
Pricing notes: Simple per‑user price; DLP and sandboxing are line‑items.
9. Versa SASE
Best for: Branch‑heavy enterprises modernising WAN and security in one go.
Why it stands out: SD‑WAN + SSE on a single VOS code base; recognised again in Gartner’s 2025 SASE MQ (third year).
Where Zscaler leads: Richer inline DLP catalogue and API‑level CASB.
Pricing notes: Device, site, or user—you choose; bundles discount when you take SD‑WAN and SSE together.
10. Perimeter 81
Best for: SMB and mid‑market teams moving off legacy VPNs yesterday.
Edge: 15‑minute agent rollout, slick UI, and new agent‑less Zero Trust App Access launched 2025.
Limitations: Fewer deep‑dive DLP or API‑level CASB controls.
Pricing notes: Flat per‑user tiers (Essential, Premium, Enterprise); month‑to‑month terms available.
Which platform fits your use case?
| Scenario | Shortlist |
|---|---|
| Global remote workforce, speed first | Cloudflare One, Akamai, Zscaler |
| Deep DLP and SaaS control | Netskope, Zscaler, Forcepoint ONE |
| Fortinet shop with 500 + branches | FortiSASE |
| Cisco everywhere already | Cisco Secure Access |
| Cost‑sensitive 200‑seat startup | Perimeter 81, Cloudflare One starter |
| Public sector with strict segmentation | iboss, Zscaler, Palo Alto (GovCloud) |
Feature & capability matrix (Zscaler vs the field)
| Feature | Zscaler | Prisma | Netskope | Cisco | Cloudflare | Fortinet | Check Point | Akamai | iboss | Versa | P81 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWG | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ZTNA | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Inline CASB | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Lim | ✓ | Lim | ✓ | Lim | Lim | Lim | Lim |
| API CASB | ✓ | Lim | ✓ | Lim | Lim | Lim | Lim | Lim | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| DLP EDM | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Lim | ✕ | Lim | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Browser Isolation | Add‑on | ✓ | ✓ | Lim | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| SD‑WAN native | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ |
“✓ = native,” “Lim = limited/add‑on,” “✕ = not offered.” Always confirm with your vendor rep—roadmaps move fast.
Migration checklist (if you decide to switch)
- Inventory everything – Users, apps, IP ranges, PAC files, GRE/IPSec tunnels.
- Export Zscaler configs – Categories, DLP dictionaries, app segments.
- Map policies – Watch regex syntax differences.
- Pilot – 5 – 10 % of users in two regions; test critical SaaS and internal apps.
- Identity dry run – SSO handshake first, then device posture checks.
- Parallel tunnels – Keep both platforms live for at least one billing cycle.
- Cutover & monitor – Enable logging to SIEM day 1; watch SSL inspection errors.
- Retire old agents – Remove Zscaler Client Connector gradually.
- Document & train – New console workflows save help‑desk tickets.
Download a printable worksheet here (swap with your own lead magnet).
FAQs
Is Zscaler a VPN replacement?
Yes—ZPA replaces traditional VPNs by granting per‑app, not network‑level, access through TLS micro‑tunnels.
Which alternative is cheapest?
Perimeter 81 and Cloudflare One have the lowest list rates. Large enterprises often see better volume pricing with Fortinet or Cisco.
Does every platform need a device agent?
Most do, but Cloudflare One, Perimeter 81, Akamai EAA, and Zscaler offer client‑less modes for browser‑based apps.
How big is the cut‑over effort?
Plan on 4 – 12 weeks for under 5,000 users if you have solid identity hygiene. The biggest delay is usually rewriting DLP and URL filtering policies.
(Full FAQ schema in page source helps you win rich snippets.)
Final thoughts & next steps
Picking a Zscaler competitor isn’t about logo‑counting—it’s matching your identity stack, data sensitivity, and budget to a platform that can grow with you. Shortlist three, run a 30‑day pilot, and force each vendor to map every feature to a real business outcome.
