Picking a SASE platform can feel like choosing a spaceship. They all promise speed, shields, and a smooth ride. Zscaler is one of the biggest names in the space. But it is not the only captain in the galaxy.
TLDR: Zscaler is strong, but many enterprises compare it with platforms like Palo Alto Prisma Access, Netskope, Cato Networks, and Cloudflare One. For example, a company with 2,000 remote users may replace old VPNs with SASE and cut access tickets by 30% to 40%. The best choice depends on your apps, users, budget, and security team size.
What Is SASE, in Plain English?
SASE stands for Secure Access Service Edge. Yes, it sounds like a robot from a sci-fi movie. But the idea is simple.
SASE combines network access and security in the cloud. It helps users connect safely to apps, websites, and data. It works from anywhere. Office. Home. Airport. Coffee shop with suspicious Wi-Fi.
A good SASE platform often includes:
- ZTNA, or zero trust network access
- SWG, or secure web gateway
- CASB, for cloud app control
- Firewall as a service
- SD WAN, for smarter network routing
- DLP, to stop data leaks
Zscaler does many of these things well. Still, every enterprise has different needs. Some want better SD WAN. Some want simpler pricing. Some want stronger cloud app control. That is where competitors enter the chat.
1. Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access
Prisma Access is a top Zscaler competitor. It comes from Palo Alto Networks, a giant in cybersecurity. Many security teams already use Palo Alto firewalls. So Prisma Access can feel familiar.
It offers ZTNA, SWG, CASB, firewall security, and threat prevention. It is great for large companies with complex environments. It also has strong policy controls.
Best for: Enterprises that already trust Palo Alto Networks.
2. Netskope
Netskope is famous for cloud security. It shines when users live inside SaaS apps like Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Google Workspace, and Slack.
Its key strength is data protection. Netskope can see risky activity inside cloud apps. It can stop sensitive files from going where they should not go.
Best for: Companies that care deeply about cloud app visibility and DLP.
3. Cisco Secure Access
Cisco Secure Access brings Cisco’s networking muscle into SASE. Cisco has been in enterprise networks forever. Your network team probably has at least one Cisco hoodie.
It combines secure access, web security, firewall features, and identity-based controls. It also fits well with Cisco SD WAN and other Cisco tools.
Best for: Cisco-heavy enterprises that want tighter integration.
4. Fortinet FortiSASE
FortiSASE is Fortinet’s SASE option. It connects well with FortiGate firewalls and the larger Fortinet Security Fabric.
Fortinet is known for strong security hardware and good performance. FortiSASE brings that style into the cloud. It also works nicely for distributed offices and hybrid teams.
Best for: Companies already using Fortinet firewalls.
5. Cloudflare One
Cloudflare One is fast, simple, and built on Cloudflare’s huge global network. Cloudflare is already close to a lot of internet traffic. That helps with performance.
Cloudflare One includes ZTNA, SWG, CASB, DLP, browser isolation, and email security options. It is often praised for ease of use and quick rollout.
Best for: Teams that want speed, simplicity, and global reach.
Image not found in postmeta6. Cato Networks
Cato Networks is a true SASE pioneer. It combines networking and security in one cloud-native platform. That is its big charm.
Cato is not just security glued onto a network. It was designed as one system. It includes SD WAN, ZTNA, firewall, threat protection, and secure web access.
Best for: Enterprises that want one clean platform for network and security.
7. Check Point Harmony SASE
Check Point Harmony SASE includes technology from Perimeter 81, which Check Point acquired. It focuses on simple zero trust access, secure browsing, and cloud security.
Check Point has a long security history. Harmony SASE brings that into a modern, easier package. It can be a good fit for lean teams.
Best for: Companies that want strong security with simpler management.
8. Forcepoint ONE
Forcepoint ONE focuses on protecting users, apps, and data. Its strengths include CASB, SWG, ZTNA, and DLP.
Forcepoint is often a good option for regulated industries. Think healthcare, government, finance, and legal. These teams need strict controls and clear reporting.
Best for: Organizations with heavy compliance needs.
9. Versa SASE
Versa SASE is strong in both networking and security. It offers SD WAN, firewall, secure web gateway, ZTNA, and advanced routing.
Versa is popular with service providers and large distributed businesses. If you have many branches, it deserves a close look.
Best for: Enterprises with complex branch networks.
10. Broadcom Symantec SASE
Symantec, now part of Broadcom, has deep roots in enterprise security. Its SASE tools include web security, cloud access controls, DLP, and threat protection.
Symantec is not always the flashiest name. But it is serious. It is built for big businesses with serious needs.
Best for: Large enterprises with mature security programs.
11. Skyhigh Security
Skyhigh Security focuses on Security Service Edge, or SSE. SSE is like SASE without the SD WAN part. It handles cloud security, web security, ZTNA, and data protection.
Skyhigh is especially good at finding and controlling risky cloud usage. It helps stop shadow IT from turning into a monster under the bed.
Best for: Companies that want strong SSE and cloud data protection.
12. Akamai Enterprise Security
Akamai is known for its massive edge network. Its enterprise security tools include secure access, microsegmentation, web protection, and app security.
Akamai can be a strong choice if you care about performance at the edge. It also has strong protection for web apps and APIs.
Best for: Enterprises that need fast edge security and app protection.
How to Choose the Right Zscaler Competitor
Do not pick a SASE platform because the demo looked shiny. Demos are like movie trailers. Everything looks amazing for three minutes.
Instead, ask simple questions:
- Where are your users? Mostly remote, branch-based, or hybrid?
- What apps matter most? SaaS, private apps, cloud workloads, or all of them?
- Do you need SD WAN? If yes, look closely at Cato, Versa, Cisco, and Fortinet.
- Is DLP critical? Netskope, Forcepoint, Skyhigh, and Symantec are strong here.
- How big is your team? Smaller teams may need simpler tools.
- What do you already own? Existing firewalls and licenses can change the math.
Quick Comparison
- Best all-around enterprise choice: Palo Alto Prisma Access
- Best for cloud app control: Netskope
- Best for simple global access: Cloudflare One
- Best single-cloud SASE design: Cato Networks
- Best for Cisco networks: Cisco Secure Access
- Best for Fortinet customers: FortiSASE
- Best for branch-heavy networks: Versa SASE
- Best for compliance-heavy teams: Forcepoint ONE
Final Thoughts
Zscaler is a powerful SASE platform. No doubt. But the market is packed with strong options. That is good news for buyers.
The best platform is not always the most famous one. It is the one that fits your users, apps, risks, and budget. If your teams move fast, choose a tool that keeps up. If your data is sensitive, choose stronger DLP. If your network is messy, choose a platform that can clean it up.
In short, SASE should make security feel less like a maze. It should feel more like a smart door. The right people get in. The wrong ones stay out. And nobody has to wrestle with a creaky old VPN at 8:57 on a Monday morning.
