9 Best Zscaler Alternatives and Competitors in 2026

Zscaler is a cloud-native cybersecurity platform built around its Zero Trust Exchange architecture. Its portfolio covers secure internet access, private application access, Zero Trust SASE, data security, cloud security, digital experience monitoring, and security operations. Zscaler has also expanded its platform to secure branches, workloads, unmanaged devices, and AI agents.

Zscaler Internet Access provides secure web gateway, CASB, DLP, cloud firewall, sandboxing, Zero Trust Browser, and related security capabilities, while Zscaler Private Access provides Zero Trust access to private applications. Its broader Zero Trust SASE platform extends these capabilities across users, branches, devices, workloads, and AI agents.

This broad cloud-delivered approach makes Zscaler particularly relevant for organizations replacing VPNs, traditional secure web gateways, and parts of their network-security infrastructure. Its subscription model is tailored to factors such as users, deployment scale, and selected capabilities, so organizations may also evaluate alternatives based on pricing, deployment model, integrations, and security architecture.

This guide covers 9 Zscaler alternatives and competitors in 2026, including platforms for SASE, SSE, Zero Trust Network Access, secure web gateways, CASB, DLP, cloud security, SD-WAN, and enterprise network protection.

Why Look for Zscaler Alternatives?

Zscaler provides extensive cloud-delivered security capabilities, but its architecture and product model may not match every organization’s requirements.

Common reasons to consider Zscaler alternatives include:

• Need stronger network infrastructure integration: Organizations that want security tightly integrated with physical or virtual firewalls, SD-WAN, branch appliances, or existing network infrastructure may evaluate alternatives with a broader networking portfolio.
• Need a different SASE architecture: Some organizations may prefer a SASE platform that combines networking and security more tightly instead of adopting a primarily proxy-based SSE architecture.
• Need simpler deployment: Large Zscaler deployments can involve multiple policies, traffic-forwarding configurations, identity integrations, agents, and security controls. Organizations may look for platforms that better match their existing architecture.
• Need deeper firewall capabilities: Companies that require traditional next-generation firewall functionality alongside SASE may evaluate vendors with firewall-first architectures.
• Need broader endpoint security: Zscaler focuses heavily on network, access, cloud, and data security. Organizations looking for a broader endpoint security and EDR platform may consider alternatives that combine these capabilities.
• Need different pricing options: Zscaler uses subscription-based pricing that varies according to users, deployment scale, and selected capabilities. Organizations may compare vendors with different licensing structures.
• Need stronger data-security specialization: Organizations with complex DLP, DSPM, insider-risk, and data-classification requirements may evaluate vendors with particularly deep data-security capabilities.
• Need an integrated network and security platform: Companies looking to consolidate SD-WAN, firewall, routing, SASE, and security controls into one platform may consider alternatives such as Cato Networks or Fortinet.

Zscaler Competitors Comparison Table

The following table compares nine Zscaler alternatives across their major security services, primary use cases, free-plan availability, G2 ratings, and publicly available pricing.

Top 9 Zscaler Alternatives and Competitors in 2026

The Zscaler alternatives below cover different approaches to SSE and SASE. Netskope and Skyhigh Security emphasize cloud and data protection, Palo Alto Networks and Fortinet combine security with broader infrastructure capabilities, while Cloudflare focuses on cloud-native connectivity and Zero Trust. Cato Networks takes a unified networking and security approach, while Forcepoint and iboss emphasize secure web, data, and cloud-delivered security.

1. Netskope

Netskope is one of the closest Zscaler alternatives for organizations evaluating SSE, SASE, CASB, SWG, ZTNA, DLP, and cloud security. The Netskope One platform provides visibility and control across cloud applications, web traffic, private applications, data, users, and devices. G2 currently lists Netskope at 4.4/5 across 97 reviews.

Netskope places particular emphasis on cloud and data security, making it relevant for organizations that need detailed visibility into SaaS applications and sensitive data. Its portfolio also includes Netskope Private Access and DSPM capabilities for protecting private applications and discovering sensitive data across environments.

As a Zscaler alternative, Netskope is particularly relevant when an organization’s requirements extend beyond secure web and private application access into granular cloud-app visibility, data protection, DLP, and data-security posture management.

Key Features

• Secure Web Gateway: Inspects web traffic and applies security policies to protect users from malicious websites, threats, and inappropriate content.
• CASB: Provides visibility and control over cloud applications, including sanctioned and unsanctioned SaaS usage.
• ZTNA: Netskope Private Access provides secure, application-level access to private resources without exposing the network.
• DLP: Protects sensitive information across web, cloud applications, private applications, and other supported channels.
• DSPM: Discovers and provides visibility into sensitive data across cloud and other environments.
• SASE: Combines networking and security capabilities for distributed users and locations.
• Cloud Security: Provides security controls for cloud applications, workloads, data, and user activity.
• AI Security: Provides controls for monitoring and securing enterprise use of generative AI applications.

Also Read: Best Netskope Alternatives and Competitors in 2026

2. Palo Alto Networks

Palo Alto Networks provides Prisma Access as a broad alternative to Zscaler for organizations evaluating SASE, SSE, secure web access, ZTNA, cloud-delivered firewalling, and security operations. Prisma Access can secure users, applications, devices, and data across remote and branch environments.

Prisma Access supports different license editions for secure web gateway, ZTNA, and broader enterprise access requirements. The platform also fits into Palo Alto Networks’ wider security portfolio, allowing organizations to connect SASE with its firewall, cloud security, endpoint, XDR, and security-operations products.

As a Zscaler alternative, Palo Alto Networks is relevant for organizations that want SASE and Zero Trust capabilities alongside a broader security ecosystem, particularly when next-generation firewall, cloud security, and security-operations products are already part of the environment.

Key Features

• Secure Web Gateway: Prisma Access provides secure internet access and web traffic inspection for distributed users and locations.
• ZTNA: Provides identity-based access to private applications and resources without traditional network-level access.
• Cloud Firewall: Provides firewall capabilities within the cloud-delivered security platform.
• SASE: Combines networking and security capabilities for users, branches, and applications.
• CASB: Provides visibility and security controls for SaaS applications and cloud services.
• DLP: Helps protect sensitive information across supported web, cloud, and private-access traffic.
• Cloud Security: Integrates with Palo Alto Networks’ broader Prisma Cloud portfolio for cloud-security requirements.
• Security Operations: Cortex products can extend the security stack into XDR, SIEM, SOAR, and threat investigation.

Also Read: Best Palo Alto Networks Alternatives and Competitors in 2026

3. Cloudflare

Cloudflare provides a cloud-native alternative to Zscaler through Cloudflare One, which combines Zero Trust access, secure web gateway, DLP, CASB, cloud firewall, and related security services. Its platform runs across Cloudflare’s global network rather than requiring organizations to deploy traditional security appliances.

Cloudflare also provides broader application and network-security capabilities, including DDoS protection, WAF, bot management, API security, and application performance services. This makes it useful for organizations that want security and connectivity across users, applications, networks, and internet-facing services.

As a Zscaler alternative, Cloudflare is particularly relevant for organizations that want to combine Zero Trust and SASE with application security and global network services. Cloudflare currently offers a free Zero Trust plan for teams under 50 users and a $7/user/month pay-as-you-go plan for broader use cases.

Key Features

• Zero Trust Access: Provides identity-aware access to private applications and resources without exposing internal networks.
• Secure Web Gateway: Filters and inspects internet traffic to protect users from web-based threats.
• CASB: Provides visibility and controls for SaaS applications and cloud services.
• DLP: Helps identify and protect sensitive information across supported traffic and applications.
• Cloud Firewall: Provides cloud-based network security and traffic-control capabilities.
• WAF: Protects web applications and APIs from application-layer attacks.
• DDoS Protection: Protects networks, applications, and infrastructure against distributed denial-of-service attacks.
• Application Security: Provides WAF, bot management, API security, and related application-protection capabilities.

Also Read: Best Cloudflare Alternatives and Competitors in 2026

4. Cisco

Cisco Secure Access provides an SSE and SASE-oriented alternative to Zscaler, combining secure internet access and private application access with Zero Trust capabilities. Cisco also has a much broader networking and security portfolio that includes Secure Firewall, SD-WAN, Duo, ISE, and XDR.

Cisco Secure Access is licensed per covered user and supports Essentials and Advantage packages, with subscription terms and pricing determined by user count and licensing configuration.

As a Zscaler alternative, Cisco is relevant to organizations that already operate Cisco networking or security infrastructure and want secure access to fit into that environment. Its broader portfolio can also be useful when SASE needs to coexist with firewalls, identity, endpoint, and network-management technologies.

Key Features

• Secure Internet Access: Provides security controls for internet and SaaS traffic.
• Private Application Access: Provides Zero Trust access to private applications without traditional VPN-based network access.
• SWG: Provides secure web gateway capabilities for inspecting and controlling internet traffic.
• CASB: Provides visibility and control over cloud applications and services.
• ZTNA: Uses identity and security context to control application access.
• Firewall: Cisco provides Secure Firewall for organizations that also require traditional network-security controls.
• SD-WAN: Cisco provides SD-WAN capabilities that can be combined with its broader SASE architecture.
• Identity Security: Duo and Cisco ISE provide identity, authentication, device trust, and network-access controls.

Also Read: Best Cisco Alternatives and Competitors in 2026

5. Fortinet

Fortinet provides FortiSASE as an alternative to Zscaler for organizations that want SASE integrated with a broader network and security ecosystem. FortiSASE combines secure internet access, ZTNA, FWaaS, SD-WAN, and other security capabilities.

Fortinet also provides a large portfolio covering FortiGate firewalls, endpoint security, cloud security, SIEM, SOAR, NDR, and other security technologies. This allows organizations to connect SASE with physical, virtual, and cloud-based security infrastructure.

As a Zscaler alternative, Fortinet is particularly relevant for organizations that want to combine SASE with traditional firewall, branch networking, SD-WAN, and broader Security Fabric technologies rather than adopting a primarily cloud-proxy-based architecture.

Key Features

• SASE: FortiSASE combines networking and security services for users and distributed locations.
• ZTNA: Provides identity- and context-based access to applications and resources.
• Secure Web Gateway: Protects users and devices from web-based threats and malicious traffic.
• Firewall-as-a-Service: Extends Fortinet firewall controls into cloud-delivered environments.
• SD-WAN: Provides secure connectivity between branches, users, and cloud environments.
• CASB: Provides security controls and visibility for cloud applications.
• Cloud Security: Fortinet extends its Security Fabric into cloud workloads and applications.
• Network Security: FortiGate provides broader firewall and network-security capabilities when organizations require physical or virtual security infrastructure.

Also Read: Best Fortinet Alternatives and Competitors in 2026

6. Cato Networks

Cato Networks provides a unified SASE platform that combines SD-WAN, cloud-native security, Zero Trust access, firewall-as-a-service, secure web gateway, and other networking and security functions. Its architecture is designed to replace multiple networking and security point products with a converged platform.

Cato’s SASE Cloud provides networking and security through a global cloud platform, with a single policy and management approach. G2 currently lists Cato Networks at 4.5/5 across 83 reviews, with Cato SASE Cloud covering categories including SASE, SSE, SD-WAN, CASB, and Zero Trust Networking.

As a Zscaler alternative, Cato is particularly relevant when an organization wants to combine SASE with SD-WAN and broader network transformation rather than focusing primarily on SSE capabilities.

Key Features

• SASE: Combines networking and security capabilities in a unified cloud platform.
• SD-WAN: Provides software-defined connectivity for branches, sites, users, and cloud environments.
• Firewall-as-a-Service: Provides cloud-delivered network security without traditional firewall appliances.
• Secure Web Gateway: Inspects and protects internet traffic against web-based threats.
• ZTNA: Provides identity-based access to private applications and resources.
• CASB: Provides visibility and controls for cloud applications and services.
• DLP: Helps protect sensitive data across supported traffic and applications.
• Network Monitoring: Provides visibility into network performance and security from a centralized platform.

7. Skyhigh Security

Skyhigh Security provides a data-centric Security Service Edge platform covering secure web gateway, CASB, private access, DLP, browser security, DSPM, and cloud-native application protection. Its portfolio is particularly focused on protecting data as users access cloud applications and internet resources.

The Skyhigh Security Service Edge platform brings together SWG, CASB, Private Access, and cloud-native application protection, while its broader portfolio adds data-security and browser-security capabilities. G2 currently lists Skyhigh Security at 4.4/5 across 36 reviews.

As a Zscaler alternative, Skyhigh Security is relevant to organizations where data protection and DLP are central requirements alongside SSE and Zero Trust access. Its architecture can also appeal to teams looking for a security platform with a strong data-security focus.

Key Features

• Secure Web Gateway: Protects users when they access websites and cloud applications.
• CASB: Provides visibility and control over SaaS and cloud applications.
• Private Access: Provides Zero Trust access to private applications and resources.
• DLP: Protects sensitive information across web, cloud, endpoint, and other supported channels.
• Browser Security: Provides controls for protecting data and user activity inside browser sessions.
• DSPM: Provides visibility into sensitive data and data-security posture across environments.
• CNAPP: Provides cloud-native application protection across supported cloud environments.
• Security Service Edge: Combines major SSE capabilities through a centralized cloud platform.

8. Forcepoint

Forcepoint provides an alternative to Zscaler centered on secure web access, data security, DLP, CASB, Zero Trust, SD-WAN, and firewall technologies. Its portfolio combines network and cloud security with extensive data-protection capabilities.

Forcepoint’s product portfolio includes Next-Generation Firewall, DLP, CASB, Web Security, Data Security Cloud, FlexEdge Secure SD-WAN, ZTNA, Remote Browser Isolation, DSPM, and Forcepoint ONE Firewall. G2 currently lists Forcepoint at 4.3/5 across 252 reviews.

As a Zscaler alternative, Forcepoint is particularly relevant to organizations that want secure web and cloud access but also place significant emphasis on DLP, data classification, data security, and controlling how sensitive information is used.

Key Features

• Secure Web Gateway: Provides web security and controls for internet traffic and user activity.
• DLP: Helps prevent sensitive-data exfiltration across multiple channels.
• CASB: Provides visibility and controls for cloud applications and services.
• ZTNA: Provides identity-based access to applications and resources.
• SD-WAN: FlexEdge Secure SD-WAN combines networking and security for distributed environments.
• Firewall: Forcepoint NGFW provides network security, traffic inspection, and advanced threat protection.
• Remote Browser Isolation: Separates browser sessions from endpoints to reduce exposure to web-based threats.
• DSPM: Provides visibility and controls for sensitive data across supported cloud and enterprise environments.

Also Read: Best Forcepoint Alternatives and Competitors in 2026

9. iboss

iboss provides a cloud-delivered SSE and SASE platform designed to replace traditional VPN, SWG, firewall, CASB, SD-WAN, and browser-isolation technologies. Its platform provides security through a cloud architecture rather than requiring organizations to deploy security appliances at each location. G2 currently lists iboss at 4.0/5 across 16 reviews.

The iboss platform covers secure web access, cloud access security, Zero Trust, SD-WAN, browser isolation, and related security capabilities. G2 describes the platform as a consolidated SaaS network and security service covering VPN, SWG, SD-WAN, firewall, CASB, and browser isolation.

As a Zscaler alternative, iboss is relevant to organizations looking for a consolidated cloud security platform that can replace several traditional network-security components while supporting distributed users and locations.

Key Features

• Secure Web Gateway: Inspects web traffic and blocks malicious or inappropriate content.
• SASE: Combines networking and security capabilities through a cloud-delivered platform.
• ZTNA: Provides secure, identity-based access to private applications and resources.
• CASB: Provides visibility and control over cloud applications.
• SD-WAN: Provides cloud-managed connectivity for distributed sites and users.
• Cloud Firewall: Provides firewall capabilities through its cloud security architecture.
• Browser Isolation: Separates risky web activity from endpoint devices.
• VPN Replacement: Provides secure application and internet access without relying on traditional VPN infrastructure.

How to Choose Zscaler Alternatives

Choosing a Zscaler alternative depends on whether you primarily need SSE, full SASE, Zero Trust access, data security, or a combination of networking and security.

• SSE requirements: Compare SWG, CASB, ZTNA, DLP, browser security, sandboxing, and cloud firewall capabilities.
• SASE architecture: If you need networking and security together, compare SD-WAN, FWaaS, ZTNA, SWG, and centralized policy management.
• Zero Trust: Evaluate application-level access, identity integration, device posture, least-privilege controls, and authentication options.
• Data security: Compare DLP, DSPM, data classification, insider-risk controls, and protection across SaaS, web, endpoint, email, and cloud environments.
• Network infrastructure: Organizations replacing VPNs and traditional network security should determine whether they also need SD-WAN, branch connectivity, routing, or firewall appliances.
• Cloud security: Compare workload protection, cloud posture management, cloud access, container security, and multicloud support if cloud infrastructure is part of the project.
• Security operations: Evaluate logging, threat detection, investigation, analytics, automation, and integrations with existing SIEM and SOAR platforms.
• Deployment: Consider agent-based, proxy-based, cloud-native, appliance-based, hybrid, and browser-based deployment requirements.
• Identity integration: Check compatibility with Microsoft Entra ID, Okta, Active Directory, Google Workspace, and other identity providers.
• Performance: Compare global points of presence, traffic-routing architecture, latency, bandwidth requirements, and user experience.
• Third-party integrations: Review integrations with endpoints, cloud platforms, SaaS applications, identity providers, firewalls, SIEMs, and network infrastructure.
• Pricing and licensing: Compare per-user, per-device, traffic-based, module-based, and enterprise subscription models across the complete deployment rather than comparing one individual feature.

Conclusion

Zscaler provides a cloud-native security architecture centered on the Zero Trust Exchange, with capabilities spanning secure internet access, private application access, SASE, data security, cloud security, and security operations. Its platform is increasingly extending Zero Trust controls across users, branches, workloads, devices, and AI agents.

Netskope and Skyhigh Security provide strong alternatives for organizations that prioritize cloud and data security, while Palo Alto Networks and Fortinet combine SSE and SASE capabilities with broader firewall and enterprise-security portfolios. Cisco provides another option for organizations already operating a substantial networking and security infrastructure.

Cloudflare offers a cloud-native approach combining Zero Trust with application, network, and DDoS protection. Cato Networks combines networking and security into a unified SASE architecture, while Forcepoint places particular emphasis on data protection and DLP. iboss provides another cloud-delivered approach for organizations looking to consolidate secure web access, Zero Trust, SD-WAN, and other network-security functions.

When comparing Zscaler alternatives, focus on SSE capabilities, SASE architecture, ZTNA, SWG, CASB, DLP, data security, SD-WAN, firewall capabilities, cloud security, integrations, performance, deployment, and total licensing costs. The right alternative depends on whether the organization is primarily replacing Zscaler’s secure-access capabilities or looking for a broader networking and security platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best Zscaler alternatives?

Leading Zscaler alternatives include Netskope, Palo Alto Networks, Cloudflare, Cisco, Fortinet, Cato Networks, Skyhigh Security, Forcepoint, and iboss. These platforms differ in their focus across SSE, SASE, Zero Trust, data security, networking, and cloud security.

2. What is Zscaler used for?

Zscaler provides cloud-delivered cybersecurity services including secure web gateway, Zero Trust Network Access, CASB, DLP, cloud firewall, browser security, private application access, and SASE.

3. Is Netskope a Zscaler alternative?

Yes. Netskope is a major SSE and SASE alternative with capabilities including CASB, SWG, ZTNA, DLP, DSPM, cloud security, and private application access. G2 currently lists Netskope at 4.4/5 across 97 reviews.

4. Is Palo Alto Networks a Zscaler competitor?

Yes. Prisma Access provides secure web access, ZTNA, cloud firewall, and SASE capabilities and can be integrated with Palo Alto Networks’ wider security portfolio.

5. Is Cloudflare a Zscaler alternative?

Yes. Cloudflare provides Zero Trust, SWG, CASB, DLP, cloud firewall, and SASE capabilities through Cloudflare One. Its broader platform also provides WAF, DDoS protection, and application security.

6. Is Fortinet a Zscaler alternative?

Yes. FortiSASE provides SASE capabilities including secure internet access, ZTNA, FWaaS, and SD-WAN. Fortinet also offers firewalls, endpoint security, cloud security, SIEM, and SOAR for organizations that need a broader security platform.

7. Is Cato Networks a Zscaler competitor?

Yes. Cato provides a unified SASE platform combining SD-WAN, security, Zero Trust, firewall-as-a-service, and secure access. Its architecture is particularly relevant to organizations looking to converge networking and security.

8. Does Zscaler replace a VPN?

Zscaler Private Access can replace traditional VPN-based access for private applications by providing identity-based, application-level access. Zscaler’s broader platform also supports Zero Trust access for users, devices, branches, workloads, and other entities.

9. Does Zscaler provide DLP?

Yes. Zscaler provides DLP as part of its data-security platform. Its current data-security offering extends protection across web, GenAI, endpoints, email, SaaS, and IaaS environments.

10. Does Zscaler provide SASE?

Yes. Zscaler currently offers Zero Trust SASE combining its Zero Trust Exchange with networking and security capabilities for users, branches, workloads, and devices.

11. How much does Zscaler cost?

Zscaler uses a subscription-based pricing model. Pricing depends on factors including the number of users, deployment scale, selected products and add-ons, and other requirements, so organizations generally need a customized quote.

12. What should I consider when replacing Zscaler?

Compare SWG, CASB, ZTNA, DLP, SASE, SD-WAN, cloud firewall, identity integrations, data-security capabilities, deployment architecture, performance, third-party integrations, and total licensing costs.