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Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is rapidly becoming a necessity for enterprises seeking to secure their networks. Traditional VPNs have fallen behind and can no longer meet the demands of modern remote/hybrid workforces, allowing too much movement and exposing too many attack surfaces.
Instead of opening the entire network, ZTNA takes a different approach to enterprise security by reviewing every access request on a case-by-case basis, examining factors such as identity, device health, and context before granting access.
The challenge for enterprises looking to utilize this technology is that while many vendors promise “zero trust,” not all the tools on the market are created equal. Some are lightning-fast, others are compliance heavyweights, and a few are tailor-made for smaller teams that just need to remain agile and keep things moving.
In this guide, we will provide a comparison of 10 ZTNA solutions that will protect you and your teams in 2026 and beyond, breaking down the pros, cons, and key features.
The work environment has changed. Teams are dispersed across the globe, applications are hosted in the cloud, and attackers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. If you are still reliant on a VPN to get work done, you are providing users with lateral network access, and that’s precisely what cybercriminals want to.
ZTNA eliminates this by hiding applications from the internet, verifying who is connecting (and what device), and providing access to only what is needed. No more open front doors, and no more lateral, unnecessary movements.
It also helps streamline compliance by eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy, providing a more secure way for third-party contractors to gain access. The end result is a drastically reduced attack surface while ensuring employees can remain productive.
When evaluating ZTNA solutions, here are a few factors to keep in mind:
Identity and device posture verification: The best solutions will confirm who/what device is accessing the service and whether or not the device is healthy before providing access.
Application native access: Rather than opening up the entire network, ZTNA should enforce access controls to lock down at the application level, which can be leveraged to prevent lateral movement.
Hybrid and multicloud: Your applications are running in many environments, so your ZTNA solution should provide the ability to secure access for on-premises, cloud, and edge environments.
Flexible access: You want solutions that provide agent-based access and agentless access as needed.
User experience and visibility: Security solutions that slow people down won't survive. You need to provide fast connections, clear policies, and easy-to-understand reporting.
Check Point brings its formidable reputation for strong security into the ZTNA market with Harmony SASE Private Access. It’s built for enterprises that want reliable protection and smooth access across users, apps, and locations.
Delivers ZTNA capabilities across data centers, clouds, and branch sites
Uses a global full-mesh backbone for fast and consistent connections
Identity-driven, least-privilege policies limit access
Natively integrates advanced threat prevention from Check Point
All managed using a single, unified SASE console
Strong security heritage you can trust
Mesh architecture helps provide high performance globally
Centralized management simplifies policy and monitoring
Pricing isn’t public and requires a sales conversation
Enterprise-focused. May be more than smaller teams need
Best For - Enterprises want to use a proven security leader providing ZTNA and SASE capabilities in one platform
If you're looking for speed and simplicity, Cloudflare is a standout option. Built on one of the largest networks in the world, Cloudflare Access is, overall, one of the easiest ZTNA tools you can deploy quickly.
Integrates with popular identity providers
Agent and agentless access options
Policies can factor in variables like user, device, and location
Delivered through Cloudflare’s global edge
A good choice for third-party and contractor access
Lightning-fast global performance
Fast setup with transparent pricing tiers
Strong documentation and developer support
Some advanced features require additional services
Complex estates may need careful policy design
Best For: Companies wanting global speed while deploying a straightforward ZTNA solution quickly.
Palo Alto brings deep security expertise into Prisma Access, positioning it as a comprehensive enterprise solution that blends ZTNA with broader SASE capabilities.
“ZTNA 2.0” with app-level controls
Management for apps, data, and users all in one view
Cloud-delivered security at scale
Full compliance and governance features
Strong supporting global infrastructure
Rich set of security controls across the stack
Strong support and analytics with an enterprise feel
Flexible licensing for different requirements
Setup can be complex and time-consuming
Heavy learning curve for smaller IT teams
Best For: Enterprises with complicated security requirements and compliance objectives.
Cisco's Universal ZTNA, combined with its Secure Access platform, Duo, and identity intelligence, provides enterprises with a unified solution to protect hybrid environments.
OmniCloud-driven security across enterprise security and SaaS
Duo integration for a better, more dependable device trust
İnvited third-party apps with the built-in threat controls
Great coverage across a range of apps and workloads
Supported by Cisco's global ecosystem
Strategic fit for hybrid IT environments
Directly backed by independent AAA test data
Large partner and support network
Dashboard and tools can feel fragmented
Some features overlap with other Cisco products
Best For: Large organizations with hybrid setups and pre-existing Cisco workflows
Fortinet offers ZTNA as a component of FortiSASE while combining access with its well-known Secure Fabric. As new features are released, they are regularly updated, keeping the product fresh and enterprise-ready.
A converged SASE stack with ZTNA built in
Agentless portal access for web-based apps
Access policies based on explicit device and identity
Deeply integrated with Fortinet's Security Fabric
Extensive training and certification available
All-in-one security stack reduces complexity
Regular product updates ensure modern features
Global support and a large customer base
Requires running FortiClient agents for full functionality
Can be resource-intensive for smaller IT teams
Best for: Enterprises seeking ZTNA as part of a comprehensive security (threat management) ecosystem.
Zscaler was an early leader in cloud-based ZTNA, and Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) remains one of the most widely adopted solutions as an enterprise solution to date.
Application-level access without network exposure
Substantial risk-based access policies
Works with any application, any device
Bundled with the larger Zscaler platform
Detailed reporting and analytics
Mature, proven ZTNA solution
Granular, app-level controls
Extensive integrations and ecosystem
Initial deployment can feel complex
May require multiple connectors for global performance
Best For: Large enterprises looking for a tried-and-tested ZTNA leader
Previously known as NetMotion, Absolute Secure Access is focused on resilient connectivity combined with modern ZTNA and SSE capabilities.
ZTNA plus SWG, CASB, RBI, and DLP in one platform
Smooth transition from VPN to ZTNA
Optimized for mobile and field workforces
Policy-based traffic optimization
Strong reliability for unstable networks
Excellent for mobile and remote teams
Converged features beyond just ZTNA
Prove track record
The user interface can feel dated
Smaller ecosystem than hyperscale vendors
Best For: Organizations focused on distributed or mobile-focused teams.
Aviatrix supports ZTNA in multicloud environments, providing secure access and leveraging actual network experience across AWS, Azure, GCP, and more.
Zero-trust access at the edge or cloud boundary
Deeply integrated with Microsoft Entra and SSE control functions
L4–L7 security with user-level policies
Distributed cloud firewall for segmentation
Total transparency on the multicloud networks
Remarkable for multicloud networking complexity
Strong monitoring and visibility
Integrates cleanly with the Microsoft security stack
Smaller brand recognition outside cloud-native circles
Requires networking expertise to unlock full potential
Best For: Organization "serious" about multicloud experience
From the team behind NordVPN, NordLayer focuses on bringing ZTNA to smaller businesses and mid-market enterprises with straightforward pricing and easy onboarding.
Application and resource-based identity access
Options for dedicated IPs and gateways
Device posture checks to ensure compliance
Centralized management with SSO
Clear pricing plans
Affordable and transparent pricing
Simple to deploy and maintain
Great for team scaling
Limited integrations compared to enterprise giants
Some admin features lack the depth of larger platforms
Best for: SMB and mid-market teams seeking simplified ZTNA.
Twingate is a modern ZTNA product that is developer-friendly and designed for simplicity, speed, and automation. Twingate offers a generous free tier to get started.
App-centric access through lightweight connectors
Use as agents and through the browser
Terraform and Pulumi-friendly automation support
DNS and egress controls (in beta)
Flexibility through free or paid options
Very fast to deploy
Simple user experience and admin experience
Very easy to use for third-party and contractor access
Compliance depth is minimal when focusing on enterprise use cases
Still in a maturation process when it comes to advanced data security features
Best For: Teams wanting an agility-friendly, automation-friendly ZTNA
ZTNA has quickly evolved from a niche service offering into a practical way for businesses to protect themselves with better access controls while reducing user friction.
Every vendor has their own approach. Palo Alto and Zscaler offer more compliance-centric solutions for those operating in highly regulated industries. Cisco and Fortinet offer interesting solutions if you want ZTNA as part of a comprehensive security stack. And if you are looking for a reliable, all-around solution that covers the bases in terms of security, performance, and scalability, Check Point is the clear standout.
So, what can we learn from this comparison? There’s no single “best” ZTNA solution for all businesses. It’s about finding the one that fits your company. Create a shortlist of a couple of vendors, conduct a pilot, and determine if any of them strike the right balance between security, performance, and usability for your team. The right one will give you tighter controls, happier users, and less future security trouble.
