Top Picks from the Best Zero-Trust Vendors

Image: istock/ Iurii Motov

Once someone crosses the network boundary, traditional security models can leave internal applications vulnerable. Zero-trust companies solve this issue by verifying users, devices, and access requests rather than assuming trust.

There are several different methods to implement Zero-Trust Vendors. Some are replacing traditional VPNs with application-level access controls, and others are integrating identity management, data protection, cloud security, and network controls.

This guide walks you through 10 top vendors, their capabilities, pricing, deployment options and limitations. It also outlines how to select a zero-trust solution and how to implement it without impacting the day-to-day business.

Who are Zero-Trust Vendors?

Zero-trust vendors are cybersecurity firms that offer tools and services to assist organizations in verifying all access requests and securing their digital resources. These solutions validate identities, device security, permissions and other risk factors before allowing access, rather than automatically granting access to users or devices within a corporate network.

Identity and access management, multifactor authentication or MFA, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), endpoint security, and cloud security are some of the tools that can be used for zero-trust. Some vendors specialize in getting private applications, others bundle multiple security technologies together.

The selection of the vendor is dependent on the current infrastructure, security needs, budget, and staff. The objective is to restrict access to the account or device and minimize the harm that can be done by a compromised account or device.

What Should You Look for in a Zero-Trust Vendor?

The NIST Zero Trust Architecture framework describes the need to not assume trust in users or devices simply because they are within the corporate network. Access should be based on identity, permissions, device state and requested resource.

When selecting a vendor, determine the skills your organization requires:

• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Limits users to authorized applications rather than allowing them to access the network broadly.
• Identity and device security: Uses authentication and device health checks to verify connections.
• Cloud and web protection: Safeguards internet traffic, SaaS applications, and sensitive information.
• Workload protection: Restricts access between servers, applications, and cloud environments.
• Centralized management: Helps security teams manage policies, investigate incidents, and review access activity.

These areas are covered by some vendors, and others specialize in specific use cases. If your organization just requires remote access to a handful of private applications, a wider platform isn’t necessarily the best.

Quick Comparison of Zero Trust Vendors 

Pricing models describe how vendors generally charge; exact costs depend on the selected product, edition, contract, and existing licenses. See each vendor’s official pricing page before purchasing.

Top 10 Recommended Zero Trust Vendors/Companies

Here is a list of the best zero trust cloud security tools for businesses:

Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) and Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA)

Zscaler offers cloud-based security solutions to manage access to applications and secure internet traffic. Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) is a solution that enables authorized users to access private applications without exposing the broader corporate network. The company’s Zero Trust Exchange platform safeguards web and SaaS traffic with Zscaler Internet Access.

Where it fits

Mid-size and large companies making the switch from VPNs to securing distributed workforces.

What sets it apart

ZPA limits each user to the applications they are approved to use, instead of giving them broad network access. ZIA adds web traffic inspection and security controls on top. Together, a business can manage private access and internet security from one platform.

Trade-offs to consider

Budgeting is not as easy with quote-based pricing. Existing access policies and identity integrations may also need to be changed for deployment.

Pricing

Zscaler does not have standard pricing for ZPA and ZIA. Request an itemized quote through its official pricing page. Third-party estimates vary by package and contract.

Check before buying

Ask for individual quotes for private access, internet security, and extras. Verify the behavior of access policies when a device is not compliant.

Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access

Prisma Access is Palo Alto Networks’ cloud-delivered security platform, combining zero-trust access with web security and threat prevention. It secures users from offices, home networks, and other locations. It can be integrated into a comprehensive security plan, complementing a traditional VPN.

Where it fits

Businesses that have existing Palo Alto Networks solutions or are seeking a unified network and access security solution.

What sets it apart

Prisma Access is a unified application access and broader security solution that enables organizations to control application access and internet security in a single solution.

Trade-offs to consider

Licensing and implementation can be complicated. The larger platform might also be more than what businesses need if they just want to access private applications.

Pricing

Pricing is quote-based. Request a tailored estimate through the official Prisma Access page.

Check before buying

Discuss the security features the quote contains and if there are any firewall licenses or subscriptions that can help minimize extra costs.

Netskope One Security Service Edge

Netskope One is a secure web access, cloud application control, data protection and private application access solution. It offers Netskope One Private Access to help secure connections to private resources in remote, office, and supported specialized-device environments.

Where it fits

Businesses with sensitive data and those that require cloud applications to be protected in addition to private resources.

What sets it apart

Netskope integrates access policies to data protection and cloud application security. This enables businesses to control user access and sensitive data in the context of a comprehensive security solution.

Trade-offs to consider

There is a broad range of features, which can make deployment more complex, and no standard pricing. Integrations with existing identity providers and applications should also be tested.

Pricing

Custom quote. Netskope offers a Private Access product overview and test drive, but does not publish a universal price for the full platform.

Check before buying

Verify the data protection, private access and cloud security features that are part of the proposed package.

Cloudflare Zero Trust

Cloudflare Zero Trust offers application access, secure web gateway features, and DNS filtering via Cloudflare’s worldwide network. It enables organizations to secure their internal applications while keeping them off the public internet.

Where it fits

New companies, small businesses, and expanding businesses launching zero-trust access without making an upfront investment in a large enterprise platform.

What sets it apart

Cloudflare has a free entry point and published per-user pricing. Its broad platform also integrates application access with cloud-based security services.

Trade-offs to consider

The free plan comes with restrictions, and enterprise features may need extra services. Businesses should also check log retention and add-on charges when estimating their overall costs.

Pricing

Cloudflare has a free plan for teams of up to 50 users. It charges $7 per user per month for its pay-as-you-go service. Custom pricing is used for full-featured contract plans. See the official Cloudflare Zero Trust pricing page.

Check before buying

Ensure that the access controls, logging and browser security features you need are part of the plan you choose.

Microsoft Entra Suite

Microsoft Entra Suite is a collection of identity protection, identity governance, and network access features. It has a Global Secure Access offering that consists of Microsoft Entra Private Access for internal applications and Microsoft Entra Internet Access for internet and SaaS traffic.

Where it fits

Organizations that are already utilizing Microsoft 365, Microsoft Entra ID, and Conditional Access.

What sets it apart

The suite extends Microsoft’s identity ecosystem, enabling organizations to extend access policies to users, devices, applications and resources without having to maintain a separate identity platform.

Trade-offs to consider

The final price is influenced by existing licenses. Other identity providers may require further integration efforts for businesses.

Pricing

Microsoft Entra Suite is $12 per user per month, billed annually. Microsoft Entra Private Access and Internet Access are both $5 per user per month, billed annually, as standalone products. The suite is designed to be added to eligible Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 environments. Check the official Microsoft Entra pricing page.

Check before buying

Check your current Microsoft licenses to see if it’s worth purchasing individual products or the full suite.

Okta Workforce Identity

Okta Workforce Identity offers single sign-on, multifactor authentication, identity lifecycle management, and access governance. It enables organizations to control employee identities and access to connected applications in various technology environments.

Where it fits

Organizations that require a single identity management solution for multiple cloud applications and don’t want to rely on a single productivity or cloud platform.

What sets it apart

Okta is a company that specializes in identity and authentication for multiple applications. It can be used in conjunction with a dedicated zero-trust network access solution to offer an additional identity layer.

Trade-offs to consider

Okta is not a full SASE or private network access solution, but rather an identity platform. Some advanced features might also need higher subscription levels or extra features.

Pricing

Okta offers Starter for $6 per user per month, Core Essentials for $14 per user per month, and Essentials for $17 per user per month, all on an annual basis. Custom quotes are required for Professional and Enterprise. See the official Okta pricing page.

Check before buying

Identify which authentication, lifecycle management, and access governance features your business needs before selecting a tier.

Cisco Duo

Cisco Duo is dedicated to multifactor authentication, device trust, and identity security. The VPN-less remote access to private resources and device health checks feature in its Premier plan is helpful for a zero-trust deployment.

Where it fits

SMBs seeking to beef up authentication before moving to wider access security.

What sets it apart

Duo provides a relatively simple solution for authentication and device verification. Risk-based authentication and remote access are added to these controls at higher tiers.

Trade-offs to consider

Basic authentication plans are not sufficient to implement a full zero-trust strategy. Complementary products may be needed for organizations with a large number of web filtering, data protection, or SASE requirements.

Pricing

Duo Free can support up to 10 users. According to published rates, paid plans are $3 per user per month for Essentials, $6 for Advantage and $9 for Premier. See the official Duo pricing page.

Check before buying

Do not assume that all tiers have the same features for zero trust, such as device trust and VPN-less access.

Google Chrome Enterprise Premium

Chrome Enterprise Premium is Google’s managed browser with enterprise security and access controls. It enables context-aware access, data protection policies, and other protection for browser-based work. It’s based on Google’s BeyondCorp model, which uses identity and device context rather than network location.

Where it fits

Companies that heavily depend on browser-based applications, especially those that depend on Google Cloud or managed Chrome environments.

What sets it apart

Google integrates browser management with security features, enabling administrators to set policies for browser usage and access to business applications.

Trade-offs to consider

Browser-based controls are not a substitute for all ZTNA or SASE needs. For organizations that have non-browser applications or a complex network environment, they may require more security products.

Pricing

Chrome Enterprise Premium is $6 per user per month. Chrome Enterprise Core is available free of charge. See Google’s official pricing page.

Check before buying

Test the product for your critical applications and determine if there are any non-browser resources that require access control.

Akamai Enterprise Application Access

Akamai Enterprise Application Access is a cloud-based zero-trust network access product that provides identity-based access to private applications. It is used to support web applications and some non-browser applications in data centers and cloud environments.

Where it fits

Businesses that are replacing the traditional VPN with other access methods for employees, contractors, and third-party users.

What sets it apart

Akamai can provide businesses with access to certain private applications without exposing the entire network. It relies on contextual clues such as identity and device security to make access decisions.

Trade-offs to consider

There is no public standardisation of pricing and organisations wishing to extend their web security or data protection may require extra products. Legacy application compatibility should also be tested.

Pricing

Custom quote. Akamai does not have a fixed starting price, but offers a free trial upon request. Visit the official Enterprise Application Access page for more details. 

Check before buying

Request the vendor to test your web and non-browser applications and describe access policies for contractors and unmanaged devices.

Check Point Harmony SASE

Check Point Harmony SASE integrates zero-trust private access, secure web gateway, SaaS protection and firewall functions. The platform unifies access and threat prevention policies for users, locations, and cloud resources.

Where it fits

Businesses looking to integrate private application access and expanded security features into one solution.

What sets it apart

Check Point combines access security, SaaS controls, web protection and network security. This can enable organizations to consolidate policy management rather than having to have multiple controls for each environment.

Trade-offs to consider

The broader platform might be more than organizations require if they’re just looking to replace a VPN. It is also important to check integrations and feature availability before moving existing security controls.

Pricing

The vendor’s public pricing information did not contain a current standard US starting price. Get a quote from Check Point on their official SASE page.

Check before buying

Ask for an itemized quote and verify the private access, web security, SaaS protection and networking features.

How to Implement Zero Trust?

Zero trust is more than just a platform purchase. The NIST Zero Trust Architecture and CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model offer helpful guidance on how to develop a realistic rollout plan.

• Users and resources of inventory. Define critical applications, devices, workloads and sensitive data. Begin with the systems that would have the most impact if compromised.
• Strengthen identity security. Implement multi-factor authentication, limit excess privileges, and establish guidelines for employees, contractors, and service accounts.
• Check device health. Apply device compliance signals to make connection decisions. Patch vulnerable systems and carefully manage unmanaged devices.
• Apply least-privilege access. Only allow users to access applications they need. Segment sensitive systems to reduce lateral movement when an account is accessed.
• Monitor activity. Check authentication logs, monitor for suspicious activity, and re-evaluate permissions as roles and device states evolve.
• Run a pilot. Begin with a small group and a few applications. Solve access issues before scaling up in the organization.

How to Use Gartner and Forrester Research

Gartner and Forrester provide research to aid buyers in comparing providers and understanding product categories. Reports, however, evaluate specific markets, and an SSE assessment should not be considered as an evaluation of all zero-trust products.

Gartner searches for zero trust vendors could result in research on ZTNA, SSE or SASE. While some of these categories overlap, a vendor with a wide range of SASE capabilities might not be the ideal fit for a company that requires only private application access.

Leverage analyst research and official product documentation, pricing, and proof of concept testing. Being a vendor in a report does not mean that it will meet your technical needs or budget.

Conclusion

The best zero-trust solution will vary based on your applications, identity systems, infrastructure, and security requirements. Some organizations are looking for a targeted VPN replacement; others are looking for more comprehensive protection for users, devices, cloud workloads, and sensitive data.

Know the features in each package, consider current licensing needs, and expand by testing your product of choice. A successful zero-trust deployment will reinforce access controls and maintain a practical and secure day-to-day business.

Editorial disclosure: This comparison is based on the documented capabilities of the products and published pricing, where available. Affiliate commissions, sponsorships or paid placements should not be a factor in vendor rankings. If there are any commercial relationships or affiliate links disclosed before publication, they are in accordance with WhichTop10.com’s policy.

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