Many businesses trust Zscaler for cloud security, but as needs change in 2025, some are exploring other options for better flexibility, easier integration, and more predictable pricing.
Today, companies want solutions that are quick to set up, simple to manage, and work well with their current systems.
In this guide, you’ll discover the top Zscaler alternatives, learn what makes each one unique, and see key features, pros, and cons. You’ll also find tips to help you choose the right cloud security solution for your business.
Best Zscaler Competitors: A Detailed Comparison
What is Zscaler?
Zscaler is a cloud security solution that helps businesses keep their data and users safe when employees access the internet or cloud applications from any location. It monitors online activity, blocks threats, and ensures secure connections wherever work happens.
- All user internet traffic goes through Zscaler’s cloud. It checks for threats before the traffic reaches company computers.
- Zscaler uses Zero Trust security. This means no user or device is trusted unless they prove who they are.
- It has Cloud Access Security Broker features to control and watch how cloud apps are used.
- IT teams get one dashboard to manage both office and remote users.
- Zscaler updates its security to stop new cyber attacks as they happen.
Pros of Zscaler
Zscaler is popular with many companies. It gives strong security and is easy to use for small or big teams.
- Automatic threat detection blocks bad websites, malware, and phishing. It works before users see any danger.
- Real-time alerts help security teams act fast. Dashboards show what is happening right now.
- Zscaler is cloud-based. There is no hardware to set up. Security works at the office, at home, or anywhere.
- Single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication keep logins safe and simple.
- Zscaler can protect one office or many offices. It grows as your company grows.
Cons of Zscaler
Zscaler can get expensive as you add more users or advanced features. This can make budget planning difficult.
- It is hard to connect Zscaler to older software or on-premise systems. Extra setup and support may be needed.
- Learning all of Zscaler’s tools takes time and training. Teams may take longer to get fully started.
- Some businesses notice slow speeds or delays with large data traffic.
- Support is not always fast. Some tickets are fixed quickly, but others take longer to resolve.
What to Look For in Zscaler Alternatives?
Switching to a new platform is important. The best Zscaler alternatives give strong security and save money and time.
- Look for clear pricing and flexible plans. This helps you avoid hidden costs as your business grows.
- Choose solutions that connect easily with your current cloud tools and identity systems. Easy integration means less downtime and fewer IT problems.
- Find a platform with a simple dashboard and clear instructions. This makes setup faster and helps everyone learn quickly.
- Automated threat detection and response should be built-in. These features protect your data at all times and lower manual work.
- Strong customer support is important. Pick a company with fast, helpful service that real users trust.
10 Top Zscaler Alternatives & Competitors to Consider in 2025
Zscaler Alternative #1: Infisign
Infisign is gaining attention as a next-gen security leader. With AI-powered automation, 6000+ deep integrations, and multi-ecosystem, hybrid identity management, Infisign is one of the top Zscaler competitors to look at.
What makes infisign stand out is the fact that it has a zero-trust architecture, adaptive MFA, alongside several other advanced authentication features without any hidden cost. Moreover, it also comes with AI access assist that significantly reduces admin time and helps avoid roadblocks that delay the essential workflow.
Key Features:
- Universal SSO and adaptive MFA: Combine top-tier access security with user convenience, working seamlessly across modern and legacy apps. Log in using social logins, OTPs, QR codes, biometrics, and push-notifications.
- Attribute-Based Access Control: This allows you to define precise permissions, minimizing the risk of insider threats or accidental data leaks. Add and remove hundreds of users based on attributes you choose in one go.
- 6,000+ API integrations: This helps connect even the most complex environments, from SaaS to on-premises, with just a few clicks.
- AI Access Assist: AI-driven automation reduces manual monitoring, catching threats in real time, and enabling near-instant responses. Add and remove users via Slack, Teams, or AI chat interfaces.
- Managed Password Web Access: Most apps with SSO only function with modern protocols like SAML, OIDC, and FIDO, but infisign allows this on legacy and web apps without these protocols.
- Network Access Gateways: Using NAG (network access gateways) Infisign allows you to access on-prem apps securely via the cloud. This allows the same level of security for these normally restricted to only cloud apps.
- Automatic User Provisioning: Add and remove users to their relevant techstacks, as and when they join and leave your company, a lot easier. Pair this with automated audit trails for compliance with most industry laws.
- Set-Up SSO in Under 4 Hours: Simple setup means you can get protected in hours—not weeks—speeding your return on security investment.
Pros:
- Fastest deployment in its category, so you can lock down your tech stack and ecosystem without waiting for a lengthy implementation.
- Transparent, predictable pricing—no hidden fees, perfect for fast-growing companies that need financial clarity.
- Automation delivers better protection with less manual effort, freeing IT to focus on strategic tasks.
Cons:
- Cutting-edge passwordless features may need extra configuration or third-party support to fully implement in complex setups.
- As a newer entrant, some large enterprises may hesitate, preferring vendors with long-established reputations.
- Highly specialized legacy apps might require additional technical assistance for smooth integration.
Zscaler Alternative #2: Cisco Cloud Security
Cisco Cloud Security is not only for Cisco users. It is a strong, reliable security solution that protects both network traffic and applications. This makes it a top choice as a Zscaler alternative.
Key Features:
- 100% cloud-based. No hardware is needed. Security can be scaled globally with very little effort.
- Integrates smoothly with other Cisco products like Cisco firewalls and SD-WAN. This creates one security system for all environments.
- Flexible security policies can protect all users, whether they are in the office, remote, or working in a hybrid model.
- Automatic threat blocking and regular security updates help keep systems ahead of new cyber attacks.
Pros:
- Cisco Cloud Security is very reliable. It is trusted by both small and large companies for important security needs.
- The platform can grow with any company size. You can start as a small business and scale up to a global enterprise.
- The threat intelligence updates all the time. This means you are protected against new and changing cyber threats.
Cons:
- The system’s advanced controls and settings may need special training, especially if you do not already use Cisco products.
- The cost can rise if you add high-level threat detection or analytics features, so it is important to plan your budget.
- Some special features need extra licenses. This can increase the total price of the security system.
Zscaler Alternative #3: Kaspersky Security for Internet Gateway
Kaspersky delivers classic, trusted protection—making it a solid option for those prioritizing malware defense over cloud-native flash. It’s a dependable pick among zscaler competitors with global reach.
Key Features:
- Centralized management lets IT teams create, monitor, and enforce security rules for many sites and remote offices.
- Deep Active Directory integration enables easy setup of user and group access controls.
- Flexible deployment supports on-premise and hybrid cloud environments. This is useful for custom infrastructure needs.
- Detailed reporting and alerting systems help IT detect risks and unusual trends before they cause damage.
Pros:
- Kaspersky’s antivirus engine is known for very high threat detection rates.
- The main dashboard makes it easy to manage security across multiple office locations.
- The system can be tailored for different business setups and infrastructure.
Cons:
- The solution needs powerful servers or virtual machines for large networks.
- Alerts can be too aggressive at first, which might interrupt normal business tasks until adjusted.
- Integrating with cloud apps is not as smooth as with cloud-only security platforms. Check SaaS compatibility first.
Zscaler Alternative #4: Fortinet CASB
Fortinet brings its security legacy to the cloud, blending visibility, control, and rapid threat detection. It’s a go-to choice for businesses needing integrated protection from one vendor.
Key Features:
- Provides full visibility into cloud usage. IT can monitor users, set security rules, and detect shadow IT risks.
- Uses real-time behavioral analytics to find unusual or suspicious activity in cloud apps and keep systems secure at all times.
- Supports both cloud and on-premise applications, using the same policy controls everywhere.
- Offers detailed reports to help businesses meet compliance and audit requirements.
Pros:
- Detects internal and external threats quickly using advanced behavior monitoring.
- Helps meet strict industry compliance standards with built-in audit tools.
- Connects with other Fortinet security products for single-vendor management.
Cons:
- The large feature set can be complex for small teams. A dedicated IT security staff is helpful.
- Setup and fine-tuning take time, especially in big or multi-cloud systems.
- Some advanced monitoring features require extra licenses, increasing costs.
Zscaler Alternative #5: Ping Identity
Ping Identity stands out among zscaler alternatives for its deep expertise in identity and access management—ideal for organizations with diverse apps and high compliance demands.
Ping Identity is a security platform that helps companies manage user identities and access across many types of apps.
Key Features:
- Gives single sign-on for cloud, SaaS, and legacy apps. This makes logins easier and more secure for users.
- Offers multi-factor authentication, including biometrics, for stronger zero-trust security.
- Lets IT teams set and control detailed access rules for all user groups from one place.
Pros:
- Works well for companies with many apps, older systems, or moving to the cloud.
- Very customizable for special security and compliance needs.
- Gives a smooth and easy user experience, even as companies change or grow.
Cons:
- Can be hard to set up for businesses new to identity management. Training may be needed.
- Higher prices are best for large companies. It may not fit small or medium budgets.
- The many features may be more than small businesses need.
Zscaler Alternative #6: Netskope CAASB
Netskope CAASB helps companies control and watch cloud data very closely. It is a strong choice for security and compliance.
Key Features:
- Watch every file, login, and device in real time. Finds threats or rule breaks right away.
- Strong data loss prevention keeps important data from leaving cloud apps, no matter where users are.
- Works with many cloud services. Lets IT control everything from one dashboard.
- Gives clear reports for security, compliance, and audit teams.
Pros:
- Good for industries with strict data rules and need to see all cloud activity.
- Fast analytics find risks quickly so teams can fix problems right away.
- Compliance tools help companies pass audits like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS.
Cons:
- Setup can be hard if the company uses old systems.
- Too many dashboard features may be hard for small security teams.
- Adding more services or features can raise costs, so plan the budget.
Zscaler Alternative #7: Symantec’s CloudSOC CASB
Symantec’s CloudSOC CASB brings decades of enterprise security know-how to cloud environments. It’s a favorite among zscaler alternatives for organizations wanting automation and deep threat detection.
Key Features:
- Machine learning-driven activity monitoring identifies risky behaviors and anomalies in real time, no matter how subtle or complex the pattern.
- Automated incident response can isolate or block users and files the moment danger is detected, slashing risk exposure.
- Centralized dashboard tracks risk trends and compliance posture for the entire cloud stack.
- Continuous threat intelligence updates ensure protection keeps pace with new attack methods and malware.
Pros:
- Reputation for accuracy and reliability, trusted by many of the world’s largest enterprises.
- Automation tools lighten the load on IT and security, handling repetitive response tasks instantly.
- Centralized monitoring and reporting make complex environments feel simple to manage.
Cons:
- Premium pricing—best suited to large companies with significant security budgets.
- Complex interface means admins should be ready for an initial learning curve.
- Integration with very old systems may require custom consulting or third-party help.
Zscaler Alternative #8: Forcepoint
Forcepoint is synonymous with insider threat protection and adaptive data loss prevention, putting it high on the list of robust zscaler competitors for IP-heavy organizations.
Key Features:
- Risk-adaptive security automatically changes protection levels based on user behavior, reducing manual intervention and catching threats early.
- Behavioral monitoring profiles user actions, allowing instant detection of insider threats or unusual patterns.
- Incident response automation kicks in the moment policy violations are detected, minimizing risk and human error.
- Detailed analytics support compliance investigations, breach response, and continuous security improvement.
Pros:
- Best-in-class for companies focused on IP and regulated data protection, including financial and healthcare sectors.
- Automation cuts down on repetitive tasks and improves threat response speed and accuracy.
- Rich monitoring features make post-incident investigation much easier and more thorough.
Cons:
- Feature set is more than smaller organizations may need; setup can be overkill for basic security requirements.
- Advanced monitoring takes time and expertise to fine-tune for maximum effectiveness.
- Expect a learning curve for teams new to adaptive DLP models or deep behavior analytics.
Zscaler Alternative #9: ManageEngine
ManageEngine is the practical pick for midsize organizations seeking unified IT management plus security—making it a unique contender among zscaler alternatives.
Key Features:
- Single dashboard for network security, endpoint management, app control, and log analysis keeps oversight simple and efficient for busy IT teams.
- Easy-to-use interface helps teams quickly monitor and block suspicious network activity, malware, and unauthorized access.
- Comprehensive device monitoring flags risky behaviors and weak points instantly, without requiring a large dedicated security staff.
- Flexible licensing and modular options help you pay only for what you need, scaling as you grow.
Pros:
- All-in-one management reduces complexity, ideal for IT teams wearing multiple hats or supporting multiple locations.
- Affordable pricing model suits growing businesses with limited resources but ambitious security goals.
- Automation features take care of repetitive tasks, freeing up staff for strategic work.
Cons:
- Cloud threat detection isn’t as advanced as dedicated security platforms—best for moderate-risk environments.
- Doesn’t include some high-end features like advanced behavioral analytics out of the box.
- Integration with specialized third-party tools may require custom configuration or extra modules.
Zscaler Alternative #10: Palo Alto Prisma Access
Palo Alto Prisma Access offers a truly unified SASE experience, putting it among the most advanced zscaler competitors for hybrid and cloud-first organizations.
Key Features:
- Powered by Palo Alto’s threat intelligence cloud, it proactively blocks new attacks before they reach your users or data.
- Identity-based policies ensure least-privilege access, limiting risk and increasing compliance for sensitive data.
- Supports deployments across public cloud, private data centers, and remote endpoints, adapting to every work model.
- Flexible administration allows granular policy control, custom reporting, and deep visibility into all user activity.
Pros:
- Ideal for organizations ready to fully embrace SASE, merging networking and security with minimal complexity.
- Regularly ranked a leader by analysts for advanced threat prevention and multi-cloud support.
- Flexible enough to fit modern hybrid work and global operations with ease.
Cons:
- Premium features and enterprise deployments come with a high total cost, best for organizations with significant security budgets.
- Setup and advanced configuration can be complex; experienced staff or outside consultants may be needed.
- Some smaller organizations may find the feature set excessive for their needs.
Infisign: A Leading Zscaler Competitor
One of the top Zscaler alternatives, Infisign delivers a modern, cloud-based security platform designed for simplicity, speed, and full protection. It reduces deployment time and overall costs, while offering advanced features such as:
- Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Universal Single Sign-On (SSO) for all cloud and on-premises apps
- Zero Trust Security architecture for every user and device
- Automated threat detection and real-time risk monitoring
- Seamless integration with over 6000 business applications
- AI-driven automation to reduce manual security tasks
- Easy, fast deployment for both small teams and large enterprises
For organizations looking for a flexible, API-first cloud security solution, Infisign can be a smarter fit than traditional, hardware-heavy platforms like Zscaler.
Want to see the difference? Book your personalized Infisign demo or try it free today.
FAQs
What is better than Zscaler?
The right answer depends on your company’s size, goals, and technical landscape. Among the zscaler competitors Infisign, Cisco Cloud Security, and Netskope all stand out for fast deployment, integration flexibility, and pricing clarity.
If you need advanced DLP or SASE capabilities, Palo Alto Prisma Access or Forcepoint are preferred. Infisign is leading for organizations seeking rapid, AI-powered security across diverse SaaS platforms.
What are the cons of Zscaler?
Zscaler’s main downsides are unpredictable costs with advanced features or user expansion, complicated integrations for legacy environments, and inconsistent support quality. Performance slowdowns may frustrate users during heavy traffic.
For organizations needing more transparency, flexibility, or legacy support, exploring zscaler alternatives like Infisign, ManageEngine, or Forcepoint can deliver better value and user experience.
