Top 10 Zero Trust Network Access Tools: Features, Pros, Cons and Comparison

Posted on February 23, 2026February 23, 2026 | by khushboo

Introduction

Zero Trust Network Access tools help organizations replace traditional VPN-style access with a safer model that verifies every user, device, and request before granting access to internal applications. In simple terms, ZTNA connects users to specific apps, not to the whole network. It checks identity, device posture, location, and risk signals each time a user tries to access a resource. If the context looks risky, access can be blocked, limited, or forced through stronger verification. ZTNA reduces lateral movement by attackers, minimizes exposure of internal services, and gives security teams tighter control over who can access what.

ZTNA matters because remote work, cloud migration, and contractor access have changed how applications are used. VPNs often provide broad network access once a user is connected, which increases blast radius if credentials are stolen. Attackers frequently use stolen passwords, compromised devices, and misconfigured remote access paths to enter environments and move laterally. ZTNA helps reduce this risk by enforcing least-privilege access, hiding applications from the public internet, and using continuous verification.

Common use cases include:

Replacing VPN for remote access to internal web apps and private services
Providing secure access for contractors and third parties without exposing networks
Enforcing device posture checks before granting access to sensitive systems
Segmenting access so users only reach approved applications
Improving audit visibility for who accessed what, when, and from where

What buyers should evaluate:

Identity integration depth and support for modern authentication flows
Device posture checks and support for managed and unmanaged devices
Application onboarding and policy configuration simplicity
Coverage for web apps, client-server apps, and private network services
User experience performance, latency, and reliability for global users
Granular policy controls and segmentation capabilities
Integrations with security operations, logging, and incident workflows
Support for browser-based access and client-based access methods
Scalability for distributed teams and multi-region deployments
Reporting quality for audits, investigations, and access governance

Best for: IT security teams, network teams, and organizations modernizing remote access for employees, partners, and contractors while reducing VPN risk.

Not ideal for: Very small environments with only a few users and limited remote access needs, where strong identity controls plus simple app-level access may be sufficient.

Key Trends in Zero Trust Network Access Tools

Increased replacement of legacy VPN with app-level access models
More device posture and risk-based access decisions tied to identity signals
Better support for unmanaged devices through browser-based isolation options
Integration with secure web gateway and SaaS security features in unified platforms
Stronger micro-segmentation and identity-based access mapping
More automation for onboarding apps and applying policy templates
Better visibility into session behavior and suspicious access patterns
Increased focus on protecting access to cloud workloads and private APIs
Simplification of user experience with faster connectors and global edge routing
Consolidation of ZTNA into broader security service edge stacks

How We Selected These Tools

Strong adoption and credibility in ZTNA deployments
Coverage for core ZTNA functions: app-level access, least privilege, segmentation
Identity integration readiness and support for modern authentication patterns
Posture checks, risk evaluation, and flexible policy enforcement options
Performance and reliability for global remote and hybrid workforces
Operational usability including onboarding, reporting, and troubleshooting
Integration readiness for security operations and governance workflows
Balanced mix of enterprise leaders and cloud-first ZTNA providers
Support maturity and documentation quality for real-world rollouts
Fit for modern architectures including cloud apps, private apps, and hybrid apps

Top 10 Zero Trust Network Access Tools

1) Zscaler Private Access

Zscaler Private Access provides application-level access to private apps without exposing them to the public internet. It is commonly used to replace VPN for remote users with strong segmentation and policy control.

Key Features

App-level access to private applications with least-privilege enforcement
Identity-based policies and user group segmentation
Support for user connectors and application connectors
Visibility dashboards for access activity and policy outcomes
Integration options for device posture and risk-based access decisions
Scalable architecture for distributed workforces and multi-region setups

Pros

Strong scalability and mature ZTNA model
Reduces network exposure by connecting users only to apps

Cons

Requires careful planning for app onboarding and policy design
Troubleshooting can require experience in complex environments

Platforms / Deployment
Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Cloud

Security & Compliance
Varies / Not publicly stated

Integrations & Ecosystem
Designed to fit identity-driven and operations-driven security stacks.

Integrations with identity providers for user-based policies
Exports to SIEM and analytics workflows
APIs for automation and reporting
Device posture integrations depending on environment

Support & Community
Enterprise support is common; documentation is strong; community footprint is broad.

2) Netskope Private Access

Netskope Private Access provides ZTNA access controls with strong alignment to cloud security and policy enforcement models. It fits organizations that want app access tied closely to identity and data protection context.

Key Features

App-level access to private apps with identity-driven policies
Policy enforcement using user, device, and risk context
Visibility dashboards for access monitoring and investigations
Support for remote users and distributed access models
Integration patterns with cloud security controls and reporting workflows
Scalable onboarding for multiple apps and user groups

Pros

Strong alignment with cloud-first security programs
Good policy flexibility for identity and context-driven access

Cons

Policy tuning is needed to keep access smooth and low-friction
Connector coverage should be validated for your application types

Platforms / Deployment
Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Cloud

Security & Compliance
Varies / Not publicly stated

Integrations & Ecosystem
Designed to integrate with identity and security operations tooling.

Identity provider integrations for user and group policies
SIEM exports and reporting pipelines
APIs for automation and operational workflows
Ticketing integration patterns for access request workflows

Support & Community
Enterprise support options are common; documentation is solid; community footprint is broad.

3) Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access

Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access provides ZTNA-style access options as part of broader cloud-delivered security capabilities. It often fits organizations seeking unified policy enforcement and strong security operations integration.

Key Features

Application access controls aligned with identity-driven policies
Threat prevention and visibility dashboards for access sessions
Support for distributed users and branch connectivity models
Policy controls for segmentation and least privilege access patterns
Reporting for investigations and compliance needs
Integration readiness for security operations workflows

Pros

Strong enterprise fit with broad security coverage
Useful for organizations standardizing security policy across environments

Cons

Configuration complexity can be higher in large environments
Feature breadth can feel heavy if goals are not clearly scoped

Platforms / Deployment
Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Cloud

Security & Compliance
Varies / Not publicly stated

Integrations & Ecosystem
Designed for enterprise security operations integration.

Identity provider integration for user-based access control
SIEM exports for correlation and investigations
APIs for automation and operational workflows
Works well with structured incident response models

Support & Community
Enterprise support is common; documentation is strong; community footprint is broad.

4) Cloudflare Zero Trust

Cloudflare Zero Trust provides ZTNA access to private apps through a global edge network. It fits organizations that want fast access, simplified deployment options, and identity-driven controls for remote work.

Key Features

Identity-based access to private applications through edge routing
Support for browser-based access and client-based connectivity options
Policy controls for least privilege and application segmentation
Visibility dashboards for session monitoring and access outcomes
Integration options for device posture and user context policies
Global performance model designed to reduce latency

Pros

Strong performance profile for globally distributed users
Practical rollout options with simplified routing approaches

Cons

Some complex enterprise use cases require careful architecture planning
Policy design needed to avoid accidental over-permissioning

Platforms / Deployment
Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Cloud

Security & Compliance
Not publicly stated

Integrations & Ecosystem
Designed to connect identity-based access into operations workflows.

Identity provider integrations for access policies
APIs for automation and reporting
Exports for monitoring and analytics pipelines
Device posture integrations depending on setup

Support & Community
Support options vary by plan; documentation is strong; community footprint is broad.

5) Cisco Secure Access

Cisco Secure Access provides ZTNA-style access controls aligned with secure connectivity and policy enforcement models. It fits organizations seeking structured access governance with strong operational integration.

Key Features

Identity-driven access to private apps and internal services
Policy enforcement for segmentation and least privilege access patterns
Visibility dashboards for access monitoring and investigations
Integration readiness for security operations and reporting workflows
Support for distributed users and remote access models
Scalable policy management for enterprise environments

Pros

Strong fit for organizations using Cisco security ecosystems
Practical integration into security operations workflows

Cons

Configuration and tuning can require expertise
Feature depth depends on environment scope and setup design

Platforms / Deployment
Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Cloud

Security & Compliance
Not publicly stated

Integrations & Ecosystem
Designed to integrate into operational security stacks.

Identity integrations for user and group access policies
SIEM exports for correlation and investigations
APIs for automation and reporting
Ticketing integration patterns for access request workflows

Support & Community
Enterprise support is common; documentation is established; community footprint is broad.

6) Fortinet FortiSASE

Fortinet FortiSASE includes ZTNA capabilities as part of a broader cloud-delivered security stack. It is often chosen by organizations that want unified policy and security alignment with network controls.

Key Features

ZTNA access controls for private applications and services
Identity-based policies and segmentation support
Visibility dashboards for access activity and policy outcomes
Integration options with device posture and endpoint signals
Scalable rollout support for remote and branch users
Reporting for investigations and governance tracking

Pros

Strong fit for organizations aligned with Fortinet security stacks
Practical approach for combining access and security controls

Cons

Policy tuning needed to reduce user friction
Architecture planning required for complex multi-region access patterns

Platforms / Deployment
Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Cloud

Security & Compliance
Not publicly stated

Integrations & Ecosystem
Designed to align with identity and operational security workflows.

Identity provider integration for user-based access
SIEM exports for reporting and investigations
APIs for automation and policy workflows
Endpoint posture integrations depending on setup

Support & Community
Enterprise support options are common; documentation is solid; community footprint is broad.

7) Check Point Harmony Connect

Check Point Harmony Connect provides ZTNA-style access controls for private applications and remote access needs. It fits teams wanting policy-driven access aligned with broader security governance.

Key Features

Identity-driven access to private apps and internal services
Policy controls for least privilege access and segmentation
Visibility dashboards for session monitoring and access activity
Support for remote workforce access models
Integration readiness for security operations workflows
Reporting for governance and investigation needs

Pros

Useful fit for organizations aligning access with security governance
Practical policy controls for application-level access

Cons

Feature depth depends on environment and deployment scope
Tuning required to avoid unnecessary access friction

Platforms / Deployment
Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Cloud

Security & Compliance
Not publicly stated

Integrations & Ecosystem
Designed to connect access controls into operational security workflows.

Identity provider integrations for access policies
SIEM exports for investigations and reporting
APIs for automation and operational workflows
Ticketing integration patterns for access requests

Support & Community
Support options vary; documentation is solid; community footprint is moderate.

8) Microsoft Entra Private Access

Microsoft Entra Private Access provides identity-driven access to private applications as part of Microsoft identity and access strategies. It fits organizations that want ZTNA aligned closely with Microsoft identity and access governance.

Key Features

Identity-driven access controls for private apps
Policy enforcement aligned with identity and conditional access concepts
Visibility and reporting for access activity and governance needs
Support for remote access without traditional network exposure
Integration alignment with Microsoft identity ecosystem
Scalable approach for organizations standardizing on Microsoft access models

Pros

Strong fit for Microsoft identity-centered environments
Useful governance alignment for access reporting and policy control

Cons

Non-Microsoft environments may require additional integration planning
Feature depth depends on configuration and environment readiness

Platforms / Deployment
Web, Windows, macOS
Cloud

Security & Compliance
Varies / Not publicly stated

Integrations & Ecosystem
Works best within Microsoft identity and security operations ecosystems.

Integrations with identity policies and access workflows
Exports for reporting and operational monitoring
APIs and connectors depending on scope
Ticketing workflows depending on operational setup

Support & Community
Strong documentation; enterprise support options are common; community resources are extensive.

9) Akamai Enterprise Application Access

Akamai Enterprise Application Access provides ZTNA-style access to private apps with strong performance and distributed access design. It fits organizations that want app-level access controls with strong edge delivery capabilities.

Key Features

Application-level access with identity-based controls
Segmentation policies for least privilege access patterns
Visibility dashboards for session monitoring and investigations
Support for remote users and distributed access models
Integration readiness for security operations workflows
Performance model designed for reliable access experiences

Pros

Strong performance approach for distributed access needs
Good fit for app-level segmentation and private app protection

Cons

Requires planning for app onboarding and policy structure
Administration effort depends on environment complexity

Platforms / Deployment
Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Cloud

Security & Compliance
Not publicly stated

Integrations & Ecosystem
Designed to connect access control events into security workflows.

Identity provider integrations for user policies
SIEM exports for investigations and reporting
APIs for automation and operational workflows
Ticketing integration patterns for access request processes

Support & Community
Enterprise support is common; documentation is established; community footprint is broad.

10) Perimeter 81

Perimeter 81 provides ZTNA-style access controls and secure connectivity options designed for simpler rollout in many organizations. It fits teams seeking a practical replacement for VPN with manageable administration.

Key Features

Application-level access controls for private resources
Identity-based policies and segmentation support
Simple onboarding workflows for users and apps
Visibility dashboards for access activity and policy outcomes
Support for remote teams and distributed access needs
Integration readiness for identity and operational workflows

Pros

Practical rollout for teams seeking simpler VPN replacement
Usable administration model for smaller security teams

Cons

Very large enterprise use cases may require deeper segmentation features
Policy customization depth depends on environment needs

Platforms / Deployment
Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Cloud

Security & Compliance
Not publicly stated

Integrations & Ecosystem
Designed to integrate with identity systems and operational workflows.

Identity provider integrations for user policies
APIs for automation and reporting
Exports for monitoring and analytics workflows
Ticketing integration patterns depending on process design

Support & Community
Support options vary; documentation is typically solid; community footprint is moderate.

Comparison Table

Tool Name	Best For	Platform(s) Supported	Deployment	Standout Feature	Public Rating
Zscaler Private Access	Enterprise-scale VPN replacement with app-level access	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Cloud	Strong segmentation and global scalability	N/A
Netskope Private Access	Identity and context-driven private app access	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Cloud	Cloud-first policy flexibility	N/A
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access	Unified enterprise policy and threat prevention alignment	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Cloud	Broad enterprise security coverage	N/A
Cloudflare Zero Trust	Fast edge-based ZTNA for distributed users	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Cloud	Strong global performance model	N/A
Cisco Secure Access	ZTNA aligned with Cisco security ecosystems	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Cloud	Strong operational integration potential	N/A
Fortinet FortiSASE	ZTNA within Fortinet-aligned security stacks	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Cloud	Unified access and security controls	N/A
Check Point Harmony Connect	Policy-driven ZTNA aligned with governance needs	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Cloud	Practical application-level access control	N/A
Microsoft Entra Private Access	ZTNA aligned with Microsoft identity strategies	Web, Windows, macOS	Cloud	Strong identity governance alignment	N/A
Akamai Enterprise Application Access	App-level access with distributed performance focus	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Cloud	Strong edge delivery capability	N/A
Perimeter 81	Practical ZTNA-style VPN replacement for many teams	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Cloud	Simpler rollout and administration	N/A

Evaluation and Scoring of Zero Trust Network Access Tools

Weights used: Core features (25%), Ease of use (15%), Integrations and ecosystem (15%), Security and compliance (10%), Performance and reliability (10%), Support and community (10%), Price and value (15%).

Tool Name	Core	Ease	Integrations	Security	Performance	Support	Value	Weighted Total
Zscaler Private Access	9	7	8	8	9	8	6	7.85
Netskope Private Access	8	7	8	8	8	7	7	7.55
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access	9	6	8	8	8	8	6	7.55
Cloudflare Zero Trust	8	8	7	7	9	7	8	7.95
Cisco Secure Access	7	7	8	7	8	7	6	7.10
Fortinet FortiSASE	7	7	7	7	8	7	7	7.15
Check Point Harmony Connect	7	7	6	7	7	6	7	6.85
Microsoft Entra Private Access	7	8	8	7	8	8	7	7.50
Akamai Enterprise Application Access	8	6	7	7	9	7	6	7.20
Perimeter 81	7	8	6	7	7	6	7	6.95

How to interpret the scores:

Scores are comparative within this list and help shortlist based on your app portfolio and remote access goals.
Core reflects app-level access, segmentation depth, identity integration, and operational visibility.
Ease reflects rollout effort, app onboarding complexity, and daily admin workload.
Run a pilot to validate latency, connector stability, posture checks, and how well policies map to real user workflows.

Which Zero Trust Network Access Tool Is Right for You?

Solo / Freelancer
ZTNA may be more than you need unless you manage client environments. If you do, choose a solution that is easy to deploy and supports browser-based access for quick onboarding.

SMB
SMBs should prioritize ease of rollout, simple app onboarding, strong identity integration, and predictable pricing. A tool that replaces VPN smoothly without heavy tuning is often the best match.

Mid-Market
Mid-market teams benefit from deeper segmentation, better reporting, and integrations with ticketing and security monitoring. Choose a platform that scales across departments and supports posture checks for sensitive apps.

Enterprise
Enterprises should prioritize segmentation depth, multi-region performance, policy governance, and evidence-rich reporting. Evaluate how each tool handles complex app portfolios, contractor access, and multi-business-unit policy needs.

Budget vs Premium
Budget-friendly tools often cover basic app access and user policies well. Premium tools may reduce operational workload through better automation, stronger posture integrations, and richer reporting. Choose based on incident risk and team capacity.

Feature Depth vs Ease of Use
If you have security engineering capacity, deeper segmentation features can produce stronger outcomes. If your team is small, prioritize usability, templates, and high-signal access logging.

Integrations and Scalability
Confirm identity integration, device posture support, logging exports, and ticketing workflows. Scalability means onboarding apps without major architecture changes and maintaining consistent policies across global users.

Security and Compliance Needs
If compliance matters, ensure session logs are detailed, policies are traceable, and access decisions can be audited. Also confirm how exceptions are managed and approved to maintain governance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is ZTNA in simple terms?
It is a way to give users secure access to specific applications after verifying identity and context, instead of giving broad network access like a traditional VPN.

2) Does ZTNA replace VPN completely?
In many environments it can replace VPN for most private apps, but some legacy systems may still need additional access methods depending on protocols and requirements.

3) How does ZTNA improve security compared to VPN?
ZTNA reduces exposure by hiding apps, enforcing least privilege, and continuously verifying access based on identity and risk signals.

4) Can ZTNA work for contractors and third parties?
Yes. ZTNA is commonly used for contractors because access can be limited to specific apps with strong policy controls and clear audit trails.

5) What are device posture checks?
They verify device signals such as OS version, security status, or management state before granting access to sensitive applications.

6) Will ZTNA slow down access to applications?
It can if routing and connectors are not designed well. A pilot helps validate latency, stability, and performance for your user locations.

7) What is the most common ZTNA rollout mistake?
Trying to migrate all apps at once. Start with a few high-value apps, tune policies, then expand gradually.

8) Is ZTNA only for web applications?
Many tools support web apps best, but some also support client-server apps and private services. Validate protocol support during evaluation.

9) How do we measure ZTNA success?
Track reduction in VPN usage, fewer exposed services, improved access audit visibility, lower incident risk, and smoother contractor onboarding.

10) How do we choose the right ZTNA tool?
Shortlist two or three, run a pilot, validate app onboarding effort, confirm identity and posture integrations, measure performance, and check reporting quality.

Conclusion

Zero Trust Network Access tools modernize remote access by verifying every user and device request and granting access only to specific applications, not the full network. This reduces lateral movement risk, hides internal apps from exposure, and gives security teams stronger control and audit visibility. The best tool depends on your application mix, identity ecosystem, remote workforce footprint, and how much segmentation and posture enforcement you need. Start by shortlisting two or three ZTNA platforms and running a structured pilot with a small group of users and a handful of important applications. Measure latency, stability, policy clarity, and admin effort. Then build repeatable onboarding templates, define an exception approval process, and expand gradually across departments. Over time, success shows up as reduced VPN reliance, fewer access-related incidents, and safer, more predictable access governance.