Cato Networks ZTNA vs Tailscale: Side-by-Side Comparison (2026)

Cato Networks ZTNA: Cloud-based ZTNA solution for secure remote access to applications. built by Cato Networks. Core capabilities include Identity verification and multi-factor authentication, Policy-based access control using user identity, location, and device posture, Network microsegmentation with software-defined security perimeters..

Tailscale: WireGuard-based zero trust mesh networking platform for secure connectivity. built by Tailscale. Core capabilities include WireGuard-based encrypted peer-to-peer mesh networking, NAT traversal for firewall and NAT bypass without open inbound ports, MagicDNS for automatic private DNS resolution across the network..

Both serve the Zero Trust Network Access market but differ in approach, feature depth, and target audience.

Cato Networks ZTNA differentiates with Identity verification and multi-factor authentication, Policy-based access control using user identity, location, and device posture, Network microsegmentation with software-defined security perimeters. Tailscale differentiates with WireGuard-based encrypted peer-to-peer mesh networking, NAT traversal for firewall and NAT bypass without open inbound ports, MagicDNS for automatic private DNS resolution across the network.

Cato Networks ZTNA is developed by Cato Networks. Tailscale is developed by Tailscale. Vendor maturity, funding stage, and team size can be important factors when evaluating long-term viability and support quality.

Cato Networks ZTNA and Tailscale serve similar Zero Trust Network Access use cases: both are Zero Trust Network Access tools, both cover Remote Access, ZTNA, Microsegmentation. Review the feature comparison above to determine which fits your requirements.