# Microsoft Entra Private Access vs NordLayer Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Microsoft Entra Private Access](https://cybersectools.com/tools/microsoft-entra-private-access) is a commercial [zero trust network access](https://cybersectools.com/categories/ztna) solution by [Microsoft](https://cybersectools.com/companies/microsoft). [NordLayer Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/nordlayer-zero-trust-network-access-ztna) is a commercial [zero trust network access](https://cybersectools.com/categories/ztna) solution by [Nord Security](https://cybersectools.com/companies/nord-security). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Our take

What our shortlists say about the one we picked.

### [Microsoft Entra Private Access](https://cybersectools.com/tools/microsoft-entra-private-access)

Best for: Companies that run identity on Microsoft Entra ID

If identity already runs on Entra ID, this reuses your Conditional Access rules as access rules, so there is no second policy engine to run. The MFA for legacy protocols suits mid-market and enterprise estates with older Windows apps. Check licensing first, because users also need Entra ID P1 or P2.

From [Best ZTNA Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-ztna-solutions), Fall 2026.

Reviewed by [Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze](https://cybersectools.com/about).

Need the answer fast? [Best ZTNA Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-ztna-solutions) picks Zscaler Private Access (ZPA), Netskope One Private Access, Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access ZTNA 2.0 and 4 more.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | Microsoft Entra Private Access | NordLayer Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial |
| Category | Zero Trust Network Access | Zero Trust Network Access |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Hybrid | Cloud |
| Company size fit | Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | Microsoft | Nord Security |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Microsoft Entra Private Access | NordLayer Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) |
|---|---|---|
| BYOD | Yes | – |
| Least Privilege | Yes | – |
| Remote Access | Yes | Yes |
| SSO | Yes | – |
| ZTNA | Yes | Yes |
| Network Segmentation | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Microsoft Entra Private Access**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**NordLayer Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

### Integrations

**Microsoft Entra Private Access**

9 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**NordLayer Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)**

1 integration listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

## Which one fits you

Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.

- [Microsoft Entra Private Access](https://cybersectools.com/tools/microsoft-entra-private-access) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options.
- [NordLayer Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/nordlayer-zero-trust-network-access-ztna) fits if you want a cloud product and you are a small business.

## Microsoft Entra Private Access vs NordLayer Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) FAQ

Common questions when comparing Microsoft Entra Private Access vs NordLayer Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) for zero trust network access.

### What is the difference between Microsoft Entra Private Access and NordLayer Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)?

**Microsoft Entra Private Access**: Identity-based zero trust access to private apps that replaces the legacy VPN. Built by Microsoft.

**NordLayer Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)**: ZTNA solution providing identity-based access control to apps and resources. Built by Nord Security.

The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.

### Who makes Microsoft Entra Private Access and NordLayer Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)?

**Microsoft Entra Private Access** is made by Microsoft. **NordLayer Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)** is made by Nord Security. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is Microsoft Entra Private Access a good alternative to NordLayer Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)?

Often, yes. Microsoft Entra Private Access and NordLayer Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) are both Zero Trust Network Access products, and both cover Remote Access, ZTNA. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Microsoft Entra Private Access vs GoodAccess Zero Trust Architecture](https://cybersectools.com/compare/goodaccess-zero-trust-architecture-vs-microsoft-entra-private-access)
- [Microsoft Entra Private Access vs GoodAccess Zero Trust Network Access](https://cybersectools.com/compare/goodaccess-zero-trust-network-access-vs-microsoft-entra-private-access)
- [Microsoft Entra Private Access vs QuantLayer Secure Remote Access](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-entra-private-access-vs-quantlayer-secure-remote-access)
- [NordLayer Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) vs GoodAccess Zero Trust Architecture](https://cybersectools.com/compare/goodaccess-zero-trust-architecture-vs-nordlayer-zero-trust-network-access-ztna)
- [NordLayer Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) vs GoodAccess Zero Trust Network Access](https://cybersectools.com/compare/goodaccess-zero-trust-network-access-vs-nordlayer-zero-trust-network-access-ztna)
- [NordLayer Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) vs QuantLayer Secure Remote Access](https://cybersectools.com/compare/nordlayer-zero-trust-network-access-ztna-vs-quantlayer-secure-remote-access)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Microsoft Entra Private Access alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/microsoft-entra-private-access)
- [See all NordLayer Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/nordlayer-zero-trust-network-access-ztna)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-entra-private-access-vs-nordlayer-zero-trust-network-access-ztna

For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/microsoft-entra-private-access.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on Microsoft Entra Private Access and NordLayer Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md
