# Best SASE Solutions for Business (2026)

Compare 7 SASE solutions, like Cato Networks, Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE and Zscaler, on SD-WAN, zero trust access, data protection and ease of use.

We pick every solution on this list [on merit](https://cybersectools.com/methodology#shortlist-order). Featured vendors that made the list are shown first.

Source: https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-sase-solutions
Updated: 2026-11-01
Edition: Fall 2026.
Reviewed by Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze, CybersecTools.

## Executive summary

As of November 2026, CybersecTools tracks 279 companies that sell network security solutions as their main business. Secure Access Service Edge is part of that family. The largest groups are based in the United States, Israel and the United Kingdom. In the last 12 months they raised $51M across 10 funding rounds, 5 companies were acquired and 4 new companies started in the last two years.

From that field we chose seven platforms that join office and remote user connectivity with cloud security, so every person and site gets the same protection. Cato Networks suits mid-sized and large companies that want networking and security as one cloud service with one portal. Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE fits companies that want one set of rules for remote users and branches, including control over AI apps. Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange suits teams replacing VPNs, because it connects each person only to the apps they need.

The main choice is between a platform built as one cloud service and a security edge added to networking you already run. Cato, Netskope and Versa join SD-WAN and security in one platform. Fortinet FortiSASE fits companies on Fortinet firewalls, and iboss focuses on data and AI controls.

Ask each vendor where its points of presence are, because distance to them affects speed for your users.

## How we evaluated

We looked at 33 secure access service edge solutions from 23 companies, and the 7 on this page made the cut. We combined our judgment from years of leading enterprise security programs with market data from [Mandos](https://mandos.io/data/companies?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=shortlist), our market intelligence platform, and with the vendor and review pages listed under Sources at the end of this page. For customer feedback, we left out paid reviews, reviews by vendor staff or partners, review campaigns and anything older than two years, so you get an accurate view of what customers say.

Four traits mattered most: one platform for networking and security; web, cloud app, zero trust and data protection in the same policy; coverage for offices and remote users; and a global network close to your people. We left out DNS-only filtering, standalone web gateways and managed resale services. The order follows how widely each product is used by teams like yours. Company momentum shows how the vendor itself is growing, so a market leader can rank first with a lower score.

Read the full method: https://cybersectools.com/methodology#why

## What is Secure Access Service Edge

Secure access service edge (SASE) joins networking and security in one cloud service. Offices connect over SD-WAN and remote users connect through an agent. All traffic then passes through the provider's cloud for web filtering, cloud app control (CASB), zero trust access (ZTNA), firewall checks and data protection, wherever it starts.

This matters because staff work everywhere and apps live in many clouds. Sending all traffic back to a head office firewall is slow and costly. SASE applies the same rules wherever people work, replaces old VPNs and gives you one place to manage policy for every site and user.

### Compare Secure Access Service Edge solutions

This analysis focuses on seven SASE solutions. The table compares them on vendor, who each one is best for, deployment model and the NIST CSF functions they cover.

| # | Solution | Best for | Starting price | Deployment | Company size | NIST CSF functions |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | [Cato Networks Cato SASE](https://cybersectools.com/tools/cato-networks-cato-sase) | Companies wanting networking and security as one service | Contact sales | Cloud | Mid-Market to Enterprise | Protect, Detect |
| 2 | [Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE](https://cybersectools.com/tools/palo-alto-networks-prisma-sase) | Companies wanting one rule set for users and branches | Contact sales | Cloud | SMB to Enterprise | Protect, Detect |
| 3 | [Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform](https://cybersectools.com/tools/zscaler-zero-trust-exchange-platform) | Teams replacing VPNs with zero trust access | Contact sales | Cloud | SMB to Enterprise | Protect, Detect |
| 4 | [Netskope One SASE](https://cybersectools.com/tools/netskope-one-sase) | Companies focused on cloud app and data protection | Contact sales | Cloud | SMB to Enterprise | Protect, Detect |
| 5 | [Fortinet FortiSASE](https://cybersectools.com/tools/fortinet-fortisase) | Companies already running Fortinet firewalls | Contact sales | Cloud | SMB to Enterprise | Protect, Detect |
| 6 | [Versa VersaONE™ Universal SASE Platform](https://cybersectools.com/tools/versa-versaonetm-universal-sase-platform) | Companies with complex networks and many sites | Contact sales | Cloud | Mid-Market to Enterprise | Protect, Detect |
| 7 | [iboss Unified AI & Data Security Platform](https://cybersectools.com/tools/iboss-ai-powered-sase-platform) | Teams focused on data security and AI app control | Contact sales | Cloud | SMB to Enterprise | Protect, Detect |

Vendors change prices, so check before you buy.

**See every Secure Access Service Edge solution we list**

The full Secure Access Service Edge market, filtered by company size, deployment and NIST coverage.

[Browse Secure Access Service Edge solutions →](https://cybersectools.com/categories/sase)

### 1. Cato Networks Cato SASE

**[Cato Networks](https://mandos.io/data/companies/cato-networks?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=shortlist-md&utm_campaign=explore-in-mandos)**. Cloud-native SASE platform converging SD-WAN and SSE security services

Tel Aviv, Israel · Founded 2015 · $1.2B raised · Momentum 70/100 (Mandos)

Certifications: SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, PCI DSS, CSA STAR

**Best for:** Companies wanting networking and security as one service

Product page: https://cybersectools.com/tools/cato-networks-cato-sase

#### At a glance

- Vendor: Cato Networks
- Headquarters: Tel Aviv, Israel
- Founded: 2015
- Deployment: Cloud
- Company size: Mid-Market, Enterprise
- NIST CSF: Protect, Detect
- Starting price: Contact sales

#### Our take

Cato SASE connects offices, users, apps and clouds through a global private backbone with SLA-backed connectivity. It combines SD-WAN with traffic optimization and security services including firewall as a service, secure web gateway, intrusion prevention, CASB and data loss prevention. Endpoint clients cover Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Linux, and digital experience monitoring checks performance in real time.

It connects to Okta, Microsoft Entra ID, CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Microsoft Intune.

Cato earns its place because the network itself is part of the service, so traffic between your sites runs over its own backbone, not only the public internet. That fits mid-market and enterprise companies that want to replace both their WAN and their security stack in one move. If you plan to keep your current WAN contracts, ask how much of the value remains.

#### Cato Networks Cato SASE main features

- Global private backbone with SLA-backed connectivity
- SD-WAN with active-active link aggregation and dynamic path selection
- Traffic optimization and acceleration for all applications
- Multi-platform endpoint clients (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux)
- Digital Experience Monitoring with real-time and synthetic probing
- Firewall as a Service (FWaaS)
- Secure Web Gateway (SWG)
- Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)

#### Cato Networks Cato SASE main integrations

Okta, Microsoft Entra ID, OneLogin, JumpCloud, Ping Federate, CyberArk, ForgeRock, CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Intune, Armis, Claroty, Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel, Google Chronicle, Sumo Logic, Rapid7, Arctic Wolf, Devo, Wiz, ServiceNow, Jira, Slack, Microsoft 365

#### What customers say

Sentiment: 80% positive · 20% mixed · 0% negative (from first-hand public reviews and comments, 2025 to 2026).
Most praised: Ease of use, Stability, Support.
Most criticized: Setup, Missing features.

Cato puts networking, security and remote access in one cloud service, so teams run branch sites, home workers and cloud links from a single web portal that customers call easy to manage. It holds up at size, with customers reporting steady service across tens of thousands of users and better uptime because it fails over between internet lines on its own. Most rollouts go smoothly, though the advanced features take careful planning and some teams bring in setup help.

#### Before you buy

Where it is strong:

- Networking and security in one portal
- Global private backbone
- Easy to run once deployed

Ask in the demo:

- Price licensing for your bandwidth
- Check firewall and routing depth for complex sites
- Check points of presence near your offices

### 2. Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE

**[Palo Alto Networks](https://mandos.io/data/companies/palo-alto-networks?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=shortlist-md&utm_campaign=explore-in-mandos)**. AI-powered SASE platform for securing hybrid workforce and branch networks

Santa Clara, United States · Founded 2005 · Public company · Momentum 85/100 (Mandos)

Certifications: SOC 2, ISO 27001, FedRAMP, PCI DSS, HIPAA

**Best for:** Companies wanting one rule set for users and branches

Product page: https://cybersectools.com/tools/palo-alto-networks-prisma-sase

#### At a glance

- Vendor: Palo Alto Networks
- Headquarters: Santa Clara, United States
- Founded: 2005
- Ownership: Public company (PANW)
- Deployment: Cloud
- Company size: SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise
- NIST CSF: Protect, Detect
- Pricing: Contact sales

#### Our take

Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE combines network security and connectivity for offices, remote workers and branches. It provides zero trust access, unified data loss prevention and threat protection for managed and unmanaged devices, on a multicloud architecture. It also covers IT and OT security and optimizes application performance for a hybrid workforce.

Integrations include Okta, Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Intune, Google Workspace and CrowdStrike Falcon Intelligence.

Prisma SASE is on the list because one set of data and threat rules covers remote users, branches and unmanaged devices, so a policy you write once applies everywhere. It sells from SMB to enterprise, and its Microsoft links suit a company built on Entra ID and Intune. With that many options, ask for a phased plan so you switch on what you need first.

#### Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE main features

- AI-powered adaptive security for users and devices
- Zero Trust Network Access for remote and branch locations
- Unified security for managed and unmanaged devices
- Data loss prevention with unified data policies
- Multicloud architecture deployment
- IT and OT security integration
- Application performance optimization
- Threat protection for hybrid workforce

#### Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE main integrations

Okta, Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Purview Information Protection, Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps, Azure Virtual Desktop, AWS Cloud WAN, Google Workspace, CrowdStrike Falcon Intelligence, OPSWAT MetaDefender, Votiro, Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN, Cisco Meraki SD-WAN, HPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect SD-WAN, Arista VeloCloud SD-WAN, Citrix SD-WAN, Aryaka SD-WAN, Riverbed SteelConnect SD-WAN, Nuage Networks SD-WAN, Symantec Web Security Services, LiveAction

#### What customers say

Recent customers lean on Prisma SASE to control which AI apps staff can use, because it lets them open up public AI models while watching for leaks of source code and other sensitive data. They also like seeing traffic and user activity in one place, with networking and security managed together. The catch is configuration, since the many policy options take time to learn and make changes and troubleshooting slow.

#### Before you buy

Where it is strong:

- One rule set for users and branches
- Control over AI app use
- Clear view of traffic

Ask in the demo:

- Plan training for the policy options
- Test how long changes take to apply
- Ask which services each license includes

### 3. Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform

**[Zscaler](https://mandos.io/data/companies/zscaler?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=shortlist-md&utm_campaign=explore-in-mandos)**. Cloud-based zero trust platform for secure access to apps and workloads

San Jose, United States · Founded 2008 · Public company · Momentum 68/100 (Mandos)

Certifications: SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, FedRAMP, PCI DSS

**Best for:** Teams replacing VPNs with zero trust access

Product page: https://cybersectools.com/tools/zscaler-zero-trust-exchange-platform

#### At a glance

- Vendor: Zscaler
- Headquarters: San Jose, United States
- Founded: 2008
- Ownership: Public company (ZS)
- Deployment: Cloud
- Company size: SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise
- NIST CSF: Protect, Detect
- Pricing: Contact sales

#### Our take

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange is a cloud proxy that connects each user straight to the apps they are allowed to reach, without putting them on the network. It inspects all TLS traffic, hides apps from the internet and blocks threats in real time. It protects users, workloads, IoT and OT devices and partners, and it connects to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, CrowdStrike Falcon and Microsoft Azure Virtual WAN.

It makes the list because its proxy design removes network-level access, which shrinks the room an attacker has to move once inside. That suits companies of any size moving away from network access for remote users. Zscaler's strength is the security edge, so if you also need SD-WAN for many branches, ask how it covers that side.

#### Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform main features

- Zero trust proxy architecture with one-to-one connection brokering
- Full TLS/SSL traffic inspection at scale
- Application hiding to minimize attack surface
- AI-based risk assessment using 500+ trillion daily signals
- Identity verification through third-party identity provider integrations
- Least-privileged access enforcement
- Lateral movement elimination through direct user-to-app connections
- Real-time threat blocking

#### Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform main integrations

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps, Microsoft Azure Virtual WAN, CrowdStrike Falcon, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Votiro

#### What customers say

Customers find it easy to run because it lives in the cloud, and they say it gives tighter, smoother access than the old VPN it replaced. Its account and technical teams also get credit for working through hard problems alongside them. That said, performance still has rough edges, since several report slow scans or lag.

#### Before you buy

Where it is strong:

- Replaces VPNs well
- Users reach only the apps they need
- Full TLS inspection

Ask in the demo:

- List the license add-ons you need
- Test connections as users move between sites
- Ask how branch connectivity is covered

### 4. Netskope One SASE

**[Netskope](https://mandos.io/data/companies/netskope?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=shortlist-md&utm_campaign=explore-in-mandos)**. Cloud-native SASE platform combining SSE and SD-WAN for secure access

Santa Clara, United States · Founded 2012 · Public company · Momentum 74/100 (Mandos)

Certifications: SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, FedRAMP, PCI DSS

**Best for:** Companies focused on cloud app and data protection

Product page: https://cybersectools.com/tools/netskope-one-sase

#### At a glance

- Vendor: Netskope
- Headquarters: Santa Clara, United States
- Founded: 2012
- Ownership: Public company (NTSK)
- Deployment: Cloud
- Company size: SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise
- NIST CSF: Protect, Detect
- Pricing: Contact sales

#### Our take

Netskope One SASE joins its security service edge, with secure web gateway, CASB, firewall as a service and zero trust access, with SD-WAN for sites and remote users. It is sold as one platform from one vendor. It adds data protection using AI and machine learning, context-aware policies and coverage for managed, unmanaged, IoT and OT devices, with direct internet access for branch traffic.

It connects to CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Tanium, Splunk, Rapid7, Microsoft Sentinel and AWS.

Netskope earns its spot on data protection, because policies follow what data is moving to which cloud app, not just which site the user visits. It fits companies of any size whose main worry is sensitive data in SaaS. SD-WAN is part of the same platform, so if your branches matter as much as your data, test that side as hard as the security side.

#### Netskope One SASE main features

- Security Service Edge (SSE) with SWG, CASB, FWaaS, and ZTNA
- SD-WAN for site and remote user connectivity
- Zero trust network access for private applications
- AI and ML-based data protection
- Support for managed and unmanaged devices
- IoT and OT device security
- Cloud-delivered security services
- Direct internet access for branch traffic

#### Netskope One SASE main integrations

CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, VMware Workspace ONE, Cybereason, Tanium, Splunk, ArcSight, Rapid7, Microsoft Sentinel, Exabeam, AWS, Okta, CyberArk, Ping Identity, HPE Aruba, ServiceNow, Jira, Slack, PagerDuty, Twilio, Mimecast, KnowBe4, Microsoft Security, Google BeyondCorp Enterprise

#### What customers say

Customers use it to secure web and cloud app traffic for staff in the office and at home, and they like running all of it from one console. Data loss protection stands out, which matters when the goal is to keep sensitive files from leaving through cloud apps. They also say the service stays up and that support is quick to help during and after rollout.

#### Before you buy

Where it is strong:

- Security edge and SD-WAN from one vendor
- Data protection using machine learning
- Covers unmanaged and IoT devices

Ask in the demo:

- Ask how SD-WAN is deployed at your sites
- Check data protection for your cloud apps
- Compare licensing for security and networking

**Alternatives to each solution on this list**

The closest Secure Access Service Edge alternatives for every pick, matched on features and integrations.

[See Secure Access Service Edge alternatives →](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives)

### 5. Fortinet FortiSASE

**[Fortinet](https://mandos.io/data/companies/fortinet?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=shortlist-md&utm_campaign=explore-in-mandos)**. Cloud-delivered SASE combining SSE and SD-WAN for hybrid workforce access

Sunnyvale, United States · Founded 2000 · Public company · Momentum 75/100 (Mandos)

Certifications: SOC 2, ISO 27001, FedRAMP, PCI DSS, HIPAA

**Best for:** Companies already running Fortinet firewalls

Product page: https://cybersectools.com/tools/fortinet-fortisase

#### At a glance

- Vendor: Fortinet
- Headquarters: Sunnyvale, United States
- Founded: 2000
- Ownership: Public company (FTNT)
- Deployment: Cloud
- Company size: SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise
- NIST CSF: Protect, Detect
- Pricing: Contact sales

#### Our take

Fortinet FortiSASE combines secure web gateway, zero trust access, CASB, firewall as a service, remote browser isolation and SaaS posture management with secure SD-WAN. One operating system and one agent cover every function, with threat intelligence from FortiGuard Labs. It adds digital experience monitoring, and a sovereign option helps with data residency rules. It runs on Google Cloud and AWS.

It is on this list because the same operating system runs your firewalls and your cloud security, so policies do not need translating between two products. That is a clear fit for companies of any size already on FortiGate. The sovereign option matters if data must stay in a region, so ask where its points of presence sit for your users.

#### Fortinet FortiSASE main features

- Secure Web Gateway (SWG)
- Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
- Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)
- Firewall as a Service (FWaaS)
- Remote Browser Isolation (RBI)
- SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM)
- Secure SD-WAN
- End-to-end Digital Experience Monitoring (DEM)

#### Fortinet FortiSASE main integrations

Google Cloud, AWS

#### What customers say

FortiSASE makes the most sense for shops that already run Fortinet, because it slots into that setup and lets admins manage remote access and web security policy from one place. Hybrid staff get fast, smooth connections from home or the office, with the same security rules applied either way.

#### Before you buy

Where it is strong:

- Fits existing Fortinet setups
- One agent for every function
- Option for data sovereignty

Ask in the demo:

- Test updates in a pilot group first
- Ask about support response times
- Check fit with your current Fortinet firewalls

### 6. Versa VersaONE™ Universal SASE Platform

**[Versa Networks](https://mandos.io/data/companies/versa-networks?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=shortlist-md&utm_campaign=explore-in-mandos)**. Unified SASE platform combining SD-WAN, SSE, and security functions

Santa Clara, United States · Founded 2012 · $316M raised · Momentum 58/100 (Mandos)

Certifications: SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, FedRAMP, PCI DSS

**Best for:** Companies with complex networks and many sites

Product page: https://cybersectools.com/tools/versa-versaonetm-universal-sase-platform

#### At a glance

- Vendor: Versa Networks
- Headquarters: Santa Clara, United States
- Founded: 2012
- Deployment: Cloud
- Company size: Mid-Market, Enterprise
- NIST CSF: Protect, Detect
- Pricing: Contact sales

#### Our take

Versa VersaONE joins next-generation firewall, secure SD-WAN, secure SD-LAN and security service edge in one operating system with one console, one policy engine and one data lake. It covers WAN, LAN, wireless, cellular and satellite links. It adds zero trust access with or without an agent, inline threat detection, a firewall for generative AI and multi-tenancy.

It connects to Splunk, CrowdStrike Falcon, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Microsoft Intune.

Versa makes the list because it reaches past the WAN into LAN, wireless and satellite links, which suits mid-market and enterprise networks with many kinds of sites. Multi-tenancy also makes it a fit if you run separate business units or serve them as a provider. That breadth means more to design, so ask for a reference design that matches your network.

#### Versa VersaONE™ Universal SASE Platform main features

- Unified console
- Unified policy engine
- Unified data lake
- Single operating system
- Zero trust access
- Agent and agentless access
- Inline threat detection and response
- GenAI firewall

#### Versa VersaONE™ Universal SASE Platform main integrations

Splunk, CrowdStrike Falcon, CrowdStrike Next-Gen SIEM, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps, Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Entra Internet Access, Microsoft Information Protection, Ivanti Neurons

#### Before you buy

Where it is strong:

- One operating system for network and security
- Covers LAN, WAN, cellular and satellite
- Multi-tenancy for large estates

Ask in the demo:

- Ask which parts you need for your sites
- Check management effort for your team size
- Test zero trust access with and without an agent

### 7. iboss Unified AI & Data Security Platform

**[Iboss](https://mandos.io/data/companies/iboss?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=shortlist-md&utm_campaign=explore-in-mandos)**. AI-powered SASE platform with CASB, DLP, SWG, ZTNA, RBI, and SD-WAN capabilities

Boston, United States · Founded 2003 · $180M raised · Momentum 57/100 (Mandos)

Certifications: SOC 2, ISO 27001, FedRAMP, CSA STAR

**Best for:** Teams focused on data security and AI app control

Product page: https://cybersectools.com/tools/iboss-ai-powered-sase-platform

#### At a glance

- Vendor: Iboss
- Headquarters: Boston, United States
- Founded: 2003
- Deployment: Cloud
- Company size: SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise
- NIST CSF: Protect, Detect
- Pricing: Contact sales

#### Our take

iboss Unified AI & Data Security Platform inspects all TLS traffic and classifies content in real time, including text in screenshots and scans. It blocks sensitive data and risky AI prompts inline, finds shadow apps and checks SaaS posture through APIs. One policy engine and console run everything, with regional data residency.

It connects to Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Purview Information Protection, Microsoft Copilot, Okta and ServiceNow.

iboss earns a place as the data-first pick, because it reads content, even inside images, before it leaves, which helps if you worry about staff pasting data into AI apps. Its links to Microsoft make it a fit for Microsoft-heavy companies of any size. Its focus is the security edge, so check how it covers branch networking if you need SD-WAN too.

#### iboss Unified AI & Data Security Platform main features

- Full SSL/TLS decryption
- Real-time content classification
- OCR of screenshots and scans
- AI security with prompt blocking
- Data security with inline blocking
- Shadow app discovery and control
- API-based SaaS posture assessment
- Containerized Policy Enforcement Points

#### iboss Unified AI & Data Security Platform main integrations

Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Information Protection, Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft Purview Information Protection, Microsoft vWAN, Azure Firewall, Okta, PingIdentity, ForgeRock, OneLogin, ServiceNow, Gaggle

#### What customers say

Sentiment: 87% positive · 7% mixed · 6% negative (from first-hand public reviews and comments, 2024 to 2026).
Most praised: Remote access, Ease of use, Support.
Most criticized: Reports.

The agent starts working as soon as a laptop turns on, so staff at home are filtered and protected without connecting to a VPN, and customers say rollout went smoothly. Admins like setting web and access rules once in a central console, and support stands out, with engineers who stay on a call until the problem is fixed. The catch is reporting, because the dashboards are hard to shape and getting the exact report you need takes extra work.

#### Before you buy

Where it is strong:

- Inline blocking of sensitive data and AI prompts
- Reads text in screenshots and scans
- Regional data residency

Ask in the demo:

- Ask how branch networking is covered
- Test data classification on your files
- Check fit with your Microsoft setup

## How they fit your cybersecurity program (NIST CSF)

NIST CSF 2.0 has six functions: Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond and Recover. The grid shows which functions each pick maps to in our record, so you can see where a solution sits in your program and what it leaves to other controls.

All 7 solutions map to Protect and Detect. None map to Govern, Identify, Respond or Recover.

| Solution | Govern | Identify | Protect | Detect | Respond | Recover |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| All solutions on this list | 0 of 7 | 0 of 7 | 7 of 7 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 7 | 0 of 7 |
| Cato Networks Cato SASE | – | – | 4 of 5 (Identity Management, Authentication, and Access Control, Data Security, Platform Security, Technology Infrastructure Resilience) | 1 of 2 (Continuous Monitoring) | – | – |
| Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE | – | – | 3 of 5 (Identity Management, Authentication, and Access Control, Data Security, Technology Infrastructure Resilience) | 1 of 2 (Continuous Monitoring) | – | – |
| Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform | – | – | 3 of 5 (Identity Management, Authentication, and Access Control, Data Security, Technology Infrastructure Resilience) | 1 of 2 (Continuous Monitoring) | – | – |
| Netskope One SASE | – | – | 3 of 5 (Identity Management, Authentication, and Access Control, Data Security, Technology Infrastructure Resilience) | 1 of 2 (Continuous Monitoring) | – | – |
| Fortinet FortiSASE | – | – | 3 of 5 (Identity Management, Authentication, and Access Control, Data Security, Technology Infrastructure Resilience) | 1 of 2 (Continuous Monitoring) | – | – |
| Versa VersaONE™ Universal SASE Platform | – | – | 3 of 5 (Identity Management, Authentication, and Access Control, Data Security, Technology Infrastructure Resilience) | 2 of 2 (Continuous Monitoring, Adverse Event Analysis) | – | – |
| iboss Unified AI & Data Security Platform | – | – | 3 of 5 (Identity Management, Authentication, and Access Control, Data Security, Technology Infrastructure Resilience) | 2 of 2 (Continuous Monitoring, Adverse Event Analysis) | – | – |

Each cell shows how many of the function's NIST CSF 2.0 categories the solution maps to, with the category names.

A product helps you reach these outcomes, but it does not make you compliant on its own. Your people and processes do the rest.

## CISO checklist for selecting a Secure Access Service Edge product

Work through these steps in order to go from scattered firewalls and VPNs to a contract you can defend.

1. **List your offices, remote users and main cloud apps.** Coverage and price depend on them.
2. **Decide between one vendor and two.** It changes how many consoles you run.
3. **Check points of presence near your people.** Distance affects speed.
4. **Run a pilot with remote users first.** It is the quickest win and the easiest test.
5. **Test TLS inspection with your key apps.** Some apps break when inspected.
6. **Confirm identity provider and endpoint connections.** Access rules depend on user and device signals.
7. **Plan the office move in stages.** Replacing firewalls takes time.
8. **Ask how logs reach your SIEM.** Investigations need the traffic data.
9. **Price users, sites and bandwidth for three years.** Licensing models differ widely.

**Compare Secure Access Service Edge solutions side by side**

Features, integrations, NIST coverage and deployment for every Secure Access Service Edge solution we list, in one table.

[Compare Secure Access Service Edge solutions →](https://cybersectools.com/compare)

## Other solutions we considered for this shortlist

We looked at 23 products for this list. These did not make the 7 above but are worth a look for the right team.

1. [Jimber Cybersecurity Platform](https://cybersectools.com/tools/jimber-cybersecurity-platform) · Jimber
   SASE platform combining ZTNA, SD-WAN, SWG, and WAF for hybrid work security.
2. [Alibaba Cloud Secure Access Service Edge](https://cybersectools.com/tools/alibaba-cloud-apsaradb-rds-for-mysql) · Alibaba Cloud
   Alibaba Cloud SASE platform integrating ZTNA, DLP, and terminal management.
3. [Sangfor Access Secure](https://cybersectools.com/tools/sangfor-access-secure) · Sangfor Technologies
   SASE solution combining SD-WAN, ZTNA, and security services for hybrid work
4. [WatchGuard FireCloud Total Access](https://cybersectools.com/tools/watchguard-firecloud-total-access) · WatchGuard
   Cloud-based SASE solution combining FWaaS, SWG, and ZTNA for remote access
5. [Aryaka Unified SASE as a Service](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aryaka-unified-sase-as-a-service) · Aryaka
   Cloud-based SASE platform integrating WAN and security services
6. [Todyl Platform](https://cybersectools.com/tools/todyl-platform) · Todyl
   Unified platform combining SASE, EDR, SIEM, MXDR, GRC, and security automation
7. [Neeve Secure Edge](https://cybersectools.com/tools/neeve-secure-edge) · Neeve
   SASE platform with Zero Trust for OT/CPS remote access and edge security.

Explore all Secure Access Service Edge solutions: https://cybersectools.com/categories/sase

## Conclusion

Start with your network and your team. Cato suits companies that want networking and security as one service, and Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE fits those that want one rule set for users and branches. Zscaler is a strong choice when replacing VPNs is the main goal.

Netskope suits teams focused on cloud app and data protection, and Fortinet FortiSASE fits companies already on Fortinet firewalls. Versa handles complex networks with many sites, and iboss focuses on data and AI controls.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between SASE and SSE?

SSE is the security part: web gateway, CASB, zero trust access and firewall as a service. SASE adds networking, usually SD-WAN, so offices and users connect through the same service.

### Should we buy SASE from one vendor or two?

One vendor means one policy and one console. Two vendors can let you keep an SD-WAN you like, but you manage two systems.

### Does SASE replace our VPN?

Usually, yes. The zero trust access part connects users to apps without putting them on the network, which is safer than a VPN.

### Will SASE slow down our users?

It can if the nearest point of presence is far away. Test from your main locations before you sign.

### How long does a SASE rollout take?

Remote users can move in weeks. Moving all offices and retiring old firewalls often takes months, so plan it in stages.

## Sources

These are the pages we reviewed for each pick: the vendor's own product page and website, its market data on Mandos, and every review page we read for customer feedback.

1. **Cato Networks Cato SASE** · Cato Networks: [Product page](https://www.catonetworks.com/solutions/sase-platform/) · [Cato Networks website](https://www.catonetworks.com/) · [Market data on Mandos](https://mandos.io/data/companies/cato-networks?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=shortlist-md-sources&utm_campaign=explore-in-mandos) · [Gartner Peer Insights](https://www.gartner.com/reviews/product/cato-sase-cloud-platform) · [Reddit: cato networks vs fortinet vs zscaler which sase](https://www.reddit.com/r/networking/comments/1mbgczo/cato_networks_vs_fortinet_vs_zscaler_which_sase/) · [Reddit: anyone running cato networks at scale as a](https://www.reddit.com/r/networking/comments/1r2m050/anyone_running_cato_networks_at_scale_as_a/) · [PeerSpot](https://www.peerspot.com/products/cato-sase-cloud-platform-reviews) · [Reddit: sase migration off mpls weighing cato against](https://www.reddit.com/r/Cisco/comments/1vn6hja/sase_migration_off_mpls_weighing_cato_against/)
2. **Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE** · Palo Alto Networks: [Product page](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase) · [Palo Alto Networks website](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/) · [Market data on Mandos](https://mandos.io/data/companies/palo-alto-networks?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=shortlist-md-sources&utm_campaign=explore-in-mandos) · [Gartner Peer Insights](https://www.gartner.com/reviews/product/prisma-sase-1130662130) · [Reddit: singlevendor sase vs prisma how do they compare](https://www.reddit.com/r/paloaltonetworks/comments/1s2bzze/singlevendor_sase_vs_prisma_how_do_they_compare/) · [PeerSpot](https://www.peerspot.com/products/prisma-access-by-palo-alto-networks-reviews) · [Reddit: sase solution](https://www.reddit.com/r/paloaltonetworks/comments/1fms3xy/sase_solution/) · [Reddit: palo alto sase](https://www.reddit.com/r/paloaltonetworks/comments/1i75b7q/palo_alto_sase/)
3. **Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform** · Zscaler: [Product page](https://www.zscaler.com/products-and-solutions/zero-trust-exchange-zte/) · [Zscaler website](https://www.zscaler.com/) · [Market data on Mandos](https://mandos.io/data/companies/zscaler?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=shortlist-md-sources&utm_campaign=explore-in-mandos) · [Gartner Peer Insights](https://www.gartner.com/reviews/product/zscaler-zero-trust-exchange) · [PeerSpot](https://www.peerspot.com/products/zscaler-zero-trust-exchange-platform-reviews)
4. **Netskope One SASE** · Netskope: [Product page](https://netskope.com/products/secure-access-service-edge/) · [Netskope website](https://www.netskope.com/) · [Market data on Mandos](https://mandos.io/data/companies/netskope?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=shortlist-md-sources&utm_campaign=explore-in-mandos) · [Gartner Peer Insights](https://www.gartner.com/reviews/product/netskope-one-sase) · [Reddit: anyone used both cato networks and palo alto for](https://www.reddit.com/r/cybersecurity/comments/1mzmcxp/anyone_used_both_cato_networks_and_palo_alto_for/) · [Reddit: move from mpls to sdwan](https://www.reddit.com/r/networking/comments/1eoy2qe/move_from_mpls_to_sdwan/) · [Reddit: alternative sasevpn providers](https://www.reddit.com/r/ITManagers/comments/1qq4fdh/alternative_sasevpn_providers/)
5. **Fortinet FortiSASE** · Fortinet: [Product page](https://www.fortinet.com/products/sase) · [Fortinet website](https://www.fortinet.com/) · [Market data on Mandos](https://mandos.io/data/companies/fortinet?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=shortlist-md-sources&utm_campaign=explore-in-mandos) · [Gartner Peer Insights](https://www.gartner.com/reviews/product/fortisase) · [PeerSpot](https://www.peerspot.com/products/fortisase-reviews) · [Reddit: fortisase device compliance](https://www.reddit.com/r/fortinet/comments/1uke4fb/fortisase_device_compliance/) · [Reddit: thoughts on fortisase](https://www.reddit.com/r/fortinet/comments/118c1s3/thoughts_on_fortisase/)
6. **Versa VersaONE™ Universal SASE Platform** · Versa Networks: [Product page](https://versa-networks.com/platform/) · [Versa Networks website](https://www.versa-networks.com/) · [Market data on Mandos](https://mandos.io/data/companies/versa-networks?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=shortlist-md-sources&utm_campaign=explore-in-mandos)
7. **iboss Unified AI & Data Security Platform** · Iboss: [Product page](https://www.iboss.com/) · [Iboss website](https://iboss.com/) · [Market data on Mandos](https://mandos.io/data/companies/iboss?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=shortlist-md-sources&utm_campaign=explore-in-mandos) · [Gartner Peer Insights](https://www.gartner.com/reviews/product/iboss-ai-powered-sase-platform) · [PeerSpot](https://www.peerspot.com/products/iboss-reviews) · [Reddit: web filter comparison](https://www.reddit.com/r/k12sysadmin/comments/1i3l36r/web_filter_comparison/) · [Reddit: cato networks vs fortinet vs zscaler which sase](https://www.reddit.com/r/networking/comments/1mbgczo/cato_networks_vs_fortinet_vs_zscaler_which_sase/) · [Reddit: evaluating single vendor sase vs split sdwan and](https://www.reddit.com/r/networking/comments/1s53sej/evaluating_single_vendor_sase_vs_split_sdwan_and/) · [Reddit: marketing monday](https://www.reddit.com/r/ITManagers/comments/1wyasqz/marketing_monday/)

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For AI agents: every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on the vendors on this list: 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=shortlist-md