Ava AbbottZscaler is a cloud security company founded in 2007 by Jay Chaudhry. The company is based in San Jose, California, and provides cloud-based software to help users securely access and share data. Its Zero Trust Exchange solution assumes everyone is a threat and establishes trust after determining the user’s identity.
Thousands of organizations use this software to securely connect users, devices, and apps in any location and protect them from data loss and cyberattacks. In 2021, Zscaler had 4,000 employees and nearly tripled its free cash flow to 14% of full-year revenue. The company’s 2021 revenue increased 56% from $673 million generated in 2020. [1]
Zscaler accelerates organizations’ digital transformation to help them enhance agility, efficiency, resilience, and data security. Its SASE-based Zero Trust Exchange runs across more than 150 data centers globally. It is the world’s largest in-line cloud security platform.
In Dec 2021, Zscaler was added to the Nasdaq-100 Index, comprising the top 100 Nasdaq-listed non-financial firms based on market capitalization. Zscaler attained this milestone thanks to its innovative solutions. But the company faces stiff competition from Netskope, Cisco Umbrella, Cloudflare, Palo Alto Networks, and Fortinet. [2]
Here is an in-depth analysis of Zscaler’s top 15 competitors and alternatives:
1. Netskope
Year founded: 2012
Headquarter: Santa Clara, California
Netskope is a software company and SASE leader that offers a computer-security platform. Its cloud-native solutions help businesses protect their data and cloud apps and infrastructure. In 2021, Netskope had 1,500 employees and raised $300 million in new investment at a valuation of $7.5 billion.
Netskope safely connects users to the internet and application from any device. The Netskope Security Cloud combines CASB, Firewall, SWG, and ZTNA. These functionalities in a single platform enable granular context and enforce zero-trust data protection and threat prevention.
The platform serves more than 1,500 customers, including some of the world’s most technically demanding organizations. In Nov 2021, Netskope was named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape cloud security gateways (CSG) segment. Netskope is the top Zscaler competitor and alternative across the board. [3]
2. Cisco
Year founded: 1984
Headquarter: San Jose, California
Cisco is a tech company that offers communication, networking, and cybersecurity solutions. Like Zscaler, the company provides cloud security via the Cisco Umbrella platform. In 2021, Cisco had around 79,500 employees and generated $49.8 billion in revenue. [4]
Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-based Secure Internet Gateway (SIG) platform that protects systems against internet-based threats. It provides a secure web gateway, firewall, DNS-layer security, and cloud access security broker (CASB) functionality.
Thousands of organizations rely on these features as the first line of defense against threats on the internet. Cisco’s networking solutions enable and secure 85% of global Internet traffic. Cisco Umbrella is the best alternative to Zscaler for secure web gateways.
3. Cloudflare
Year founded: 2009
Headquarter: San Francisco, California
Cloudflare is a web infrastructure and Internet security company. It offers a content delivery network (CDN) and solutions that protect against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. In 2021, Cloudflare had 2,432 employees and reported a 52% increase in revenue to $656.4 million. [5]
Both Cloudflare and Zscaler use the zero-trust approach to protect their clients. But Cloudflare offers more solutions than Zscaler. The company provides DNS, CDN, web security services, and cybersecurity. Its network spans more than 250 cities across 100 countries and serves over 100,000 customers.
In Mar 2022, Cloudflare partnered with CrowdStrike to provide zero-trust security for devices, apps, and networks. Overall, Cloudflare is the best alternative to Zscaler for zero-trust security. [6]
4. Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall
Year founded: 2005
Headquarter: Santa Clara, California
Palo Alto Networks is a cloud-centric cybersecurity provider. Its next-generation firewall classifies all traffic based on application, function, user, and content. In 2021, Palo Alto’s revenue increased by 25% to $5.325 billion. The company empowers tens of thousands of organizations across clouds, networks, and mobile devices. [7]
Palo Alto’s Next-Generation Firewall allows users to create comprehensive security policies for the safe enablement of applications. Only authorized users can run sanctioned applications, reducing the surface area of cyberattacks organization wide.
The company has a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 12, while Zscaler’s P/S ratio is around 60. Palo Alto Networks is a cheaper alternative to Zscaler. [8]
5. Fortinet
Year founded: 2000
Headquarter: Sunnyvale, California
Fortinet is a cybersecurity firm that offers firewalls, antivirus, intrusion prevention systems, and endpoint security solutions. The company’s FortiGate NGFW competes against Zscaler. In 2021, Fortinet had 9,700 employees and generated $2.59 billion in revenue.
More than 530,000 organizations rely on Fortinet to accelerate their digital journeys. Businesses can use FortiGate NGFWs to enhance visibility and threat protection at any scale.
In Nov 2021, Fortinet was named a Leader in the 2021 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Network Firewalls for the twelfth time. Fortinet is one of the best alternatives to Zscaler for threat protection. [9]
6. Proofpoint, Inc.
Year founded: 2002
Headquarter: Sunnyvale, California
Proofpoint is a cybersecurity and compliance company that offers email security and archiving, electronic discovery, and data loss prevention solutions. In 2021, Proofpoint had 3,368 employees and added over 800 new enterprise customers. The company plans to hire over 600 people in 2022. Its 2021 revenue and billings increased by more than 20%. [10]
Proofpoint provides an integrated suite of cloud-based solutions to help organizations protect their workforce and critical assets. More than half of the Fortune 1000 companies rely on Proofpoint to mitigate risks across email, the cloud, social media, and web operations.
In 2021, Thoma Bravo acquired Proofpoint for $12.3 billion. This acquisition will increase Proofpoint’s competitive advantage over Zscaler. [11]
7. Check Point Software
Year founded: 1993
Headquarter: Tel Aviv, Israel
Check Point is a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions. The company offers hardware and software products for network, endpoint, cloud, mobile, data, and management security. In 2021, Check Point had around 6,000 employees and made $2.167 billion in revenue. [12]
Check Point offers several products, including Infinity and Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs). Infinity comprises Check Point Harmony, CloudGuard, and Quantum.
Solutions in this portfolio protect enterprises from 5th generation cyber-attacks. Check Point NGFWs combines the capability of the revolutionary FireWall-1 with user identity awareness to provide granular event analysis and policy enforcement. Over 100,000 organizations rely on Check Point for protection against malware, ransomware, and other threats. Check Point is a formidable competitor for Zscaler.
8. Forcepoint
Year founded: 1994
Headquarter: Austin, Texas
Forcepoint is a data-first security software company. It offers computer security, data protection, cloud access security broker, firewall, and cross-domain solutions. In 2021, Forcepoint had around 2,300 employees and generated $680.6 million in revenue.
Both Forcepoint and Zscaler provide data protection, cloud security, and a firewall. Organizations in more than 150 countries use Forcepoint’s behavior-based solutions to protect devices and networks. These solutions are delivered through a cloud-native SASE platform for real-time risk management.
In 2021, Forcepoint acquired Bitglass, Remote Browser Isolation (RBI), and Cyberinc and Content DR (CDR). These acquisitions increase Forcepoint’s competitive edge. Forcepoint is one of the top Zscaler competitors. [13]
9. Perimeter 81
Year founded: 2018
Headquarter: Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Perimeter 81 is a cloud and network security company that simplifies security for businesses with remote workforces. It competes against Zscaler Internet Access in the Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) category. In 2021, Perimeter 81 had 2,100 customers ranging from SMBs to Fortune 500s.
Both Perimeter 81 and Zscaler use the zero-trust approach. But Perimeter 81 specializes in remote networks. It is the world’s first Cybersecurity Experience (CSX) Platform. Organizations use its Zero Trust Network Access to provide secure remote access for employees, no matter where they work.
In Feb 2022, the company added a Secure Web Gateway (SWG) to its Security Services Edge (SSE) solution. SWG protects company employees from malicious sites and unsafe content. Perimeter 81 is a worthy alternative to Zscaler for SDP. [14]
10. Akamai Technologies
Year founded: 1998
Headquarter: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Akamai is a web and Internet security service provider. It serves around 30% of global web traffic. In 2021, Akamai had about 8,800 employees and made $3.461 billion in revenue.
Both Akamai and Zscaler help organizations secure data and access critical resources. But Akamai also offers a content delivery network, cybersecurity, cloud services, P2P networking, and visualization tools.
In Mar 2022, Akamai won the Customers’ Choice by the Gartner Peer Insights. Akamai is one of the most comprehensive Zscaler alternatives. [15]
11. ESET
Year founded: 1992
Headquarter: Bratislava, Slovakia
ESET is an internet security company that develops IT security software and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, and consumers globally. It offers mobile security, encryption, MFA, and endpoint security solutions. In 2021, ESET had 1,684 employees and made $504 million in revenue.
ESET PROTECT Advanced is a cloud-based console that provides network sandboxing and multi-layered protection from ransomware and zero-day threats. It is equipped with proactive malware defense and doesn’t overload users’ systems.
Organizations rely on ESET PROTECT Advanced to protect critical infrastructure against sophisticated digital threats. In Feb 2022, ESET PROTECT Advanced was named in the G2’s 2022 Best Software Awards for Security Products. ESET is one of the top Zscaler competitors in network sandboxing. [16]
12. Imperva
Year founded: 2002
Headquarter: San Mateo, California
Imperva is a cybersecurity software company. Like Zscaler, Imperva helps businesses protect their data and applications. In 2021, Imperva had 1,500 employees and made $321 million in revenue.
Imperva secures digital experiences, including APIs, microservices, and the data layer. It protects cloud-first organizations with vulnerable, legacy environments from cyberattacks.
In Mar 2022, Imperva introduced Imperva API Security with continuous API discovery. Imperva is one of the top alternatives to Zscaler. [17]
13. BetterCloud
Year founded: 2011
Headquarter: New York, New York
BetterCloud is a leading SaaS Management Platform provider and software vendor. It enables IT professionals to discover, manage, and secure SaaS applications in the digital workplace. Since its founding, BetterCloud has raised $187 million in funding.
BetterCloud competes with Zscaler Internet Access in the data loss prevention (DLP) category. Thousands of innovative organizations like Zoom, Walmart, and Square rely on BetterCloud to automate cloud app processes and policies.
It has a community of over 45,000 IT professionals in SaaSOps roles. In Feb 2022, BetterCloud was named to G2’s Best Software Awards. It ranked #16 for Best Security Products. BetterCloud is a robust alternative to Zscaler for DLP. [18]
14. Sucuri
Year founded: 2010
Headquarter: Menifee, California
Sucuri is a web security platform that mitigates online threats and cyberattacks. It offers a content delivery network, malware scanning, DNS monitoring, and brute force protection. In 2021, Sucuri had 125 employees and made around $26 million in revenue.
Sucuri provides a web application firewall (WAF) that filters and blocks sophisticated bots. It offers reliable protection against excessive bots and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. Sucuri WAF is a worthy Zscaler competitor in the firewall software category. [19]
15. OpenDNS
Year founded: 2005
Headquarter: San Francisco, California
OpenDNS is a Domain Name System provider owned by Cisco. It offers DNS resolution services and a suite of Internet security geared towards personal consumers. In 2021, OpenDNS had around 300 employees.
OpenDNS has several features, including DNS lookup, phishing protection, and content filtering. Like Zscaler, OpenDNS enhances internet security.
Users can view their internet activity and lock down their systems by allowing access to specific sites only. This free service also improves internet speed and reliability. OpenDNS is a unique Zscaler alternative. [20]
References & more information
- Downie, R. (2022, Jan 11). Why Did Zscaler Climb 61% in 2021? The Motley Fool
- Zscaler, Inc. (2021, Dec 14). Zscaler Added to the Nasdaq-100 Index. Globe Newswire
- Netskope (2021, Nov 10). Netskope Named a Leader in IDC MarketScape for Cloud Security Gateways 2021. PRNewswire
- Alsop, T. (2021, Aug 26). Revenue Cisco Systems 2006-2021. Statista
- Greig, J. (2022, Feb 10). Cloudflare reported $656 million in revenue in 2021. ZDNet
- Noonan, K. (2022, Mar 18). Why Cloudflare Stock Is Soaring This Week. The Motley Fool
- Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (2021, Aug 23). Palo Alto Networks Reports Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2021 Financial Results. PRNewswire
- Healy, W. (2021, Oct 22). Better Buy: Zscaler vs. Cloudflare. The Motley Fool
- Fortinet, Inc. (2021, Nov 8). Fortinet Again Named a Leader in the 2021 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Network Firewalls. Globe Newswire
- Proofpoint, Inc. (2022, Feb 3). Proofpoint Announces 2021 Financial Results. Globe Newswire
- Thoma Bravo (2021, Aug 31). Thoma Bravo Completes Acquisition of Proofpoint. Thoma Bravo Press
- Check Point Software Tech (2022, Feb 3). Check Point Software Reports 2021 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results. Globe Newswire
- Forcepoint (2021, Oct 25). Forcepoint Completes Acquisition of Bitglass. Business Wire
- Perimeter 81 (2022, Feb 24). Perimeter 81 Adds a Radically Simple Secure Web Gateway to its Security Services Edge Solution. Business Wire
- Akamai Technologies Inc. (2022, Mar 24). Akamai Recognized as a 2022 Gartner Peer Insights Customers’ Choice for Web Application and API Protection. PRNewswire
- ESET (2022, Feb 17). ESET Earns Spot on G2’s 2022 Best Software Awards for Security Products. PRNewswire
- Imperva (2022, Mar 7). Imperva API Security Makes It Easier to Monitor and Discover APIs to Eliminate Data Leakage and API Abuses. Business Wire
- BetterCloud (2022, Feb 9). BetterCloud Earns Two Top Spots on G2’s 2022 Best Software Awards. PRNewswire
- Jackson, B. (2022, Mar 24). How to Set up Sucuri Firewall (WAF) on Your WordPress Site. Kinsta Blog
- Williams, M. (2022, Apr 5). Best DNS servers of 2022. TechRadar
- Featured image by Dan Nelson
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Brianna Parker
Kevin Johnson
S.K. Gupta
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