Zscaler vs Cato Networks -- SASE & Zero Trust Compared

Zscaler vs Cato Networks

Cato Networks offers the most architecturally pure single-vendor SASE platform with a private global backbone that delivers predictable performance. Zscaler provides deeper security inspection, a larger global network, and more mature CASB/DLP capabilities, but lacks native SD-WAN and operates over the public internet rather than a private backbone. Cato wins on architectural simplicity and converged networking+security; Zscaler wins on security depth and proven enterprise scale.

The Verdict

Choose Cato Networks if you want the simplest, most architecturally coherent SASE platform with integrated SD-WAN and a private global backbone for predictable performance. Choose Zscaler if you need the deepest security inspection capabilities, the most mature ZTNA for large-scale deployments, and advanced CASB/DLP features for cloud application governance.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureCato NetworksZscaler
ArchitectureSingle-vendor built from scratch, private backboneCloud-native proxy over public internet
SD-WANNative integrated SD-WANNo native SD-WAN capability
Global Network80+ PoPs on private backbone150+ DCs on public internet
Secure Web GatewayIntegrated SWG with TLS inspectionIndustry-leading SWG depth
ZTNABuilt-in ZTNA/SDPZPA — proven at enterprise scale
ManagementSingle unified management consoleSeparate ZIA/ZPA portals
Threat DetectionManaged detection and response (MDR)ThreatLabz + cloud sandboxing
CASB/DLPGrowing CASB and DLP capabilitiesAdvanced CASB and enterprise DLP

When to Choose Each Tool

Choose Cato Networks when:

  • +You want a true single-vendor SASE with networking and security built on one platform
  • +Predictable network performance via a private global backbone is critical for your operations
  • +You need integrated SD-WAN without adding a separate networking vendor
  • +Simplicity and fastest deployment time are higher priorities than the deepest security features
  • +You are a mid-market organization that values operational simplicity over best-in-class point capabilities

Choose Zscaler when:

  • +You need the deepest inline security inspection with advanced CASB and DLP
  • +Your deployment requires 100,000+ users and proven massive-scale zero trust access
  • +Advanced threat prevention and cloud sandboxing are critical requirements
  • +You prefer best-of-breed security depth over converged simplicity
  • +Your existing security stack requires extensive third-party integrations

Pros & Cons Comparison

Cato Networks

Pros

  • +True single-vendor SASE built from scratch — not assembled from acquisitions
  • +Private global backbone provides predictable, SLA-backed performance
  • +Simplest management experience with a single unified console
  • +Fastest SASE deployment — sites can be onboarded in minutes
  • +Integrated SD-WAN eliminates the need for separate networking vendors

Cons

  • –Smaller PoP footprint than Zscaler and Cloudflare (80+ vs 150+/300+)
  • –Less mature CASB and DLP compared to Netskope and Zscaler
  • –Fewer integrations with third-party security tools
  • –Less proven at the largest enterprise scale (100,000+ users)
  • –Private backbone adds cost compared to internet-based SASE

Zscaler

Pros

  • +Massive global cloud with 150+ data centers for low-latency inspection
  • +True inline inspection of all traffic including encrypted TLS/SSL
  • +Eliminates VPNs and reduces attack surface with zero trust architecture
  • +Comprehensive platform covering SWG, ZTNA, CASB, and DLP
  • +Proven at scale with Fortune 500 enterprises and millions of users

Cons

  • –Premium pricing puts it out of reach for SMBs and mid-market
  • –Complex deployment and configuration for large enterprises
  • –Vendor lock-in with proprietary architecture and limited interoperability
  • –ZPA and ZIA sold as separate products, increasing total cost
  • –Limited customization compared to building with best-of-breed point solutions

Zscaler vs Cato Networks FAQ

Common questions about choosing between Zscaler and Cato Networks.

What is the main difference between Zscaler and Cato Networks?

Cato Networks offers the most architecturally pure single-vendor SASE platform with a private global backbone that delivers predictable performance. Zscaler provides deeper security inspection, a larger global network, and more mature CASB/DLP capabilities, but lacks native SD-WAN and operates over the public internet rather than a private backbone. Cato wins on architectural simplicity and converged networking+security; Zscaler wins on security depth and proven enterprise scale.

Is Cato Networks better than Zscaler?

Choose Cato Networks if you want the simplest, most architecturally coherent SASE platform with integrated SD-WAN and a private global backbone for predictable performance. Choose Zscaler if you need the deepest security inspection capabilities, the most mature ZTNA for large-scale deployments, and advanced CASB/DLP features for cloud application governance.

How much does Cato Networks cost compared to Zscaler?

Cato Networks pricing: Custom pricing based on sites, users, and bandwidth. Zscaler pricing: Custom enterprise pricing / Per-user subscription. Cato Networks's pricing model is per-site and per-user annual subscription, while Zscaler uses per-user annual subscription pricing.

Can I migrate from Zscaler to Cato Networks?

Yes, you can migrate from Zscaler to Cato Networks. The migration process depends on your specific setup and the features you use. Both platforms offer APIs that can facilitate automated migration. Consider running both tools in parallel during the transition to ensure zero downtime.

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