Zscaler vs Fortinet FortiSASE -- SASE & Zero Trust Compared

Zscaler vs Fortinet FortiSASE

Fortinet FortiSASE provides the most cost-effective path to enterprise SASE with best-in-class integrated SD-WAN, making it compelling for mid-market organizations and existing Fortinet customers. Zscaler delivers a more mature cloud-native SASE architecture with superior inline inspection, broader global coverage, and deeper CASB/DLP capabilities, but at significantly higher cost. FortiSASE wins on price and SD-WAN; Zscaler wins on cloud-native architecture and security depth.

The Verdict

Choose FortiSASE if you want the most cost-effective SASE platform with best-in-class integrated SD-WAN, especially if you already run Fortinet infrastructure. Choose Zscaler if you need a purpose-built cloud-native SASE platform with the deepest inline inspection, the largest global network, and the most mature ZTNA and CASB capabilities.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureFortinet FortiSASEZscaler
ArchitectureFortiOS in cloud (evolved from appliance)Cloud-native proxy architecture
SD-WANIndustry-leading integrated SD-WANNo native SD-WAN
Secure Web GatewayFortiOS-powered SWGPurpose-built cloud SWG
ZTNAFortiZTNA with FortiClientZPA — mature enterprise ZTNA
PricingCompetitive mid-market pricingPremium enterprise pricing
Global NetworkGrowing PoP network150+ data centers worldwide
Threat IntelligenceFortiGuard Labs (massive global data)ThreatLabz research team
CASB/DLPBasic CASB and DLPAdvanced CASB with deep SaaS controls

When to Choose Each Tool

Choose Fortinet FortiSASE when:

  • +You need enterprise SASE at mid-market pricing without sacrificing core capabilities
  • +Integrated SD-WAN with application-aware traffic steering is a requirement
  • +You run FortiGate firewalls and want consistent FortiOS policy management
  • +Branch office connectivity with SD-WAN and security in one solution is the priority
  • +You want a single vendor for network security, SD-WAN, and SASE

Choose Zscaler when:

  • +Cloud-native architecture with purpose-built inline inspection is essential
  • +You need the largest global PoP network for lowest-latency security inspection
  • +Advanced CASB and DLP capabilities with deep SaaS visibility are required
  • +You are deploying at massive scale and need proven cloud scalability
  • +Replacing VPNs with enterprise-grade zero trust access is the primary use case

Pros & Cons Comparison

Fortinet FortiSASE

Pros

  • +Most competitive pricing makes enterprise SASE accessible to mid-market
  • +Consistent FortiOS experience for existing Fortinet customers
  • +Industry-leading SD-WAN natively integrated into the SASE platform
  • +FortiGuard Labs provides massive threat intelligence from global install base
  • +Single management console for SASE and on-prem FortiGate firewalls

Cons

  • –Smaller global PoP footprint than Zscaler and Cloudflare
  • –Cloud-native capabilities less mature than purpose-built cloud SASE platforms
  • –CASB and DLP features are less granular than Netskope or Zscaler
  • –Architecture evolved from on-prem appliances rather than built for cloud
  • –ZTNA capabilities lag behind Zscaler ZPA in maturity and scale

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 Fortinet FortiSASE FAQ

Common questions about choosing between Zscaler and Fortinet FortiSASE.

What is the main difference between Zscaler and Fortinet FortiSASE?

Fortinet FortiSASE provides the most cost-effective path to enterprise SASE with best-in-class integrated SD-WAN, making it compelling for mid-market organizations and existing Fortinet customers. Zscaler delivers a more mature cloud-native SASE architecture with superior inline inspection, broader global coverage, and deeper CASB/DLP capabilities, but at significantly higher cost. FortiSASE wins on price and SD-WAN; Zscaler wins on cloud-native architecture and security depth.

Is Fortinet FortiSASE better than Zscaler?

Choose FortiSASE if you want the most cost-effective SASE platform with best-in-class integrated SD-WAN, especially if you already run Fortinet infrastructure. Choose Zscaler if you need a purpose-built cloud-native SASE platform with the deepest inline inspection, the largest global network, and the most mature ZTNA and CASB capabilities.

How much does Fortinet FortiSASE cost compared to Zscaler?

Fortinet FortiSASE pricing: Custom pricing / Per-user tiers starting lower than Zscaler. Zscaler pricing: Custom enterprise pricing / Per-user subscription. Fortinet FortiSASE's pricing model is per-user annual subscription with tiered bundles, while Zscaler uses per-user annual subscription pricing.

Can I migrate from Zscaler to Fortinet FortiSASE?

Yes, you can migrate from Zscaler to Fortinet FortiSASE. 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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