7 Best Alternatives to Netskope in 2026

Why look beyond Netskope

Netskope positions itself as a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) provider, integrating cloud security posture management (CSPM), data loss prevention (DLP), zero trust network access (ZTNA), and secure web gateway (SWG) functionalities into a unified platform. While Netskope is recognized for its comprehensive SASE offering and granular control over cloud applications, organizations may seek alternatives for several reasons. These can include specific architectural preferences, such as a preference for a single-vendor security stack or a distributed enforcement model. Some enterprises might find the pricing structure of Netskope, which is typically custom enterprise-level, to be a factor in exploring alternatives that offer more transparent or modular pricing. Additionally, the existing infrastructure, security partner ecosystem, or specific compliance requirements of an organization might lead them to evaluate other providers that offer deeper integrations with their current systems or specialized compliance features.

Other considerations may arise from a need for a different user experience in management consoles, a desire for broader geographical point-of-presence (PoP) coverage for global operations, or specific performance metrics for latency-sensitive applications. Organizations with extensive on-premises infrastructure might prioritize hybrid SASE solutions, while those heavily invested in a particular cloud provider's ecosystem might seek security solutions deeply integrated within that environment. Evaluating alternatives allows organizations to compare feature sets, deployment complexity, support models, and total cost of ownership against their unique operational and security objectives, ensuring the chosen SASE solution aligns with their strategic roadmap.

Top alternatives ranked

1. 1. Zscaler — Cloud-native SASE platform for large enterprises

   Zscaler provides a cloud-native platform for secure access service edge (SASE), offering services like Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) for secure web and cloud access, and Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) for zero trust network access (ZTNA). The Zscaler Security Cloud operates a global network of enforcement points, routing user traffic through its platform for inspection and policy enforcement. This architecture eliminates the need for traditional perimeter security appliances by moving security functions closer to users and applications, regardless of location. Zscaler focuses on enabling secure digital transformation by simplifying network and security infrastructure.

   The platform includes capabilities such as advanced threat protection, data loss prevention (DLP), cloud access security broker (CASB), and firewall-as-a-service. Zscaler's approach is designed to reduce attack surfaces by providing direct-to-cloud access for internet-bound traffic and direct-to-app access for private applications, adhering strictly to zero trust principles. Its global footprint aims to provide consistent security policies and low-latency access for distributed workforces. Zscaler integrates with various identity providers and security information and event management (SIEM) systems to enhance overall security posture and operational visibility.

   • Best for: Large enterprises requiring a dedicated cloud-native SASE platform, organizations prioritizing direct-to-cloud security, and those adopting a pure zero trust architecture.

   Read more about Zscaler on platformdex or visit the official Zscaler website.

2. 2. Palo Alto Networks — Integrated enterprise cybersecurity for SASE and network security

   Palo Alto Networks offers a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity solutions, including its Prisma SASE platform, which integrates cloud access security broker (CASB), secure web gateway (SWG), zero trust network access (ZTNA), and firewall-as-a-service (FWaaS). Prisma SASE is designed to provide security for hybrid workforces and multi-cloud environments, consolidating various security functions into a single, cloud-delivered service. The platform leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect and prevent advanced threats, including zero-day attacks.

   Beyond SASE, Palo Alto Networks is known for its next-generation firewalls (NGFWs), endpoint protection (Cortex XDR), and cloud security posture management (Prisma Cloud). This broad portfolio allows organizations to implement an integrated security strategy across their network, cloud, and endpoint environments. Palo Alto Networks emphasizes deep visibility, automated threat prevention, and consistent policy enforcement across its product lines. Its SASE offering aims to simplify security operations and improve performance for remote users by providing security close to the source of traffic, whether on-premises or in the cloud. The platform supports extensive integrations with third-party tools and offers robust API capabilities for automation and orchestration.

   • Best for: Enterprises seeking an integrated security platform across network, cloud, and endpoint, organizations with existing Palo Alto Networks infrastructure, and those requiring advanced threat prevention capabilities within their SASE solution.

   Read more about Palo Alto Networks on platformdex or visit the official Palo Alto Networks website.

3. 3. Fortinet — Consolidated security and networking for hybrid environments

   Fortinet provides a unified security and networking platform through its FortiSASE offering, integrating secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access security broker (CASB), zero trust network access (ZTNA), and firewall-as-a-service (FWaaS) with SD-WAN capabilities. Fortinet's approach, known as the Fortinet Security Fabric, aims to deliver consistent security policies and centralized management across diverse environments, from on-premises networks to multi-cloud deployments and remote users. This consolidation is designed to reduce complexity and improve threat visibility.

   Key components of FortiSASE include protection against advanced threats, data loss prevention (DLP), and secure access to private applications. The platform leverages FortiGuard Labs' threat intelligence to provide real-time protection against known and unknown threats. Fortinet's portfolio extends to next-generation firewalls, endpoint security, and network access control, allowing organizations to build a cohesive security architecture. FortiSASE is designed for organizations looking for a single-vendor solution that can scale from small to large enterprises, offering flexibility in deployment options, including cloud-delivered and on-premises components, to support hybrid IT environments. The emphasis is on performance, scalability, and simplified management through a unified console.

   • Best for: Organizations seeking a consolidated security and networking platform, enterprises with existing Fortinet infrastructure, and those requiring integrated SD-WAN capabilities within their SASE solution for hybrid environments.

   Read more about Fortinet on platformdex or visit the official Fortinet website.

4. 4. ServiceNow — Workflow automation with strong IT service and operations management capabilities

   ServiceNow is a cloud-based platform that specializes in enterprise workflow automation, primarily known for its IT service management (ITSM) and IT operations management (ITOM) solutions. While not a direct SASE competitor, ServiceNow's capabilities become relevant in the context of security operations and incident response. Its platform can integrate with SASE solutions to automate incident creation, remediation workflows, and policy enforcement changes based on security alerts. For instance, a security event detected by a SASE platform could automatically trigger an incident in ServiceNow, assign it to the appropriate team, and initiate a predefined response workflow.

   The platform's strength lies in its ability to connect disparate systems and processes across an organization, including security tools. Through its Security Operations (SecOps) module, ServiceNow helps automate security incident response, vulnerability management, and threat intelligence management. This integration allows enterprises to operationalize security events from various sources, including SASE platforms, into actionable workflows, improving efficiency and reducing response times. ServiceNow's no-code/low-code development capabilities also enable organizations to build custom applications and integrations to further tailor security workflows to their specific needs, making it a complementary platform for managing the operational aspects of security provided by SASE solutions.

   • Best for: Large enterprises needing to automate security incident response, integrate SASE alerts into broader IT workflows, and improve operational efficiency across IT and security teams.

   Read more about ServiceNow on platformdex or visit the official ServiceNow documentation.

5. 5. Amazon Web Services — Cloud infrastructure and security services for custom deployments

   Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides a broad suite of cloud infrastructure and platform services, including numerous security tools that can be used to construct a custom SASE-like architecture. While AWS does not offer a single, pre-packaged SASE solution, it provides foundational services such as AWS Global Accelerator for optimizing network performance, AWS Shield for DDoS protection, AWS WAF for web application firewall capabilities, and AWS Network Firewall for centralized network traffic inspection. For secure access, organizations can leverage AWS Client VPN and AWS PrivateLink to establish secure connections to private applications within the AWS ecosystem.

   Enterprises can combine these services with third-party security virtual appliances from the AWS Marketplace to build a tailored security perimeter. This approach offers high flexibility and granular control over security configurations, allowing organizations to integrate best-of-breed solutions for various security functions like CASB, DLP, and ZTNA. AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) provides robust control over user and service permissions, crucial for implementing zero trust principles. This flexibility makes AWS suitable for organizations with significant cloud-native workloads that prefer to build and manage their security infrastructure using modular cloud services, often leveraging infrastructure-as-code practices for automation and scalability.

   • Best for: Organizations with extensive AWS cloud infrastructure, those requiring highly customizable security architectures, and enterprises that prefer to build and manage their SASE-like capabilities using a modular set of cloud services.

   Read more about Amazon Web Services on platformdex or visit the official AWS documentation.

Side-by-side

How to pick

Selecting an alternative to Netskope involves evaluating your organization's specific security requirements, existing infrastructure, budget, and strategic IT direction. Consider these decision points:

1. Assess your SASE maturity and architectural preference:

   • If your organization is fully committed to a cloud-native, direct-to-cloud security model with a strong emphasis on zero trust for both internet and private application access, Zscaler is a strong contender. Its architecture is built from the ground up to support this model, potentially simplifying deployment for cloud-first enterprises.
   • If you require a SASE solution that integrates deeply with a broader enterprise cybersecurity portfolio, including next-generation firewalls, endpoint protection, and cloud security posture management, Palo Alto Networks might be a better fit. This is particularly true if you already have existing Palo Alto Networks deployments or prefer a single-vendor approach across multiple security domains.
   • For organizations seeking a consolidated platform that combines security with networking, especially SD-WAN capabilities, and prioritizes unified management across hybrid environments, Fortinet's FortiSASE offering provides a comprehensive solution. This is ideal for those looking to simplify their vendor landscape and improve network performance alongside security.

2. Consider your operational and automation needs:

   • If your primary challenge is automating security incident response, streamlining vulnerability management, and integrating security alerts into broader IT workflows, ServiceNow becomes a critical complementary platform. While not a SASE provider itself, its ability to orchestrate and manage security operations can significantly enhance the value derived from any SASE solution by improving operational efficiency and reducing manual effort.

3. Evaluate your cloud strategy and customization requirements:

   • For organizations with significant investments in Amazon Web Services and a preference for building highly customized security architectures using modular cloud services, Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides the foundational components. This approach offers maximum flexibility and control but requires more in-house expertise for design, implementation, and ongoing management of the security stack. It's suitable for cloud-native enterprises that want to leverage serverless and infrastructure-as-code principles for their security infrastructure.

4. Review your budget and pricing model preferences:

   • Most dedicated SASE platforms like Netskope, Zscaler, Palo Alto Networks, and Fortinet typically offer custom enterprise pricing based on user count, bandwidth, and features. Ensure you understand the total cost of ownership, including implementation, support, and ongoing management.
   • For AWS, pricing is consumption-based, meaning you pay only for the resources you use. This can be cost-effective for highly variable workloads but requires careful monitoring and optimization to manage costs effectively.

5. Examine integration capabilities and ecosystem:

   • Consider how well the alternative integrates with your existing identity providers (IdP), security information and event management (SIEM) systems, security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) platforms, and other critical security tools. A robust API and a wide range of pre-built connectors can significantly simplify integration and improve operational efficiency.

6. Evaluate vendor support and global presence:

   • Assess the vendor's global network footprint, including points of presence (PoPs), to ensure low-latency access and consistent security enforcement for your distributed workforce. Review their support model, service level agreements (SLAs), and reputation for customer service.

By systematically evaluating these factors against your organization's unique context, you can identify the SASE alternative or complementary solution that best aligns with your security strategy and operational needs.