Best Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) for SASE in 2026
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is the core access component of SASE, replacing legacy VPNs with identity-aware, least-privilege connectivity to applications. We evaluated the leading SASE vendors on their ZTNA maturity including identity integration, micro-segmentation, app dis
What we looked at
Identity-Aware Access
Depth of identity integration including support for multiple IdPs, MFA enforcement, device posture checks, and continuous adaptive trust evaluation during sessions.
Micro-Segmentation
Ability to enforce per-application access policies that prevent lateral movement, with granular controls based on user identity, device posture, and contextual risk.
App Discovery
Tools to discover and catalog private applications across the network to facilitate VPN-to-ZTNA migration and ensure complete coverage.
Client and Clientless Access
Support for both agent-based access (for non-web protocols like SSH, RDP, thick clients) and browser-based clientless access for web applications.
VPN Replacement Maturity
Proven ability to fully replace legacy VPN infrastructure, including support for all application types, split tunneling alternatives, and migration tooling.
The picks
Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) pioneered the ZTNA category and remains among the most mature implementations. Its inside-out architecture ensures applications are never exposed to the internet, while identity-aware micro-segmentation provides per-app access policies. ZPA supports both agent-based and browser-based access, and its app discovery feature helps organizations map their entire private application landscape before migration.
Cloud-native SASE and zero trust platform for secure internet and private application access
Cloudflare Access provides ZTNA built on Cloudflare's global network with transparent pricing and API-first management. Its clientless access for web applications is seamless, the WARP client handles non-web traffic, and Terraform-based management appeals to infrastructure-as-code teams. The breadth of identity provider integrations and the simplicity of deployment make it accessible for organizations of all sizes.
Developer-friendly zero trust platform built on Cloudflare's global Anycast network
Prisma Access ZTNA 2.0 extends Palo Alto's security inspection to private application access, applying App-ID, threat prevention, and DLP to ZTNA connections. Security teams familiar with Palo Alto firewalls can apply the same policy model to zero trust access, and the platform's continuous trust verification goes beyond initial authentication.
Enterprise SASE platform extending Palo Alto's next-gen firewall to cloud-delivered security
Cato's ZTNA is natively built into its single-vendor SASE backbone, providing zero trust access without separate infrastructure. Users connecting via Cato's client get the same security inspection and policy enforcement as branch office traffic, making the experience consistent across remote and on-site users. App discovery and micro-segmentation are built into the core platform.
Single-vendor cloud-native SASE platform with private global backbone and converged architecture
Netskope Private Access provides ZTNA with the added benefit of Netskope's data protection capabilities applied to private application traffic. Organizations concerned about data exfiltration through private apps benefit from inline DLP inspection of ZTNA connections, and the NewEdge infrastructure provides consistent global performance.
Cloud-native SASE platform with industry-leading CASB and granular SaaS visibility