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.
Last updated
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.
Used Zscaler or Fortinet FortiSASE? Share your experience.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Fortinet FortiSASE | Zscaler |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | FortiOS in cloud (evolved from appliance) | Cloud-native proxy architecture |
| SD-WAN | Industry-leading integrated SD-WAN | No native SD-WAN |
| Secure Web Gateway | FortiOS-powered SWG | Purpose-built cloud SWG |
| ZTNA | FortiZTNA with FortiClient | ZPA — mature enterprise ZTNA |
| Pricing | Competitive mid-market pricing | Premium enterprise pricing |
| Global Network | Growing PoP network | 150+ data centers worldwide |
| Threat Intelligence | FortiGuard Labs (massive global data) | ThreatLabz research team |
| CASB/DLP | Basic CASB and DLP | Advanced 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
Other Zscaler Alternatives
Cloud-native SASE platform with industry-leading CASB and granular SaaS visibility
Developer-friendly zero trust platform built on Cloudflare's global Anycast network
Enterprise SASE platform extending Palo Alto's next-gen firewall to cloud-delivered security
Cisco's unified SASE platform converging Umbrella, Duo, and Meraki into cloud-delivered security
Single-vendor cloud-native SASE platform with private global backbone and converged architecture
Data-aware SSE platform with pioneering CASB technology and deep cloud data protection
Cloud-native zero trust platform with FedRAMP authorization and competitive mid-market pricing
Pros & Cons Comparison
Fortinet FortiSASE
Pros
- +Most competitive pricing makes enterprise SASE accessible to mid-market
- +Consistent FortiOS experience for existing Fortinet customers
- +Strong 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
- +Large 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
Sources & References
- Zscaler — Official Website & Documentation[Vendor]
- Fortinet FortiSASE — Official Website & Documentation[Vendor]
- Zscaler Reviews on G2[User Reviews]
- Fortinet FortiSASE Reviews on G2[User Reviews]
- Zscaler Reviews on TrustRadius[User Reviews]
- Fortinet FortiSASE Reviews on TrustRadius[User Reviews]
- Zscaler Reviews on PeerSpot[User Reviews]
- Fortinet FortiSASE Reviews on PeerSpot[User Reviews]
- Gartner Magic Quadrant for Single-Vendor SASE 2024[Analyst Report]
- Gartner Magic Quadrant for Security Service Edge 2024[Analyst Report]
- Forrester Wave: Zero Trust Network Access, Q3 2023[Analyst Report]
- IDC MarketScape: Worldwide SASE 2024[Analyst Report]
- CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model[Government Standard]
- Gartner Peer Insights: SSE[Peer Reviews]
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.
Related Comparisons & Guides
Fortinet FortiSASE Alternatives
Converged SASE platform powered by FortiOS with competitive pricing and integrated SD-WAN
ComparisonCato Networks vs Zscaler
Cloud-native SASE and zero trust platform for secure internet and private application access
ComparisonCisco Secure Access vs Zscaler
Cloud-native SASE and zero trust platform for secure internet and private application access
ComparisonCloudflare Zero Trust vs Zscaler
Cloud-native SASE and zero trust platform for secure internet and private application access
Comparisoniboss vs Zscaler
Cloud-native SASE and zero trust platform for secure internet and private application access
ComparisonFortinet FortiSASE vs Zscaler
Cloud-native SASE and zero trust platform for secure internet and private application access
ComparisonPalo Alto Prisma Access vs Zscaler
Cloud-native SASE and zero trust platform for secure internet and private application access
ComparisonSkyhigh Security vs Zscaler
Cloud-native SASE and zero trust platform for secure internet and private application access