What is Zscaler used for?

Zscaler is a cloud security platform that applies zero trust to internet and private application access, for enterprises replacing VPNs and traditional network security. It is a good fit for replacing a VPN with zero trust access, and securing branch offices and remote workers.

How much does Zscaler cost?

Zscaler doesn't publish fixed prices; pricing is quoted on request.

Is Zscaler open source?

No. Zscaler is proprietary (closed-source) software and can't be self-hosted. Open-source alternatives to Zscaler include Pomerium, OpenZiti and Octelium.

What are some alternatives to Zscaler?

Zscaler competes with Netskope, Cloudflare Zero Trust and Palo Alto Networks. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Zscaler alternatives.

Zscaler: features, pricing and alternatives

About Zscaler

Zscaler is a commercial cloud security provider built around its Zero Trust Exchange. Instead of routing users through a corporate network, it places a cloud service between users, devices and workloads and the applications they reach, so access decisions are made per connection. It targets enterprises moving away from VPNs and perimeter firewalls.

The platform includes Secure Internet Access for web and SaaS traffic, Secure Private Access for internal apps without a VPN, Zero Trust Branch, Zero Trust Cloud, Digital Experience monitoring, a zero trust browser, cloud sandbox, a zero trust firewall and privileged remote access. The vendor also promotes data security, security for AI and agentic security operations.

Zscaler is proprietary and delivered entirely as a cloud service through regional cloud portals, so there is nothing to host yourself. Customers typically request a demo, and the vendor publishes a pricing and plans page that outlines how the offering is packaged.

Key features

Secure internet access for web and SaaS traffic
Private application access without a VPN
Cloud sandbox for unknown file threats
Zero trust firewall across ports and protocols
Digital experience monitoring for apps and devices
Privileged remote access for administrators

Good fit for

→Replacing a VPN with zero trust access
→Securing branch offices and remote workers

Tags: security; zero-trust; sase; secure-web-gateway; ztna; cloud-security; enterprise

Zscaler: questions and answers

What is Zscaler used for?: Zscaler is a cloud security platform that applies zero trust to internet and private application access, for enterprises replacing VPNs and traditional network security. It is a good fit for replacing a VPN with zero trust access, and securing branch offices and remote workers.
How much does Zscaler cost?: Zscaler doesn't publish fixed prices; pricing is quoted on request.
Is Zscaler open source?: No. Zscaler is proprietary (closed-source) software and can't be self-hosted. Open-source alternatives to Zscaler include Pomerium, OpenZiti and Octelium.
What are some alternatives to Zscaler?: Zscaler competes with Netskope, Cloudflare Zero Trust and Palo Alto Networks. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Zscaler alternatives.