Zscaler Internet Access vs. Zscaler Private Access

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Zscaler Internet Access
Score 8.8 out of 10
N/A
Zscaler Internet Access™ (ZIA) is a secure web gateway (SWG), delivering cloud native cyberthreat protection and zero trust access to the internet and SaaS apps.N/A
Zscaler Private Access
Score 9.3 out of 10
N/A
Zscaler Private Access™ (ZPA) gives users secure access to private apps and OT devices while enabling zero trust connectivity for workloads.N/A
Pricing
Zscaler Internet AccessZscaler Private Access
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Zscaler Internet AccessZscaler Private Access
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Zscaler Internet AccessZscaler Private Access
Considered Both Products
Zscaler Internet Access
Chose Zscaler Internet Access
Zscaler Internet Access is a great compliment as they all work together with seamless integration.
Chose Zscaler Internet Access
Cortex Xpanse by Palo Alto Networks
Chose Zscaler Internet Access
ZCC being one implementation with Zscaler Internet Access and ZPA being on the same app, that made the decision easier, also with the partnership that Zscaler brought to the table.
Chose Zscaler Internet Access
Netskope Cloud Firewall
Chose Zscaler Internet Access
We keep using the other products, but for network traffic Zscaler Internet Access tends to be the best solution, although for Infoblox we are using their DNS solution, and for CrowdStrike, we are focusing on other items more related to EDR than network.
Chose Zscaler Internet Access
I prefer it by far, it works well with integrations, it is built to grow with us, and support us.
Chose Zscaler Internet Access
Zscaler Internet Access is more granular.
Chose Zscaler Internet Access
Free pov was huge. We didn't get that with Cato.
Chose Zscaler Internet Access
Zscaler Deception
Chose Zscaler Internet Access
Scalability and visibility.
Chose Zscaler Internet Access
The overall user community and scope of supportability outweighed the others on our short list. Netskope was a close second, but the risk, though small, was greater than that of bringing Zscaler aboard. We were looking for a mature, well-supported, highly functional, and …
Chose Zscaler Internet Access
CrowdStrike Falcon
Chose Zscaler Internet Access
We have differences, but we are happy with Zscaler.
Zscaler Private Access
Chose Zscaler Private Access
Faster, more reliable
Chose Zscaler Private Access
Zscaler Internet Access
Chose Zscaler Private Access
close but Zscaler won out as it is cloud native
Chose Zscaler Private Access
Compared to Netskope, Zscaler Private Access offers a mature Zero Trust architecture with strong integration across the broader Zscaler platform. We selected Zscaler Private Access because of its seamless user experience, simplified application access without traditional VPNs, …
Chose Zscaler Private Access
Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR, Cisco 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers (ASR 1000) and Fortest
Chose Zscaler Private Access
Zscaler Internet Access
Chose Zscaler Private Access
Broader support and DLP capabilities as well as integrations for SASE services like box.
Chose Zscaler Private Access
Much more secure access. Allowing only what the end users need/should have permission to.
Chose Zscaler Private Access
Zscaler Digital Experience (ZDX) and Zscaler Internet Access
Chose Zscaler Private Access
ZPA is more user-friendly and easier to understand.
Chose Zscaler Private Access
We use ZPA because we're a Zscaler shop.
Chose Zscaler Private Access
The options offered by ZPA fit our needs.
Chose Zscaler Private Access
Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Chose Zscaler Private Access
Needed to replace traditional VPN solution
Chose Zscaler Private Access
I would not use Zscaler Private Access for this comparison. Zscaler Internet Access would be more suited.
Chose Zscaler Private Access
Ease of use, industry recommendations, a complete package with additional add-ons to support a zero-trust mentality.
Chose Zscaler Private Access
The robust feature set provided in ZPA and its completely invisible internet footprint sold us. The fact that breaking into a broker provides the attacker absolutely no ability to access the data stream is incredible.
Chose Zscaler Private Access
Was not involved in the decision.
Features
Zscaler Internet AccessZscaler Private Access
Identity Management
Comparison of Identity Management features of Product A and Product B
Zscaler Internet Access
5.0
Ratings
56% below category average
Zscaler Private Access
9.2
Ratings
4% above category average
Multi-Factor Authentication5.00 Ratings9.20 Ratings
Endpoint Security
Comparison of Endpoint Security features of Product A and Product B
Zscaler Internet Access
10.0
Ratings
11% above category average
Zscaler Private Access
8.9
Ratings
1% below category average
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)10.00 Ratings8.90 Ratings
Threat Intelligence
Comparison of Threat Intelligence features of Product A and Product B
Zscaler Internet Access
8.4
Ratings
9% above category average
Zscaler Private Access
8.6
Ratings
11% above category average
Network Analytics8.60 Ratings8.90 Ratings
Threat Recognition8.20 Ratings9.00 Ratings
Vulnerability Classification8.40 Ratings8.40 Ratings
Automated Alerts and Reporting8.10 Ratings8.20 Ratings
Threat Analysis8.70 Ratings8.70 Ratings
Threat Intelligence Reporting8.50 Ratings8.20 Ratings
Automated Threat Identification8.40 Ratings8.60 Ratings
Zero Trust Security
Comparison of Zero Trust Security features of Product A and Product B
Zscaler Internet Access
8.8
Ratings
3% above category average
Zscaler Private Access
9.1
Ratings
6% above category average
Continuous Verification8.60 Ratings9.10 Ratings
Secure Web Gateways9.00 Ratings9.30 Ratings
Network Flow Control8.10 Ratings9.10 Ratings
Network Traffic Analysis8.80 Ratings9.10 Ratings
Segmentation Leveraging8.50 Ratings9.10 Ratings
Admin Access Control9.00 Ratings9.30 Ratings
Network Data Encryption8.80 Ratings9.20 Ratings
Network Topology Mapping10.00 Ratings8.70 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Zscaler Internet AccessZscaler Private Access
Small Businesses
ThreatLocker
ThreatLocker
Score 9.2 out of 10
ThreatLocker
ThreatLocker
Score 9.2 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access
Score 8.6 out of 10
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access
Score 8.6 out of 10
Enterprises
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access
Score 8.6 out of 10
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access
Score 8.6 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Zscaler Internet AccessZscaler Private Access
Likelihood to Recommend
9.0
(0 ratings)
9.4
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
8.4
(0 ratings)
8.4
(0 ratings)
Usability
8.7
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
Availability
7.3
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Performance
5.5
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
7.2
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Online Training
7.3
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
8.3
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Configurability
8.3
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
7.3
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
8.3
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
7.3
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
Zscaler Internet AccessZscaler Private Access
Likelihood to Recommend
It has been pretty great in our deployment; the ability to send specific messages to users, or to isolate with a banner, has given us more control without blunt "this was blocked for this reason" landing pages. We have a lot of YouTube use, and it's difficult to police the legitimate use from personal use. Because of this, the quotas have been an effective way to achieve traffic goals without getting in users' way.
Read full review
The tool is, for the most part, very intuitive. Most of our issues so far (working through them with our Resident Engineer) are the one-off applications. We are working on some exemptions to make them functional. Besides that, the team loves the tool and how it can provide better security than our previous tool.
Read full review
Pros
  • Provides a secure VPN connection point for endpoint connectivity.
  • Provides the VPN connectivity in a fast and reliable connection state.
  • Very dependable, once connected the connection stays up and there's no fuss.
  • Very good at letting you know when you are not authenticated.
  • Very easy to authenticate and regain access when your session times out.
Read full review
  • Connecting users remotely with a secure connection. I am a service desk agent who works with end users, and if there is an issue due to ZPA, it's most likely due to configuration. A really good service.
  • Logging, I believe, works well as I troubleshoot end users and can gather extra details for my network admin. IP.zscaler.com, and the debug logs are nice. Additionally, I like how it shows the App policy assigned to the user's machine ECT.
Read full review
Cons
  • ZS CLI support to turn off ZIA and ZDX service specifically on mac.
  • Better visibility into failed posture devices, including a timeline and the reason the posture failed (This is about the Zscaler mobile portal: Enrolled devices --> Failed posture devices).
Read full review
  • Needs an interface for Support Desk/Help Desk to more easily understand that the problem is a lack of an FQDN or access is not allowed due to policy, not because of a technical shortcoming in ZPA.
  • Documentation of the BC solution is not well-detailed.
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
While Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) delivers critical value in cloud security and RBI compliance, I rate renewal likelihood 7/10 due to evolving needs versus platform limitations. Below is my rationale:
Key Gaps:
1. Advanced Threat Costs:
ZIA’s add-ons (e.g., Advanced DLP, Sandboxing) incur 35%+ cost premiums – straining budgets as transaction volumes (UPI/iMobile) grow 50% YoY.
2. API Banking Scalability:
ZIA’s API rate limits throttle real-time policy sync during UPI peaks (10K+ TPS), forcing workarounds for finacle integrations.
3. RBI Future-Proofing:
Limited native support for upcoming digital rupee (CBDC) security rules requires custom development, increasing compliance overhead.
Read full review
When it works - it works incredibly slick. It's only L4 which seems like a downgrade of security from solutions that promote L7.
Read full review
Usability
The product is as expected. ZIA has been integrated and utilized as intended. Any modifications to rules in ZCC have been straightforward to implement. Although it has not been done yet, the segmentation for specific users is highly anticipated. The product received a 9, as no product is wholly perfect, but it has been great to use.
Read full review
I have had no problems instructing new members of our management team in how to configure, test, and validate user access to internal applications granted in Zscaler Private Access. it is an easy flow to follow and a logical set of data connections
Read full review
Performance
There are often performance issues reported
Read full review
No answers on this topic
Support Rating
Zscaler's ZIA support is quick and knowledgable. They respond within 1-2 hours of you submitting your ticket. They are very thorough and are typically ready to jump on a live troubleshooting session. Our ZIA platform and how we use is it unique so at times tickets can be open for weeks but we alway get quality support compared to other unrelated product support in our enterprise
Read full review
No answers on this topic
Implementation Rating
good the engineer give excellent support and eplanation
Read full review
No answers on this topic
Alternatives Considered
We keep using the other products, but for network traffic Zscaler Internet Access tends to be the best solution, although for Infoblox we are using their DNS solution, and for CrowdStrike, we are focusing on other items more related to EDR than network.
Read full review
ZPA is where the bulk of zero-trust access is found. While the functionality for ZIA is excellent, the policy we implement for internet access is more focused on threat prevention and not narrowly scoped access.
Read full review
Return on Investment
  • I would say it has a very good ROI, as whenever someone can't access something, they submit a ticket to our network engineer, and within minutes, the site is safely added to ZIA with best-practice configurations. After seeing a little of the UI from the Zenith event, it seems very user-friendly to control these policies.
Read full review
  • We used to get anywhere from 30 to 50 tickets surrounding our previous VPN solution every month. We now average 3-5 tickets regarding remote connectivity, and of those, only 1 or 2 are actual issues with ZPA.
  • Using ZPA Access Policies, we can now block endpoints that have outdated security software from ever connecting to our environment. This was simply not possible with our previous solution.
  • Some of our employee base skews older and had a harder time understanding the change from VPN to Zscaler.
  • There is significantly less downtime with ZPA when compared to other VPN solutions.
Read full review
ScreenShots

Zscaler Internet Access Screenshots

Screenshot of an overview of Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA), a cloud native security service edge (SSE) solution that builds on a decade of secure web gateway leadership. Offered as a scalable SaaS platform through Zscaler's security cloud, it replaces legacy network security solutions, preventing advanced attacks and data loss with a comprehensive zero trust approach. ZIA is integrated into the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange™ to provide superior defense-in-depth, secure connectivity, end user experience, and administrative visibility and control.

Zscaler Private Access Screenshots

Screenshot of how ZPA provides access for all users while minimizing the attack surface, eliminating lateral movement, and stopping zero day threats. A cloud native service, ZPA can be deployed in just hours to replace legacy remote access tools like VPNs and VDIs.