Versa versus Cato

Unified SASE architecture

VERSA

SASE and SD-WAN solutions for on-premises, hybrid, and cloud; integration-ready for smooth digital transitions.

CATO

Cloud-based solution required with rip-and-replace for installs.

Enterprise-class SD-WAN

VERSA

Longstanding SD-WAN leader capable of handling advanced networking requirements of Fortune 100 customers.

CATO

Has never appeared on a Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN despite claiming SD-WAN availability since 2017.

Network performance

VERSA

Path optimization for each connection for lower latency.

CATO

Traffic must be backhauled via PoP backbone, increasing latency; throughput depends on distance from PoP.

On-premises security

VERSA

Supports full stack inspection, NGFW, threat protection on-premises.

CATO

Requires connection to cloud gateway for full security services, impacting session quality.

Global compliance

VERSA

Built-in support for global compliance and data sovereignty laws, FedRAMP High Ready.

CATO

"Cato has limited support for turnkey compliance with data sovereignty laws and constraints on log storage locations across various countries."

– Gartner, Magic Quadrant for SASE Platforms, 9 July 2025

Versa Unified SASE versus Cato

Enterprise-ready SASE platform

Versa delivers a comprehensive, unified SASE platform that natively integrates SD-WAN and SSE. The solution supports on-premises, hybrid, and cloud deployments, offering seamless digital transformation for any enterprise use case.

Cato's cloud-based SASE solution requires cloud connection with minimal support for phased deployments.

Advanced security everywhere

Versa’s full security stack is available in any deployment mode (on-premises, hybrid, and cloud). Everywhere security includes network sandboxing, full anti-malware/IPS/IDS capabilities, deep packet inspection of private app traffic, and complete DLP support with built-in standards-based compliance.

"Cato Networks lacks on-premises intrusion prevention systems (IPS) and content filtering capabilities"

– Gartner, Magic Quadrant for SASE Platforms, 9 July 2025

Enterprise-class SD-WAN

Versa combines industry-leading SD-WAN with advanced security capable of meeting the needs of large, complex WAN deployments. Whether for small branches or global Fortune 100 companies, Versa’s architecture ensures optimized performance and effortless scalability.

"At the same time, Cato Networks’ offering has weaknesses with in-line on-premises security controls and basic networking capabilities."

– Gartner, Critical Capabilities for SASE Platforms, 14 July 2025

Compliance and integration ready

Meet global data mandates effortlessly with Versa’s Sovereign SASE and built-in compliance. Versa readily integrates with third platforms and monitoring tools so enterprises can build custom best-in-class ecosystems.

Cato lacks turnkey compliance with data sovereignty laws and integration with common business platforms.

Resources

ANALYST REPORT

Gartner SSE Magic Quadrant

Versa has once again been recognized in the Gartner Magic Quadrant™ for Security Service Edge (SSE) and is one of nine vendors chosen to be evaluated in this year's report.

ANALYST REPORT

Cyberratings.org / NSS labs test results

Versa SSE Achieves Recommended Rating and 99.98% Security Effectiveness from CyberRatings.org in Testing by NSS Labs

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What are the differentiators between Versa and Cato’s SASE?

Versa offers a unified SASE stack (complete SD-WAN and SSE with advanced security) and supports on-premises, cloud, and hybrid deployments. Cato is built as a cloud-native service but relies on cloud PoPs for security enforcement rather than on-site inspection.

02 Which vendor offers more scalable WAN / branch network support: Versa or Cato?

Versa easily supports large, highly complex branch deployments via its full SD-WAN capabilities with optimized connections for lower latency. Cato can be scalable for cloud-connected sites but experiences latency or throughput constraints for distant branches since traffic is backhauled to its PoPs.

03 How do their security stacks compare (NGFW, SWG, CASB, ZTNA) for Versa vs Cato?

Versa provides a full security stack (NGFW, IPS/IDS, SWG, CASB, ZTNA, DLP, and sandboxing) in any deployment mode, including on-prem security. While Cato also delivers NGFW, SWG, CASB, and ZTNA via its cloud service, its on-prem security controls are limited. In addition, Cato’s NGFW lacks enterprise-grade capabilities such as advanced threat detection, IoT security, and microsegmentation.

04 Which vendor offers more flexible licensing: Versa and Cato?

Versa offers a variety of licensing options including bandwidth and consumption-based licensing, giving customers more flexibility and better TCO based on operating model.

Cato uses a traditional bandwidth-allocation model, requiring precise sizing to avoid over or under-provisioning.

Enterprise Class SASE and SD-WAN with Versa