Versa versus Zscaler

Unified SASE platform

VERSA

Single OS and native integration of capabilities including SD-WAN.

ZSCALER

Fragmented software stack with acquired point-products.

Enterprise-class SD-WAN

VERSA

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

ZSCALER

Has never appeared on a Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN.

SSE and security

VERSA

Comprehensive ZTNA and security including full malware and sandbox analysis.

ZSCALER

ZPA requires add-on for malware and sandbox analysis.

Unified console

VERSA

Single unified console for SD-WAN, SSE, all security features

ZSCALER

Requires multiple consoles

On-premises security

VERSA

Supports full stack NGFW and advanced security on-premises.

ZSCALER

Requires connection to cloud gateway for full security services.

Versa Unified SASE versus Zscaler

Comprehensive SASE platform

Versa delivers a comprehensive, unified SASE platform that natively integrates SD-WAN and SSE. Unlike Zscaler with its acquired SD-WAN technologies, Versa’s native SSE offerings and unified management provides enterprises with a seamless path to SASE.

Zscaler’s SASE solution uses acquired technologies and aren’t delivered on the same software stack.

Best rated firewall and security

Cyberratings.org consistently ranks Versa’s NGFW #1 based on Security Effectiveness, Rated Throughput, and Price per Mbps.

"Versa Networks demonstrated the highest security effectiveness, making them the most reliable options for blocking exploits and evasion tactics."

– Cyberratings.org, Comparative Test Report: Cloud Network Firewall, Q1 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.

"However, the vendor [Zscaler] lacks advanced SD-WAN functionality such as in-depth path selection, packet duplication and support for high bandwidth throughput."

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

Comprehensive visibility

Unified networking and security across single console with near real-time data and advanced analytics.

Zscaler’s SASE solution requires multiple consoles (up to 8) or complicated migrations, creating visibility gaps and operational inefficiency.

Resources

ANALYST REPORT

GigaOm Radar for SD-WAN Solutions

GigaOm evaluated the top 31 solutions in the Software-Defined Wide Area Network market, including Versa Secure SD-WAN. Versa was classified for the second year in a row as a Leader and an Outperformer. Get a full, complimentary copy with all vendor evaluations.

ANALYST REPORT

CyberRatings.org 2025 Comparative Test Report: Cloud Network Firewall

Versa Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) received the top Recommended rating from CyberRatings.org while scoring 99.90% for security effectiveness with the fastest throughput rate and the lowest cost per Mbps processed among all recommended solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What are the primary differences between Versa Networks and Zscaler in SASE architecture?

Versa offers a unified, single-software stack (VOS) that combines networking and full security in one platform. Zscaler is built around their cloud-native Zero Trust Exchange, primarily providing SSE (security) services with limited SD-WAN functionality. Gartner also notes Zscaler was late entering the SASE market and has never appeared on an SD-WAN Magic Quadrant.

02 How do Versa and Zscaler compare in terms of secure internet access and branch connectivity?

Versa’s secure internet access and branch-to-branch connectivity via SD-WAN is integrated into its SASE architecture, delivering high-performance networking and security enforcement regardless of where users are coming from or connecting to.

Zscaler provides secure internet access via its cloud-based Zero Trust Exchange, but lacks native branch (site-to-site) SD-WAN.

03 How do Versa and Zscaler differ in pricing and deployment models?

Versa supports flexible deployment for on-premises, cloud, or hybrid architectures. Options that allow customers to use standard, x86-based commodity hardware or virtual instances further reduce total cost of ownership for Versa’s solution.

Zscaler is fully cloud-native, simplifying deployment but often requires licensing for multiple modules which can affect pricing.

04 For enterprises with many branch sites, which is more suitable: Versa or Zscaler?

Versa is generally more suitable because it includes integrated SD-WAN and security in a unified platform, making branch-to-branch and branch-to-cloud connectivity simpler to manage. Zscaler may work for organizations focused on internet-based access and security, but less so when full branch network integration is needed.

Best-in-Class SASE and SD-WAN with Versa