Best SASE Solutions: What to Choose in 2026

Most IT and security teams already understand the appeal of secure access service edge (SASE) and its use cases. SASE is a single, cloud-delivered approach to connecting users, securing traffic, and reducing hardware sprawl.

The question now isn’t whether SASE helps, but which platform actually deserves a place in your stack. SASE combines networking and security in a single, cloud-delivered model. In practice, though, SASE platforms vary a lot.

Some grow out of virtual private network (VPN) and secure remote access; others from secure web gateway (SWG) or cloud access security broker (CASB). Each makes different tradeoffs, even among the best SASE solutions.

That can make the decision feel harder than it needs to be. With so many strong options, it’s easy to overbuy, underscope, or end up with a solution that doesn’t quite fit your team’s size, skills, or roadmap.

This guide walks through the best SASE solutions for small and midsize businesses (SMBs), mid-market organizations, and enterprises. You’ll see how they differ in Zero Trust capabilities, network performance, and day-to-day operations.

Evaluation criteria: How to assess SASE solutions

When you compare platforms, it helps to keep a short, repeatable checklist:

• Network Performance and Global Presence. Look at point-of-presence (PoP) coverage, backbone design, and how traffic is routed to apps and the internet.
• Breadth and Depth of Security Features. Which controls, like SWG, zero-trust network access (ZTNA), CASB, firewall as a service (FWaaS), and data loss prevention (DLP), are included, and which would still require separate tools?
• Identity-Driven Access and Zero-Trust Capabilities. How well does the platform enforce identity-centric policies, device posture, and least-privilege access? To learn more, check out our guide to ZTNA criteria.
• Platform Unification and Ease of Management. Is policy managed in one place? Can security and networking teams share the same view without friction?
• Integration With Existing Tools and Cloud Providers. Check support for identity providers; security information and event management (SIEM) and security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR); software-defined wide-area network (SD-WAN); and your main cloud platforms.
• Scalability, Deployment Models, and Pricing. Confirm how the service scales from a pilot to global rollout, and how licensing will behave as usage grows.

1. OpenVPN CloudConnexa

OpenVPN CloudConnexa is a cloud-delivered secure networking service built on the battle-tested OpenVPN protocol. It creates a virtual private overlay network across global points of presence so users, sites, and cloud resources can connect without exposing your internal network to the internet.

CloudConnexa is a strong fit for SMB and mid-market teams that want reliable, Zero Trust-ready remote access without taking on the complexity of a full SASE “suite.” It’s particularly helpful for lean IT teams that still need to support global contractors, remote workers, and multiple cloud environments.

Key capabilities

• Zero Trust Network Access policies based on user identity, device posture, and network segments, with features such as device posture checks, microsegmentation, and application concealment.
• Secure internet access via the Domain Name System (DNS) and web threat protection, including content filtering and IDS/IPS features under Cyber Shield.
• Global PoPs and overlay networking to connect users, sites, and clouds over an encrypted private network instead of the open internet.
• Flexible connectivity options with support for both IPsec and OpenVPN, allowing you to connect routers, virtual machines, and cloud networks.
• Broad client support through OpenVPN Connect apps on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and more.

Strengths and benefits

• Simple, predictable rollout. CloudConnexa is delivered as a service, so you don’t manage the underlying infrastructure. Many teams can connect networks and users in minutes instead of hours.
• Zero Trust made approachable. Policies are anchored in identity, device posture, and network segments. This makes it a practical starting point if you’re moving toward a ZTNA-driven SASE model rather than jumping straight into a heavyweight platform.
• Good fit for SMB and mid-market budgets. CloudConnexa pricing is seat-based, with a free tier and a 14-day trial, and scales gradually as you add more users.
• Strong security posture and compliance. OpenVPN compliance holds SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certifications and documents its alignment with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This helps security teams answer common due diligence questions.
• Works alongside the rest of your stack. Because CloudConnexa is focused on secure networking and zero-trust VPN capabilities, you can pair it with your existing email, endpoint, and SIEM tools without forcing a “rip and replace.”
  

2. Check Point Harmony SASE (formerly Perimeter 81)

Check Point Harmony SASE (built from the Perimeter 81 acquisition) is a cloud-based secure access and SASE platform that combines business VPN, ZTNA, and secure web access under a single console. It is popular with SMB and mid-market companies that want a more unified edge security stack without stitching together multiple vendors.

Key capabilities

• ZTNA for application-level access instead of full-network exposure.
• Cloud-delivered SWG and FWaaS.
• Integration with identity providers for policy-based access.
• Central management of remote access, web access, and branch connectivity.

Tip: Check out OpenVPN’s comparison page for additional context on Perimeter 81.

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• User-friendly interface and relatively quick deployment for distributed teams.
• Centralized approach that brings VPN, ZTNA, and SWG into one stack.
• Policy-based controls that map to identity and application use.

Limitations

• Some reviewers (Capterra and G2) note that setup can still involve a learning curve, especially when tuning policies for larger environments.
• As you add locations and users, pricing and complexity can grow faster than smaller teams expect.

Harmony SASE is usually licensed per user with tiers that add capabilities (for example, more advanced SWG or branch options). For small organizations, it’s smart to model total cost against what you’ll actually adopt in the first 12-24 months.

3. Cato SASE Networks

Cato SASE Networks is a fully cloud-native SASE platform that merges SD-WAN and a broad security stack on top of a private global backbone. It’s designed for organizations that want to consolidate branch networking, remote access, and edge security under a single vendor and fabric.

Key capabilities

• Converged SD-WAN and security, including SWG, CASB, ZTNA, intrusion prevention system (IPS), and threat prevention.
• Private global backbone for routing traffic between sites, users, and clouds.
• Centralized management for policies spanning WAN, internet, and application access.
• Third-party security feed integrations and visibility for security teams.

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• Strong fit for mid-market and enterprise customers that want to simplify multi-region networking and security.
• Single policy and analytics pane across branches, users, and cloud deployments.
• Private backbone that can improve performance versus pure public-internet routing.

Limitations

• Works best when you commit to Cato for both networking and security, which may not suit teams that prefer multi-vendor SD-WAN or firewall stacks.
• Enterprise-leaning feature set and pricing can be more than smaller organizations need.

Cato typically prices based on bandwidth, users, and locations and is sold through partners. Expect a sales-led motion with custom quotes rather than a self-serve signup.

4. Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE

Palo Alto’s Prisma SASE combines Prisma Access (ZTNA, SWG, FWaaS), Prisma SD-WAN, and advanced threat prevention into one platform. It’s aimed squarely at large enterprises and security-mature organizations that already rely on Palo Alto for firewalls or endpoint security.

Key capabilities

• ZTNA for app-level access across users and locations.
• Cloud-delivered SWG, FWaaS, and advanced threat prevention tied to Palo Alto’s threat intelligence.
• Integrated SD-WAN for branch connectivity.
• Deep security analytics and reporting across users, apps, and locations.

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• Very broad security coverage, especially when paired with existing Palo Alto firewalls or Cortex products.
• Strong support for hybrid and multicloud environments.
• Enterprise-grade logging, analytics, and incident investigation tools.

Limitations

• Higher complexity and a steeper learning curve, particularly for teams new to the Palo Alto ecosystem.
• Licensing and overall cost tend to align with large-enterprise budgets, not small teams.

Prisma SASE is typically subscription-based, with SKUs around access, bandwidth, and modules. Most organizations evaluate it as part of a wider Palo Alto strategy.

5. Cisco+ Secure Connect

Cisco+ Secure Connect brings Cisco’s SD-WAN heritage together with cloud-delivered security services in a single offer. It’s intended for organizations that already use Cisco networking or security and want to extend that environment into a more SASE-aligned model.

Key capabilities

• Security service edge (SSE) components, like SWG, ZTNA, and cloud firewall, aligned with Cisco Umbrella and related services.
• SD-WAN integration (for example, with Meraki or Viptela).
• Device posture checks and zero-trust access tied into Cisco identity and endpoint tools.
• Centralized management within Cisco’s cloud consoles.

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• Natural fit for Cisco-centric shops that want tighter integration between network and security.
• Global network presence and a long history supporting enterprise remote access.
• Able to leverage existing Cisco investments and expertise.

Limitations

• Experience and feature depth can vary depending on which Cisco components you deploy.
• As with other large ecosystems, configuration can feel complex for lean teams.

Cisco+ Secure Connect is generally sold through Cisco partners, with pricing tailored to the mix of SD-WAN, endpoint, and SSE features you adopt.

6. Fortinet FortiSASE

Fortinet FortiSASE extends the Fortinet Security Fabric into the cloud. It combines secure web access, ZTNA, and other services with optional on-prem Fortinet hardware.

It’s designed for organizations that already rely on FortiGate, FortiClient, or related products and want consistent policies across on-premises and cloud.

Key capabilities

• SWG, CASB, ZTNA, and FWaaS delivered from Fortinet’s cloud.
• Integration with FortiGate firewalls and FortiClient endpoint agents.
• SD-WAN and branch connectivity to Fortinet’s PoPs.
• Centralized logging and policy across fabric components.

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• Cohesive experience for existing Fortinet customers who want to converge tools.
• The hybrid model supports both cloud-delivered and on-premises enforcement points.
• Established partner ecosystem and global presence.

Limitations

• Best results typically come when you standardize on Fortinet hardware and software.
• Multi-vendor environments may involve extra design and management work.

FortiSASE is usually licensed per user and/or site, with additional charges for advanced features. Like other enterprise platforms, pricing is quote-driven.

7. Zscaler

Zscaler is one of the most recognized names in cloud-native SASE and Zero Trust, centered on the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange. Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) and Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) combine to provide secure web access, app-level remote access, and threat protection across global users.

Key capabilities

• ZTNA for private application access without placing users on the network.
• Cloud SWG, CASB, and DLP for software as a service (SaaS) and web security.
• Large global cloud presence that brokers traffic between users and applications.
• Deep inspection, logging, and threat detection for security teams.

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• Strong alignment with zero-trust principles across remote access and web usage.
• Wide feature set suited to large, distributed organizations.
• Mature integrations with identity providers and SIEM and SOAR platforms.

Limitations

• Pricing and complexity are often more than SMBs need.
• Successful deployment usually requires a thoughtful rollout plan and change management.

Zscaler is sold on a per-user subscription basis, with bundles for ZIA, ZPA, and additional modules. Expect to model multi-year costs as part of a broader security transformation.

8. Netskope

Netskope is widely known for CASB, SWG, and DLP and has expanded into ZTNA and SASE. Its sweet spot is providing deep visibility and control over SaaS, web, and cloud usage while tying that back to identity and data protection.

Key capabilities

• CASB for sanctioned and unsanctioned SaaS apps.
• Cloud SWG with advanced threat protection.
• ZTNA for private app access.
• Strong DLP and data-centric policy controls across SaaS and web.

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• Detailed control over SaaS and cloud application use.
• Strong data protection and DLP features.
• Good fit for security teams managing complex SaaS estates.

Limitations

• Often used alongside other networking solutions rather than as the only SASE fabric.
• Maybe more than smaller businesses require, both in features and cost.

Netskope pricing is modular and usually aligned to specific needs (for example, CASB + SWG versus broader SASE), with enterprise-style negotiations.

9. Cloudflare One

Cloudflare One is Cloudflare’s zero trust and SASE offering, built on its global edge network. It brings together network-level services, such as DNS and firewalls, with user-centric security controls for web and private application access.

Key capabilities

• SWG and DNS filtering on Cloudflare’s edge.
• ZTNA for private app access via Cloudflare Access.
• CASB and SaaS visibility through Cloudflare’s security services.
• Network services, like Cloudflare Tunnel, for connecting sites and apps.

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• Extremely wide global network and strong performance profile.
• Straightforward onboarding for many mid-market teams and cloud-native organizations.
• Integrates with popular identity providers and developer tools.

Limitations

• Some advanced enterprise security and compliance features are still evolving compared with long-time security vendors.
• Organizations with heavy on-premises dependencies may need more design work to get full coverage.

Cloudflare One offers a mix of self-serve and enterprise pricing, with free or low-cost tiers for smaller deployments and custom quotes for larger rollouts.

Secure your business with a VPN today

Choosing among the best SASE solutions is as much about your starting point as it is about your destination. Some platforms shine when you already have a large security team and complex compliance needs. Others work better when you just need secure, reliable access for a distributed workforce without committing to a heavy, multi-year transformation.

For many SMB and mid-market organizations, the most practical path is to start with secure remote access that already aligns with zero-trust principles, then grow into a broader SASE model over time. That’s where OpenVPN, and especially CloudConnexa, fit.

OpenVPN gives you:

• A trusted VPN foundation with a clear role inside SASE designs. Learn more with our guide, VPN's Role in SASE.
• Cloud-delivered networking that’s ready for zero trust, flexible enough for multicloud, and sized for lean IT teams.
• The ability to expand from secure remote access to broader SASE use cases at your own pace, instead of all at once.

If you’re ready to give your users safer access without adding unnecessary complexity, you can get started quickly: Sign up for OpenVPN.