If you are looking for a zero trust platform, also often known as a Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) service, then you are considering how to adopt the concept of least privilege.
Least privilege policies give employees access to only what they need to perform their jobs, and nothing more. Expanding upon this, zero trust platforms aim to give organizations more granular control over access, and as CISA notes, these models shift access requests from a per-location to per-request setup.
Also: How to delete yourself from the internet in 2025
Zero-trust systems operate on the principle of "trust no one, and trust nothing." By shifting to this mindset, businesses alter how they view verification and authentication, tightening both perimeter and internal controls to corporate resources and data. As a bonus, adopting a zero trust approach helps to prevent unauthorized users and cyberattackers from being able to move laterally across a network once they have secured initial entry.
However, adopting a zero trust platform can be a complex process and a challenge, especially considering legacy security systems and services. Our favorite zero trust platforms aim to streamline a journey that could last for years to come.
Get more in-depth ZDNET coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers.
Today's services software Deals*
Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.
What's the best zero trust security platform right now?
My top pick for the best zero trust security platform in 2025 is Check Point's SASE solutions. Check Point's platform provides a range of enterprise-ready services that contribute to a zero trust approach to security, including network monitoring, zero trust access controls, and threat protection.
Alternatively, consider Cato Networks' ZTNA solutions if you need to support remote workers and multiple endpoint devices, as well as keep a tight rein on traffic monitoring.
In compiling my recommendations for the best zero trust platforms and ZTNA solutions of this year, I have conducted extensive research into the market, considered user reviews and feedback, and kept a finger on the pulse of technological changes in this area, as well as each vendor's approach to product development.
Below, you will find my other top choices for the best zero trust security platforms in 2025.
The best zero trust security platforms of 2025
Check Point's ZTNA solutions have received high praise from its customers, making it our favorite zero trust security platform overall.
Why we like it: Check Point SASE, of which its ZTNA solutions are built upon Perimeter 81's Security Service Edge (SSE) following its acquisition several years ago (now known as Harmony SASE), provides a scalable solution for handling complex corporate network requirements, including controlling access at the app rather than network level.
Features include, but are not limited to, threat protection, custom access policies, network monitoring and gateways, on-prem and cloud resource integration, a centralized admin panel, IPSec and WireGuard VPN tunneling, and agentless ZTNA.
Email and collaboration platforms are also available under the Harmony brand.
Who it's for: Check Point's range of security solutions is best suited to large companies and the enterprise.
Who should look elsewhere: According to customers, the cost can quickly add up, with typical pricing ranging from $8 onwards per user, per month -- with a minimum user count in place, so this may not be suitable for smaller organizations. Enterprises must request a quote.
Check Point SASE features: Fast deployment | Agentless applications | Firewalls | Unified user and group management | Secure access and internet | Threat protection | Third-party integrations
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
Cato Networks' ZTNA solutions have gained quite the following for network handling -- and it's easy to see why.
Why we like it: Keeping in mind that reaching zero trust is a process, not a one-and-done solution, Cato Networks focuses on policy management that improves the security of your networks and assets, no matter their location worldwide.
Access is handled not by relying on a single credential or secondary authentication protocols alone, but by managing users through identity challenges and contextual clues, including geography and security factors such as a device's OS, patches, and certificates. If a device fails to maintain compliance with expected security posture standards, the connection is cut.
This function alone can help you on your ZTNA journey, but aside from this, Cato Networks also provides solutions for network monitoring, remote access visibility, clientless access, cloud-based app optimization, threat detection, and more.
Who it's for: If you have a remote workforce and countless endpoint devices to handle, this could be the right ZTNA solution for your organization.
Who should look elsewhere: If you already have traffic management covered, check out another of our recommendations for a different focus.
Cato Networks ZTNA features: Policy management | Continuous device assessments | Central portals | Remote monitoring | Anti-malware, DNS protection
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
If you need to start your ZTNA journey or want an access control service that lets you get started for free, consider Twingate.
Why we like it: Considering how most security and access solutions require a substantial investment, it's uncommon for free options to exist. Twingate, however, does just that.
Features available include MFA support, split tunneling, peer-to-peer connectivity, SSO, least privilege policy implementation, geoblocking, DNS filtering, exit networks, data loss prevention controls, and more.
Who it's for: Anyone looking for a free or affordable solution. The free plan provides remote access controls for up to five users, including peer-to-peer connections and split tunneling. If you like the service and need to scale up, for $ 5 per user per month and above, you gain access to additional ZTNA services.
Who should look elsewhere: If you expect to scale up quickly, it might be best to go with one of our more enterprise-focused ZTNA vendors from the start.
Twingate features: Free option | Split tunneling | Multi-platform | Least privilege functionality | Data loss prevention | MFA, SSO | Device security posture checks
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
If you're debating retiring a standard VPN, consider Tailscale -- especially if you need a solution that is designed to be easy to implement.
Why we like it: Customers en masse note its easy deployment, strong and reliable approach to MFA and SSO, and appreciate features including not only personal and business plans, but affordable subscriptions for companies just starting out.
You can try out this service for free and explore many of its features, including device security management, multiple OS and cloud compatibility, split tunneling, key and endpoint management, access policies, and both user and group provisioning.
Who it's for: Companies looking for a scalable solution that will remain affordable. Business plans start at $6 per user per month, with the cheapest plan catering for up to 100 devices. This service will grow with you, with additional features for network monitoring, resource access control, and endpoint security available.
Who should look elsewhere: This might not be the best fit for enterprises, and so these potential customers should also research other options.
Tailscale features: Personal and business plans | User access controls | SSH | ACL, MDM policies | Micro-segmentation | OS, cloud compatible
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
If you want your business to shift ZTNA to the cloud, Zscaler should be considered.
Why we like it: Marketing fluff aside, Zscaler's solutions focus on shifting from VPN usage and standard firewalls to modern solutions that operate well in the cloud.
It's cloud-native and focuses on zero-trust principles, including least privilege and just-in-time access -- connecting verified users to the resources they need when they need them, and only those.
Describing itself as an "intelligent switchboard," this scalable ZTNA solution assesses risk based on context, monitoring and analyzing traffic in real-time, and combines this with threat detection and data protection services.
Who it's for: Enterprises and mid-to-large organizations looking for a modern alternative to standard VPNs, minimal access control, and basic firewalls.
Who should look elsewhere: Pricing isn't transparent, and so you will have to reach out for a quote. If you're not ready for that stage, or your business is on the smaller side, you might want to look at a different solution.
Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform features: AI features | Just-in-time access | Cloud native | ZTNA as a service | Data loss prevention technologies | MFA, SSO integration
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
Zero trust security platform | Free option, demo? | MFA/SSO? | Cloud support? |
Check Point SASE | Demo | Yes | Yes |
Cato Networks ZTNA | Demo | Yes, extended | Yes |
Twingate | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Tailscale | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform | Demo | Yes | Yes |
Choose this zero trust security platform.. | If you want or need… |
Check Point SASE | The best zero trust security platform overall. Check Point provides a wealth of security solutions leading to a zero trust framework, including network management, access controls, and threat detection. |
Cato Networks ZTNA | To put device policies and device security compliance first. Cato Networks' security solutions will appeal if you need assistance managing remote workforces and network assets. |
Twingate | To start off for free, or to begin the journey with a small number of seats. Twingate provides a variety of ZTNA, security policy, and least privilege controls depending on your business needs. |
Tailscale | A ZTNA package suitable for smaller outfits, but one that can scale up. You can even start with a personal plan, and then make the transition when your small business is ready and you need commercial features. |
Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform | An enterprise-ready ZTNA solution that combines risk and context-based access controls, data protection, and management based on the concept of least privilege. |
When you are considering adopting a zero trust platform, this will be a serious investment and part of a long-term strategy. As a result, you should consider the following factors before you make your selection:
- Cost: The cost of a platform and its licensing terms will be a significant factor in adopting a zero trust platform. Consider the level of investment required and ongoing costs.
- Vendor: Pick a vendor you are comfortable working with for the long term. You should also consider whether or not adopting a service will result in vendor lock-ins for specific security solutions.
- Legacy support: Leading on from this, examine your existing products, and whether or not there will be challenges -- and a time frame -- for either ensuring compatibility or removing them altogether.
- Product support: If there is a specific type of security solution you want to implement for your business, such as Single Sign On (SSO), cloud-based technologies, or behavioral analytics, ensure your favorite solution supports them.
- Third-party security tools: This recommendation also applies to advanced third-party security suites, such as Extended Detection and Response (EDR) platforms.
- The bottom line: Zero trust platforms are a starting point on what is likely to be a gradual journey. Consider whether the platform will be a worthwhile return on your investment.
When choosing the best zero trust security platform services, I considered factors such as:
- Price: Implementing a new zero trust approach requires a return on investment -- even if that is a reduction in cybersecurity risk rather than the bottom line. However, the implementation, onboarding, and ongoing costs of zero trust solutions still must be justifiable.
- Integration & setup: I have thoroughly examined each vendor's approach to integration and the setup of their services, and have only included solutions that have positive or reasonable feedback.
- MFA/SSO: It is crucial that security solutions designed for zero trust architectures and approaches support multi-factor authentication (MFA), and preferably, Single Sign-On (SSO) user verification methods.
- Customer feedback: I have examined customer reviews and feedback, and I only include vendors where users have a generally favorable experience.
- Support: Transitioning to a zero trust approach can be a headache for IT teams, and so it is important that zero trust security platform providers ensure there are multiple channels available for support.
- Third-party integration: I also like to see proven, efficient integration with other security and work apps and services, especially those commonly used by enterprise organizations.
Latest information on zero trust security platforms in 2025
- NTT Research has launched a new Zero Trust Data Security (ZTDS) suite to combat quantum computing-enhanced cyberattacks.
- A Keeper report (.PDF) found that in the U.S., 30% of organizations cite implementation complexity as the top barrier to zero trust adoption, and 27% say difficulties associated with integrating legacy systems are a challenge.
- The CEO of Endor Labs argues that zero trust principles need to be applied to open source supply chains.
- SonicWall has revealed Credential Auditor, a solution for managing credentials across complex IT systems as part of zero trust strategies.
The five pillars of zero trust are ideas or concepts that should be included in zero trust frameworks and implementations, and change depending on the model's maturity level. As outlined by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), these pillars are:
- Identity: Who is trying to access corporate assets? From multi-factor authentication (MFA) to continuous validation and automated access.
- Devices: What device are they using? From manual installation of endpoint protection to real-time risk analytics.
- Networks: Where is the user's connection coming from? From manual rulesets and firewalls to just-in-time network access controls.
- Applications and Workloads: What resource are they trying to access? From ad hoc development to security testing implemented throughout full lifecycles.
- Data: What information do you need to protect? From on-premise data storage to continuous monitoring and dynamic controls.
"The goal is to prevent unauthorized access to data and services and make access control enforcement as granular as possible," CISA added. "Zero trust presents a shift from a location-centric model to a more data-centric approach for fine-grained security controls between users, systems, data, and assets that change over time; for these reasons."
Initial investments and costs can be high, and it may not be a simple task to have zero trust implementations approved -- especially as their value doesn't lie in dollar signs, but in reducing the risk of cybersecurity incidents or network intrusion.
Even at the lowest tiers of zero trust pillars, it can be a challenge to deploy these solutions, as they require visibility into existing systems, may require a full overhaul of the architecture, and may not be compatible with legacy solutions and products.
As zero trust relies on the idea of 'trust nothing and no one,' there may also be issues if authentication and security policies are not tested beforehand -- as this may lead to genuine users being locked out of corporate resources and networks, as well as interruptions to workflows.
Not usually, but they may do -- or, at least, change how standard Virtual Private Network (VPN) services and firewalls are implemented and used.
VPNs are often used in business as a safer way for employees to access corporate resources, encrypting communication and allowing organizations to monitor access. Firewalls provide crucial defenses to stop unauthorized access and suspicious traffic.
Combined with these solutions, zero trust architecture and ZTNA solutions can improve perimeter defense, provide continuous authentication, enforce access control policies, and more, by improving visibility into how VPNs and firewalls are used -- but as zero trust is not a singular product but rather a conceptual architecture, it won't replace them. However, modern zero trust platforms may suggest vendor-specific VPNs and firewalls.
Absolutely -- and going further, zero trust should be considered a necessity for improving the security posture of companies with remote workers.
ZTNA and associated solutions focus on improving authentication and access around a network perimeter, which is, perhaps, the most important security consideration if you need to give users remote access to corporate resources.
Latest updates
- November 2025: In November, ZDNET compiled and published our guide on the best zero trust security platforms of 2025.
Other zero trust security platforms worth considering
Nord, the company behind the popular NordVPN Virtual Private Network (VPN) service, also provides a ZTNA service. NordLayer is considered to be a solid, reliable service with features including network monitoring, dedicated IP addresses, user verification, and encryption.
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
Okta provides enterprises with a range of security solutions that contribute to zero trust architecture. Okta has a wide variety of integration options on offer without vendor lock-ins and helps to centralize user authentication and verification.
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
ThreatLocker is a zero trust platform based in Florida with customer service available 24/7, 365, that boasts responses typically within 60 seconds -- a big benefit.
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
Netbird is an open source ZTNA solution that focuses on utilizing the WireGuard protocol to securely manage remote access -- a key component of zero trust approaches and one that is critical for remote workforces. SSO and MFA are supported.
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
We hope that you've found our guide on the best zero trust security platforms of 2025 helpful. If you're looking for more security-related recommendations, we've also listed the best password managers of 2025, our favorite antivirus solutions, and our top choices for video conferencing software.
English (US) · 
