What is Secure Access Service Edge?

Just what is SASE technology? Gartner also calls SASE the "security service edge" (SSE) and notes: "SASE allows any endpoint to access any application over any network in a protected manner." Read more.

Is the SASE Market Growing?

Dell’Oro Group research shows that a coming together of WAN enterprise networking and security is largely behind the growing popularity of SASE. Read more.

Top 5 Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Providers in 2026

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platforms can look remarkably similar on a feature checklist. Many combine networking and security, with SD-WAN providing connectivity and zero-trust network access (ZTNA) controlling the access. Cloud access security broker (CASB) and firewall-as-a-service (FWaaS) provide additional security capabilities.

The real differences become clearer when you look at how those capabilities work together. Some platforms may fit naturally into an organization’s existing infrastructure, while others can require more operational changes for security and networking teams.

I compared five leading SASE platforms based on their security and networking capabilities. I also looked at management, data protection, and pricing to determine how the platforms differ and what organizations should consider when choosing between them.

Best SASE solutions for 2026 compared
Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE
Fortinet FortiSASE
Check Point SASE
Netskope One SASE
Cisco Secure Access
How I evaluated the best SASE solutions for 2026
Bottom line

Best SASE solutions for 2026 compared

SASE solution	Best for	Key strengths	Overall score
Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE	Comprehensive enterprise SASE	Security, ZTNA, AI-powered operations, user experience	4.8/5
Fortinet FortiSASE	Fortinet environments and network/security convergence	SD-WAN integration, unified architecture, flexible deployment	4.7/5
Check Point SASE	Hybrid SASE and flexible deployment	Hybrid enforcement, ZTNA, full-mesh connectivity	4.5/5
Netskope One SASE	Data-centric cloud and SaaS security	CASB, DLP, cloud visibility, converged SSE/SD-WAN	4.7/5
Cisco Secure Access	Cisco networking and security environments	Zero trust, identity integration, digital experience monitoring	4.6/5

Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE

Best for comprehensive enterprise SASE

Overall score: 4.8/5

Security and threat protection: 5.0/5
Networking and performance: 4.8/5
Zero trust and access security: 4.9/5
Data and cloud security: 4.9/5
Management and usability: 4.6/5
Pricing and transparency: 4.2/5

Pros

Extensive enterprise security capabilities
Strong ZTNA, SWG, CASB, and FWaaS functionality
Integrated SD-WAN and digital experience monitoring
AI-powered threat prevention and security operations
Centralized security management through Strata Cloud Manager

Cons

Initial deployment may require more planning and expertise
Broad feature set can create a steeper learning curve

Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE is a solid choice for large enterprises that need advanced security alongside SD-WAN.

The platform combines Prisma Access with Palo Alto Networks' SD-WAN and management technologies. Prisma Access provides ZTNA and secure web gateway (SWG) capabilities. It also includes CASB, remote browser isolation, and FWaaS. Strata Cloud Manager provides centralized management across the environment.

Security is one of Prisma SASE's biggest strengths. Prisma Access uses Palo Alto Networks' Precision AI for threat prevention, while its CASB provides visibility into SaaS and granular application controls. It also supports SaaS security posture management.

Prisma SASE addresses generative AI through AI Access Security, which helps organizations discover AI applications and control activities such as file uploads and downloads.

Prisma SASE's application acceleration capabilities are designed to improve performance for SaaS and private applications.

Online reviewers often praise the platform's security and threat protection, particularly its ability to secure user access. Configuration and implementation can be complex, however. Some reviewers also point to cost and the learning curve as drawbacks.

Pricing: Palo Alto Networks does not publish standard per-user pricing for Prisma SASE. Organizations need to request a quote based on their deployment and licensing requirements.

Pro tip: Prisma SASE is worth considering if you already use Palo Alto Networks firewalls. Strata Cloud Manager can manage NGFW and Prisma Access environments while supporting consistent security policies across both.

Final verdict: Prisma SASE delivers advanced security and SD-WAN through a centrally managed platform. The depth of its security capabilities makes it particularly relevant to large enterprises with the resources and expertise to manage a more advanced SASE deployment.

Fortinet FortiSASE

Best for Fortinet environments and network/security convergence

Overall score: 4.7/5

Security and threat protection: 4.8/5
Networking and performance: 4.9/5
Zero trust and access security: 4.7/5
Data and cloud security: 4.5/5
Management and usability: 4.7/5
Pricing and transparency: 4.2/5

Pros

Tight integration with Fortinet Secure SD-WAN
Broad SSE security capabilities
Unified operating system across networking and security
200+ global points of presence
Flexible deployment and connectivity options

Cons

May require additional planning for first-time Fortinet deployments
Some advanced capabilities may require additional licensing

FortiSASE is useful for organizations already invested in Fortinet networking and security products.

Fortinet emphasizes convergence across its SASE architecture. FortiSASE uses a common operating system and client to integrate networking and security, with a shared data lake that supports the environment. Its core security capabilities include SWG, ZTNA, CASB, and FWaaS. The platform extends those capabilities with SaaS security posture management. Secure browser functionality and digital experience monitoring are also available.

FortiSASE works with Fortinet Secure SD-WAN as part of the company's Unified SASE architecture. This allows organizations to manage branch connectivity and remote-user security through a more integrated environment.

Fortinet has also expanded its global infrastructure. FortiSASE operates through more than 200 points of presence, with additional coverage through AWS, Google Cloud, and Oracle Cloud.

Customer feedback is generally positive about FortiSASE's security and centralized management. Reviewers also value its secure access capabilities, although some note that setup and learning the platform can take time. Cost is another consideration.

Pricing: Fortinet uses quote-based pricing for FortiSASE. Costs vary depending on the number of users and deployment model. The capabilities included will also affect the final price.

Pro tip: FortiSASE is worth considering if you already use FortiGate or Fortinet Secure SD-WAN. Its integration with Fortinet's broader ecosystem can make the transition to SASE easier without introducing an entirely separate networking and security stack.

Final verdict: FortiSASE stands out for the close connection between its networking and cloud-delivered security capabilities. This approach makes it a strong option for enterprises that want to consolidate networking and security within a single architecture.

Check Point SASE

Best for hybrid SASE and flexible deployment

Overall score: 4.5/5

Security and threat protection: 4.7/5
Networking and performance: 4.5/5
Zero trust and access security: 4.7/5
Data and cloud security: 4.6/5
Management and usability: 4.6/5
Pricing and transparency: 4.1/5

Pros

Strong zero trust private access capabilities
Flexible hybrid security architecture
Inline and API-based SaaS security
Integrated Secure SD-WAN

Cons

Hybrid deployments may require additional configuration
Broad feature set can take time to fully optimize

Check Point SASE takes a more flexible approach by supporting security enforcement both on devices and in the cloud. It can also work alongside existing on-premises infrastructure. This hybrid architecture can be useful for organizations that want to modernize gradually rather than move entirely to cloud-based enforcement at once.

Internet Access secures web traffic, while Private Access provides identity-centric zero trust connectivity to private resources. SaaS Security focuses on protecting cloud applications and data. It supports inline and API-based controls, with data loss prevention (DLP) helping protect sensitive information. Posture management and threat prevention provide additional safeguards.

Check Point says its SaaS security capabilities cover more than 10,000 cloud applications and include over 800 predefined data types for classification. This gives organizations more granular control over how sensitive information is identified and protected across SaaS environments.

Secure SD-WAN handles the networking side of the architecture. It provides full-mesh connectivity, while application-aware routing and sub-second WAN failover are designed to maintain performance and connectivity.

Customer feedback is generally positive about Check Point's zero trust capabilities and ease of use. Reviewers also point to its connectivity and broad security functionality as strengths.

Pricing: Pricing depends on the capabilities an organization requires and how it plans to deploy the platform.

Pro tip: Check Point is worth considering if moving entirely to cloud-based security enforcement isn't practical. Its hybrid architecture supports on-device and cloud enforcement while integrating with existing infrastructure.

Final verdict: Check Point SASE gives organizations flexibility in how they modernize network security. Its support for both cloud and on-device enforcement can be especially useful for businesses that aren't ready to move every security function to the cloud.

Netskope One SASE

Best for data-centric cloud and SaaS security

Overall score: 4.7/5

Security and threat protection: 4.7/5
Networking and performance: 4.6/5
Zero trust and access security: 4.7/5
Data and cloud security: 5.0/5
Management and usability: 4.7/5
Pricing and transparency: 4.1/5

Pros

Strong cloud application and data security
Integrated CASB, DLP, and DSPM capabilities
Unified SSE and SD-WAN architecture
Context-aware Zero Trust Engine
Cloud-native NewEdge infrastructure

Cons

Initial deployment may require additional planning
Broad security controls can take time to fully configure

Netskope One SASE approaches SASE with an emphasis on understanding cloud activity and protecting sensitive data. Organizations with extensive SaaS usage or data spread across cloud environments may benefit most from this approach.

Much of the platform is built around Netskope's Zero Trust Engine. It considers user and device context when making access decisions, while application activity and risk provide additional signals. DLP and DSPM extend that visibility to sensitive data, while CASB provides controls for cloud application use.

Netskope One SSE brings together SWG and ZTNA with firewall-as-a-service (FWaaS). Netskope One SD-WAN provides the networking layer across branches and cloud environments while supporting individual users and devices. A unified client can provide both SD-WAN connectivity and SSE services without requiring a separate hardware appliance.

Customer feedback tends to reflect Netskope's focus on security and visibility. Reviewers also point to centralized management and integrations as strengths, although some report that configuration and implementation can be more effort-intensive.

Pricing: Costs vary based on the selected products and the deployment scope. Additional capabilities will also affect pricing.

Pro tip: When evaluating Netskope, consider how much value you would get from its CASB, DLP, and DSPM functionality in addition to its core SASE capabilities. Organizations with extensive SaaS usage or sensitive data in cloud environments may benefit most from these tools.

Final verdict: Netskope One SASE places greater emphasis on cloud visibility and data protection alongside its networking capabilities. That focus makes it particularly relevant for enterprises where SaaS usage and sensitive cloud data are major security concerns.

Cisco Secure Access

Best for Cisco networking and security environments

Overall score: 4.6/5

Security and threat protection: 4.7/5
Networking and performance: 4.7/5
Zero trust and access security: 4.8/5
Data and cloud security: 4.5/5
Management and usability: 4.6/5
Pricing and transparency: 4.1/5

Pros

Strong integration with Cisco's networking and security ecosystem
ZTNA and VPNaaS support gradual remote-access modernization
Duo integration adds identity security and context
ThousandEyes-powered digital experience monitoring
Integrated AI application visibility and controls

Cons

Complete SASE deployments require a separate SD-WAN component, such as Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN or Meraki SD-WAN
Broad Cisco ecosystem may require additional licensing decisions

Cisco takes a modular approach to SASE by combining Cisco Secure Access with its SD-WAN platforms. Secure Access provides a cloud-delivered security layer and can integrate with Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN or Meraki SD-WAN to serve as the networking component of a single-vendor SASE architecture.

One of the more useful aspects of Secure Access is its support for both ZTNA and VPN-as-a-service. Organizations can use ZTNA for private applications while retaining VPN-based access where necessary. This provides a path for gradually modernizing remote access rather than requiring every application to move to ZTNA at once.

Cisco adds more context and visibility around access decisions. Duo and identity intelligence can strengthen those decisions and help identify identity-related threats. Experience Insights uses ThousandEyes capabilities to provide visibility into application performance and the user experience. It can also help teams identify underlying network issues.

AI Access extends those controls to third-party AI applications. Organizations can identify AI use and apply policies to reduce risks, such as sensitive data leakage.

Pricing: Costs vary based on deployment size and licensing requirements. The capabilities an organization chooses will also affect the final cost.

Pro tip: Consider how much of your remote access environment can move directly to ZTNA. Cisco's support for VPN as a service can maintain connectivity to applications that still depend on traditional VPN access while others transition to zero trust.

Final verdict: Cisco Secure Access provides a cloud-delivered approach to secure access that fits naturally into Cisco's broader networking ecosystem. When paired with Catalyst SD-WAN, it provides existing Cisco customers with a path to SASE without requiring them to replace their underlying networking environment.

How I evaluated the best SASE solutions for 2026

I evaluated each SASE platform across six weighted categories, using provider documentation as my primary source and customer feedback from sites such as G2 for additional context.

Security and threat protection received the greatest weight because protecting distributed users and resources is a core function of SASE. Network performance and zero-trust access were also major considerations. I evaluated data and cloud security separately, as well as overall management and usability. Pricing transparency rounded out the assessment.

I did not conduct hands-on testing, so the final scores reflect my editorial assessment of each platform's documented capabilities and customer feedback.

Evaluation criteria

Security and threat protection (25%): This category covers core security capabilities such as SWG and FWaaS. I also considered malware prevention and encrypted traffic inspection, as well as how consistently each platform protects users and applications across distributed environments.

Networking and performance (20%): SD-WAN capabilities and cloud infrastructure were key considerations. I also assessed traffic optimization and application performance. Connection reliability factored into the score as well.

Zero trust and access security (20%): I reviewed ZTNA functionality and least-privilege access controls, with additional consideration of how each platform uses device and identity context to secure private applications.

Data and cloud security (15%): This category focuses on CASB and DLP, as well as each platform's ability to provide SaaS visibility and protect sensitive data across cloud environments.

Management and usability (10%): I considered how easily administrators can manage policies and monitor the platform centrally. Deployment flexibility and customer feedback about usability and implementation also influenced the score.

Pricing and transparency (10%): I assessed whether public pricing is available and how easy it is for buyers to understand licensing requirements. Because most enterprise SASE vendors use quote-based pricing, direct cost comparisons are limited.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best SASE solution for 2026?

There is no single best SASE platform for every organization. Prisma SASE offers extensive enterprise security capabilities, while FortiSASE emphasizes networking and security convergence. Netskope One SASE places greater emphasis on SaaS and data protection. Check Point supports a flexible hybrid architecture, while Cisco Secure Access integrates closely with Cisco's broader networking ecosystem.

The right choice ultimately depends on your existing infrastructure and what you need SASE to accomplish.

What is the difference between SASE and SSE?

SSE provides the security portion of a SASE architecture. It typically includes a secure web gateway (SWG) and zero trust network access (ZTNA), with CASB and firewall-as-a-service (FWaaS) providing additional cloud security controls. SASE adds SD-WAN to bring networking and cloud-delivered security together.

Organizations can adopt SSE without replacing their existing WAN architecture. SD-WAN can then be incorporated as part of a broader SASE deployment.

What features should I look for in a SASE platform?

Start with the platform's SD-WAN and core cloud security capabilities. Look closely at how consistently it applies policies and provides visibility across its networking and security services.

Other priorities will depend on your environment. DLP and SaaS security can be important when sensitive data is spread across cloud applications. Identity integration and threat prevention can strengthen security controls, while digital experience monitoring can help teams identify performance problems.

Should I choose a single-vendor SASE platform?

A single-vendor SASE platform can simplify operations by reducing the number of consoles and integrations teams need to maintain. It may also make consistent policy enforcement easier across networking and security.

Consolidation should not come at the expense of functionality. Evaluate the networking and security components individually to determine whether they meet your requirements before committing to one vendor.

Which SASE solution should I consider for an existing Fortinet environment?

FortiSASE is a logical platform for evaluating whether Fortinet already plays a significant role in your ecosystem. Its integration with Fortinet Secure SD-WAN can make it easier to extend an existing Fortinet environment toward a broader SASE architecture.

Existing infrastructure should not be the only consideration. Make sure FortiSASE's security capabilities and management approach also meet your requirements before consolidating further around Fortinet.

Which SASE platform should I consider for cloud and SaaS security?

Netskope One SASE is designed with a strong emphasis on SaaS visibility and the protection of sensitive data. Its CASB and DLP capabilities provide controls around cloud applications and data, while the Zero Trust Engine adds context to access and security decisions.

Organizations with extensive SaaS adoption or sensitive information distributed across cloud environments may find these capabilities particularly relevant.

Which SASE solution should I consider for a Cisco environment?

Organizations using Cisco can evaluate Secure Access alongside an existing Catalyst SD-WAN deployment. Integrations with technologies such as Duo and ThousandEyes can extend SASE capabilities around infrastructure an organization may already operate.

Secure Access can also support organizations transitioning from traditional remote access to ZTNA without requiring every application to make that transition at once.

Bottom line

Start by identifying what you want SASE to accomplish. Some organizations may be looking to integrate SD-WAN and security. Others may prioritize modernizing remote access or gaining better control over SaaS applications and sensitive data.

Next, consider what you already have in place. Replacing technologies that work well can add cost without delivering enough additional value. Consolidation makes more sense when it reduces operational overhead or addresses gaps in your current architecture.

The right SASE platform should address your current requirements while giving you room to modernize as those needs change.

For organizations making zero trust part of their SASE strategy, learn how to implement zero trust across your environment.

Top 5 Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Providers in 2026

Best SASE solutions for 2026 compared

Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE

Fortinet FortiSASE

Check Point SASE

Netskope One SASE

Cisco Secure Access

How I evaluated the best SASE solutions for 2026

Evaluation criteria

Frequently asked questions

Bottom line

Ken Underhill

Company

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