Compare Cloudbrink vs Netskope vs ZScaler - Features, Benefits, Pricing, Alternatives
TL;DR: If your top priority is giving hybrid workers an in‑office experience anywhere without hardware, hairpinning, or PoP micromanagement, choose Cloudbrink Personal SASE. If you need a broad SSE stack centered on web security (SWG/CASB/DLP) and are comfortable with complex high maintenance PoP‑based architectures and multi‑SKU licensing, Netskope and Zscaler are strong options.
At‑a‑Glance Comparison
| Dimension | Cloudbrink | Netskope | Zscaler |
| Primary focus | Personal SASE: user‑centric access with high‑performance ZTNA + personal SD‑WAN | SSE platform (SWG/CASB/DLP) with ZTNA | SSE platform (SWG/ZIA/ZPA) with ZTNA |
| Deployment | 100% software‑only; no hardware/uCPE; single license | Cloud PoP‑based; typically multiple modules/SKUs | Cloud PoP‑based; multiple modules/SKUs |
| Performance | LAN‑like experience over any network; optimized for packet loss/latency; edges automatically placed near users | Performance depends on proximity to fixed PoPs and policy stack | Performance depends on proximity to fixed PoPs and policy stack |
| Access to private apps | High‑performance ZTNA with private IP and subnet/FQDN support; no mandatory hairpinning | ZTNA to apps; topology and PoP routing vary by design | ZTNA to apps; topology and PoP routing vary by design |
| Security posture | mTLS 1.3 with frequent cert rotation; identity + dynamic device posture + location; Dynamic Invisible Network private access | Standard web/security controls with DLP and CASB depth; ZTNA posture checks | Standard web/security controls with DLP/SWG breadth; ZTNA posture checks |
| Operations | Single policy and console for SaaS, web, private apps; rapid onboarding (minutes) | Broader stack; may require coordinating multiple components | Broader stack; often requires coordinating multiple components |
| Ideal for | Remote/hybrid teams that need the fastest, most secure app and network access with minimal IT overhead and management | Enterprises prioritizing broad cloud/web security controls (CASB/SWG) where ZTNA and remote-access performance/security are not the primary focus | Organizations prioritizing SSE breadth and ecosystem integration with a low priority on business performance of remote and hybrid workers |
Bottom line: Cloudbrink is built to maximize Simplicity, Security, and Speed for end users. Netskope and Zscaler excel when your primary driver is SSE (SWG/CASB/DLP) depth.
Why Teams Pick Cloudbrink
Simplicity
- Software‑only rollout—no gateways or appliances to ship, rack, or patch.
- Single license / single policy for users and apps (SaaS, cloud, data center).
- Automated edge selection—no PoP selection, no bandwidth SKUs.
Security
- Zero‑trust by default with mTLS 1.3, frequent certificate rotation, and dynamic, ephemeral edges.
- Context‑aware policies (identity, device posture, location). Integrates with Microsoft Entra and CrowdStrike. Basic SWG.
- Dynamic Invisible Network for secure access for private apps and micro‑segmented reach.
Speed
- High‑performance ZTNA with the Brink Protocol and personal SD‑WAN for real‑time optimization.
- FAST Edges placed close to users to minimize latency and stabilize performance—even on lossy or mobile links.
- Proven boosts for developer and media workflows (large file transfers, interactive tools, and UCaaS).
Business Impact - Highest score on GigaOm ZTNA Radar
- Rapid onboarding (hundreds of users/day) and dramatic reduction in remote‑access tickets.
- Predictable OpEx with a transparent, single‑license model.
Where Netskope Shines
- Deep SSE capabilities: SWG, CASB, and DLP with strong web and SaaS data controls.
- ZTNA module available for private app access.
- Good fit when web security and data protection breadth are the primary drivers.
Where Zscaler Shines
- Broad SSE platform with well‑known SWG (ZIA) and ZTNA (ZPA) components.
- Extensive ecosystem and policy constructs for large, standardized environments.
- Good fit when consolidating web security and remote access into a single SSE provider.
Detailed Comparison by Use Case
1) VPN Replacement for Hybrid Workers
- Cloudbrink: Drop‑in replacement that removes hairpinning and accelerates SaaS, private apps, and UCaaS. No hardware or tunnels to manage.
- Netskope / Zscaler: Solid ZTNA options; performance may depend on PoP proximity and routing architecture.
2) High‑Throughput Developer Pipelines (Perforce/Git, asset sync)
- Cloudbrink: Purpose‑built for large artifact transfers and interactive workflows; maintains throughput under packet loss/latency.
- Netskope / Zscaler: Primarily SSE‑oriented; may require tuning or additional components for similar performance.
3) M&A and Rapid Onboarding
- Cloudbrink: Software‑only rollout enables days‑to‑weeks onboarding without hardware logistics.
- Netskope / Zscaler: Strong policy frameworks; onboarding speed influenced by number of modules and integrations.
4) Internet Security + Data Protection
- Cloudbrink: Enforces acceptable use and protects app access; integrates with endpoint/XDR for posture.
- Netskope / Zscaler: Often preferred when web/DLP depth is the top requirement across many SaaS apps.
Architecture Differences (Why Performance Varies)
- Cloudbrink (Personal SASE): Ephemeral, software‑defined edges near users + Brink App with personal SD‑WAN. Traffic is optimized end‑to‑end, minimizing mid‑mile congestion and avoiding mandatory hairpinning.
- SSE PoP Models (Netskope/Zscaler): Fixed global PoPs inspect and broker traffic. Performance can be excellent when users are close to PoPs; however, distance, mid‑mile conditions, and stacked policy services can add variability.
Pricing & Licensing (High‑Level)
- Cloudbrink: Single per‑user license including performance, ZTNA, and personal SD‑WAN—no bandwidth or gateway SKUs.
- Netskope/Zscaler: Typically modular (SWG, CASB/DLP, ZTNA, etc.). Verify required SKUs for your use case.
Deploy in Minutes – Typical Rollout Steps
- Connect identity (e.g., Microsoft Entra) and set posture checks (e.g., CrowdStrike score).
- Deploy Brink App via your endpoint manager.
- Define app groups and policies (SaaS, private, and web).
- Invite pilot users; validate QoE analytics; expand by group/region.
ZTNA FAQs
Is Cloudbrink an SSE replacement?
Cloudbrink focuses on high‑performance secure access (Personal SASE) and ZTNA. Many customers pair Cloudbrink with their existing email/web/DLP stack—or consolidate selectively depending on needs.
Do I need connectors or hardware?
No hardware. Lightweight connectors are available for private apps and scale linearly; edges are software‑defined and ephemeral.
How does Cloudbrink integrate with my identity and endpoint security?
Native integrations with Microsoft Entra and CrowdStrike for posture‑based policy.
What about unmanaged/BYOD devices?
Policies enforce access by identity and device posture; admins can define controls for managed vs. unmanaged endpoints.
Recommended Next Steps
- Book a 20‑minute technical demo tailored to your apps and user locations.
- Run a side‑by‑side pilot with your highest‑latency users or users with high packet‑loss to validate performance.
- Read the CxO brief “Rethinking Secure Access Around the User Experience” written by GigaOm CEO Howard Holton
Recognition: Cloudbrink is recognized in the 2025 GigaOm ZTNA Radar as a fast mover and leader on the Innovation/Platform Play axis.
