Cato SASE Platform

Cato SASE Platform brings networking, security, and access together in a cloud-based service managed through a shared policy engine and console. Its network includes global connectivity, segmentation, and multi-cloud access over a cloud-native backbone. The security stack uses single-pass inspection and shared policy, with features including firewall-as-a-service, secure web gateway, intrusion and malware prevention, DNS security, and remote browser isolation. Other listed capabilities include SD-WAN, CASB, DLP, XDR, endpoint protection, digital experience monitoring, and a platform API. Users can reach private applications through a ZTNA client, Enterprise Browser, or clientless portal. Browser-based access also reaches hosted applications and RDP or SSH resources without installing the Cato Client. The client is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, with support dependent on operating-system and client versions. Cato’s Integration Hub lists 100 integrations across areas such as authentication, asset management, EDR, ITSM, SaaS security, and SIEM; some require an additional license. Pricing is on request. Cato Networks was founded in 2015 and is based in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Cato SASE Platform combines a broad set of network, security, and access capabilities, with client and browser access options. Prospective customers must request pricing, and integration licensing can vary.

Cato SASE Platform may suit organizations seeking a combined networking, security, and remote-access platform. It includes client software for major desktop and mobile operating systems, plus browser-based access without that client.

Overview

Cato SASE Platform brings network connectivity, security, and private application access together in a cloud-delivered service for organizations managing branches, cloud environments, and remote users. Its broad capability set makes it a strong fit for teams seeking a shared policy and management layer across those needs. Custom pricing and integration licensing that can vary make the buying decision less straightforward.

A cloud-native backbone supports global connectivity, segmentation, and multi-cloud access. The platform uses one policy engine and console, with single-pass inspection for its security stack. That consolidation can suit organizations seeking to manage network and security services together, though buyers should confirm which integrations require additional licensing.

Remote users can reach private applications through a ZTNA client, Enterprise Browser, or clientless portal. Browser access can reach hosted applications and RDP or SSH resources without installing the client, which gives administrators another way to provide access where a device installation is impractical.

Explore Secure Access Service Edge Software for more options.

Key features

Networking and security under shared policy

The platform combines SD-WAN, branch connectivity, global networking, segmentation, and multi-cloud access with a security stack that includes firewall-as-a-service, secure web gateway, intrusion and malware prevention, DNS security, and remote browser isolation. CASB, DLP, XDR, endpoint protection, digital experience monitoring, and a platform API extend the scope. This range can reduce the need to manage separate services, but the breadth also makes it important to map the required capabilities and licenses before committing.

Remote access choices

The Cato Client supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, subject to operating-system and client-version support. Browser-based access offers hosted application, RDP, and SSH access without installing that client. Teams with mixed endpoints can use both approaches, while version-dependent client support is a consideration for organizations with older systems.

Integrations and compliance

Cato’s Integration Hub lists 100 integrations across authentication, asset management, EDR, ITSM, SaaS security, and SIEM. Some third-party integrations come with the default account license and others require a separate license, so integration needs can affect cost. Cato’s Trust Center lists SOC 2 Type II, PCI, ISO 27001:2022, ISO 27701, GDPR, HIPAA, and other compliance badges.

Pricing

Cato SASE Platform

Custom pricing. Cato asks prospective customers to contact sales for a tailored discussion. There is no published seat price or plan quota to compare, so organizations should request a quote that spells out the required services, user counts, and integration licenses. The platform is paid, with no free tier or trial terms stated.

That sales-led model may fit organizations evaluating a broad network and security deployment, but it makes budget comparisons harder for smaller teams that need transparent, self-serve pricing. Confirm which integrations are covered by the account license and which incur additional licensing.

Platforms

The service is cloud-delivered and supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android through the Cato Client, with support depending on operating-system and client versions. Browser-based access is available for hosted applications and RDP or SSH resources without the client. The platform also lists web, API, and branch connectivity capabilities.

Who it's for

Cato is best suited to organizations that want networking, security, and private application access managed as one platform across branches, multi-cloud environments, and remote users. Its client and browser access options serve different endpoint situations, and its breadth may be valuable when teams need several of the listed security services together.

It is a less natural fit for buyers who need a public price, a free entry tier, or certainty that every required third-party integration is included. Those teams should obtain a detailed quote and licensing breakdown before comparing total cost.

Pros and cons

• Broad network and security coverage: Global connectivity, segmentation, branch and multi-cloud access sit alongside firewall, web, threat-prevention, and data-protection capabilities.
• Flexible private access: A client, Enterprise Browser, and clientless portal provide multiple ways to reach private applications; browser access also supports hosted apps and RDP or SSH without client installation.
• Large integration catalog: The Integration Hub lists 100 integrations across common enterprise categories, though some require additional licensing.
• Custom pricing: Buyers must contact sales, making early budget comparisons less direct.
• Version-dependent client support: Supported operating systems and client versions can affect rollout across older or varied endpoints.

Alternatives

Choose Sangfor EasyConnect if you are comparing paid remote-access software across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows; its pricing also requires contacting the maker.

Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall is another paid option to consider when physical, virtual, or cloud deployment choices are central to the decision.

Consider Zscaler Private Access for private access if its Standard (Essentials Platform) plan’s limited access for 5% of users matches your needs; the full ZPA Platform is also offered at custom pricing.

Firewalla may suit buyers comparing network-security appliances with published one-time prices, including Purple SE at $289, paid once, Orange at $399, paid once, and Gold SE at $519, paid once. Cato is a cloud platform, so the choice depends in part on whether appliance-based pricing or cloud-delivered networking and access better suits the deployment.

WatchGuard FireCloud is worth comparing for buyers who want a published annual per-user license price and a free trial; its Internet Access plan for 1–50 licenses is $97.75 a year.

Arista NG Firewall offers a free plan with basic security and connectivity features for buyers who want a no-cost starting point.

Endian Firewall Community is a free, self-hosted Linux firewall option for teams comfortable with an open-source product without professional support.

NethSecurity is another option for buyers seeking a Linux-based, self-hosted open-source project.

Browse Network Firewall Software, Business VPN Software, and Secure Access Service Edge Software for more category options.

Verdict

Cato SASE Platform is a strong candidate for organizations that want branch and multi-cloud networking, security controls, and private access coordinated through one policy and console. Its broad coverage and mix of client and browser access are the main reasons to choose it. Look elsewhere if transparent pricing or predictable integration licensing is essential; custom quotes and variable integration licensing complicate cost planning.