Untangle NG Firewall vs Zscaler Internet Access
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Untangle NG Firewall is a modular next-generation firewall platform that consolidates network security functions like content filtering, intrusion prevention, ransomware protection, and VPN into a single console instead of requiring multiple separate vendor products. Following its acquisition, the product now operates under Arista Networks as part of the Edge Threat Management (ETM) platform, with NG Firewall remaining the core product and a cloud-based ETM Dashboard, including a mobile app, for centralized management. The platform is aimed at organizations that need enterprise-style network security without a large in-house security team, and it is used across education (K-12 and higher ed), government, healthcare, financial services, nonprofits, and hospitality. Special pricing is available for qualifying public institutions, nonprofits, and government organizations, and a free trial and online purchase configurator are offered directly on the site.
Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) is a cloud‑native secure web gateway that protects users from threats on the internet and SaaS applications. It inspects traffic inline, enforces policy, and leverages AI to block malware, ransomware, and data loss. Delivered as a global SaaS service, ZIA scales instantly, requires no on‑prem hardware, and integrates with identity providers and CASB solutions to give organizations consistent security regardless of location or device.
- Modular design lets organizations pay only for needed security functions
- Discounted pricing available for education, nonprofit, and government buyers
- Cloud dashboard with mobile app simplifies remote management
- Backed by Arista's networking infrastructure following acquisition
- Fully cloud‑native, no on‑prem hardware required.
- Scales instantly to support global user bases.
- Deep SSL inspection with minimal performance impact.
- Extensive integrations with identity and CASB platforms.
- Public list pricing is not shown; requires going through a configurator or sales
- Brand transition (Untangle to Arista Edge Threat Management) can cause naming confusion
- Best suited to organizations comfortable managing their own modular security stack
- Dependent on internet connectivity for policy enforcement.
- Complex policy configuration may require specialist expertise.
- Higher cost for large enterprises compared to basic firewalls.
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataZscaler Internet Access is a fully cloud‑native secure web gateway for enterprises, while Untangle NG Firewall is a self‑hosted, modular firewall aimed at SMBs and public‑sector groups.
Key differences
- •Deployment model – Zscaler is SaaS/cloud only; Untangle is self‑hosted on‑premises.
- •Target audience – Zscaler targets enterprises/mid‑market; Untangle targets SMBs, schools, and government.
- •Pricing transparency – Zscaler lists subscription pricing; Untangle requires contact/configurator and has undisclosed list price.
- •Feature scope – Zscaler focuses on web/SaaS traffic inspection, DLP, and zero‑trust; Untangle bundles firewall, IPS, VPN, content filtering, and modular add‑ons.
- •Integration ecosystem – Zscaler lists specific identity and SaaS integrations; Untangle provides no listed integrations.
Pricing & value
Untangle offers contact‑based pricing with discounts for education/non‑profit, potentially lower cost for SMBs; Zscaler is a paid subscription with higher enterprise cost.
Ease of use / learning curve
Zscaler is cloud‑native with no hardware to manage, whereas Untangle requires on‑prem installation and modular configuration.
Features & depth
Zscaler provides real‑time SSL/TLS inspection, AI threat detection, DLP, sandboxing; Untangle’s modular set is broader but less specialized for zero‑trust web protection.
Integrations & ecosystem
Zscaler lists integrations with Microsoft 365, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Okta; Untangle lists no specific integrations.
Scalability
Zscaler’s global cloud architecture scales instantly worldwide; Untangle is self‑hosted and limited by on‑prem hardware capacity.
Support
Zscaler offers 24/7 phone, email, live chat; Untangle’s support details are not specified.
Security & privacy
Zscaler includes deep SSL inspection, AI‑driven threat detection, sandboxing, and DLP; Untangle’s security features are less detailed in the facts.
Choose Untangle NG Firewall if…
SMBs or schools preferring on‑prem firewall with modular add‑ons and lower upfront cost.
Choose Zscaler Internet Access if…
Enterprises needing cloud‑native, zero‑trust web security with global scale.
Common questions
Can Zscaler work if my internet connection drops?
No – policy enforcement depends on internet connectivity (listed as a con).
Does Untangle provide an API for automation?
No – the specifications state API is not available.
Which product integrates with existing identity providers like Okta?
Zscaler integrates with Okta and other identity providers; Untangle lists no integrations.