CISO Tribune

Vendor comparison · 2 companies

SonicWall vs Zscaler

SonicWall is a unified cybersecurity portfolio that helps SMBs, MSPs, and IT teams consolidate network, endpoint, cloud, and threat response across hybrid environments. Zscaler sells a unified cybersecurity platform built on the Zero Trust Exchange. CISO Tribune files both under Firewalls and NGFW and SASE and SSE. This page sets the two records side by side: what each sells, where it is based, who owns and funds it, the customers it names and its recent news, each fact numbered to its source.

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  • SonicWall
  • Zscaler
SonicWall vs Zscaler: Products, Customers and Funding Compared
SonicWallSonicWall is a unified cybersecurity portfolio that helps SMBs, MSPs, and IT teams consolidate network, endpoint, cloud, and threat response across hybrid environments.sonicwall.comZscalerZscaler sells a unified cybersecurity platform built on the Zero Trust Exchange.zscaler.com
What it sells
  • Capture Client[3][12]Endpoint detection and response built on SentinelOne.
  • Cloud Secure Edge[1][3][7][13][15]SonicWall's Security Service Edge (SSE) platform.
  • SonicSentry MDR[3][7][11]Managed detection and response from SonicWall analysts.
  • SonicWall Unified Management[3]A single console for managing SonicWall products.
  • Zscaler Zero Trust Browser[5]Extends Zero Trust to the browser.
  • Zscaler Deception[6]Zscaler Deception is used to detect machine-speed attacker behavior.
  • Zscaler AppProtection[4]Protects private apps from web- and identity-based attacks.
  • AI Guard[8]Provides an overview of the users and AI applications that AI Guard manages.
  • Zscaler Cloud Sandbox[7]Provides protection from threats not detectable using traditional security techniques.
  • Zscaler China Premium Access[4]Delivers secure connectivity for China-based employees.
Categories
Headquarters
Not stated on its pagesNot stated on its pages
Founded
Not stated on its pages2007[1]
Ownership and funding
Owned by Francisco Partners and Elliott Management since 2016[2][3][5][6]Public (NASDAQ: ZS)[2][4][13][14]
Named customers
Not stated on its pagesNot stated on its pages
Recent news
  • May 12, 2026SonicWall announced availability of the Gen 8 NSv XS, a subscription-based virtual firewall for MSPs and MSSPs serving small and distributed environments.[18]
  • May 21, 2026Zscaler announced its intent to acquire Symmetry Systems, a company that maps identities and data access for AI security.[12]
  • February 5, 2026Zscaler announced it has acquired SquareX to extend its Zero Trust capabilities into the browser.[13]
G2 and Gartner Peer Insights
  • G2: listed, seen November 4, 2026[5]
  • Gartner Peer Insights: listed, seen November 4, 2026[6]
  • G2: listed, seen November 10, 2026[14]
  • Gartner Peer Insights: Not stated on its pages
Who it fits
From its own pages, SonicWall sells mainly to SMBs, MSPs, and IT teams, and to MSSPs and distributed enterprises. Its pages name healthcare, education, local government, finance, manufacturing, and retail as the kinds of organizations it protects. TZ series firewalls are positioned for SMBs and branch locations.From its own pages, Zscaler sells to organisations that need secure remote access to business applications for a hybrid workforce. Zscaler extends zero trust access to private applications for users in headquarters and branch offices. Zscaler addresses government and federal cybersecurity. Zscaler addresses state and local government operations. Zscaler offers solutions for UK healthcare organisations such as the NHS. Zscaler offers a SaaS-delivered solution for China-based employees.
Last verified
September 27, 2026November 5, 2026

Where they overlap

  • SonicWall and Zscaler are both filed under Firewalls and NGFW and SASE and SSE.

Where they differ, field by field

  • SonicWall's primary category is Firewalls and NGFW; Zscaler's is SASE and SSE.
  • SonicWall is also filed under EDR and XDR and MDR and managed SOC. Zscaler is also filed under Zero trust network access and Remote browser isolation.
  • SonicWall lists Capture Client, Cloud Secure Edge, SonicSentry MDR and SonicWall Unified Management. Zscaler lists Zscaler Zero Trust Browser, Zscaler Deception, Zscaler AppProtection, AI Guard, Zscaler Cloud Sandbox and 1 more.
  • Zscaler was founded in 2007.
  • SonicWall is owned by Francisco Partners and Elliott Management, since 2016. Zscaler is a public company listed on NASDAQ as ZS.

What it sells: SonicWall

What Capture Client does[3][12]
Capture Client is built on SentinelOne. SonicWall describes it as delivering endpoint detection and response integrated with the SonicWall ecosystem.
What Cloud Secure Edge does[1][3][7][13][15]
Cloud Secure Edge delivers secure access to internal resources and safe connections to the internet for remote and hybrid workers. It covers ZTNA, SWG, CASB, and DNS Security from one platform.
What SonicSentry MDR does[3][7][11]
SonicSentry MDR combines SonicWall telemetry with expert analysts who hunt, triage, and contain threats around the clock. For endpoints, SonicWall describes 24/7 expert monitoring and response backed by proactive threat hunting.
What SonicWall Unified Management does[3]
SonicWall Unified Management gives IT teams and MSPs a single console to manage, monitor, and respond. It covers firewalls, switches, endpoints, and Cloud Secure Edge.

What it sells: Zscaler

What Zscaler Zero Trust Browser does[5]
Zscaler combines AI-based isolation of web threats with Browser Detection and Response (BDR) capabilities. Zscaler provides cloud-delivered and in-browser data loss prevention, including screenshot and keystroke logger protection. Zscaler enforces browser security through an extension, an enterprise browser, or cloud browser isolation.
What Zscaler AppProtection does[4]
Zscaler AppProtection streamlines private access management. Zscaler AppProtection is a key part of ZPA.
What Zscaler Cloud Sandbox does[7]
GHD uses Zscaler Cloud Sandbox to provide further protection from threats not detectable using traditional security techniques. A Zscaler dashboard widget shows the flow and dispensation of files sent to the sandbox.
What Zscaler China Premium Access does[4]
Zscaler China Premium Access is a SaaS-delivered solution. Zscaler China Premium Access delivers secure connectivity for China-based employees as a SaaS-delivered solution.

Questions about SonicWall and Zscaler

What do SonicWall and Zscaler sell?
SonicWall sells Capture Client, Cloud Secure Edge, SonicSentry MDR and SonicWall Unified Management. Zscaler sells Zscaler Zero Trust Browser, Zscaler Deception, Zscaler AppProtection, AI Guard, Zscaler Cloud Sandbox and 1 more.
Are SonicWall and Zscaler in the same category?
They share Firewalls and NGFW and SASE and SSE. SonicWall's primary category is Firewalls and NGFW and Zscaler's is SASE and SSE.
When were SonicWall and Zscaler founded?
Zscaler was founded in 2007.
Who owns SonicWall and Zscaler?
SonicWall is owned by Francisco Partners and Elliott Management, since 2016. Zscaler is a public company listed on NASDAQ as ZS.
Who are SonicWall and Zscaler sold to?
From its own pages, SonicWall sells mainly to SMBs, MSPs, and IT teams, and to MSSPs and distributed enterprises. From its own pages, Zscaler sells to organisations that need secure remote access to business applications for a hybrid workforce.
What have SonicWall and Zscaler announced recently?
May 12, 2026: SonicWall announced availability of the Gen 8 NSv XS, a subscription-based virtual firewall for MSPs and MSSPs serving small and distributed environments. May 21, 2026: Zscaler announced its intent to acquire Symmetry Systems, a company that maps identities and data access for AI security.

About SonicWall

SonicWall is a unified cybersecurity portfolio that helps SMBs, MSPs, and IT teams consolidate network, endpoint, cloud, and threat response across hybrid environments. SonicWall sells firewalls, endpoint security, a Security Service Edge platform, managed detection and response, and a management console that ties them together.[1]

SonicWall delivers cybersecurity solutions for organizations ranging from small businesses and distributed enterprises to MSSPs managing thousands of customer environments. SonicWall describes its protection as aimed at healthcare, education, local government, finance, manufacturing, and retail. SonicWall also offers on-premises, cloud-based and as-a-service options, so buyers can deploy what suits their architecture.[4][7][8]

On the network side, SonicWall TZ series firewalls are designed for the needs of SMBs and branch locations. For distributed enterprises, SonicWall TZ Series, NSa Series, and NSsp Series firewalls, paired with Network Security Manager (NSM), give a single point of control for thousands of enforcement points. SonicWall delivers Secure SD-WAN through TZ, NSa, and NSsp firewalls. Firewall security services apply to Gen 7 and Gen 8 firewall platforms.[7][9][10]

Organizations can manage endpoint protection themselves or add SonicSentry MDR for 24/7 managed detection and response. SonicWall also offers Capture Client, which is built on SentinelOne and delivers endpoint detection and response integrated with the SonicWall ecosystem.[11][12]

Cloud Secure Edge is SonicWall's Security Service Edge (SSE) platform. Cloud Secure Edge covers the full security stack from one platform: ZTNA, SWG, CASB, and DNS Security. For remote access, SonicWall Secure Mobile Access (SMA) 1000 Series and Cloud Secure Edge deliver both VPN and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). SonicWall also supplies VPN clients, including NetExtender for Windows and Linux users.[1][7][13][14]

On the managed side, SonicSentry MDR and SonicSentry MXDR combine SonicWall telemetry with expert analysts who hunt, triage, and contain threats around the clock. SonicWall says that SonicSentry MXDR unifies monitoring of endpoint, cloud, and network, where correlated telemetry catches complex, multi-stage attacks a single layer would miss. SonicSentry MDR for SonicWall Endpoint Security is part of the Cysurance embedded warranty program.[7][11]

SonicWall Unified Management gives IT teams and MSPs a single console to manage, monitor, and respond across firewalls, switches, endpoints, and Cloud Secure Edge. Sami is SonicWall's AI-powered assistant that brings administrative guidance, solution building, and product support into a single conversational experience. For threat analysis, Capture ATP is a cloud-based, multi-engine sandbox, and Capture Security appliance offers on-premises sandboxing for enterprises with sensitive data.[1][10][11][15][16][17]

SonicWall on the record

Sources

SonicWall full record

  1. [1]sonicwall.comSonicWall · sonicwall.com · undated page, accessed September 27, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]Francisco partners and elliott management complete acquisition of dell software groupFrancisco Partners · franciscopartners.com · published November 1, 2016 · Tier A
  3. [3]Cybersecurity That Delivers Real Business Outcomes | SonicWallSonicWall · undated page, accessed October 28, 2026 · Tier A
  4. [4]Federal Government Cybersecurity | SonicWallSonicWall · undated page, accessed October 28, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]SonicWall Next Generation Firewall Reviews & Product Details - G2G2 · undated page, accessed October 28, 2026 · Tier C
  6. [6]SonicWall Reviews, Ratings & Features 2026 | Gartner Peer InsightsGartner Peer Insights · undated page, accessed October 28, 2026 · Tier C
  7. [7]Cybersecurity Solutions by Use Case | SonicWallSonicWall · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  8. [8]Cybersecurity for Cloud Virtual and Hybrid Networks | SonicWallSonicWall · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]SonicWall TZ Series: Advanced Protection for SMBs | Entry Level Next Generation FirewallsSonicWall · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]Firewall & Network Security Services | SonicwallSonicWall · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]Endpoint Security & Managed EDR Solutions | SonicWallSonicWall · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]Endpoint Security Solutions | EDR, NGAV & Ransomware Protection | SonicWallSonicWall · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  13. [13]Cloud Secure Edge (CSE): ZTNA Solution | SonicWallSonicWall · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  14. [14]SonicWall VPN Clients | NetExtender & Mobile ConnectSonicWall · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  15. [15]SonicWall Unified Management | Cybersecurity PlatformSonicWall · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  16. [16]SonicWall Capture Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)SonicWall · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  17. [17]On-Premise ATP | SonicWall Capture Security applianceSonicWall · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  18. [18]SonicWall Expands Gen 8 Platform to the Cloud with New NSv XS Virtual Firewall to Help MSPs and MSSPs Deliver Managed Security Wherever Workloads RunSonicWall · published May 12, 2026 · Tier A

Zscaler full record

  1. [1]About zscalerZscaler · zscaler.com · undated page, accessed November 5, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]zscaler.comZscaler · zscaler.com · undated page, accessed November 5, 2026 · Tier A
  3. [3]Leading Cloud Enterprise Security Provider for Zero TrustZscaler · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  4. [4]Products & Solutions | ZscalerZscaler · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]Zscaler Zero Trust BrowserZscaler · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  6. [6]Stop Frontier AI with Deception | Zscaler CybersecurityZscaler · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  7. [7]GHD Case Study | Customer Stories | ZscalerZscaler · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  8. [8]About AI Guard Dashboard | ZscalerZscaler · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]Viewing the Cybersecurity Dashboard | ZscalerZscaler · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]About Custom Dashboards | ZscalerZscaler · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]About Alerts | ZscalerZscaler · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]Zscaler to Acquire Symmetry Systems, Combining Zero Trust and Access Graph Technology to Map and Secure AI Agent Communication | Zscaler, Inc.Zscaler, Inc. · published May 21, 2026 · Tier A
  13. [13]Zscaler Acquires SquareX to Advance Zero Trust Browser Security for the AI Era | ZscalerZscaler · published February 5, 2026 · Tier A
  14. [14]Zscaler Internet Access Reviews & Product DetailsG2 · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier C

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