Aruba ESP vs Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform comparison

Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Zscaler are both solutions in the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) category. Hewlett Packard Enterprise is ranked #27, while Zscaler is ranked #2 with an average rating of 8.4. Hewlett Packard Enterprise holds a 1.1% mindshare in SASE, compared to Zscaler’s 8.9% mindshare. Additionally, 98% of Zscaler users are willing to recommend the solution.

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Feb 8, 2026

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform and Aruba ESP are key players in network security and management. Zscaler's security-centric approach provides a comprehensive edge, while Aruba ESP's network integration and unified management offer superior value.

Features:Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform enhances threat protection with advanced technology and consistent security policies for remote users, managed centrally. Aruba ESP specializes in intelligent network operations with AI-driven insights and seamless automation. Its unified network management is a notable advantage.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service:Zscaler facilitates global scalability with a quick deployment model enhancing remote user security. Aruba ESP's deployment is smooth, simplifying complex IT environments through comprehensive network management. Aruba is preferred for its effective customer service, easing the onboarding process.

Pricing and ROI:Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform requires a proportional investment offering quick returns and aligning with its security benefits. Aruba ESP, though having a more substantial initial setup cost, justifies this with extensive features and long-term operational efficiencies. Users find Aruba's pricing more economically advantageous over time.

To learn more, read our detailed Aruba ESP vs. Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform Report (Updated: June 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Aruba ESP vs. Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform

June 2026

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

iboss

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2026, in the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) category, the mindshare of iboss is 3.3%, up from 1.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Aruba ESP is 1.1%, up from 0.4% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform is 8.9%, down from 11.4% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform	8.9%
iboss	3.3%
Aruba ESP	1.1%
Other	86.7%

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

Featured Reviews

Ashok Ananthula

Senior Consultant Proxy Engineering at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees

Cloud gateway has strengthened remote web security and now needs better Mac and ISP support

The problem our organization had is that iboss failed for the Mac devices. It is not able to give a successful agent for the Mac agents. That is where in 2025, we had to migrate to the Palo Alto-based platform. If your use case is for just Windows laptops,you can consider this platform as an option One issue is the data center resiliency part. In India especially, they are not tied up with the Tier 1 ISPs like Tata or Airtel; they were having Tier 2 ISPs and encountered many issues reaching few major sites that my organization depends on, and they were having problems that they could not fix quickly. They also lack a mechanism to route that traffic within their data center; rather, they ask customers to make a pac file change to route it to Singapore explicitly. It would be better if they route from their backend , i mean even if I send it to India DC, they should be able to route it internally to make that work; however, they fail to do that and ask the customer to route it in the pac file. Another suggestion is that in China, they do not have the proper setup; they used to have numerous problems with slowness and lack of premium circuits in China as well. That leads to multiple sites working slowly with latency-related issues. So the main issue is the ISP-related problems that need to be solved.

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SatishKumar13

Deputy Manager at Savex Technologies Pvt Ltd

Has improved remote connectivity with secure segmentation for traveling users

The scenario has totally changed after COVID. Earlier, people used to work from office culture, but now it has shifted to work from anywhere. Devices are not fixed either. Previously it was fixed asset, but now people are using smartphones, IoT devices, laptops, and other devices, connecting from anywhere. Segmenting network traffic is very difficult and complicated because putting a firewall across devices is very difficult and nearly impossible. EdgeConnect, which includes endpoint protection or SSE, is very agent-based. POPs are nearly reachable across the globe, so users can access services globally whenever they want to reach the data center or access the internet. It creates segregation, and after segregation, it comes with security functionality including CASB, web, anti-malware, and antivirus functionality. It protects the endpoint whenever connecting with unsecured networks. The first level post-check of security parameters matches all functionalities. Their segregation part allows us to define parameters through ZTNA functionality, Zero Trust Network Access where we can define postures, whether devices relate to corporate network or personal use, if antivirus is running, if OS is updated, and many more things. Based upon that, it helps customers protect the complete infrastructure, whether connecting with office network, unsecured network, or remote office.

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Vibin Thomas

Technical Team Lead - Content Security at Valuepoint Systems

Zero trust access has transformed remote connectivity and now simplifies secure app usage

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform, especially Zscaler Private Access, is very strong, though there are a few areas where improvements can be made. One challenge observed is around initial troubleshooting and visibility. While Zscaler Private Access provides logs, it can sometimes take time to pinpoint the exact cause of access issues, especially in complex environments with multiple policies and identity integration. Another area is the dependency on identity and connector health. Since Zscaler Private Access is heavily reliant on app connectors and identity providers, any issues with these components can impact user access, making proper monitoring critical. During the initial setup, policy configuration and application onboarding require careful planning, especially for larger environments with many applications. These challenges are manageable with proper design and monitoring. Overall, the platform delivers strong security and user experience. I would recommend a few improvements, especially around user interface, reporting, and troubleshooting experience. From a user interface perspective, while the platform is powerful, the policy configuration and navigation can feel complex, especially for new users. A more simplified and intuitive layout for policy mapping and application access would help reduce the learning curve. In terms of reporting, Zscaler Private Access provides logs, but having more built-in customizable dashboards and analytics would be very helpful. Better visibility into user access patterns, application performance, and real-time troubleshooting insights would improve operational efficiency. From a support and troubleshooting standpoint, it would be beneficial to have more granular centralized visibility, allowing for quick end-to-end tracing of a user request from authentication to application access without switching between multiple views. These improvements would make the platform even more efficient, especially for large-scale enterprise environments.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"I would rate the technical support of iboss a solid 10 without a shadow of a doubt."

"Valuable features: Within the filter: Controls (Web categories, applications, and Allow/Block list) and Network (local Subnets). Within the reporter: Logs (Event Log) and Reports."

"iboss has significantly lowered the number of security incidents. It is crazy how much it blocks and how much it is aware of the outside danger."

"From a corporate perspective, I understand that it's important to keep the company data safe."

"The iboss system is highly reliable. The false positive rates are small compared to some other systems we've experienced through other partner agencies who use competing solutions."

"iboss is definitely very good in terms of service."

"Deploying iboss leads to good return on investment, estimated around 70% to 80%."

"The solution has massively improved our security posture, giving us full visibility into what our staff does online."

More iboss pros

"Aruba ESP is a single place where you manage everything, and you have integrations with a lot of other vendors together on the same platform."

"It provides a single umbrella for the complete network infrastructure, which is a very key differentiator from other products."

"On DLP terms, Zscaler Cloud DLP ensures that data doesn't go outside of the organization. So on the network level, Zscaler does a pretty good job."

"The agent's versatility is notable, used for digital experience monitoring to collect valuable endpoint metrics for troubleshooting."

"Zscaler Cloud DLP provides you with basic DLP features that you get out of the box such as keywords, regular expressions, and data identifiers, for example, your social security numbers, and credit card numbers, with everything built into the product, so you can directly use those features within the policies. You don't need to create it from scratch, and to me, this is the biggest benefit of Zscaler Cloud DLP. You have a lot of templates to choose from in the solution, rather than having to create templates from scratch or reinvent templates."

"The most valuable features of this solution are the CASB solutions, which is protecting their Office 365."

"I like the web filtering capabilities, which are very good, and it offers sound internet security notifications with a stable, scalable solution and an easy-to-use user interface."

"The most valuable feature is the manageability of the micro tunnels."

"The product’s most valuable features are inbound and outbound scanning and API control."

"The VPN is great for the stability on offer and for the cloud updates and insights you can get."

More Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform pros

Cons

"Regarding pricing, setup costs, and licensing, iboss is not cheap, and that's my only concern."

"It is stable, but due to growth, it can sometimes be less stable than wanted."

"The reporting feature needs improvement."

"I am currently doing a PoC of the zero trust aspect of it. Compared to other similar solutions, it is hard to get around each feature. It takes a while to get used to it."

"The dashboards for local use could be better."

"SSL decryption: We had issues with learners using apps instead of using web browsers. This type of encryption is tough for any appliance in a BYOD environment."

"The reporting feature needs improvement. It doesn't give you the expected results. It is quite difficult to get the specific reports needed, and it is not as intuitive as the rest of the platform."

"The endpoint-type solution is an area that needs some improvement."

More iboss cons

"Aruba ESP should include more integrations with third-party vendors."

"Segmenting network traffic is very difficult and complicated because putting a firewall across devices is very difficult and nearly impossible."

"Zscaler CASB should include integrations with other SaaS applications."

"It's an expensive solution."

"The interface needs a bit of work."

"The area that requires improvement is their support. The current support is lacking."

"The only issue with Zscaler Cloud DLP is that it only gives you DLP protection from web traffic, which is flowing out, while a full-blown DLP solution such as Forcepoint or Symantec gives you DLP coverage for multiple channels. Zscaler Cloud DLP doesn't give you coverage for email, fax, and USB channels, and this is the only challenge or room for improvement in the solution. It's just an extension on top of what you're buying on the proxy, so it's just an added layer, and it doesn't cover DLP on a very broad level. I'm unsure if Zcaler is in the business of competing with a full-blown DLP solution, and if there's a plan to expand the features of Zscaler Cloud DLP beyond the web channel because you'll have to deploy a full-blown agent for it. I'm unsure if this is on the cards because the solution is just an added layer that you get with your proxy. I've asked the Zcaler team whether there's a plan to go full DLP in the future, but I didn't get a positive response. There isn't any feature I'd like added to Zscaler Cloud DLP currently, because anything you could think of that should be in cloud or SaaS solutions is already there, except for machine learning, as it's the only functionality that seems to be lacking in the solution. Machine learning is an additional policy available in other DLP solutions in the market, but my team didn't find it in Zscaler Cloud DLP."

"The pricing is expensive and on the higher end. Honestly, in my opinion, it is not worth the price."

"Zscaler Private Access could improve by improving external access. If external parties want to access locally to my company's services, we need to onboard them into our domain, otherwise, it doesn't work. Additionally, if their company also has Zscaler Private Access, then it doesn't work. They need to log in with our domain ID, not their company ID."

"From a user interface perspective, while the platform is powerful, the policy configuration and navigation can feel complex, especially for new users."

More Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"We have not priced the solution recently, but they were competitive with other vendors in the past."

"It is expensive compared to one of its competitors."

"It is not expensive, and it is also not cheap. iboss is priced right in the sweet spot for the number of features it offers."

"We had the cost of purchasing a new appliance along with the implementation and licensing costs. However, the following year, the cost of just licensing was similar to what was paid the previous year for a new appliance along with the implementation and licensing costs."

"It is probably in line with other solutions, but I do not deal with the financial side."

"The overall pricing for iboss is very competitive and transparent."

"Users need to pay a yearly license for three, five, seven, or ten years based on their requirements."

"Zscaler Private Access can be an expensive solution, depending on the license type you will purchase."

"The solution has increased prices this year."

"As per industry leads, Zscaler CASB is an expensive solution."

"Zscaler Cloud DLP is moderately priced. We pay around 2 million rupees per year."

"The solution is expensive."

"Zscaler CASB is an expensive solution."

"The product is a bit expensive."

"The pricing is expensive and on the higher end. Honestly, in my opinion, it is not worth the price."

More Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

11%

Manufacturing Company

Computer Software Company

Construction Company

No data available

Financial Services Firm

12%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Computer Software Company

Outsourcing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	11
Midsize Enterprise	8
Large Enterprise	10

No data available

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	16
Midsize Enterprise	12
Large Enterprise	46

Questions from the Community

What needs improvement with iboss?

I think iboss could be improved by making reporting and dashboard customization more flexible, and simplifying troubl...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for iboss?

I use iboss as a cloud-based secure web gateway to provide secure internet access, web filtering, and protect remote ...

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for iboss?

My experience with iboss's pricing structure, setup cost, and licensing model has been positive, straightforward, and...

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What needs improvement with Aruba ESP?

The scenario has totally changed after COVID. Earlier, people used to work from office culture, but now it has shifte...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Aruba ESP?

I am working for the SASE portfolio as a product manager, so I cannot give any comment on other products. If there ar...

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What advice do you have for others considering Aruba ESP?

I rate Aruba ESP a nine out of ten.

See all answers

What is the better solution - Prisma Access or Zscaler Private Access?

We looked into Prisma Access before choosing Zscaler Private Access (ZPA). Palo Alto’s Prisma Access is a secure ac...

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How to minimize false positives for PII and PCI around different data systems across the globe?

Personal information always should be under high protection from manipulations which is why it is the responsibility ...

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Zscaler Cloud Protection?

This is an area where I have candid feedback from our organization regarding pricing, setup cost, and licensing for Z...

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Comparisons

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Compared 10% of the time

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Fortinet FortiGate vs iboss

Compared 8% of the time

FortiSASE vs iboss

Compared 6% of the time

Twingate vs iboss

Compared 4% of the time

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VMware SASE vs Aruba ESP

Compared 24% of the time

Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform vs Aruba ESP

Compared 5% of the time

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Cisco Umbrella vs Aruba ESP

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Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks vs Aruba ESP

Compared 5% of the time

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Check Point Harmony SASE (formerly Perimeter 81) vs Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform

Compared 4% of the time

Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks vs Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform

Compared 4% of the time

Cloudflare One vs Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform

Compared 4% of the time

FortiSASE vs Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform

Compared 3% of the time

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

iboss

August 2026

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Buyer's Guide

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

July 2026

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Buyer's Guide

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform

July 2026

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform report

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Also Known As

iBoss Cloud Platform

No data available

Zscaler SASE, Zscaler DLP, Zscaler CASB, Zscaler CSPM, Zscaler Browser Isolation, Zscaler Posture Control

Overview

Iboss offers a comprehensive cloud-based security platform valued for its scalability and autonomous features, ensuring robust security with easy deployment and management capabilities.

Renowned for its robust security architecture, Iboss integrates seamlessly within diverse networks, delivering efficient granular filtering and advanced content categorization. Its single pane of glass console provides ease of management, allowing rapid scalability suitable for rapidly deploying environments. Operates in BYOD setups due to inline filtering without device installation. Integration with cloud-based applications enhances user control, and features like SASE, SSL inspection, and ChatGPT risk protection stand as highlights. Despite its strengths, users have pointed out areas for enhancement like direct navigation in reports, SSL decryption, and better cloud integration while having room to improve data loss prevention.

What are the most important features of Iboss?

Scalability: Supports rapid deployment across diverse networks.
SASE: A consolidated approach to secure access.
SSL Inspection: Ensures safe data transmission.
Granular Filtering: Detailed control over accessible content.
Single Pane Management: Unifies control through a centralized console.

What benefits should users consider in reviews?

Cost-effectiveness: Offers competitive pricing with robust features.
Autonomous Operation: Reduces management overhead.
Responsive Support: Provides assistance when needed.
Flexible Deployment: Available for both cloud and on-premises environments.

The usage of Iboss spans educational institutions, specifically K-12, to enforce internet policies, protect data, and support remote work environments. It provides web filtering and security frameworks to ensure safe browsing. Its platform-as-a-service model offers flexibility for both cloud-based and on-premises requirements, integrating seamlessly to deliver enhanced security features suitable for various deployment needs including zero trust, CASB, and network security for work-from-home setups.

iboss

Aruba ESP, a cutting-edge platform, enhances network management by integrating AI-driven technology to deliver smart, scalable, and secure connectivity solutions.

Aruba ESP stands out due to its intelligent capabilities to predict and resolve network issues before they impact operations, offering a comprehensive approach for modern network environments. It integrates AI and machine learning to streamline network operations, providing robust security and seamless connectivity. By simplifying management and maintenance, it empowers IT teams to focus on strategic projects while ensuring optimal network performance.

What are the key features of Aruba ESP?

AI-Powered Automation: Automates network management tasks and improves operational efficiency.
Scalable Architecture: Easily expands with the network needs, accommodating growth and change.
Comprehensive Security: Includes built-in security features to protect data and users from emerging threats.
Unified Infrastructure: Offers a single platform for wired, wireless, and WAN environments.

What benefits should users anticipate?

Reduced Downtime: AI capabilities preemptively resolve issues, minimizing disruption.
Lower Operational Costs: Automation reduces the need for manual monitoring and adjustments.
Improved User Experience: Seamless connectivity and speed enhance end-user satisfaction.
Enhanced Security: Robust protection reduces the risk of breaches and data loss.

In industries such as healthcare, education, and retail, Aruba ESP is implemented to address distinct connectivity challenges. In healthcare, it secures sensitive data while maintaining uninterrupted service, whereas in education, it supports high-density environments with reliable internet access, enhancing digital learning experiences. Retailers leverage it for seamless omnichannel integrations, improving operational efficiency and customer interactions.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange enhances security with seamless cloud-based connectivity and VPN-less operation, offering integration with multiple identity providers and advanced security features, suitable for remote work environments.

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange provides secure, adaptive connectivity without traditional VPNs, allowing organizations to replace legacy systems and bolster remote work security. The platform offers cloud-based protection, single sign-on, dynamic URL categorization, and scalable solutions. While advanced security features like DLP and threat protection enhance data protection, users may face issues with speed, connectivity, and some customization options. Integration challenges, latency due to multi-tenant hosting, reporting delays, and licensing costs require consideration. It supports secure internet access and private application security, ensuring traffic control and data compliance.

What are the key features of Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange?

VPN-less Connectivity: Enables secure remote access without traditional VPNs.
Cloud-based Security: Offers scalable protection utilizing cloud infrastructure.
Single Sign-On: Integrates with multiple identity providers for streamlined access.
Dynamic URL Categorization: Provides real-time URL filtering to enhance security.
Advanced Threat Protection: Detects and mitigates sophisticated threats effectively.
Customizable Policies: Allows tailored security protocols to fit unique requirements.
Comprehensive DLP: Protects sensitive data through robust data loss prevention.
Integration Capabilities: Connects seamlessly with cloud services and applications.

What are the benefits of using Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange?

Enhanced Security: Delivers consistent protection regardless of user location.
Improved Compliance: Ensures adherence to data protection regulations.
Streamlined Access: Simplifies connectivity to private and cloud applications.
Scalability: Supports expanding organizational demands with cloud scalability.
Real-time Visibility: Provides instant insights into security incidents and network traffic.

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange is deployed across industries to secure remote access and enforce zero trust principles. Organizations in finance, healthcare, and technology sectors utilize it for secure internet access and visibility into cloud applications, enhancing performance and compliance in dynamic environments.

Zscaler

Sample Customers

More than 4,000 global enterprises trust the iboss Cloud Platform to support their modern workforces, including a large number of Fortune 50 companies.

Information Not Available

Siemens, AutoNation, GE, NOV

Buyer's Guide

Aruba ESP vs. Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform

June 2026

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