Head-to-head · Zero Trust Network Access Software
Akamai Enterprise Application Access vs Bowtie Private Access
Akamai Enterprise Application Access leads on 0 checks, Bowtie Private Access on 1, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreAkamai Enterprise Application Access · 9.0/10
- Free planonly Bowtie Private Access
- Most featuresAkamai Enterprise Application Access · 3 of 3
Akamai Enterprise Application Access scores higher on our rubric for zero trust network access software: 9.0 against 6.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #24.
Bowtie Private Access offers free plan; Akamai Enterprise Application Access doesn't. On access methods, Akamai Enterprise Application Access gives you Both where Bowtie Private Access offers Agent.
Akamai Enterprise Application Access is the better fit for large enterprises with complex private apps. Bowtie Private Access is the better fit for small teams wanting low-cost hybrid access.
- Akamai Enterprise Application Access fits best
Large enterprises with complex private apps
- Bowtie Private Access fits best
Small teams wanting low-cost hybrid access
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Side by side
| Feature | Akamai Enterprise Application Access 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | Bowtie Private Access 6.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 6.8 |
| Ranking | #3 in Zero Trust Network Access Software | #24 in Zero Trust Network Access Software |
| Best for | Large enterprises with complex private apps | Small teams wanting low-cost hybrid access |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Pricing on request | — |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS |
| Support | Email, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs · 24/7 | Email, Live chat, Community, Docs |
| Integrations | 6 integrations | 6 integrations |
| Built for | Enterprise, Mid-market | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Akamai Enterprise Application Access 3/3 · Bowtie Private Access 2/3 | ||
| Device posture checks | ✓ | ✓ |
| SIEM log export | ✓ | ✓ |
| Session recording | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Deployment model | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Access methods | Both | Agent |
| Private app connectors | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Supported app protocols | HTTP, HTTPS, RDP, SSH, VNC, TCP, UDP, SFTP, SCP | TCP, UDP, ICMP |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Akamai Enterprise Application Access is a cloud-delivered Zero Trust Network Access service for identity-based access to private applications hosted on-premises, in public clouds, or across hybrid environments. It supports clientless… Read the review → |
Bowtie Private Access provides Zero Trust Network Access through encrypted connections between user devices and private resources. It is designed for small teams that need hybrid access to cloud, data-center, and office resources without… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Akamai Enterprise Application Access — where it wins
- Supports web, TCP, and UDP application access
- Adds posture-based policies, session recording, and SIEM export
- Connects on-premises, cloud, and hybrid application environments
Where it doesn't
- Pricing requires contacting sales
- No free plan is listed
- Administration and policy depth may exceed smaller teams' needs
Bowtie Private Access — where it wins
- Free plan plus an $11 monthly per-user Essentials tier
- Device posture policies, SIEM integration, and enhanced audit records
- Supports TCP, UDP, and ICMP through always-on agent connectivity
Where it doesn't
- Access depends on device agents rather than agentless application access
- Smaller platform footprint than broader ZTNA suites
- Enterprise-only features include MDM deployment and priority Slack support
- Akamai Enterprise Application Access9.0/10 · Pricing on request
A deep hybrid ZTNA service for complex private-app environments, with contact-sales pricing.
Visit AkamaiFull verdict → - Bowtie Private Access6.8/10 · Free plan
A low-cost hybrid access option for small teams that prefer agent-based connectivity.
Visit BowtieFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update