Head-to-head · Zero Trust Network Access Software
Pomerium vs Portnox ZTNA
Pomerium leads on 0 checks, Portnox ZTNA on 0, and 4 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 scorePomerium · 7.1/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly Portnox ZTNA
- Most featuresPortnox ZTNA · 3 of 3
Pomerium scores higher on our rubric for zero trust network access software: 7.1 against 6.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #22 and #23.
On access methods, Portnox ZTNA gives you Both where Pomerium offers Browser.
Pomerium is the better fit for open-source and self-hosting teams. Portnox ZTNA is the better fit for security-focused teams wanting session controls.
- Pomerium fits best
Open-source and self-hosting teams
- Portnox ZTNA fits best
Security-focused teams wanting session controls
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Side by side
| Feature | Pomerium 7.1/10 Visit ↗ | Portnox ZTNA 6.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.1 | 6.9 |
| Ranking | #22 in Zero Trust Network Access Software | #23 in Zero Trust Network Access Software |
| Best for | Open-source and self-hosting teams | Security-focused teams wanting session controls |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $7/user/mo | Free plan · 30-day trial |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | 30 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, Linux | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Community, Docs · 24/7 |
| Integrations | 3 integrations | 10 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Pomerium 2/3 · Portnox ZTNA 3/3 | ||
| Device posture checks | ✓ | ✓ |
| SIEM log export | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Session recording | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Deployment model | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Access methods | Browser | Both |
| Private app connectors | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Supported app protocols | HTTP, HTTPS, HTTP/2, HTTP/3, WebSocket, gRPC, TCP, UDP, SSH | RDP, SSH, VNC, Telnet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Pomerium is an identity-aware Layer 7 reverse proxy for securing access to internal and external applications. It suits teams that need zero trust access without requiring a client for browser-based applications, while also supporting… Read the review → |
Portnox ZTNA is a cloud-native zero trust network access service for teams that need identity-aware, device-aware access to SaaS and private applications. It evaluates user identity, device certificates, and device security posture before… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Pomerium — where it wins
- Open-source deployment with self-hosted proxy and data plane
- Clientless browser access plus SSH, TCP, UDP, and web protocols
- Policy-as-code, RBAC, SSO, and continuous context checks
Where it doesn't
- Personal Free is limited to 10 users and 10 routes
- Session recording is available only with Enterprise
- Platform coverage centers on web, Linux, API, and self-hosted deployments
Portnox ZTNA — where it wins
- Passwordless, certificate-based authentication with continuous posture checks
- Supports SaaS, private applications, RDP, SSH, VNC, and Telnet
- Session recording, remediation, audit trails, monitoring, and alerts
Where it doesn't
- The free version may have different feature scope from paid offerings
- Private resources require a Docker-based gateway for hosted access
- It is proprietary rather than open source
- Pomerium7.1/10 · Free plan
A flexible open-source ZTNA proxy for teams that value self-hosting and policy control.
Visit PomeriumFull verdict → - Portnox ZTNA6.9/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial
A posture-aware ZTNA service with passwordless access, session controls, and broad integrations.
Visit PortnoxFull verdict →
All zero trust network access software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update