Bowtie Private Access review
A low-cost hybrid access option for small teams that prefer agent-based connectivity.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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 routing traffic through the vendor’s cloud. Device agents handle authentication, encryption, and access enforcement, while controllers can run in a customer’s cloud, data center, or on-premises environment. Clients are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and iOS, with administration through a web interface and REST API.
Pricing is structured around a free Basic plan, an Essentials plan at $11 per user per month billed monthly, and an Enterprise plan. Basic includes the Zero Trust Policy Engine, always-on agent, Smart DNS, and SSO Authentication. Essentials adds Private Access and Internet Access, API Access, a Terraform Provider, and email and community support. Enterprise adds device posture policies, SIEM integration, enhanced auditing, MDM deployment, and priority support including Slack. This makes the free and Essentials tiers relevant for smaller deployments, while organizations needing centralized device controls and expanded audit capabilities should consider Enterprise.
The product fits teams already working with Okta, Microsoft Entra ID, Terraform, Jamf, Kandji, or Slack. Its policies can use users or device characteristics, and it supports TCP, UDP, and ICMP access alongside Smart DNS for private-network name resolution. The main trade-off is its agent-only access model and narrower platform footprint. Teams seeking agentless access options or a broader access platform may prefer an alternative. Bowtie is a practical choice for small organizations that value hybrid deployment, always-on connectivity, and a low entry price.
Bowtie Private Access pros and cons
- 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
Bowtie Private Access fact sheet, pricing and score →
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