"Automatic VPN Connectivity with Excellent Support"
I appreciate the automatic connectivity that seamlessly connects my computer to the correct country at each login, removing manual adjustments. The service is user-friendly, simplifying my workflow. Customer service is responsive and helpful, usually resolving issues over the phone efficiently. I haven't faced the connectivity problems I had with Cisco AnyConnect, making Zscaler more reliable for our daily VPN needs for web applications. However, I dislike the complexity of password management; resetting or changing passwords is cumbersome, often requiring support intervention, which is inconvenient and time-consuming. Simplifying this would improve the user experience. Overall, ZPA automatically connects to the appropriate country on startup, simplifying my workflow and eliminating manual connections. It's user-friendly, has excellent support, and avoids the connectivity issues I faced before, ensuring seamless remote work.
"Effortless Zero-Trust Access Outshines VPNs"
Zscaler Private Access completely removes the need for traditional VPNs, offering seamless zero-trust access to internal applications without network exposure, which notably reduces attack surfaces. The user experience is smooth, connections are fast, and access policies are easy to manage across decentralized teams. There's little to dislike, but when issues arise, it's not always clear if they're connectivity, policy, or client-related, requiring a learning curve for troubleshooting. ZPA has eliminated the VPN friction I experienced—slow logins, dropped connections, and remote access issues. Now, I can securely and instantly access internal apps with everything running quietly in the background. It's more secure and far more convenient.
S
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Always-On Zero Trust Access with Consistent Global Performance"
Zscaler Private Access successfully eliminates the need for traditional VPNs, providing a seamless always-on experience where users don't have to worry about connecting—it works in the background. The Zero Trust model ensures applications are never exposed to the internet, greatly reducing the attack surface. Performance remains strong thanks to Zscaler's global cloud, and policy management becomes simpler once initial configuration is complete. In all, it enhances security and user experience simultaneously. It's a potential future option for us, and pricing and integration could be deciding factors, but I haven't fully evaluated it yet. The biggest hurdle is initial setup and policy design; Zero Trust requires fine-grained segmentation, so without well-mapped application inventory or access flows, rollout can be complex. Troubleshooting is challenging because traffic behavior differs from VPNs, and logs may need deeper analysis. The Client Connector may require user intervention after OS updates, and some legacy apps don't work perfectly without tuning. ZPA resolves the operational and security issues of traditional VPNs by providing app-level access based on identity and device posture, eliminating problems like VPN bottlenecks, lateral movement, and complex firewall rules. For us, the key benefit is seamless always-on access without manual connection, and security teams gain better control and visibility while reducing the attack surface. Overall, it boosts both productivity and security.
"Stable and Effective Remote Access with Occasional Connection Glitches"
Zscaler Private Access has been flawless so far, with zero downtime, fast and stable performance. It's secure and dependable, as it prevents unauthorized access to critical applications. The IT team's migration was smooth and quick. However, when switching networks, the ZPA client tends to repeatedly connect and disconnect, which is irritating during work. Seamless connectivity across network changes or for long sessions should be ensured, and the constant notifications should be muteable. I use ZPA for remote office network access; it securely connects me to required applications without unauthorized access. The previous system was outdated, causing slow responses and failures under high traffic.
A
Application Support Engineer - Calibre
"Handy Always-On Connection but Speed Takes a Hit"
I'm impressed by the automation in Zscaler Private Access; it's enabled by default, which is a standout feature because typically I need to manually connect and disconnect when switching software. With ZPA, it's always on without any action needed, saving hassle. The downside is the significant impact on internet speed: my usual 30-35 Mbps drops to around 5 Mbps when ZPA is active. This downgrade is substantial. ZPA solves the need to physically visit the site each day; from home, I can access necessary websites with an automatic connection.
Q
Quality Assurance Test Engineer
"Solid Remote Access with a Steep Learning Curve"
I've used Zscaler Private Access for remote access to internal applications, and it functions well for everyday use. The highlight is not depending on a VPN anymore, as connections feel more stable and quicker, especially when switching networks. The zero trust approach is beneficial because it grants access only to specific apps rather than the whole network. It's certainly more reliable than traditional VPN setups. I also like that I can access internal environments from anywhere without repeating complex configurations. The connection remains stable with few random disconnects, which is crucial for testing. However, the initial setup wasn't straightforward; it required time to grasp how the system operates, and troubleshooting isn't always simple. Overall, ZPA provides stable and faster connections compared to VPNs, maintaining consistency during testing, and enhances security through zero trust access. The setup is tricky initially but pays off by resolving complex configurations.
M
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Smooth Security Without VPN Friction"
Zscaler Private Access is remarkably simple and seamless, eliminating VPN hassle for users while making access control straightforward for admins. The application-level access control is highly valuable, enabling precise definition of who can access each app, ensuring cleanliness and security. The client connector enhances the seamless experience. Initial setup was effortless, which is a significant advantage. Troubleshooting can be somewhat challenging, and setup isn't the most intuitive. Occasionally, we encounter minor connectivity problems with certain apps. Better error messages, a simpler troubleshooting dashboard, and more consistent app connectivity would be beneficial. We rely on ZPA to provide secure remote access without traditional VPN, solving issues related to broad network access and performance. It's simple, seamless, and controllable, allowing us to specify access per app, keeping security tight and clean.
S
Senior Test Automation Engineer (SDET)
"Consistent and Secure VPN Alternative Improving Daily Workflow"
The standout feature is how ZPA transforms internal system connectivity. Unlike traditional VPNs that granted access to the entire network, ZPA connects me only to necessary applications, significantly enhancing security and providing reassurance. In my test automation role, daily operations have become much smoother. Previously, random VPN disconnects plagued test runs and API calls, but ZPA offers a stable connection, allowing uninterrupted access to staging environments and APIs, saving time during debugging and long test suites. The user interface is clean and unobtrusive, running quietly in the background. For admins, the interface has a learning curve but becomes manageable and systematic for policy management. Integration with identity providers is seamless, with access based on roles and context, reducing permission requests. Performance surpassed expectations, with lower latency compared to VPN, especially during API-heavy testing, boosting efficiency. From a cost-benefit perspective, ZPA is valuable far beyond being a VPN replacement; it reduces downtime, strengthens security, and saves engineering time. The reduction in connection problems alone has been a significant payoff. Support has been responsive and helpful during setup. While I haven't fully explored AI features, the policy-based intelligence and access controls feel advanced, making decisions based on user identity and device state. Overall, ZPA has provided a more stable, secure, and hassle-free way to access internal resources, though initial configuration is a challenge. The zero trust model requires a learning curve to define policies and segment applications correctly. Troubleshooting can be difficult as issues may stem from policies, identity provider settings, or network setup. The admin UI is initially overwhelming due to many configuration layers. Pricing may be steep for smaller teams if not fully utilized. Support response times can vary, and complex issues may need more back-and-forth. AI-driven features are not yet prominent; the intelligence remains primarily rule-based. These are not deal-breakers, but they're worth noting during onboarding. Prior to ZPA, our VPN limitations caused unstable connections and frustrated during long tests and API interactions. ZPA eliminated this by providing targeted access to only needed applications, enhancing both stability and security. My daily work has benefited from consistent or open access and clear permission controls without constant requests. Overall, it has significantly reduced remote access friction, allowing more time for testing and development, a major productivity win.
"Excellent Zero Trust Secure Access, Ideal VPN Replacement"
Zscaler stands out for its zero trust approach to secure application access, ensuring operational safety. It removes the dependency on conventional VPNs, offering multiple security benefits. Remote and secure access is supported without compromising the internal network. It's particularly useful for distributed workforces and cloud-based system access. User segmentation is enhanced, providing granular access control that preserves business confidentiality. Being cloud-based, it offers centralized management with moderate deployment complexity. The user experience for secure app access is also a key strength. However, policy configuration in Zscaler can be complex and time-consuming. Performance is influenced by regional connectivity and network routing, which can be a concern. Overall, Zscaler excels in delivering secure remote access to private applications without network exposure, improving operational efficiency and reducing VPN-related risks. It's an excellent tool for implementing zero trust strategies, with remote management that supports both remote and hybrid users. It effectively prevents cyber threats and emphasizes identity-based access for comprehensive security.
Q
Quality Insights Associate
"Robust Data Protection and Effortless Auto-Connect"
This solution effectively secures data exchanged across our call center and corporate locations. The automatic connection that kicks in when computers boot up is a handy convenience feature. However, my Zscaler connection frequently disconnects, resulting in more logins than needed, particularly while handling calls. As a phone agent, I experienced constant line drops during software updates, adding frustration for both staff and clients in a high-pressure setting. Zscaler mitigates the security concerns associated with unencrypted internet connections. Given the constant threat from financially motivated hackers, safeguarding customer information is paramount for our company. We protect sensitive data like bank account numbers, social security numbers, birth dates, and home addresses.