Cato Client

Cato Client is an endpoint agent for organizations securing access to internet, SaaS, cloud, and private-datacenter resources. It suits teams applying zero-trust access and endpoint checks across employee devices, especially those adopting Cato’s SASE platform. Its integrated controls are broad, but custom pricing and license requirements make it a poor fit for buyers seeking a standalone, low-cost client.

Overview

The Client authenticates users, checks device posture, then establishes an encrypted tunnel to Cato’s SASE Cloud Platform for application-centric access. That gives administrators a way to tie access to both identity and device condition for people connecting remotely or from behind a site, rather than treating the client as a simple network tunnel.

It also includes endpoint protection that scans files and running processes for malware, including unknown and zero-day threats. The combination is useful when an organization wants endpoint state and access policy managed together; it is less compelling for teams that only need one of those functions or do not plan to use the Cato platform.

Key features

Device-aware access and endpoint controls

Continuous posture checks cover anti-malware, firewall, disk encryption, patching, endpoint DLP, and device certificates. When a device falls out of policy, Cato can limit access or terminate the connection. That is a meaningful enforcement option for security teams, but it makes device compliance directly relevant to users’ ability to work.

Always-on mode can prevent users from disabling the Client and force traffic inspection by the Cato SASE Cloud Platform. This suits organizations that require consistent inspection, though it leaves users less latitude to bypass the client. Administrators can deploy through MDM or a self-service onboarding portal, and centrally manage software rollouts, including pilot-group upgrades.

Network and operational scope

The Client dynamically connects to the nearest Cato PoP and uses Cato’s Global Private Backbone for optimized access. Digital Experience features include Synthetic Monitoring and combined network, application, and user analytics, but access to that experience capability requires a DEM license.

Cato’s Integration Hub lists 100 integrations across authentication, EDR, SIEM, SaaS security, storage, ITSM, and other categories. The product also supports SSO/SCIM and audit logs. Cato states it holds SOC 2, SOC 3, PCI-DSS Level 1, ISO 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, ISO 27701, GDPR, and other certifications or attestations. Support is provided through a portal and Cato support team.

Pricing

Cato Client is paid software with custom pricing. The Commercial license is purchased from Cato for one or more years through a Cato representative or reseller; secured remote and Internet access require a ZTNA license, while Digital Experience requires a DEM license. Buyers should account for those dependencies when scoping a deployment: the Client’s broad control set does not mean every capability comes with the same license.

A free trial is available, but there is no free plan. The commercial model is better suited to organizations prepared to procure Cato services for a defined term than to individuals or small teams looking for a no-cost client.

Platforms

The Client runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. That mix covers common desktop and mobile environments, which supports organizations seeking consistent controls across employee devices.

Who it's for

Cato recommends installing the Client on all devices in an organization and supports people connecting remotely or from behind a site. It is a strong candidate for security and IT teams that want posture-based access, endpoint scanning, and centrally managed rollout in a Cato environment. It is not the natural choice for a buyer who only wants a basic VPN-style connection or cannot justify a paid, license-dependent platform.

Pros and cons

Pros: Access decisions can use continuous checks for security and device attributes, with the option to limit or end a connection when policy fails.

Pros: File and process scanning, centralized rollout controls, and always-on inspection combine endpoint and access administration in one client.

Pros: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android support accommodates mixed device fleets.

Cons: Custom pricing and required ZTNA or DEM licenses make costs dependent on the capabilities an organization needs.

Cons: Always-on enforcement can restrict user choice, and posture failures can interrupt access.

Cons: No free plan means there is no continuing no-cost option after the trial.

Alternatives

Consider Check Point Harmony SASE if a paid SASE option with a free trial and Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and web support better matches the platform mix; its license is required after a 30-day trial.

Cisco Secure Access may suit buyers who prefer tiered subscription pricing based on covered-user count and term, with a free trial and broad desktop, mobile, web, and API platform support.

Zscaler Private Access is worth considering when limited private access for 5% of users through its Standard (Essentials Platform) plan is enough, or when the broader ZPA Platform is the intended option.

For a continuing free tier, Cloudflare Gateway offers a free plan for 50 users with up to 24 hours of standard log retention; its paid Pay-as-you-go plan is $7 a month, billed monthly.

iboss Cloud is an alternative for buyers focused on web filtering, URL categorization, basic CASB controls, HTTPS decryption, and Cloud Connector agents.

mitmproxy is a free and open-source interactive HTTPS proxy for readers who need that narrower tool rather than an integrated access client.

Skyhigh Private Access is another paid private-access option.

Privoxy is free software for readers who want a no-registration, no-warranty option they may use, copy, modify, or distribute.

For category-level browsing, see Forward Proxy Software, SD-WAN Software, Cloud Access Security Broker Software, Zero Trust Network Access Software, and Business VPN Software.

Verdict

Choose Cato Client if your organization wants posture-aware, application-centric access and endpoint scanning administered as part of Cato’s SASE environment. The main reason to choose it is the breadth of integrated enforcement and management across employee devices; the main reason to look elsewhere is the custom, license-dependent purchase model, particularly if you need only a basic access client or a free tier.