Cato Client vs OpenVPN CloudConnexa

Cato Client provides secure, zero-trust access to internet, SaaS, cloud, and private-datacenter resources for users on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It checks user identity and device posture before opening an encrypted connection to the Cato SASE Cloud Platform. Its built-in endpoint protection scans files and running processes for malware, and ongoing checks can cover anti-malware, firewall, disk encryption, patching, endpoint DLP, and device certificates. If a device falls outside policy, access can be limited or the connection ended. Administrators can deploy the client through an MDM or self-service portal, manage upgrade rollouts centrally, and enable an always-on mode that prevents users from disabling it. The client connects to a nearby Cato PoP and uses Cato’s Global Private Backbone. Organizations can request pricing; a free trial is available, but there is no free plan.

OpenVPN CloudConnexa is a cloud-managed networking service for connecting users, devices and sites through an overlay network. It supports OpenVPN and IPsec, site-to-site networking and split tunneling. Administrators manage access through a unified console with granular policies, audit logs and device posture controls. Security features include web filtering, intrusion detection and prevention, and threat defense. Identity options include LDAP, SAML and SCIM, with availability varying by plan; a public API and Terraform are listed for automation. CloudConnexa is fully cloud-based and managed by OpenVPN. Its overlay network has no default internet connection, so an Internet Gateway is required for internet access. Starter includes up to five seats, and each active user or connector uses one seat. Essential is $7 a month per seat and Premium is $9.50 a month per seat. Essential and Premium have a 14-day trial; charging begins only if a payment method was entered.