NetBird vs Prisma Access
NetBird
netbird.ioPrisma Access
paloaltonetworks.comSide by side
| Figure | NetBird | Prisma Access |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | €6/mo | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 4 | 2 |
| Spec score · Business VPN Software | 9.5 (#3) | 8.8 (#15) |
| Spec score · Connectivity Solutions | 9.2 (#2) | 8.4 (#12) |
| Spec score · Zero Trust Platforms | 9.0 (#3) | 8.3 (#9) |
| Founded | 2022 | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Berlin, Germany | Santa Clara, California, United States |
| Platform Integrations | Integrations include Okta, Microsoft, Google, MDM, EDR, and SIEM platforms. | Documented companion services include Strata Cloud Manager, Strata Logging Service, Cloud Identity Engine, Panorama, Prisma SD-WAN, SaaS Security, Remote Browser Isolation and ZTNA Connector. |
Plans
In their own words
NetBird
NetBird connects users and machines through encrypted peer-to-peer networking based on WireGuard. It is offered as NetBird Cloud or can be self-hosted on an organization’s infrastructure. Its hybrid access model includes centralized controls for grouping, DNS, private nameservers and API-based configuration. Identity features include SSO, MFA, periodic re-authentication and identity-provider MFA settings. Teams can provision users and groups through an identity provider and organize them around teams and infrastructure. Device posture policies can check firewall, antivirus, geography and network location. Integrations include Okta, Microsoft, Google, MDM, EDR and SIEM platforms; logging covers network configuration changes and connection events, with SIEM streaming. NetBird supports Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, tvOS, Docker and routers. Its BSD-3 license permits self-hosting. The free tier covers up to 5 users and 100 machines. Team costs €6/user/mo and Business costs €12/user/mo; billing counts users and machines that connect or log in at least once during the billing period. Team and Business plans offer a free trial.
Prisma Access
Prisma Access is a cloud-delivered security solution for users, applications, devices, and data across office, branch, and remote locations. It provides least-privileged application access and is designed to reduce reliance on traditional VPNs. Secure Web Gateway protection addresses web threats, while CASB capabilities provide SaaS visibility, inline and API-based controls, and contextual policies for sensitive data. Firewall as a Service adds threat prevention, application control, and Zero Trust policies. Prisma Agent connects users to organizational networks, SaaS applications, and the internet while extending security policies to their devices. The agent supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, with requirements varying by platform. Authentication integrations include Cloud Identity Engine, SAML, TACACS+, RADIUS, LDAP, Kerberos, MFA, and local database authentication. Administrators use Panorama or Strata Cloud Manager, but must select the interface before setup because it cannot later be changed. Insights APIs monitor deployment health and performance. The service is paid, has no free plan, and pricing is on request.