Pomerium vs Prisma Access

Pomerium is an open-source identity-aware proxy for controlling access to internal applications, servers, services, and workloads without requiring VPN client software. It checks identity, device state, and request context before granting access, and authenticates through identity providers that support OpenID Connect. Listed access scenarios include HTTP, MCP, SSH, gRPC, TCP, and UDP; supported app protocols also include HTTPS, HTTP/2, HTTP/3, and WebSocket. Pomerium removes its authentication cookies before forwarding requests upstream, and sensitive databroker data is encrypted at rest. Downstream TLS has a minimum of TLS 1.2. Deployment options include Linux and macOS binaries, packages, Docker images, source builds, and desktop clients for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The free Personal plan lists 10 users, 10 routes, five policies, and two service accounts. Business costs $7.00 per month, billed annually, and lists limits of 1,000 users, 100 routes, 100 policies, and 20 service accounts. A free trial is also listed.

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.