Pomerium vs Skyhigh Private 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.

Skyhigh Private Access is a Zero Trust Network Access solution positioned as an alternative to remote-access VPNs. It applies unified policies to web, SaaS, and private applications from one console, denying access by default and granting it explicitly after authentication and authorization based on identity, device, and user context. Integrated data-loss-prevention scanning controls sensitive uploads and downloads; the product also combines antimalware inspection and Remote Browser Isolation integration. Browser-based clientless access lets personal devices, partners, and contractors reach private applications, brokering HTTPS, RDP, and SSH traffic without Client Proxy. Network Level Access supports IP ranges, wildcard domains, and subnets, and the product supports UDP traffic. Android and iOS support includes phones and tablets; the listed platforms also include macOS, Windows, and browser-based access. SAML authentication is mandatory for private applications, with no re-authentication required for 12 hours after sign-in. Deployment uses a virtual-machine connector alongside private applications, making a secure outbound connection to the Private Access Gateway. Skyhigh states that the service guarantees 99.999% uptime. Client Proxy is supported on Windows and macOS, not Linux. Pricing is available on request.