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Cybersecurity · head to head

Sysdig vs Zscaler Internet Access

Sysdig logo

Sysdig

Cybersecurity

Cloud-native runtime security platform with real-time detection and response

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Zscaler Internet Access logo

Zscaler Internet Access

Cybersecurity

Secure cloud-native internet and SaaS access

From
$100/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Sysdig custom pricing requires sales contact, difficult to compare costs; Zscaler Internet Access the pricing page names two base tiers, Essentials Platform and Zscaler Platform, plus modular add ons including three Digital Experience Monitoring tiers, but publishes no dollar figures anywhere and routes buyers to a demo request for cost
  • They diverge on capability: Sysdig covers Real-time threat detection and response, Zscaler Internet Access covers Secure web gateway.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Sysdig and Zscaler Internet Access actually diverge.

Attributes where Sysdig and Zscaler Internet Access differ
AttributeSysdigZscaler Internet Access
Starting priceOn request$100/year
Pricing modelCustom pricing based on number of hosts, events processed, or time series datasubscription
PlatformsKubernetes, Docker, AWS, GCP, Azure, Cloud-nativeWeb, Desktop, Mobile
Founded20132007

Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Cybersecurity).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Sysdig

  • Real-time threat detection and response
  • Runtime intelligence
  • AI-powered security agents
  • Vulnerability management
  • Cloud Security Posture Management
  • Container and Kubernetes security
  • Infrastructure as Code security
  • Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management

Only in Zscaler Internet Access

  • Secure web gateway
  • Cloud firewall
  • URL filtering
  • Advanced threat protection
  • Data loss prevention
  • Cloud sandbox
  • Browser isolation
  • CASB

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Sysdig

  • Real-time threat detection in Kubernetes clustersnot Zscaler Internet Access
  • Container workload vulnerability prioritizationnot Zscaler Internet Access
  • Cloud security posture compliance monitoringnot Zscaler Internet Access
  • Infrastructure entitlement and permission analysisnot Zscaler Internet Access
  • AI workload security and threat remediationnot Zscaler Internet Access

Zscaler Internet Access

  • Cloud Securitynot Sysdig
  • Zero Trustnot Sysdig
  • Web Securitynot Sysdig

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Sysdig

  • Custom pricing requires sales contact, difficult to compare costs
  • No published pricing tiers or calculator available
  • Primarily focused on cloud-native environments
  • Requires integration with existing SIEM or monitoring tools for full visibility
  • Steep learning curve for runtime security concepts

Zscaler Internet Access

  • The pricing page names two base tiers, Essentials Platform and Zscaler Platform, plus modular add ons including three Digital Experience Monitoring tiers, but publishes no dollar figures anywhere and routes buyers to a demo request for cost

Pricing, plan by plan

Sysdig

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Sysdig review.

Zscaler Internet Access

$100/year
  • ZIA Business$100/year
    • Web security
    • URL filtering
    • Cloud firewall
  • ZIA Transformation$200/year
    • All Business features
    • Advanced threat protection
    • Cloud sandbox
  • ZIA Unlimited$350/year
    • All Transformation features
    • Cloud browser isolation
    • CASB

Which should you pick?

Choose Sysdig if

  • You need real-time threat detection and response.
  • You work on Kubernetes, Docker, AWS, GCP, Azure, Cloud-native.
  • You also want runtime intelligence.
Sysdig review

Choose Zscaler Internet Access if

  • You need secure web gateway.
  • You work on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
  • You also want cloud firewall.
Zscaler Internet Access review

Questions people ask

Is Sysdig or Zscaler Internet Access better?
Neither clearly leads. Sysdig starts at On request and Zscaler Internet Access at $100/year, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Sysdig or Zscaler Internet Access?
Sysdig starts at On request and Zscaler Internet Access at $100/year.
Does Sysdig or Zscaler Internet Access run on more platforms?
Sysdig runs on Kubernetes, Docker, AWS, GCP, Azure, Cloud-native. Zscaler Internet Access runs on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
What is Sysdig best used for?
Sysdig is most often used for real-time threat detection in kubernetes clusters, container workload vulnerability prioritization, cloud security posture compliance monitoring, infrastructure entitlement and permission analysis. Of those, real-time threat detection in kubernetes clusters and container workload vulnerability prioritization are not what Zscaler Internet Access is typically brought in for.
What can Sysdig do that Zscaler Internet Access cannot?
Sysdig covers Real-time threat detection and response, Runtime intelligence, AI-powered security agents, Vulnerability management. Zscaler Internet Access covers Secure web gateway, Cloud firewall, URL filtering, Advanced threat protection.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Sysdig: How does Sysdig achieve real-time threat detection?

Sysdig uses runtime intelligence with kernel-level system visibility, capturing live system calls to detect threats at machine speed, typically within 2 seconds.

Source
Zscaler Internet Access: How many pricing tiers does Zscaler Internet Access offer?

Zscaler Internet Access offers two main platform bundles: the Essentials Platform (entry-level) and the Zscaler Platform (comprehensive). Specific pricing is not published online.

Source
Sysdig: What is runtime intelligence and how does it differ from configuration-based security?

Runtime intelligence reveals what is actually executing in cloud environments through kernel-level visibility, rather than relying on theoretical risks from configuration analysis alone.

Source
Zscaler Internet Access: Are there optional add-on modules available?

Yes. Zscaler offers extensive optional capabilities in five categories including Inline Cyberthreat Protection, Private Access enhancements, Data Security, Security Operations, and Zero Trust Branch.

Source
Sysdig: What cloud platforms does Sysdig support?

Sysdig supports AWS, GCP, Azure, and IBM Cloud with multiple regional data centers across US, EU, and other regions.

Source
Zscaler Internet Access: How is Zscaler Zero Trust Branch priced?

Zero Trust Branch is sized by encrypted throughput (200 Mbps to 10 Gbps) or endpoint count (200 to 5,000 endpoints), with pricing varying by configuration.

Source
Sysdig: Does Sysdig integrate with existing security tools?

Yes, Sysdig integrates with existing SIEM and monitoring tools to provide unified security visibility across cloud infrastructure.

Source
Zscaler Internet Access: How do I get Zscaler pricing?

Zscaler does not publish pricing online. You must request a demo or contact their sales team to receive a pricing quote.

Source
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