Cato Networks vs Perimeter 81: Which Network Services Is Better in 2026?
Compare pricing, features, integrations, verified reviews, AI capabilities, security, and customer satisfaction — side by side, with no marketing spin.
The Short Answer
Cato Networks vs Perimeter 81, in 15 seconds
Choose Cato Networks if…
- You prefer Cato Networks's approach and ecosystem
Choose Perimeter 81 if…
- You want the lower entry price
- You want to trial before paying
Head-to-Head Scorecard
How Cato Networks and Perimeter 81 score
Perimeter 81 leads on 2 of 9 measured dimensions.
- Even
Customer Rating
Average score from verified user reviews
CatoNo reviewsPerimeterNo reviews - Even
Review Volume
Number of verified reviews — a proxy for adoption
Cato0Perimeter0 - Perimeter 81
Entry Pricing
Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)
CatoCustomPerimeter$8/mo - Perimeter 81
Free Access
Availability of a free plan and/or free trial
CatoPaid onlyPerimeterFree trial - Even
Integrations
Number of listed third-party integrations
Cato6Perimeter6 - Even
Features
Number of listed product capabilities
Cato0Perimeter0 - Even
AI Features
Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML
Cato—Perimeter— - Even
Security & Compliance
Number of listed compliance certifications
Cato3Perimeter3 - Cato Networks
Platforms & Deployment
Supported platforms and deployment options
Cato8Perimeter7
Feature Comparison
Cato Networks vs Perimeter 81 feature breakdown
Search or filter the full feature matrix — core features, AI, integrations, APIs, security and compliance.
Cato Networks
Perimeter 81Pricing Comparison
Cato Networks vs Perimeter 81 pricing
Entry pricing, plan tiers and the cost factors that shape total cost of ownership.
Cato Networks
Custom to start- Firewall and secure web gateway
- Zero trust network access
- Global private backbone
- Cloud-native SD-WAN
- Advanced threat prevention
- SIEM integrations
- Dedicated support
- Global performance optimization
Perimeter 81
$8/mo to start- 2FA
- Business VPN
- Cloud management
- Basic ZTNA
- Segmentation
- Agentless ZTNA
- IdP integrations
- Device posture
Total cost of ownership factors
Beyond list price, factor in implementation, training, add-ons and per-seat scaling when estimating total cost of ownership.
Pros & Cons
Cato Networks vs Perimeter 81: strengths and trade-offs
Cato Networks
Pros
- Compliance: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, GDPR
- Public API available
Cons
- No free plan
- No free trial
- Pricing is quote-based (less transparent)
Perimeter 81
Pros
- Free trial offered
- Compliance: SOC 2, GDPR, ISO 27001
- Public API available
Cons
- No free plan
Buyer Fit
Who should use Cato Networks vs Perimeter 81?
Startups
Perimeter 81
Perimeter 81 keeps early-stage costs lowest with its entry tier.
Small businesses
Perimeter 81
Perimeter 81 offers the most accessible pricing for lean teams.
Agencies
Either
Either connects to more tools for multi-client workflows.
Enterprises
Either
Either leads on compliance and breadth for complex needs.
Ecommerce
Either
Either integrates with more of the commerce stack.
SaaS companies
Either
Either is the more developer- and automation-friendly choice.
Integration overlap
Shared integrations (2)
Only in Cato Networks (4)
Only in Perimeter 81 (4)
Keep Exploring
Other alternatives worth considering
Similar network services products buyers compare alongside Cato Networks and Perimeter 81.
Ask SIA which solution fits your business
SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs Cato Networks and Perimeter 81 against your team size, budget, integrations and compliance needs — then recommends the right fit and the questions to ask each vendor.
Get a personalised recommendationCato Networks vs Perimeter 81 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Cato Networks and Perimeter 81?
Cato Networks and Perimeter 81 are both Network Services solutions. Cato Networks is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users, while Perimeter 81 is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users. The main differences lie in pricing, features, and target audience.
Which is better, Cato Networks or Perimeter 81?
Based on user ratings, Cato Networks scores higher at 0.0/5. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, Cato Networks or Perimeter 81?
Both products have custom pricing. We recommend contacting both vendors for a quote tailored to your team size.
Does Cato Networks or Perimeter 81 have a free plan?
Neither Cato Networks nor Perimeter 81 currently offers a free plan, but Perimeter 81 provides a free trial.
Can I switch from Cato Networks to Perimeter 81?
Switching between Cato Networks and Perimeter 81 is possible. Both support data export. Check integration compatibility and plan for data migration to minimise disruption to your team.
Who should use Cato Networks vs Perimeter 81?
Cato Networks is best suited for teams that prioritise enterprise features. Perimeter 81 works well for budget-conscious buyers.
Our Verdict
The bottom line on Cato Networks vs Perimeter 81
Best Overall
Either
It's a tie balances user satisfaction and proven adoption.
Best for Startups
Perimeter 81
Perimeter 81 has the friendliest entry point for new teams.
Best for Enterprise
Either
It's a tie leads on compliance and feature breadth.
Best Value
Perimeter 81
Perimeter 81 delivers the lowest cost to get started.
Best AI Features
Either
Comparable AI capabilities on both sides.
Highest Rated
Either
Both earn equal user ratings.