Quick answer: The Best Secure Web Gateway in 2025 is Perimeter 81!
As cyber threats evolve faster than ever, businesses and organizations must secure every connection between users and the web. From ransomware and phishing to data leaks and zero-day malware, digital risks have become too complex for traditional firewalls alone. That’s where Secure Web Gateways (SWGs) come into play — advanced tools designed to filter, inspect, and protect all web traffic before it reaches your users or data.
Whether you manage a remote workforce, run an enterprise with multiple branch offices, or oversee a small company handling sensitive client data, a Secure Web Gateway acts as a trusted guard — blocking malicious websites, inspecting encrypted traffic, and enforcing security policies automatically. Modern SWGs combine cloud-based filtering, antivirus scanning, sandboxing, and AI-powered threat detection, giving you enterprise-level security without the need for complex on-premise hardware.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve carefully selected and tested the 7 best Secure Web Gateways for 2025. Each option offers unique advantages — from affordable DNS-based filtering for small networks to AI-driven threat prevention for enterprises. Below, we’ll walk you through each of these tools, their key features, pros and cons, and the types of businesses they fit best.
With the growing number of cyberattacks and phishing campaigns targeting companies of all sizes, choosing the right SWG can make or break your security posture. The solutions below were chosen for their reliability, scalability, and real-world performance.
Our top recommendations include:
Perimeter 81 – Best Overall Secure Web Gateway for comprehensive web protection.
CleanBrowsing – Best Free SWG for DNS-based web filtering.
McAfee – Best SWG for defending against zero-day malware.
Zscaler Web Security – Best SWG for organizations needing email protection.
Symantec – Best for Data Loss Prevention and enterprise-grade protection.
Netskope – Best for web developers and cloud-first companies.
Cisco Umbrella – Best all-in-one bundled SWG solution.
2. What Is a Secure Web Gateway?
A Secure Web Gateway (SWG) is a cloud-based or on-premise cybersecurity service that filters and inspects web traffic between users and the internet. It prevents unauthorized access, blocks malicious content, and enforces company policies on web usage. Think of it as a digital checkpoint that ensures every piece of web data entering or leaving your organization is clean, compliant, and secure.
Unlike traditional firewalls that focus on network-level traffic, SWGs operate at the application layer. They understand the context of what users are doing online — what websites they visit, what files they download, and what data they upload. This level of inspection allows an SWG to detect phishing links, malicious scripts, and data exfiltration attempts that basic security tools would miss.
Core SWG functions include:
URL Filtering: Blocks access to dangerous or non-work-related websites.
SSL/TLS Inspection: Decrypts and inspects encrypted traffic for hidden malware.
Antivirus and Malware Scanning: Detects malicious files before download.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Prevents sensitive data from leaking outside the network.
Cloud Application Control (CASB): Manages and monitors cloud app usage securely.
Policy Enforcement: Ensures company rules are followed across all users and devices.
In short, an SWG acts as the frontline defense of your digital perimeter, helping maintain compliance, improve user safety, and reduce the risk of costly breaches.
3. Why Your Business Needs an SWG in 2025
Cyber threats today are increasingly sophisticated. Over 70% of corporate web traffic is now encrypted, which means many legacy security tools can’t inspect it properly. Attackers take advantage of that blind spot, embedding malware or command-and-control communication inside legitimate HTTPS traffic. A Secure Web Gateway closes that gap.
Modern SWGs can also integrate with your identity provider (like Okta, Microsoft Entra, or Google Workspace), making it possible to enforce adaptive security policies based on user roles, devices, or even geographic location. This ensures consistent protection whether your employees are at headquarters, working remotely, or connecting through public Wi-Fi.
Ultimately, implementing an SWG boosts your company’s zero-trust security posture — verifying every request, limiting exposure, and detecting threats early. As organizations continue to migrate to cloud infrastructure, SWGs are becoming a non-negotiable part of modern cybersecurity architecture.
Now, let’s explore each of the top-performing Secure Web Gateways and see what makes them stand out.
1.1 – Perimeter 81 – Best Overall Secure Web Gateway
Perimeter 81 stands as one of the most complete Secure Web Gateway solutions in 2025, combining zero-trust networking, identity-aware security, and next-generation web filtering in a single, intuitive platform. This cloud-based service is built specifically for modern businesses that need to protect remote teams, cloud apps, and sensitive corporate data without heavy on-prem hardware.
The platform’s strength lies in its simplicity and scalability. With a few clicks, administrators can deploy always-on VPN protection, enforce user-specific browsing rules, and block known malicious URLs before they even load. The interface is beautifully clean and easy to navigate, making it ideal for both SMBs and enterprises managing distributed teams.
Main Features
Advanced Web Filtering: Blocks phishing, adult, and malicious domains in real time using AI-based threat intelligence.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Enforces identity-based access for every user and device connecting to company resources.
Cloud Firewall: Filters inbound and outbound web traffic with granular control and deep inspection.
Automatic Wi-Fi Protection: Detects untrusted networks and automatically encrypts connections.
Comprehensive Visibility: Tracks and logs all user browsing activities for compliance and risk analysis.
Flexible Pricing: Scales with your organization based on active users and endpoints.
Why We Recommend Perimeter 81
Perimeter 81 delivers a premium blend of simplicity, flexibility, and enterprise-level protection. It’s especially effective for organizations transitioning to a hybrid or fully remote environment. The inclusion of always-on VPN coverage ensures that even when employees connect via coffee shop Wi-Fi or public networks, they remain protected under your organization’s security policies.
Additionally, its strong reporting tools and integration with popular identity providers like Azure AD, Okta, and Google Workspace make policy management smooth and centralized. The platform also includes a free demo and 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk-free before committing.
Pros
Highly scalable and cloud-native.
Zero-trust access control for users and devices.
Built-in VPN and Wi-Fi protection.
Excellent user interface and customer support.
Free demo and refund guarantee.
Cons
No built-in email filtering or anti-spam protection.
In conclusion, Perimeter 81 is a superb choice for companies that value flexibility, simplicity, and advanced web protection in one package. While it lacks email-layer protection, its core SWG and VPN combo make it one of the most powerful options available today.
CleanBrowsing offers an excellent starting point for small offices, families, and educational institutions that need reliable web protection at zero cost. Operating as a DNS-based Secure Web Gateway, CleanBrowsing checks every web request before it reaches your device, blocking known malicious or adult domains instantly.
Unlike traditional software firewalls, CleanBrowsing works at the DNS level — which means it’s lightweight, fast, and compatible with virtually any router or network configuration. Once configured, every device connected to your network inherits the same web filtering rules, making it ideal for classrooms, libraries, and small businesses.
Main Features
DNS-Based Filtering: Prevents access to malware, phishing, and adult content domains.
Simple Setup: Works via DNS server changes — no installation required.
Multiple Policy Options: Choose between Family, Adult, or Security filters.
Global Infrastructure: Worldwide servers ensure fast response times.
Free and Paid Tiers: Upgrade for advanced analytics and admin control.
McAfee Secure Web Gateway builds on decades of cybersecurity expertise to deliver a robust, enterprise-ready solution designed for organizations that face advanced and evolving threats. This cloud-native platform integrates seamlessly with the wider McAfee ecosystem, providing complete visibility and protection across endpoints and networks.
Main Features
Zero-Day Protection: Uses machine learning and heuristics to detect emerging threats before signature updates exist.
Comprehensive URL & Content Filtering: Filters pages and files in real time for malware and policy violations.
Remote Workforce Security: Client proxy ensures compliance for off-network users.
Centralized Policy Management: Enforce granular user policies across devices and regions.
Integration with Other McAfee Products: Pairs well with endpoint protection and SIEM tools.
Pros
Enterprise-grade malware detection.
Highly configurable compliance policies.
Supports remote workers through client proxy.
Free trial available.
Cons
Best when combined with other McAfee tools.
Learning curve for new administrators.
Overall, McAfee SWG is perfect for businesses needing advanced protection from unknown threats and granular control over employee web behavior. While more complex than lightweight options, its enterprise-level defense mechanisms make it a long-term investment for cybersecurity resilience.
Zscaler Web Security is a cloud-delivered Secure Web Gateway designed for large organizations that prioritize both email and web protection. With its multi-layered defense mechanisms, Zscaler helps businesses stop phishing, malware, and zero-day attacks before they can reach internal systems or employee inboxes.
Zscaler stands out for its deep SSL inspection, robust threat intelligence, and powerful integrations. It’s ideal for enterprises operating in regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and education, where every byte of data must be monitored and secured.
Main Features
Email Security Integration: Filters phishing and malicious attachments before they reach inboxes.
Advanced URL & DNS Filtering: Detects and blocks harmful sites and command-and-control connections.
SSL/TLS Inspection: Decrypts encrypted traffic to uncover hidden malware or data leaks.
Sandboxing & Malware Analysis: Analyzes unknown files in a secure environment before delivery.
Cloud-Based Threat Updates: Receives daily global threat intelligence updates to stay ahead of new attacks.
One of the most impressive aspects of Zscaler is its ability to protect all connected users in real time, regardless of their location. The system uses AI-driven behavioral analytics to recognize patterns of malicious activity and stop them immediately, even before signatures are updated.
Pros
Industry-leading email and web threat detection.
Global cloud infrastructure for seamless coverage.
Extensive real-time analytics and reporting.
Deep SSL inspection with minimal performance impact.
Cons
Setup and integration can be complex for smaller teams.
Pricing requires direct sales contact.
In summary, Zscaler Web Security provides a powerful all-in-one web and email protection platform. If your organization needs unified visibility across users, devices, and cloud traffic — Zscaler is one of the most advanced choices in 2025.
1.5 – Symantec – Best Secure Web Gateway for Data Loss Prevention
Symantec Secure Web Gateway, now under Broadcom, remains one of the most trusted solutions for organizations with strict data security and compliance requirements. It’s particularly effective for industries such as finance, government, and healthcare where data loss prevention (DLP) and visibility are paramount.
What sets Symantec apart is its combination of advanced web filtering, CASB integration, and its renowned Global Intelligence Network, which analyzes billions of web requests daily. This continuous data stream ensures real-time protection against new threats worldwide.
Main Features
Comprehensive DLP Capabilities: Prevents sensitive information from leaving corporate systems via web uploads or email.
CASB Integration: Adds control over third-party cloud apps and shadow IT.
Encrypted Traffic Inspection: Safely decrypts and scans SSL/TLS connections for hidden threats.
AI-Powered Threat Detection: Machine learning identifies suspicious behaviors across all endpoints.
User Authentication: Granular user identification for accurate access control and policy enforcement.
Symantec’s intuitive management console makes it easy to monitor real-time activity, block harmful domains, and customize data loss prevention rules. For organizations that must meet strict compliance frameworks (like HIPAA or GDPR), Symantec remains a gold standard in SWG protection.
Pros
Industry-leading DLP and CASB integration.
Machine learning threat intelligence.
Deep visibility and policy customization.
Trusted by large enterprises worldwide.
Cons
Demo and pricing requests require form submission.
Reporting features could be more detailed.
Symantec is a top-tier choice for large businesses that need airtight data loss prevention and granular control over web traffic. Its AI-driven analysis, paired with Broadcom’s infrastructure, makes it a long-term security investment that ensures compliance and operational safety at scale.
1.6 – Netskope – Best Secure Web Gateway for Web Developers and Cloud Teams
Netskope takes a cloud-first approach to web security. Designed with modern businesses, SaaS-heavy teams, and web developers in mind, Netskope combines Secure Web Gateway, CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker), and DLP (Data Loss Prevention) in one unified platform.
The platform’s AI and machine learning tools continuously analyze web traffic, identifying anomalies, spoofed websites, and potentially compromised sessions in real time. Its ability to adapt dynamically to different apps and users makes it especially valuable for companies running agile, fast-moving cloud environments.
Main Features
Data-Centric Security: Prioritizes protection of sensitive data across apps and devices.
Real-Time Threat Intelligence: Detects phishing, impersonation, and behavioral anomalies using AI and ML.
Full Visibility: Provides insight into user activity across cloud services, including shadow IT.
Custom Policy Engine: Allows granular control over access, uploads, and sharing actions.
Cloud-Native Deployment: No hardware required; easily integrates into existing workflows.
Unlike traditional SWGs that only monitor web traffic, Netskope extends visibility into SaaS and cloud environments, ensuring every API call, file transfer, and data movement is secure. It’s the ideal choice for organizations that prioritize agility, innovation, and rapid scaling — all while keeping data safe from internal and external threats.
1.7 – Cisco Umbrella – Best Secure Web Gateway in a Bundle
Cisco Umbrella is an all-in-one cloud-based Secure Web Gateway that blends DNS protection, firewall capabilities, CASB controls, and proxy-based filtering into a single, streamlined package. Built by one of the most trusted names in networking, it’s the preferred choice for mid-to-large enterprises seeking a unified security suite with minimal maintenance overhead.
What makes Cisco Umbrella special is its ability to secure every endpoint — whether on-site, remote, or mobile. It integrates seamlessly with Cisco’s broader ecosystem (Meraki, AnyConnect, SecureX) and offers one of the most powerful global threat intelligence engines through Cisco Talos.
Main Features
Integrated DNS, SWG, and Firewall: Multi-layered protection in one platform.
Threat Intelligence by Talos: Updated continuously with global threat data.
Proxy and Sandboxing: Inspects file downloads and quarantines potential threats.
Cloud Management Console: Centralized policy management for all users and devices.
SSL/TLS Inspection: Decrypts encrypted traffic safely without compromising performance.
Every feature in Cisco Umbrella works together seamlessly, giving IT administrators complete control and visibility. It also supports granular reporting and provides valuable insights into traffic behavior, blocked threats, and policy compliance.
Pros
Comprehensive SASE-ready bundle.
Excellent performance and reliability.
Strong global threat intelligence support.
Free 14-day trial available.
Cons
Pricing depends on features and organization size.
Cisco Umbrella is a true enterprise-grade web gateway designed for organizations that demand layered protection and centralized management. With its DNS filtering, firewall capabilities, and seamless integration with Cisco infrastructure, it’s one of the most future-proof web gateways in 2025.
Not all Secure Web Gateways are created equal. Depending on your organization’s size, network complexity, and risk tolerance, you’ll need to evaluate specific capabilities before making a purchase. Here’s what to prioritize:
Malware Protection: Look for solutions offering both signature-based and behavioral (zero-day) detection.
Email Integration: Combine web and email protection for stronger phishing defense.
SSL/TLS Decryption: Ensure your SWG can safely inspect encrypted traffic.
Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): Visibility and control over SaaS app usage.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Protect sensitive data from leaks or unauthorized transfers.
Scalability: Cloud-native gateways are ideal for growing teams and hybrid work setups.
Trial or Demo Availability: Always test performance, latency, and compatibility before committing.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
3.1 What is the difference between a Secure Web Gateway and browser isolation?
Browser isolation and SWGs both protect users from web-based threats, but they operate differently. Browser isolation runs each session in a remote container and streams safe visuals to users. SWGs actively inspect, filter, and enforce policies on traffic in real time. Many companies use both together for maximum protection.
3.2 What are the main benefits of Secure Web Gateways?
Centralized management of web usage and compliance policies.
Protection against malware, phishing, and data exfiltration.
Improved visibility and control over user activity.
Reduced attack surface for remote and hybrid workers.
3.3 Is a firewall the same as a Secure Web Gateway?
No. While firewalls monitor traffic at the network level, SWGs analyze web activity at the application level, offering greater context and threat prevention through URL filtering, SSL inspection, and sandboxing.
3.4 How does a Secure Web Gateway work?
An SWG sits between your users and the internet, intercepting web requests. It decrypts encrypted traffic, inspects for threats, enforces corporate policies, and logs all activity for compliance and analytics.
3.5 Should small businesses use a Secure Web Gateway?
Absolutely. Even small businesses handle sensitive data today. Cloud-based SWGs like Perimeter 81 or CleanBrowsing offer affordable, scalable protection suitable for startups and SMEs.
Marcus is a cybersecurity analyst with a focus on VPN and proxy services. As the founder and driving force behind a prominent VPN and proxy website, Private Proxy Guide, Marcus has emerged as a trusted authority in the digital realm. With a passion for staying ahead of evolving cyber threats, he has played a pivotal role in educating and empowering individuals and businesses to safeguard their online presence.
