With many Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) solutions available to businesses, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the key capabilities to consider when comparing vendors.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 SD-WAN providers to consider in 2025.
That way, you can get a sense of the various capabilities available and identify a potential provider that meets your needs.
SD-WAN refers to technology that connects branch locations to enterprise resources and cloud services, using software rather than physical infrastructure.
Before SD-WAN, local area networks (LANs) at different branches were typically connected using Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS). This technology utilizes dedicated routers that direct WAN traffic along predetermined paths between branch locations – improving network performance.
SD-WAN replaces costly MPLS infrastructure with a software solution that utilizes dynamic path selection to:
Rather than leasing dedicated and expensive MPLS lines to provide fast connectivity between business locations, SD-WAN identifies the most efficient path for data transmission. These paths are also secured, with SD-WAN solutions implementing in-transit security controls, including encryption, to protect data moving across public networks
By upgrading WAN connectivity from MPLS to public internet paths defined by SD-WAN, organizations receive a range of benefits:
Here are some of the key capabilities to look for in an SD-WAN provider:
Providing reliable and fast connectivity through SD-WAN network optimization is one of the most important factors to consider when comparing enterprise SD-WAN solutions. Top vendors provide dynamic path selection to send traffic between two points while minimizing latency. Focus on SD-WAN solutions that can:
SD-WAN network optimization improves the user experience while maximizing network capacity.
Given the diverse requirements of modern enterprises, SD-WAN solutions should offer flexible deployment models. The best SD-WAN vendors have multiple options, including:
Cloud SD-WAN is particularly well-suited for organizations seeking simplified network management and scalability.
Growing organizations with distributed workforces require elastic SD-WAN capacity that matches demand while maintaining reliable, high-performance connectivity. The best SD-WAN providers have a global network of Points of Presence (PoPs) to provide scalable, low-latency network access across different regions.
SD-WAN and cybersecurity must be intertwined in the modern threat landscape.
Secure SD-WAN providers have built-in and complementary security capabilities to protect users, devices, and applications as they access network resources. Secure access is often deployed through a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture built on SD-WAN for networking functionality.
This combines several technologies, including:
All of these technologies combined provide comprehensive network security.
Visibility is crucial for effectively managing a distributed enterprise SD-WAN environment.
But, the best SD-WAN providers not only show you what is happening on our network, but they also provide the analytics tools to deliver real-time insights. This could include:
With deep visibility and granular monitoring, IT teams can quickly identify congestion, troubleshoot issues, and fine-tune policies to optimize performance across all locations.
These factors help guide meaningful SD-WAN comparisons, narrowing down your options and enabling you to find the best choice based on your specific needs.
We’ve compiled the top 5 SD-WAN providers for 2025, based on our analysis of the capabilities outlined above.
Quantum SD-WAN from Check Point is designed to solve the security shortcomings of WAN deployments. Quantum integrates extensive threat prevention functionality into its architecture to safeguard your organization against advanced attacks, including:
On top of its security capabilities, the next-gen SD-WAN ensures seamless, high-speed connectivity between different branches. Connectivity is optimized for different apps with built-in support and settings for over 10,000 enterprise applications.
You can quickly deploy and set up Quantum SD-WAN to meet your needs, achieving immediate results with high-performance networking and enhanced security services. Quantum also continuously monitors vital connectivity metrics (such as latency, jitter, and packet loss) to dynamically select the best path for traffic.
Check Point provides an integrated enterprise SD-WAN solution as part of its comprehensive SASE platform.
With a full-mesh architecture built on top of a global backbone, Check Point SASE offers seamless and fast connectivity from any location, utilizing zero-trust principles.
Previously known as Viptela, Cisco Catalyst is one of the top SD-WAN solutions for businesses on the market. A comprehensive SD-WAN, Cisco Catalyst combines networking and security into one platform that extends to the cloud. Known for its scalability and advanced security features, Cisco’s SD-WAN solution can handle the complex network environments of large organizations.
With application-aware routing, Catalyst offers SD-WAN network optimization for cloud services, while also providing seamless integration with major cloud providers. Security features include malware protection, a firewall, URL filtering, and intrusion prevention.
Catalyst also enables you to segment network traffic for enhancing security and meeting regulatory requirements.
Palo Alto Prisma SD-WAN solution offers autonomous, application-defined connectivity with the goal of simplifying operations and enhancing the user experience.
Prisma SD-WAN leverages machine learning to optimize application performance and improve security policies. Prisma’s Autonomous Digital Experience Management (ADEM) technology monitors network performance to improve the user’s experience when accessing applications.
Prisma SD-WAN enables users to create policies tailored to specific application requirements, optimizing routing and delivering a consistent user experience regardless of location. A cloud-delivered solution, Palo Alto offers centralized SD-WAN management and simple integrations with the vendor’s security services.
Integrated Prisma SD-WAN security capabilities include a firewall and zero-trust access based on user, application, and device visibility.
Integrating networking and security technology into a single product, Fortinet Secure SD-WAN is one of the top solutions on the market in 2025.
Known for its security features, Fortinet’s SD-WAN is a good option for organizations wanting a robust security posture or facing strict regulatory requirements. Security features include a next-generation firewall, web filtering, and intrusion prevention.
The platform integrates with Megaport Virtual Edge (MVE) to enable deployment of virtual SD-WAN gateways on its infrastructure. Fortinet Secure SD-WAN provides application visibility and control for advanced traffic steering.
This optimized SD-WAN also minimizes latency and jitter to deliver high-performance networking.
With Broadcom’s purchase of VMware, the company became one of the top SD-WAN providers, offering the VMware VeloCloud for high application performance and simplified operations.
With VeloCloud, organizations can optimize access to cloud applications by monitoring network conditions in real-time to identify the best possible path. Broadcom’s SD-WAN also identifies different applications to apply specific policies and prioritize critical workflows.
A cloud-delivered SD-WAN, VeloCloud provides flexible operations that scale to fit business needs. It also provides integrated security features while being compatible with leading security vendors.
Finally, with centralized controls and automated features, organizations can simplify network management.
The top 5 SD-WAN providers to consider in 2025 all offer fast network performance and built-in security capabilities. However, Quantum SD-WAN from Check Point was built with security in mind to deliver optimized internet and network connectivity with advanced protections. Plus, when combined with Check Point SASE, users get comprehensive security and networking capabilities for any network deployment.
Request a demo today and discover how Check Point SASE integrates best-in-class security with fast and easy-to-manage SD-WAN networking capabilities.
