Cloudflare Zero Trust vs Perimeter 81
An honest side-by-side comparison of two of our top business vpn software picks — pricing, strengths, weaknesses, and who each one is really for.
Cloudflare Zero Trust
Ranked #1 of 14 in this directory
Replace your VPN with Cloudflare's Zero Trust network access platform
Perimeter 81
Ranked #4 of 14 in this directory
Cloud-based network security platform with ZTNA and secure web gateway
Our pick: Cloudflare Zero Trust. Our editors rank Cloudflare Zero Trust higher overall in Business VPN Software — but Perimeter 81 can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case below. How we review
Compare the details
| Cloudflare Zero Trust | Perimeter 81 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting price | See website | See website |
| Category | Ztna | Ztna |
| Editorial rank | #1 of 14 | #4 of 14 |
Strengths
Cloudflare Zero Trust
- ✓Free tier supports up to 50 users — exceptional for small teams
- ✓Built on Cloudflare's global network for minimal latency
- ✓Comprehensive platform: ZTNA, DNS filtering, browser isolation, CASB
- ✓No hardware or appliances to manage — fully cloud-delivered
- ✓Device posture checks ensure only compliant devices connect
Perimeter 81
- ✓Clean, intuitive admin console — easy for non-specialists
- ✓Quick deployment with agent-based and agentless access options
- ✓Now backed by Check Point's enterprise security expertise
- ✓Combines ZTNA with FWaaS and SWG in one platform
- ✓Good balance of features and usability for mid-market
Watch out for
Cloudflare Zero Trust
- !Advanced features like browser isolation require paid tiers
- !Configuration complexity can be steep for non-technical admins
- !Ecosystem lock-in with Cloudflare's other services
- !Logging and analytics are limited on the free tier
Perimeter 81
- !Pricing has increased since Check Point acquisition
- !Some features are still being integrated with Check Point ecosystem
- !Fewer global PoPs compared to Zscaler or Cloudflare
- !Customer support quality has varied during transition period
Best use cases
Cloudflare Zero Trust
- →Replacing legacy VPN with modern Zero Trust access for remote teams
- →Securing SaaS application access with identity-based policies
- →Small businesses needing enterprise-grade security on a free tier
Perimeter 81
- →Mid-market companies implementing Zero Trust without enterprise complexity
- →IT teams wanting a unified network security platform with easy management
- →Organizations migrating from traditional VPN to cloud-delivered security
About each tool
Cloudflare Zero Trust
Cloudflare Zero Trust (formerly Cloudflare for Teams) replaces traditional VPNs with a modern Zero Trust approach. Every request is verified based on identity, device posture, and context — no implicit trust from being 'on the network.' It includes Access (ZTNA), Gateway (DNS/HTTP filtering), Browser Isolation, and CASB. Built on Cloudflare's global edge network (300+ cities), it's one of the fastest ZTNA solutions available. The free tier supports up to 50 users, making it accessible to small businesses.
Perimeter 81
Perimeter 81 provides cloud-delivered network security combining ZTNA, firewall as a service, secure web gateway, and device posture management. Acquired by Check Point in 2023, it offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies network security for mid-market companies. The platform is known for its clean admin console and straightforward deployment.
Still deciding? Browse all 14 options with honest pros, cons, and pricing.
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