Short answer
Both are strong cloud security platforms. Cloudflare suits teams that want one network for zero trust, web security and app protection.
In detail: Cloudflare vs Zscaler for secure access
Points to compare against your own requirements:
- Platform model: Cloudflare runs zero trust access, web filtering, CASB and DLP on the same network that protects public websites and APIs, so one provider can cover both users and apps
- Network: Cloudflare runs every service in every location, including Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban; Zscaler emphasises the scale of its own security cloud
- VPN replacement: both offer zero trust private access; Cloudflare publishes apps through an outbound-only tunnel
- Sites: Cloudflare WAN can connect whole sites to the same platform, which FirstNet pairs with Peplink routers
The right choice depends on your main use case, users and existing tools, so FirstNet recommends comparing them against your own requirements rather than on general claims. A proof of value lets you test your main use case in your own environment.
FirstNet sells, deploys and optionally manages Cloudflare.