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Head-to-head · Zero Trust Network Access Software

Cloudflare Access vs Pomerium

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Cloudflare Access #1 in Zero Trust Network Access Software 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit site
Pomerium #22 in Zero Trust Network Access Software 7.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Pomerium

Cloudflare Access leads on 0 checks, Pomerium on 1, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreCloudflare Access · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth

Cloudflare Access scores higher on our rubric for zero trust network access software: 9.3 against 7.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #22.

On deployment model, Pomerium gives you Hybrid where Cloudflare Access offers Cloud. On access methods, Cloudflare Access gives you Both where Pomerium offers Browser. Pomerium offers session recording; Cloudflare Access doesn't.

Cloudflare Access is the better fit for organizations wanting broad, affordable ZTNA. Pomerium is the better fit for open-source and self-hosting teams.

  • Cloudflare Access fits best

    Organizations wanting broad, affordable ZTNA

  • Pomerium fits best

    Open-source and self-hosting teams

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Cloudflare Access 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Pomerium 7.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 7.1
Ranking #1 in Zero Trust Network Access Software #22 in Zero Trust Network Access Software
Best for Organizations wanting broad, affordable ZTNA Open-source and self-hosting teams
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — $7/user/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Linux
Support Live chat, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs Email, Community, Docs
Integrations 11 integrations 3 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Cloudflare Access 2/3 · Pomerium 2/3
Device posture checks ✓ ✓
SIEM log export ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Session recording — ✓ (best)
Specs
Deployment model Cloud Hybrid
Access methods Both Browser
Private app connectors Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported app protocols HTTP, HTTPS, TCP, SSH, RDP, SMB, VNC HTTP, HTTPS, HTTP/2, HTTP/3, WebSocket, gRPC, TCP, UDP, SSH
Our review
Pros
  • Free plan plus $7 per user/month paid annually
  • Clientless and client-based access across web, infrastructure, and private resources
  • Device posture checks, audit logs, and SIEM export support broader controls
  • Open-source deployment with self-hosted proxy and data plane
  • Clientless browser access plus SSH, TCP, UDP, and web protocols
  • Policy-as-code, RBAC, SSO, and continuous context checks
Cons
  • Browser-rendered access has protocol and hostname limitations
  • Session recording is not included
  • Contract-plan pricing is custom rather than published
  • Personal Free is limited to 10 users and 10 routes
  • Session recording is available only with Enterprise
  • Platform coverage centers on web, Linux, API, and self-hosted deployments
Our verdict

Cloudflare Access is a cloud-delivered zero trust network access service for employees, contractors, and other users. It applies identity, device posture, and contextual policies to self-hosted, SaaS, private-network, and infrastructure…

Read the review →

Pomerium is an identity-aware Layer 7 reverse proxy for securing access to internal and external applications. It suits teams that need zero trust access without requiring a client for browser-based applications, while also supporting…

Read the review →
  1. Cloudflare AccessZero Trust Network Access Software 9.3Free plan
  2. PomeriumZero Trust Network Access Software 7.1Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Cloudflare Access — where it wins

    • Free plan plus $7 per user/month paid annually
    • Clientless and client-based access across web, infrastructure, and private resources
    • Device posture checks, audit logs, and SIEM export support broader controls

    Where it doesn't

    • Browser-rendered access has protocol and hostname limitations
    • Session recording is not included
    • Contract-plan pricing is custom rather than published

  • Pomerium — where it wins

    • Open-source deployment with self-hosted proxy and data plane
    • Clientless browser access plus SSH, TCP, UDP, and web protocols
    • Policy-as-code, RBAC, SSO, and continuous context checks

    Where it doesn't

    • Personal Free is limited to 10 users and 10 routes
    • Session recording is available only with Enterprise
    • Platform coverage centers on web, Linux, API, and self-hosted deployments
  • Cloudflare Access9.3/10 · Free plan

    Broad cloud ZTNA coverage with a free plan, clientless access, and device posture checks.

    Visit siteFull verdict →
  • Pomerium7.1/10 · Free plan

    A flexible open-source ZTNA proxy for teams that value self-hosting and policy control.

    Visit PomeriumFull verdict →

More comparisons

All zero trust network access software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update