Netgate pfSense vs Zscaler Cloud Firewall comparison

Netgate and Zscaler are both solutions in the Firewalls category. Netgate is ranked #2 with an average rating of 8.8, while Zscaler is ranked #25 with an average rating of 8.3. Netgate holds a 11.1% mindshare in Firewalls, compared to Zscaler’s 0.4% mindshare. Additionally, 93% of Netgate users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 92% of Zscaler users who would recommend it.

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Sep 16, 2024

Netgate pfSense and Zscaler Cloud Firewall are prominent firewall solutions. Zscaler Cloud Firewall has the upper hand due to its advanced features and scalability.

Features: Netgate pfSense offers a robust open-source platform, extensive package options, and deep configurability. Zscaler Cloud Firewall provides a cloud-native architecture, seamless integration, and comprehensive policy management. Zscaler's advanced feature set makes it superior for organizations with extensive cloud deployments.

Room for Improvement: Netgate pfSense needs enhanced documentation, better support for complex configurations, and an improved user interface. Zscaler Cloud Firewall should improve reporting capabilities, streamline its policy management interface, and enhance customer support responsiveness.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Netgate pfSense is straightforward with on-premises deployment and supportive community. Zscaler Cloud Firewall offers quick cloud-based deployment but receives mixed feedback on support team responsiveness. Zscaler's customer service does not consistently meet expectations, unlike Netgate pfSense's more hands-on support.

Pricing and ROI: Netgate pfSense has low initial setup costs and favorable ROI for small to medium-sized businesses. Zscaler Cloud Firewall, while more expensive, delivers strong ROI due to its advanced features and efficiency in managing cloud environments. Zscaler's higher cost is justified by its comprehensive security capabilities.

To learn more, read our detailed Netgate pfSense vs. Zscaler Cloud Firewall Report (Updated: September 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Netgate pfSense vs. Zscaler Cloud Firewall

September 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Fortinet FortiGate

Mindshare comparison

As of September 2025, in the Firewalls category, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiGate is 20.1%, up from 18.4% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Netgate pfSense is 11.1%, down from 19.4% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Zscaler Cloud Firewall is 0.4%, up from 0.3% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Firewalls Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
Fortinet FortiGate	20.1%
Netgate pfSense	11.1%
Zscaler Cloud Firewall	0.4%
Other	68.4%

Firewalls

Featured Reviews

Vasu Gala

Manager, Information Technology Operation/Presales at TechMonarch

A stable solution with an intuitive interface and quick customer service

I have been working with Fortinet FortiGate, WatchGuard, Sophos, and SonicWall. I'm not as comfortable with SonicWall because of their UI and limitations. I prefer Fortinet above all other options. When it comes to configuration, I am confident in my ability to handle various tasks, including creating policies such as firewall rules, web policies, and application policies. Additionally, I can configure VPNs and implement load balancing, among other tasks. Overall, I feel much more comfortable working with Fortinet. Fortinet has made significant improvements by integrating AI with firewalls for threat analysis and prevention. In the past 2-3 years, they have launched FortiSASE and SIEM, and they also provide SOC services. Both Palo Alto and Fortinet FortiGate are excellent. While Fortinet FortiGate comes at higher prices, the functionality and support justify the cost. They promptly resolve firmware issues and inform all support providers about configuration changes.

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Jean-Pierre DAREYS

Director, Latin America at Bradmark Technologies, Inc.

Easy to use, configurable, flexible, excellent user group support

I'm not knowledgeable enough to suggest new features. The use has been very straightforward. Whatever questions I've had, I've found videos to help me on YouTube, or I've been able to ask the forums. I've also reached out to technical support and I've received help although there could be more videos or tutorials from Netgate, in addition to third parties who have already implemented it, which is great. I have suffered a lot of problems over time but I don't think the problems are related to the hardware or the software. I am convinced that the problems have been related to hacking during configuration. During the setup process, while experimenting, the device would stop working or the password would suddenly not allow access, requiring re-installation and re-configuration, it was very slow going until I moved to the cloud. The dashboard is a little bit slow and the reporting isn't always current or immediate but acceptable. I'm not sure I can make data-driven decisions due to insufficient volume. I would need enhanced reporting, statistics, playback. I haven't looked at the reports a lot since because you have to access the log files, time is an issue, I use it in a home office environment.

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Vikram Srirama.

Deputy General Manager at Sagility

A highly scalable solution that helps monitor and block undesired, non-standard traffic

Zscaler Cloud Firewall is a cloud-based solution. Zscaler Cloud Firewall is a good product. Since it's a SaaS product, most of the maintenance of devices is eliminated, and it is bundled with your secure web gateway. People should use Zscaler Cloud Firewall for their remote users or work-from-home users. Overall, I rate Zscaler Cloud Firewall a nine out of ten.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"Fortinet FortiGate is one of the most solid and secure firewalls as long as you keep it up to date. The price is right; it's not very expensive."

"The most valuable feature is the VDOM, which allows the customer to have multiple firewalls in a single campus."

"This is a quality product with ok support, and it is better than the competition we've tried."

"There are multiple features I have found to be valuable, such as encryption and integrated security features."

"The web controls are what I appreciate about Fortinet FortiGate. We have extensive controls over areas where we could block external-facing IPs, external URLs. We can do geo-fencing with the firewalls, which is a good feature."

"We have received a very good ROI; it has provided significant time savings of almost 20-25%."

"Fortinet FortiGate is a simple solution, and the integration with other solutions in the Fortinet portfolio, such as the Security Fabric integration, is competitive."

"The most important features of Fortinet FortiGate are the Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) and firewall control applications."

More Fortinet FortiGate pros

"The solution is very robust."

"The quality of support is great."

"Firewall system for small, medium, and large data networks. It allows you to provide security to your environment: DMZ networks, LAN, WAN, etc."

"Good basic firewall features."

"From my perspective, the best feature of Netgate pfSense is the load balancer, as I usually take multiple internet connections. I can use both internet providers' bandwidth as a single network bandwidth, which helps in a very smooth network traffic flow."

"For everyday tasks, we just get alerts. It's anything that's suspicious, including from our Netgate. So, it's part of how we maintain cybersecurity in our school. This is working alongside our endpoint security solution."

"Netgate pfSense has positively impacted my organization because when we look at other firewalls or alternatives, they are costly."

"It's a good solution for end-users. It's pretty easy to work with."

More Netgate pfSense pros

"Since it is really customizable, I can use it and avoid enabling access to the full network."

"The visibility and log availability offered are highly valued for troubleshooting purposes, and this is a key factor driving customer interest in the firewall module."

"The initial setup is straightforward."

"Once you have Zscaler running you have access to configure it however you want."

"Zscaler Cloud Firewall understands the applications in the current generation and adapts to the present generation cloud applications."

"The solution is scalable."

"It helps a lot of companies to reduce their downtime. Also, It helps businesses in terms of being secured and protected from any threats."

"It is a stable solution."

More Zscaler Cloud Firewall pros

Cons

"At first glance, the interface for the device is very confusing."

"I would like to be able to generate reports about the protections that we have. I would like a report feature."

"Updating the software during issues can be quite convoluted, especially if there is an unexpected attack, such as on a Saturday."

"To the best of my knowledge, Fortinet does not have a CASB solution and Fortinet does not have a Zero trust solution."

"The initial setup and configuration are not intuitive and require training."

"I would prefer to have more detailed logs within the FortiGate products themselves rather than relying on a separate tool."

"The support is not good because I generally search for solutions online. When I open a case, they usually identify it as a bug they are working on."

"The solution's real-time connection with the cloud could be improved."

More Fortinet FortiGate cons

"Also, simplifying the rules for the GeoIP. Making it simpler to understand would be an improvement."

"We would like to see ready-made profiles to cover most users' needs."

"I would like clear guidance on supported network interface cards, including detailed performance metrics for various models."

"Updating some of the packages can be a bit difficult."

"One area where Netgate could improve is communication with its user base."

"They can improve the dynamic of the input of IPs from outside."

"There is more demand for UTMs than a simple firewall. pfSense should support real-time features for handling the latest viruses and threats. It should support real-time checks and real-time status of threats. Some other vendors, such as Fortinet, already offer this type of capability. Such capability will be good for bringing pfSense at the same level as other solutions."

"Needs services on additional features, such as managing inventory and generating reports."

More Netgate pfSense cons

"Because it's on cloud, it doesn't allow application of extra settings."

"We are having some issues with internet access being denied when organizational ID-based policies change. For example, a lower level employee ends up getting the same level of access as that of a higher level employee."

"There are some areas it could improve when it comes to blocking, we have to block some things manually. For example, if we block a top-level domain we have seen that the new IPs come through, the IPs are not blocked. There should be some more granular way of doing it. My only request is if you're blocking something at a top level, the sub-level sub-domains and all those other IPs should be blocked too automatically."

"It would be nice to have some sort of a form factor, a physical form factor perhaps, or virtual machine that you could install on devices or on a cloud, and have some cloud computing."

"The product could improve its integration with some legacy systems."

"They do not provide a few components that are fundamental to differentiate the products"

"If I can get rid of Jetscaler, I will use Twingate for sure."

"It would be better if they improved their policy, package visibility, and flexibility while we're creating rules for inspection. It could also be cheaper or more things could be included in the basic package. In the next release, I would like better coverage in the Asia Pacific region and better quality of service."

More Zscaler Cloud Firewall cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"It is a cost-effective solution that meets the user's needs."

"It is cost-effective, and provides a good value for your money. The pricing, and license renewal, is very reasonable for us."

"We have the full license that included all of the features and support."

"It is not expensive as compared to Cisco."

"The product is expensive."

"It could be more competitive and cost-effective."

"It is very cost-effective. You get features similar to other firewalls, such as Palo Alto, but at a lower price."

"By default, they give SD-WAN along with the firewall. They don't have separate licensing for the SD-WAN functionality. However, they have security licenses that are sold separately on a subscription basis. Customers can consume these security features to protect their users from internet traffic."

More Fortinet FortiGate pricing and cost advice

"I am using the free version of pfSense."

"The licensing model needs improvement, especially for home users. There should be more flexibility to change licenses with hardware changes. The pricing model could be more accessible for home users."

"If you need to buy hardware onto which to install PfSense, go with their boxes on their website, they are great."

"pfSense's pricing or licensing model is very affordable."

"It is a free solution."

"It is an open source firewall."

"I like the fact that it is open-source."

"Spend at least $300 or more on a good pfSense box. Use a hard drive, and not a USB flash drive for pfSense storage."

More Netgate pfSense pricing and cost advice

"There are licensing costs, and I would not say that it's a cheap vendor."

"The product is a bit expensive compared to the solutions offered by its competitors, like Palo Alto. There is a need to make yearly payments towards the license in charges associated with the product."

"There is an annual license required for the use of the Zscaler Cloud Firewall."

"Zscaler is priced too high compared to the cost of Fortinet."

"On a scale from one to ten, where one is cheap, and ten is expensive, I rate the solution's pricing an eight out of ten."

"It comes at a significantly reduced cost while ensuring control and effectiveness."

"It is not the most budget-friendly solution, but it's important to consider its overall value."

"There are different subscription models available."

More Zscaler Cloud Firewall pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

15%

Comms Service Provider

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Computer Software Company

16%

Comms Service Provider

12%

Educational Organization

University

Computer Software Company

12%

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Construction Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	350
Midsize Enterprise	129
Large Enterprise	187

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	166
Midsize Enterprise	33
Large Enterprise	28

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	4
Midsize Enterprise	2
Large Enterprise	12

Questions from the Community

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When you compare these firewalls you can identify them with different features, advantages, practices and usage a...

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From my experience regarding both the Sophos and FortiGate firewalls, I personally would rather use FortiGate. I know...

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What are the biggest technical differences between Sophos UTM and Fortinet FortiGate?

As a solution, Sophos UTM offers a lot of functionality, it scales well, and the stability and performance are quite ...

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You don't really specify what type of router you are looking for but if you are talking about a gateway router I reco...

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How do I choose between Fortinet FortiGate and pfSense?

Fortinet’s Fortigate is a firewall solution we use and are very much satisfied with its performance. We find Fortigat...

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What is the difference between PfSense and OPNsense?

Two of the most common and well recognized firewalls, PfSense and OPNsense both support site-to-site IPsec VPN and cl...

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Which lesser known firewall product has the best chance at unseating the market leaders?

Netscope, Zscaler if they continue route they are on now. FIrewalls needs great deal of automation on each end, datac...

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What do you like most about Zscaler Cloud Firewall?

The product’s firewall and VPN package are fantastic compared to any other solution.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Zscaler Cloud Firewall?

Zscaler Cloud Firewall is quite expensive compared to competitors. However, it offered moderate value for money.

See all answers

Comparisons

Sophos XG vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 17% of the time

Cisco Secure Firewall vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 11% of the time

Cisco Meraki MX vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 4% of the time

WatchGuard Firebox vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 4% of the time

OPNsense vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 4% of the time

More Fortinet FortiGate Competitors

OPNsense vs Netgate pfSense

Compared 38% of the time

Sophos XG vs Netgate pfSense

Compared 7% of the time

KerioControl vs Netgate pfSense

Compared 3% of the time

Cisco Secure Firewall vs Netgate pfSense

Compared 3% of the time

Sophos UTM vs Netgate pfSense

Compared 2% of the time

More Netgate pfSense Competitors

Azure Firewall vs Zscaler Cloud Firewall

Compared 13% of the time

Check Point Quantum Force (NGFW) vs Zscaler Cloud Firewall

Compared 11% of the time

Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls vs Zscaler Cloud Firewall

Compared 10% of the time

OPNsense vs Zscaler Cloud Firewall

Compared 8% of the time

Cisco Secure Firewall vs Zscaler Cloud Firewall

Compared 5% of the time

More Zscaler Cloud Firewall Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiGate

September 2025

Download Fortinet FortiGate product report

Buyer's Guide

Netgate pfSense

August 2025

Download Netgate pfSense product report

Buyer's Guide

Zscaler Cloud Firewall

August 2025

Download Zscaler Cloud Firewall product report

Overview

Fortinet FortiGate is recognized for its ease of use, high security, and flexibility. Offering features like web filtering, SD-WAN, and VPN, it provides expansive firewall protection and network security, making it essential for organizations seeking reliable, high-performance solutions.

Fortinet FortiGate stands as a robust option for those in need of comprehensive network security solutions. It integrates valuable functionalities such as UTM, centralized management, and real-time threat prevention. Appreciated for cost-effectiveness, ease of configuration, and scalability, it supports VPN connections and application control to bolster security. Users find its consistent performance and reliability beneficial in environments that demand robust network protection. While some areas like delivery times and the interface require improvements, its overall utility in securing networks remains significant.

What are Fortinet FortiGate's key features?

Web Filtering: Blocks malicious sites to protect users from harmful content.
SD-WAN: Provides reliable internet connectivity and optimizes application performance.
VPN: Ensures secure remote access to sensitive network resources.
Application Control: Monitors and manages application usage within the network.
UTM Functionality: Offers comprehensive threat management and prevention.

What benefits should users evaluate in reviews?

Cost-Effectiveness: Balances budgetary needs with comprehensive security.
Easy Configuration: Simplifies setup processes, reducing deployment time.
Performance Reliability: Ensures consistent and optimal network protection.
Scalability: Adapts to growing network demands efficiently.
Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly works with other Fortinet products.

Fortinet FortiGate finds application across industry sectors, particularly in data centers as a primary firewall solution. Organizations leverage its capabilities for secure network management, handling SD-WAN implementations, and managing bandwidth. Trusted for protecting both internet access and internal networks, it enables seamless integration with existing security profiles. Its effective deployment underscores its role in enhancing network defenses.

Fortinet

Netgate pfSense is widely leveraged by organizations for its comprehensive capabilities in firewalls, VPN servers, and bandwidth management. It suits LAN, WAN, and DMZ networks, offering secure, scalable, and efficient networking solutions.

Netgate pfSense stands out in diverse environments with its enterprise-grade features and cost-effective operations compared to competitors like Cisco. Deployed as an edge device, it optimizes routing, ad-blocking, content filtering, and traffic shaping. Users benefit from its versatile configurations, robust firewall protection, VPN functionality, and ISP load balancing. The open-source nature allows for extensive customization, integrating plugins like Snort and pfBlockerNG, and compatibility with third-party tools enhances its utility. The intuitive GUI combined with detailed logging and centralized management fortifies network security.

What features define Netgate pfSense?

Firewall: Provides robust network security through advanced filtering and stateful packet inspections.
VPN: Ensures secure remote access with high-performing VPN capabilities.
Load Balancing: Efficiently distributes traffic across multiple ISPs, ensuring uptime and performance.
Customization: Supports various plugins for enhanced functionality, tailor-made to specific needs.
Scalability: Adapts easily to varying network demands, providing high availability and flexibility.

What benefits should be considered for ROI?

Cost-Effectiveness: Delivers premium features at a fraction of the cost of traditional network appliances.
Flexibility: Offers a customizable solution that integrates well with existing infrastructure.
Community Support: Backed by a strong user community offering insights and troubleshooting resources.
Security: Supports VLAN segmentation, enhancing protection and management of network traffic.

Organizations in industries such as finance, healthcare, and education find Netgate pfSense integral due to its advanced security features and cost benefits. Its scalable architecture and strong VPN support are crucial for industries requiring stringent data protection and reliable remote access. The adaptability of pfSense makes it suitable for dynamic environments seeking comprehensive, secure networking solutions.

Netgate

Zscaler enables the world’s leading organizations to securely transform their networks and applications for a mobile and cloud first world. Its flagship services, Zscaler Internet Access and Zscaler Private Access, create fast, secure connections between users and applications, regardless of device, location, or network. Zscaler services are 100% cloud-delivered and offer the simplicity, enhanced security, and improved user experience that traditional appliances or hybrid solutions are unable to match. Used in more than 185 countries, Zscaler operates the world’s largest cloud security platform, protecting thousands of enterprises and government agencies from cyberattacks and data loss.

Check more details: https://www.zscaler.com/produc...

Zscaler

Sample Customers

Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, Dell, HP, Oracle, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Vodafone, Orange, BT Group, Telstra, Deutsche Telekom, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, CenturyLink, NTT Communications, Tata Communications, SoftBank, China Mobile, Singtel, Telus, Rogers Communications, Bell Canada, Telkom Indonesia, Telkom South Africa, Telmex, Telia Company, Telkom Kenya

Nerds On Site Inc., RKC Development Inc., Expertech, Fisher's Technology, Ncisive, Consulting, CPURX, Vaughn's Computer House Calls, Imeretech LLC, Digital Crisis, Carolina Digital Phone, Technigogo Technology Services, The Simple Solution, SwiftecITInc, Rocky Mountain Tech Team, Free Range Geeks, Alaska Computer Geeks, Lark Information Technology, Renaissance Systems Inc., Cutting Edge Computers, Caretech LLC, GoVanguard, Network Touch Ltd, P.C. Solutions.Net, Vision Voice and Data Systems LLC, Montgomery Technologies, Techforce, Concero Networks, ASONInc, CPS Electronics and Consulting, Darkwire.net LLC, IT Specialists, MBS-Net Inc., VOICE1 LLC, Advantage Networking Inc., Powerhouse Systems, Doxa Multimedia Inc., Pro Computer Service, Virtual IT Services, A&J Computers Inc., Envision IT LLC, CommunicaONE Inc., Bone Computer Inc., Amax Engineering Corporation, QPG Ltd. Co., IT 101 Inc., Perfect Cloud Solutions, Applied Technology Group Inc., The Digital Sun Group LLC, Firespring

Zenith Live, Azure, Carlsberg Group

Buyer's Guide

Netgate pfSense vs. Zscaler Cloud Firewall

September 2025

Free Report: Netgate pfSense vs. Zscaler Cloud Firewall

Find out what your peers are saying about Netgate pfSense vs. Zscaler Cloud Firewall and other solutions. Updated: September 2025.

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