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- Netgate pfSense-vs-Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls
Compare Netgate pfSense and Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls 
At a Glance
Market Segments
Small-Business (68.8% of reviews)
Mid-Market (49.6% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
No pricing available
Netgate pfSense
Star Rating
(320)4.8 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (68.8% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about Netgate pfSensePalo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls
Star Rating
(131)4.5 out of 5
Market Segments
Mid-Market (49.6% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation FirewallsSummary
AI Generated Summary
AI-generated. Powered by real user reviews.
- Users report that Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls excels in Intrusion Prevention with a score of 8.9, while Netgate pfSense also performs well but slightly lower at 8.8. Reviewers mention that Palo Alto's advanced threat detection capabilities provide a robust defense against sophisticated attacks.
- Reviewers mention that Netgate pfSense shines in its Virtual Private Network (VPN) functionality, scoring 9.1 compared to Palo Alto's 8.8. Users on G2 appreciate pfSense's flexibility and ease of setup for remote access, making it a preferred choice for small businesses.
- Users say that Palo Alto Networks offers superior Quality of Support with a score of 8.2, while Netgate pfSense stands out with a higher score of 9.1. Reviewers mention that pfSense's community support and documentation are particularly helpful for troubleshooting and configuration.
- G2 users report that Palo Alto's Firewall functionality is rated at 9.2, indicating strong performance in managing network traffic and security policies. In contrast, Netgate pfSense's firewall capabilities are rated slightly lower, but users appreciate its open-source nature, allowing for extensive customization.
- Reviewers mention that Palo Alto Networks has a more comprehensive approach to Cloud Data Protection, scoring 8.4, while Netgate pfSense's capabilities in this area are less emphasized. Users report that Palo Alto's integration with cloud services enhances data security for enterprises.
- Users on G2 highlight that Netgate pfSense offers an open-source code option with a score of 9.3, which appeals to those looking for transparency and customization. In contrast, Palo Alto Networks, while robust, does not provide the same level of open-source flexibility, which some users find limiting.
Featured Products
Sponsored
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Pricing
Entry-Level Pricing
Netgate pfSense
No pricing availablePalo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls
No pricing availableFree Trial
Netgate pfSense
Free Trial is available
Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls
No trial information availableRatings
Meets Requirements
9.4
256
8.9
115
Ease of Use
8.5
262
8.5
116
Ease of Setup
8.7
241
8.3
105
Ease of Admin
8.8
239
8.5
89
Quality of Support
9.1
204
8.2
109
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
9.1
193
8.7
87
Product Direction (% positive)
8.6
257
9.2
111
Features by Category
Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)Hide 12 FeaturesShow 12 Features
Not enough data
8.8
556
Prevention
Not enough data
8.9
52
Not enough data
9.3
51
Not enough data
8.9
51
Not enough data
9.0
51
Not enough data
8.3
48
Detection
Not enough data
8.8
52
Not enough data
9.0
51
Not enough data
8.9
52
Administration
Not enough data
8.8
50
Not enough data
8.8
51
Not enough data
8.6
47
Generative AI
Not enough data
Feature Not Available
Administration
8.7
183
8.7
74
8.3
206
8.5
74
8.4
176
8.4
73
9.0
197
8.5
72
Functionality
9.1
213
8.7
74
6.5
133
8.4
71
7.9
164
8.8
72
9.3
197
8.8
72
Monitoring
8.5
160
8.5
72
8.2
165
8.6
71
8.7
185
8.8
73
8.4
178
8.7
72
Generative AI
Feature Not Available
Feature Not Available
Usage
9.1
143
Not enough data
9.5
159
Not enough data
9.3
162
Not enough data
9.4
153
Not enough data
7.9
107
Not enough data
8.5
110
Not enough data
8.5
105
Not enough data
Miscellaneous
8.2
106
Not enough data
9.3
143
Not enough data
8.2
95
Not enough data
Categories
Categories
Shared Categories
Netgate pfSense and Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls are categorized as Firewall Software
Unique Categories
Netgate pfSense is categorized as Business VPN
Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls is categorized as Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)
Reviews
Reviewers' Company Size
Netgate pfSense
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
Small-Business
(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market
(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise
(> 1000 emp.)
Reviewers' Industry
Information Technology and Services
20.2%
Computer & Network Security
10.6%
Computer Software
6.1%
Telecommunications
4.2%
Computer Networking
3.8%
Other
55.1%
Information Technology and Services
20.0%
Computer & Network Security
14.4%
Banking
6.4%
Financial Services
5.6%
Computer Software
5.6%
Other
48.0%
Most Helpful Reviews
Netgate pfSense
Most Helpful Favorable Review
Christian H.
Verified User in Higher Education
I have been using pfSense for many years. First on my own hardware and later on netgates hardware. The System is easy enough to use but also gives you the ability to have fine tuned rules. I think because the pfSense Firewall software is open source and...
Most Helpful Critical Review
Brian C.
Verified User in Computer Networking
It bricked itself on a reboot. It is impossible to configure. Devices intermittently had internet access even with only the most basic features enabled.
Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls
Most Helpful Favorable Review
Abdiel W.
Verified User in Banking
The ease of use of the equipmentos and the improvements the company continue to give as a provider for the customers. The customer support is very good.
Most Helpful Critical Review
Joe C.
Verified User in Telecommunications
The gui is sometimes really slow and it takes a while to generate reports
Christian H.
Verified User in Higher Education
I have been using pfSense for many years. First on my own hardware and later on netgates hardware. The System is easy enough to use but also gives you the ability to have fine tuned rules. I think because the pfSense Firewall software is open source and...
Abdiel W.
Verified User in Banking
The ease of use of the equipmentos and the improvements the company continue to give as a provider for the customers. The customer support is very good.
Brian C.
Verified User in Computer Networking
It bricked itself on a reboot. It is impossible to configure. Devices intermittently had internet access even with only the most basic features enabled.
Joe C.
Verified User in Telecommunications
The gui is sometimes really slow and it takes a while to generate reports
Alternatives
Discussions
Can pfSense be used as a router?
10 comments
SG
pfSense is an open-source firewall and router software distribution based on FreeBSD. It supports NAT and different types of interfaces (WAN, LAN, DMZ). It...Read more
What is pfSense used for?
7 comments
RB
pfSense is a a preconfigured operating system and suite of tools for directing traffic between your LAN and the Internet.
The community version of pfSense...Read more
Is pfSense still free?
5 comments
JK
Yes, it is. There is a Community Edition and a Plus edition. The Community Edition is free. The Plus edition is free for home lab and comes pre-installed...Read more
What is Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall used for?
1 comment
SK
It is an enterprise firewall solution which provides secure connection between two zones with features of firewall, IPS, Antivirus, DDOS protection, SSL...Read more
Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls has no more discussions with answers
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