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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 (47.9% 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
(147)4.5 out of 5
Market Segments
Mid-Market (47.9% 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.
- Reviewers mention that Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls excel in Intrusion Prevention with a score of 8.9, highlighting its robust security features that effectively block threats before they reach the network. In contrast, users report that Netgate pfSense, while still strong, has a slightly lower score of 8.8 in this area, indicating it may not be as comprehensive in threat prevention.
- Users on G2 say that the ease of setup for Netgate pfSense is a standout feature, scoring 8.8, which many find user-friendly for small businesses. Conversely, reviewers mention that Palo Alto's ease of setup is rated lower at 8.2, suggesting it may require more technical expertise to configure initially.
- G2 users report that Palo Alto Networks shines in its Quality of Support, with a score of 8.2, which is particularly beneficial for mid-market companies needing reliable assistance. On the other hand, users say that Netgate pfSense offers superior support with a score of 9.1, making it a preferred choice for those who prioritize customer service.
- Users report that Palo Alto's Multi-Device Usage is rated highly at 9.2, allowing seamless integration across various platforms, which is essential for larger organizations. In contrast, Netgate pfSense, while still effective, has a slightly lower score of 9.0, indicating it may not support as many devices as robustly.
- Reviewers mention that the Application Gateway feature in both products is rated equally at 8.4, but users on G2 highlight that Palo Alto's implementation is more intuitive, making it easier to manage application traffic effectively compared to Netgate pfSense.
- Users say that the Virtual Private Network (VPN) functionality in Netgate pfSense is rated higher at 9.1, with many praising its flexibility and ease of use for remote access. In contrast, Palo Alto's VPN feature, while still solid at 8.8, is noted by reviewers as being more complex to configure, which may deter some users.
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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
132
Ease of Use
8.5
262
8.4
133
Ease of Setup
8.7
241
8.3
118
Ease of Admin
8.8
239
8.5
94
Quality of Support
9.1
204
8.3
125
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
9.1
193
8.7
92
Product Direction (% positive)
8.6
257
9.2
128
Features by Category
Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)Hide 14 FeaturesShow 14 Features
Not enough data
8.8
62
Prevention
Not enough data
9.0
59
Not enough data
9.3
58
Not enough data
8.9
58
Not enough data
9.0
58
Not enough data
8.3
55
Detection
Not enough data
8.9
59
Not enough data
8.9
58
Not enough data
8.9
59
Administration
Not enough data
8.8
57
Not enough data
8.7
58
Not enough data
8.5
54
Generative AI
Not enough data
8.1
15
Agentic AI - Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Administration
8.7
183
8.6
89
8.3
206
8.5
89
8.4
176
8.4
88
9.0
197
8.4
87
Agentic AI - Firewall Software
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Functionality
9.1
213
8.7
89
6.5
133
8.4
86
7.9
164
8.8
87
9.3
197
8.8
87
Monitoring
8.5
160
8.4
87
8.2
165
8.6
86
8.7
185
8.7
88
8.4
178
8.7
87
Generative AI
6.7
71
7.1
21
Artificial Intelligence - Firewall
Not enough data
8.6
7
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
20.4%
Computer & Network Security
12.7%
Banking
7.0%
Computer Software
6.3%
Financial Services
5.6%
Other
47.9%
Most Helpful Reviews
Netgate pfSense
Most Helpful Favorable Review
Chris G.
Verified User in Internet
pfSense is easy and fast to deploy on a variety of platforms, depending on the use case. As an enterprise service provider, we assist our customers with the deployment and hosting of systems in our cloud environment as well as on-prem datacenters. These...
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
Verified User in Computer Software
Palo Alto’s App-ID and Threat Prevention engines give us granular control over traffic we never had with our previous stateful firewall. We can write policies around business apps instead of IP/port combos, then verify exactly what was allowed/blocked in...
Most Helpful Critical Review
Joe C.
Verified User in Telecommunications
The gui is sometimes really slow and it takes a while to generate reports
Chris G.
Verified User in Internet
pfSense is easy and fast to deploy on a variety of platforms, depending on the use case. As an enterprise service provider, we assist our customers with the deployment and hosting of systems in our cloud environment as well as on-prem datacenters. These...
Verified User in Computer Software
Palo Alto’s App-ID and Threat Prevention engines give us granular control over traffic we never had with our previous stateful firewall. We can write policies around business apps instead of IP/port combos, then verify exactly what was allowed/blocked in...
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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