Palo Alto Networks CN-Series vs Palo Alto Networks K2-Series comparison

Palo Alto Networks CN-Series and Palo Alto Networks K2-Series are both solutions in the Firewalls category. Palo Alto Networks CN-Series is ranked #33 with an average rating of 9.5, while Palo Alto Networks K2-Series is ranked #24 with an average rating of 8.5. Palo Alto Networks CN-Series holds a 0.4% mindshare in Firewalls, compared to Palo Alto Networks K2-Series’s 0.4% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Palo Alto Networks CN-Series users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 96% of Palo Alto Networks K2-Series users who would recommend it.

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Download the report

Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Palo Alto Networks CN-Series and Palo Alto Networks K2-Series based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out in this report how the two Firewalls solutions compare in terms of features, pricing, service and support, easy of deployment, and ROI.

To learn more, read our detailed Palo Alto Networks CN-Series vs. Palo Alto Networks K2-Series Report (Updated: June 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Palo Alto Networks CN-Series vs. Palo Alto Networks K2-Series

June 2026

Download the complete report

Helped 899,258 peers since 2012

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 June 2026, in the Firewalls category, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiGate is 15.1%, down from 21.7% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Palo Alto Networks CN-Series is 0.4%, up from 0.0% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Palo Alto Networks K2-Series is 0.4%, up from 0.0% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Firewalls Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Fortinet FortiGate	15.1%
Palo Alto Networks K2-Series	0.4%
Palo Alto Networks CN-Series	0.4%
Other	84.1%

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.

Read full review

Ahmed_Shalaby

Senior Cyber Security Engineer at Beta Information Technology

Application control excels and integration with monitoring system boosts efficiency

I am an integrator working with Palo Alto Networks CN-Series and Panorama. I have been involved with the implementation of Palo Alto Networks CN-Series The stability of Palo Alto Networks CN-Series is excellent. Application control is one of the most valuable features. Its monitoring capability…

Read full review

Tejas Jain

Principle Cloud Architect at a tech services company with 11-50 employees

Has provided strong traffic visibility and efficient policy management for advanced network environments

Palo Alto Networks K2-Series could be improved, though I don't think of much. I'm unsure how widespread the adoption for K2-Series alone is. Looking at the base Palo Alto capabilities, they are going in the right direction. K2 specifically about its efficacy with all these 5G protocols, the GPRS tunneling protocol performed without many hiccups during testing. With AI, if there is a Precision AI bundle that you're planning on exploring, then that definitely needs a significant uplift because currently it doesn't work for all the known models. There are many false positives that need to be addressed. While it's still ahead of its competitors, on the AI security side, there is quite a room for improvement.

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

"FortiGate is very easy to use, and to configure."

"I've never had a problem with Fortinet FortiGate support, so I'd rate it ten out of ten."

"User-friendly and affordable security solution that's recommended for SMB customers. This solution has good technical support."

"The product has lived up to its expectation with no issues whatsoever."

"We use the filtering feature the most. It has filtering and inbuilt securities. We can create customized rules to define which users can access a particular type of site. We can create policies inside the firewall."

"It is a one box solution, which covers most of the edge device’s requirements."

"This solution has helped us have control over our network."

"We recommend FortiGate Next Generation Firewall to people from the SMB segment looking for a cost-effective and single-box solution."

More Fortinet FortiGate pros

"The app inspection is very helpful for network security."

"The stability of Palo Alto Networks CN-Series is excellent."

"Palo Alto's App-ID is what differentiates it from other competitors."

"Simple integrations with the domain controllers and other inventories"

"The most valuable features are the virtualization of the firewall and the antivirus."

"The company is inventive and always adds a lot of great features."

"Overall, this is a very simple and very effective firewall, and I am satisfied with it."

"The solution is reliable and scales well."

"It's a very good product, simple to use."

"Overall, this is a very good firewall and I would recommend it."

More Palo Alto Networks K2-Series pros

Cons

"The configuration part was challenging, especially converting configurations from another OEM to FortiGate."

"The price of the solution could be cheaper."

"I think that the infrastructure for the VPN could be improved. The way that it is bundled also made it difficult to use and sell as it is too expensive."

"In most cases, the IPS engine uses too many resources, which makes Fortinet FortiGate devices unstable."

"Over time, there is a lot of worry about insecurity. For big accounts, we are not able to satisfy the customer with the Fortinet firewall because they ask for a lot of features."

"They really need to work on their support."

"The solution could be more secure and stable."

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

More Fortinet FortiGate cons

"I'd like to see more IOPs features."

"Palo Alto Networks CN-Series could improve on its pricing as it is quite expensive."

"Sometimes there are interactions with support or the provider that are not ideal."

"I cannot think of anything specific to improve at the moment."

"Palo Alto doesn't have that extended visibility to the end point in their firewalls."

"When it comes to support, this is the worst company."

"Higher levels of support are excellent but new users may need additional options."

"The scalability for on-premises version is limited as it depends on the model."

"We had some issues with upgrading in the past. They could make the process easier."

"They should lower their prices for small businesses."

More Palo Alto Networks K2-Series cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Setup costs and pricing depends on many variables, but it's mostly affordable."

"The pricing for this solution is good."

"The pricing is perfect."

"The pricing is better compared to other solutions like Check Point, Arista, or Cisco."

"A year or two years back, its price was competitive and reasonable. That was one of the reasons that people easily switched to Fortinet. Over the last two years, the prices have increased drastically. However, the prices of others have also increased. An advantage is there from the price point but not as much as it was previously."

"The main reason we chose Fortinet FortiGate was that the price was better than the competition."

"The tool's pricing is neither cheap nor expensive. Overall, I find it to be competitive in the market."

"Before choosing a piece of equipment you have to take into account the cost-benefit offered by each one. Sometimes it is not worth paying a very cheap price to have a minimum level of security."

More Fortinet FortiGate pricing and cost advice

Information not available

"We are on an annual license to use Palo Alto Networks K2-Series."

"If you compare K2-Series' quality with its price, I think it is reasonable."

"This product is designed for large companies. The price would not be suitable for a small or medium size company."

"The pricing is expensive."

"This is an expensive solution, although you will get value for the price."

"Palo Alto firewalls are very expensive."

"Products by the leader in the field are justifiably a bit more expensive compared to other vendors."

"It is an expensive solution."

More Palo Alto Networks K2-Series pricing and cost advice

See which vendors are best for you

Use our free recommendation engine to learn which Firewalls solutions are best for your needs.

See recommendations

899,258 professionals have used our research since 2012.

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

10%

Comms Service Provider

10%

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

No data available

Performing Arts

16%

Financial Services Firm

13%

Construction Company

11%

Marketing Services Firm

10%

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	370
Midsize Enterprise	137
Large Enterprise	195

No data available

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	15
Midsize Enterprise	7
Large Enterprise	13

Questions from the Community

Which is the better NGFW: Fortinet Fortigate or Cisco Firepower?

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

See all answers

What is the biggest difference between Sophos XG and FortiGate?

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

See all answers

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 ...

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Palo Alto Networks CN-Series?

The pricing of Palo Alto Networks CN-Series is quite expensive, rating around eight on a scale of one to ten for cost.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Palo Alto Networks CN-Series?

Palo Alto Networks CN-Series could improve on its pricing as it is quite expensive. The SD-WAN implementation using P...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Palo Alto Networks CN-Series?

I am an integrator working with Palo Alto Networks CN-Series ( /products/palo-alto-networks-cn-series-reviews ) and P...

See all answers

Features comparison between Palo Alto and Fortinet firewalls

In the best tradition of these questions, Feature-wise both are quite similar, but each has things it's better at, it...

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Palo Alto Networks K2-Series?

The pricing for the Palo Alto Networks K2-Series solution is affordable and there are no complaints about the licensing.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Palo Alto Networks K2-Series?

Palo Alto Networks K2-Series could be improved, though I don't think of much. I'm unsure how widespread the adoption ...

See all answers

Comparisons

Sophos Firewall vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 17% of the time

Cisco Secure Firewall vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 13% of the time

Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 5% of the time

Netgate pfSense vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 3% of the time

Check Point Quantum Force (NGFW) vs Fortinet FortiGate

Compared 3% of the time

More Fortinet FortiGate Competitors

Palo Alto Networks VM-Series vs Palo Alto Networks CN-Series

Compared 26% of the time

Check Point Harmony SASE (formerly Perimeter 81) vs Palo Alto Networks CN-Series

Compared 21% of the time

Cisco Secure Firewall vs Palo Alto Networks CN-Series

Compared 10% of the time

Azure Firewall vs Palo Alto Networks CN-Series

Compared 10% of the time

Zscaler Cloud Firewall vs Palo Alto Networks CN-Series

Compared 4% of the time

More Palo Alto Networks CN-Series Competitors

Juniper SRX Series Firewall vs Palo Alto Networks K2-Series

Compared 24% of the time

Cisco Secure Firewall vs Palo Alto Networks K2-Series

Compared 19% of the time

Check Point Quantum Force vs Palo Alto Networks K2-Series

Compared 15% of the time

Sophos Firewall vs Palo Alto Networks K2-Series

Compared 14% of the time

Cisco Meraki MX vs Palo Alto Networks K2-Series

Compared 8% of the time

More Palo Alto Networks K2-Series Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiGate

June 2026

Download Fortinet FortiGate product report

Buyer's Guide

Firewalls

May 2026

Download Palo Alto Networks CN-Series product report

Buyer's Guide

Palo Alto Networks K2-Series

May 2026

Download Palo Alto Networks K2-Series product report

Also Known As

Fortinet FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall

No data available

Overview

Fortinet FortiGate is a versatile network security tool offering features like VPN, firewall, web filtering, intrusion prevention, and scalability. It is known for its performance and integration with other Fortinet products, making it a preferred choice for robust cybersecurity.

Fortinet FortiGate stands out as a comprehensive cybersecurity solution with strong performance and ease of configuration. It delivers unified threat management, integrating features such as dynamic routing, SD-WAN support, and centralized management. Despite its strengths, improvements in the web interface's stability, pricing structures, and reporting capabilities are needed. Users seek better integration with third-party tools and automation advancements to enhance the experience further. These enhancements, alongside improvements in bandwidth management and the reduction of licensing costs, are points of interest for users looking to capitalize on FortiGate's extensive capabilities.

What are Fortinet FortiGate's key features?

VPN: Ensures secure remote connections.
Firewall: Protects against unauthorized access.
Web Filtering: Blocks malicious sites and content.
Application Control: Manages and controls applications.
Intrusion Prevention: Detects and prevents vulnerabilities.
SSL Inspection: Enhances security by inspecting encrypted traffic.

What benefits should be considered when evaluating Fortinet FortiGate?

Affordability: Offers cost-effective security solutions.
Reliability: Known for consistent and stable performance.
Integration: Seamlessly integrates with other Fortinet products.
Comprehensive Protection: Provides broad threat protection capabilities.

Fortinet FortiGate is widely implemented across industries as a primary firewall system for securing internet gateways and safeguarding data centers. It supports businesses in achieving SD-WAN integration and enhances cybersecurity by providing essential features like antivirus, web filtering, and application control. Enterprises utilize FortiGate for securing remote connections and ensuring compliance with security standards, making it adaptable for different network sizes and industries.

Fortinet

Palo Alto Networks CN-Series offers advanced container security and micro-segmentation for Kubernetes environments, known for robust threat prevention, ease of deployment, and seamless integration with existing security infrastructure.

Palo Alto Networks CN-Series enables application-level visibility and control, providing comprehensive protection for dynamic workloads. Its scalable architecture suits modern cloud-native applications, making it a top choice for securing containerized environments and microservices. Users appreciate its automated policy creation, granular micro-segmentation, and enhanced container security. Although it offers great features, users suggest improvement in integration with other security tools, better scalability for larger environments, and enhanced documentation. Performance in high-traffic scenarios and intuitive configuration processes are areas for potential enhancement, along with improved customer support.

What are the key features of Palo Alto Networks CN-Series?

Advanced Threat Protection: Addresses and mitigates security threats efficiently.
Seamless Kubernetes Integration: Integrates easily within Kubernetes environments.
Comprehensive Visibility: Offers visibility across multi-cloud environments.
Automated Policy Creation: Simplifies the policy creation process.
Granular Micro-segmentation: Provides detailed network traffic segmentation.
Enhanced Container Security: Strengthens security measures for containerized applications.
Ease of Deployment: Simplifies overall deployment process.
Scalability: Adapts to growing needs of cloud-native applications.

What benefits or ROI can users expect from Palo Alto Networks CN-Series?

Increased Security: Effective protection against sophisticated threats.
Improved Operational Efficiency: Streamlined deployment and policy management.
Greater Visibility: Enhanced insight into network traffic and potential vulnerabilities.
Cost Savings: Reduced costs through automation and integration of security processes.
Enhanced Compliance: Helps meet regulatory requirements with strong security controls.

Palo Alto Networks CN-Series is implemented across diverse industries including finance, healthcare, and technology. In financial institutions, it addresses stringent security and compliance requirements. In healthcare, it ensures patient data protection within dynamic cloud environments. In tech, it supports innovative cloud-native applications with robust security measures.

Palo Alto Networks

Palo Alto Networks K2-Series offers deep inspection, scalability, stability, and advanced security technology with easy configuration. Appreciated for its virtualization and strong DNS security, it provides a robust solution for diverse industries seeking comprehensive protection.

Palo Alto Networks K2-Series is recognized for its powerful capabilities in threat detection and prevention. Its features include WildFire, intuitive interface, and granular controls. The system supports strong IPS and SSL decryption while offering easy management and visibility solutions. Zero Trust segmentation and App-ID form the backbone of its advanced threat prevention strategy. While the initial setup is user-friendly, Panorama enhances management ease. Criticism mainly revolves around high costs, a complex interface, and desires for better third-party integration and automation. Continuous updates are required to address bugs, and there's room for improvement in reporting and threat intelligence to better user experience. Scalability and addition of certain competitive features are other areas needing enhancement.

What Are the Key Features of Palo Alto Networks K2-Series?

Deep Inspection: Offers comprehensive scanning for threats.
Scalability and Stability: Ensures reliability across large networks.
Advanced Technology: Incorporates state-of-the-art security methods.
Virtualization: Provides virtual environment support.
Strong DNS Security: Protects against DNS-based threats.
WildFire: Enhances threat detection capabilities.
Intuitive Interface: Simplifies administration and management.
Granular Controls: Allows detailed policy configurations.
Powerful IPS: Effective intrusion prevention mechanism.
SSL Decryption: Manages encrypted traffic without compromising security.

What Benefits and ROI Should Users Consider?

Improved Security: Offers robust protection for network environments.
Reduced Management Complexity: Simplifies system oversight through intuitive tools.
Comprehensive Threat Intelligence: Delivers timely updates to counteract evolving threats.
Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly links with existing Palo Alto products.

Organizations across banking, telecom, and educational sectors frequently deploy Palo Alto Networks K2-Series for its next-generation firewall capabilities, securing perimeter and data center operations. It is integrated with other Palo Alto solutions, serving as a versatile defense mechanism, enabling secure web and internet connectivity.

Palo Alto Networks

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

Information Not Available

State of North Dakota, SEGA, Alameda County Office of Education, Temple University, VERGE, CAME

Buyer's Guide

Palo Alto Networks CN-Series vs. Palo Alto Networks K2-Series

June 2026

Free Report: Palo Alto Networks CN-Series vs. Palo Alto Networks K2-Series

Find out what your peers are saying about Palo Alto Networks CN-Series vs. Palo Alto Networks K2-Series and other solutions. Updated: June 2026.

DOWNLOAD NOW

899,258 professionals have used our research since 2012.

See our Palo Alto Networks CN-Series vs. Palo Alto Networks K2-Series report.

See our list of best Firewalls vendors.

We monitor all Firewalls reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.