As an integrator, I have used Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR in various customer environments for a wide range of purposes. This includes improving IT security, streamlining operations, automating incident response actions, creating playbooks with approvals, and enhancing integrations with different security tools. In essence, Cortex XSOAR serves as a versatile platform that helps address multiple cybersecurity and operational needs in organizations.
Cybersecurity incident response team lead at Information Technology Solutions- ITS
Helps to address multiple cybersecurity and operational needs
Pros and Cons
- "What I like most about Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR is how user-friendly it is for development. It is much simpler to work with compared to similar tools I've used."
- "It doesn't offer automatic internet reports out of the box."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
What I like most about Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR is how user-friendly it is for development. It is much simpler to work with compared to similar tools I've used. If you can think of it, you can probably do it. However, there are some limitations, but speed isn't one of them.
What needs improvement?
One limitation I have noticed with Cortex XSOAR is that it doesn't offer automatic threat intel reports out of the box. However, you can achieve this through coding, and we have managed to do it in our own environment using scripts and playbooks. It is not a built-in feature, but it is possible with some coding skills. The good news is that Palo Alto Networks plans to make this process more automated in the future, but it is not available yet.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR for three years.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Cortex XSOAR's stability depends on the right sizing. When sized correctly, it is very stable and I would rate it a strong nine out of ten. But if the sizing is wrong, performance problems can arise. For instance, customers with closed storage systems had issues during heavy workloads. To keep it stable, having at least 3,000 IOPs is advised, especially for customers with high storage needs. So, sizing is key for a successful and stable experience.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Cortex XSOAR is generally scalable and I would rate the scalability an eight out of ten. It is a bit challenging to migrate it from a regular database to a high-availability Elastic database, but it is possible. The ease of migration depends on how well it was planned from the start. Overall, it is a good option for scalability, but careful planning is essential for smooth transitions. The engine, which acts as a broker for connections and integrations in Cortex XSOAR, is highly efficient and reliable.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup of Cortex XSOAR is generally straightforward, but it can get a bit tricky when dealing with a lot of use cases. If you plan to create large playbooks, it is crucial to size the system correctly from the start. Otherwise, you might run into performance issues. Apart from that, there aren't many problems with the implementation process. The challenge mainly revolves around sizing the system correctly, especially when customers have lots of ideas that could make playbooks complex and resource-intensive. So, it is important to plan carefully in such cases. In the best-case scenario, deploying Cortex XSOAR can be done in about 30 minutes when everything is prepared and ready. However, for full integration into the customer's environment, assuming no restrictions or communication issues, it might take roughly two and a half hours.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, I would rate the solution an eight out of ten. My advice to new users would be to plan ahead before implementing Cortex XSOAR. Understand your use cases well and have a solid strategy because the implementation is an ongoing process that you can always improve. Consider creating an adoption plan for what you will do this year and next year in terms of integration and use cases. Keep it user-friendly and introduce use cases gradually to your team instead of overwhelming them all at once. It's about taking steps to make it effective over time.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer:

Network Engineer at Kamps Propane
Helps to enhance cybersecurity but needs improvement in pricing
Pros and Cons
- "From the security team's standpoint, the solution has improved our organization's overall cybersecurity."
- "The price of the solution could be improved."
How has it helped my organization?
From the security team's standpoint, the solution has improved our organization's overall cybersecurity.
What needs improvement?
The price of the solution could be improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for the past three and a half years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the stability of the tool as a ten out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I rate the scalability of the solution as an eight out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
We haven’t used technical support yet.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was not complex.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, I would rate the product as an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Buyer's Guide
Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR
May 2025

Learn what your peers think about Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: May 2025.
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Senior Information Technology Support Engineer at TSCNET Services GmbH
Easy to install, able to expand, and reliable
Pros and Cons
- "It’s easy to install."
- "The integration could be better. Cortex, for example, does not work with iPhone."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use the solution for network inspection.
What is most valuable?
The solution works well.
It’s easy to install.
It’s stable.
The solution can scale as needed.
What needs improvement?
The stability could be better.
The integration could be better. Cortex, for example, does not work with iPhone.
For how long have I used the solution?
I’ve been using the solution for less than one year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Right now, it’s been stable for us. We may consider something from Microsoft in the future. It’s possible it could be more stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is quite scalable. If a company needs to expand it, it can do so.
How are customer service and support?
At the moment, we don’t actually get support from Palo Alto as we’ve never needed any help. I can’t say how helpful or responsive they would be.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We’ve also worked with CrowdStrike. We switched as we weren’t happy with their detection capabilities.
How was the initial setup?
The installation is very easy to set up. It’s not overly complex or difficult.
The deployment took less than a week. I recall we had it up and running within a couple of days.
What about the implementation team?
In our case, we went to a consultant for installation assistance. However, a company might likely be able to handle it on its own.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I can’t speak to the exact cost of the solution.
What other advice do I have?
This is a SaaS product.
I’d rate the solution nine out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Specialist - Information Security at LPI
Drastically reduces trivial tasks inside the SOC environment
Pros and Cons
- "Cortex XSOAR's most valuable features are the playbooks, custom integration, the machine-learning model, and the layout, classifier, and mapper."
- "Corex XSOAR could be improved by reducing the time it takes to process large amounts of data and increasing the number of integrations."
What is our primary use case?
I mainly use Cortex XSOAR to automate cybersecurity and the SOC environment.
To minimize manual tasks and increase level of automation.
How has it helped my organization?
Cortex XSOAR drastically reduces trivial tasks inside the SOC environment, which provides a huge benefit for L1 analysts.
What is most valuable?
Cortex XSOAR's most valuable features are the playbooks, custom integration, the machine-learning model, and the layout, classifier, and mapper.
What needs improvement?
Corex XSOAR could be improved by reducing the time it takes to process large amounts of data and increasing the number of integrations. In the next release, Palo Alto should include popup features - for example, if someone is working on an incident, it should pop up and display in front of me once it's clicked.
For how long have I used the solution?
4 years
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Cortex XSOAR is very stable in our environment, and we haven't seen any platform issues with it.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Cortex XSOAR is scalable.
How are customer service and support?
Palo Alto's support services require a lot of improvement.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I used Qradar SOAR . Cortex xsoar support is very good and contain lot of OOTB playbooks but comparatively qradar soar lack in OOTB Playbooks.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is very easy. Also in latest version platform is managed by Palo alto cloud itself and rest of the configuration is done from UI itself.
So zero load in configuring platform.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Cortex XSOAR's license price could be lower.
What other advice do I have?
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
SOC Operator at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Centralizes incident management with enhanced security process automation
Pros and Cons
- "Cortex XSOAR's playbook for incident management and automation is highly valuable."
- "The price of the solution could be lower."
What is our primary use case?
We automate security processes, particularly SOC automation, for our clients using Cortex XSOAR. We implement these processes for major companies in Portugal.
What is most valuable?
Cortex XSOAR's playbook for incident management and automation is highly valuable. We develop Playbooks automation, centralize incident data, and try to enhance the efficiency of resolving incident cases. The platform's features focus on closing the incident lifecycle more quickly, managing incidents efficiently, and integration capabilities across security infrastructure.
What needs improvement?
The price of the solution could be lower. Companies utilizing this solution should have a well-developed cybersecurity team to maximize its benefits. It is more suited for large organizations rather than small or medium-sized companies.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Cortex XSOAR for three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is rated eight out of ten, indicating it's quite stable without major issues.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Scalability is rated nine, reflecting its ability to scale effectively.
How are customer service and support?
Our team has more experience with the solution than Palo Alto's technical support. Our experience initially showed that the Palo Alto implementation was not optimal, but this has improved over time.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We previously used Fortinet. We have now shifted focus to Palo Alto, specifically relying on the Cortex XDR and Cortex XSOAR solutions.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup of Cortex XSOAR is simple.
What about the implementation team?
Our internal team has been pivotal in implementing and solving issues with the solution.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price of the solution is high and not justifiable for small or medium-sized companies without a developed cybersecurity team.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We moved from a primary focus on Fortinet to Palo Alto.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate the overall solution eight out of ten as it is considered top-notch in the market. It is highly recommended, however, better suited for organizations with mature cybersecurity teams.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Other
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
Last updated: Nov 24, 2024
Flag as inappropriateIT Operations Deputy Manager at Ultramar Agencia Marítima
Helpful remote control capabilities, scalable, and simple deployment
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable features of Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR are the remote controller from the workstation that can execute commands and isolate the systems outside of the network. Only the system with an internet connection can execute the task because the main console is in the cloud."
- "Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR could improve the look, feel, and management of the cloud console. Additionally, the user could be more easily integrated."
What is our primary use case?
My primary use for Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR is to protect the workstation for the end-users.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features of Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR are the remote controller from the workstation that can execute commands and isolate the systems outside of the network. Only the system with an internet connection can execute the task because the main console is in the cloud.
What needs improvement?
Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR could improve the look, feel, and management of the cloud console. Additionally, the user could be more easily integrated.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR for two years.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have approximately 1,000 users using Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR in our organization. The solution is scalable.
How was the initial setup?
We only require one or two staff to deploy the agent of Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR because it is very simple. One for the server and the other for the workstation.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price of Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR could be reduced. We are always looking for a discount. There is an annual license needed to use this solution.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR a ten out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Security Project Manager at a retailer with 10,001+ employees
Reliable, overall beneficial capabilities, but feature improvement needed
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable features of Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR are its overall track record and features that fit our use case."
- "Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR could improve the Panorama feature. We had to turn it off because it was not working properly."
What is our primary use case?
We are using Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR for automation.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features of Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR are its overall track record and features that fit our use case.
What needs improvement?
Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR could improve the Panorama feature. We had to turn it off because it was not working properly.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR for approximately six months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR is a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability of Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR is fine for what we are using it for.
We have our SecOps department of user 50 people that are using the solution for alerts. We plan to increase usage in the future.
How are customer service and support?
The support from Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR could improve. However, a lot of the support is poor.
What about the implementation team?
We have three people in the security operations that do the maintenance and support of Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price of Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR is comparable to other solutions in the market.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR a six out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Vice President Global Technology Infrastructure Automation at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees
Detects and whitelists certain IP addresses based on where they're coming from
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is very reliable."
- "The solution is very expensive."
What is our primary use case?
We use Palo Alto as a firewall, a system for detecting and whitelisting certain IP addresses or to block certain IP addresses based on where they're coming from. We then send the logs to another log management tool for more forensics and analysis before we make a decision.
We're basically using Palo Alto for firewalling and sending those logs to another security monitoring tool to make decisions based on analytics that it provides us.
What is most valuable?
The solution is very reliable. The performance is great.
The scalability of the solution is excellent.
We find the solution to be very robust. Palo Alto has been in the industry a long time and the solution reflects that.
The initial setup is very straightforward. It's not hard to deploy.
What needs improvement?
The solution is very expensive. They would get more clients if it wasn't so pricey.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for about four years at this time. It's been a while.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is very reliable in terms of performance. It doesn't crash or freeze. There are no bugs or glitches.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is extremely scalable. If a company needs to expand it, it can do so easily.
How are customer service and technical support?
The technical support has been very good. Palo Alto is top of the line. They've been in the industry a long time and their support team reflects that knowledge. We are very satisfied with their level of support.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I also work with Fortinet. We've used them for around the same amount of time.
How was the initial setup?
We found the initial setup to be quite straightforward. It's not hard to do. A company shouldn't have too much of a problem getting it up and running.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I cannot speak to the exact cost of the solution or how much our organization pays.
However, it is my understanding that the product is extremely expensive.
What other advice do I have?
I'm not sure which version of the solution we're using at this time.
I'd rate the solution at an eight out of ten. We've been quite pleased with its capabilities. The only thing is it is pretty expensive.
I'd recommend other users work both with Palo Alto and Fortinet. They are great together. They compliment each other nicely.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.

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