Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls Reviews

Name: Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls
Brand: Palo Alto Networks
Rating: 4.3 (194 reviews)

4.3 out of 5

194 reviews
96% willing to recommend

1,332 followers

What is Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls?

Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls offer comprehensive security, including application control, traffic shaping, threat prevention, and load balancing, designed to secure internal networks, perimeter protection, VPN services, and cloud environments.

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Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls is the #6 ranked solution in best firewalls. PeerSpot users give Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls an average rating of 8.6 out of 10. Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls is most commonly compared to Fortinet FortiGate: Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls vs Fortinet FortiGate. Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 55% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 15% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls

May 2025

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Featured Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls reviews

AmjadKhan1

Head of data centers at a non-profit with 10,001+ employees

I would rate Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls ten out of ten because it is the best. Our disaster recovery site utilizes Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls. We are also in the process of upgrading the firewalls at our 365 sites in Pakistan to Palo Alto Networks firewalls. While budget firewalls may advertise comparable features, they often fall short of effectively detecting viruses, threats, and ransomware. In contrast, Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls, combined with Cortex XDR, provide comprehensive threat intelligence and detection capabilities, ensuring superior security coverage. I recommend conducting a proof of concept before selecting a firewall. This will allow you to evaluate different options and determine which best suits your needs. While Palo Alto offers robust firewall solutions, it's essential to compare them with other vendors to ensure you make an informed decision.

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Simon Webster

Security Architect at University Corporation for Atmospheric Research

One of the best features is that Palo Alto NGFW can embed machine learning in the core of the firewall to provide inline, real-time attack prevention. We aren't using the AWS-offered firewalls in the cloud or Azure. When I read over the specs on it, it is more like a traditional firewall where a port is open to an IP address, and that is all you know. Palo Alto can decide if traffic is of a certain kind, regardless of what port and protocol it is using. Then, it can figure that out and I can write my rules based on that. That is a huge functionality and super important to me. The machine learning as well as being able to send stuff to WildFire is pretty important too. We like to get those types of reports and know that we have more protection from zero days than most traditional companies would. The WildFire reporting and Cortex XDR platform have huge infrastructures in the cloud that secures the network against threats. So, we have the potential on the system, specifically for users, where we take care of this since the user is the most dangerous. We get reports back from WildFire on a minute-by-minute basis, rather than a daily or weekly update like I used to with different AV vendors. These features can detect viruses and malware more quickly, which is super important. We have some large data movers that we can't put behind the firewalls. We don't have the largest firewalls, we have the 5200 Series firewalls. Their throughput is about 20 gigs a second, and it is protecting networks that have 100 gig connections. So, we have to be kind of choosy as to what we put behind the firewalls, but for the stuff that we put behind it, the latency really isn't problematic at all. Even though the firewall location is just one aspect, we have three different areas that talk to each other over multiple 240 gig links or 200 gig lengths. The firewall is not hindering that at all.

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Adam-Brenner

Solution Architect at a retailer with 201-500 employees

Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls provides a unified platform that natively integrates all security capabilities. Panorama is our single console that allows us to do all things Palo Alto. We are a value-added reseller. Some customers specifically request Palo Alto firewalls, while others need guidance and comparisons. Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls are considered some of the most secure firewalls available, offering robust protection when configured with strict security rules. Palo Alto firewalls maintain consistent security functionality across all models, with the primary difference being throughput capacity. While they previously faced criticism for their licensing model requiring separate purchases for features like URL filtering, their advanced malware detection, Wildfire and other integrated tools like IDS, IPS, and SIEM reporting provide comprehensive threat protection. Furthermore, their single-pass processing architecture mitigates the performance degradation typically associated with enabling multiple security features, ensuring consistent performance even with advanced threat protection enabled. It can help reduce downtime caused by malicious insiders. If an employee intends to steal data on behalf of a competitor, these firewalls can help prevent data exfiltration and maintain network availability.

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Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls mindshare

As of May 2025, the mindshare of Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls in the Firewalls category stands at 3.4%, up from 3.1% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Firewalls

PeerResearch reports based on Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Firewalls	May 23, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	May 23, 2025	Download
Comparison	Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls vs Netgate pfSense	May 23, 2025	Download
Comparison	Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls vs Fortinet FortiGate	May 23, 2025	Download
Comparison	Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls vs OPNsense	May 23, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Fortinet FortiGate	4.2	21.4%	90%	338 interviews Add to research
Netgate pfSense	4.3	13.3%	93%	218 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls are valued for application visibility, threat prevention, and machine learning capabilities. They offer robust security features like WildFire, content filtering, and antivirus. Users appreciate intuitive management, seamless integration with security tools, and the ease of deployment. Additional highlights include advanced threat detection, real-time attack prevention, and centralized control with Panorama, enhancing cybersecurity and network performance.

"I would rate Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls a nine out of ten, as it is a very good and stable solution, and I recommend it over Check Point, Fortinet, and Cisco; it stands out as the leader."
"Overall, I rate Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls ten out of ten because they are unmatched in their function."
"I find all the features valuable, including the segmentation and cloud-distributed security profiles."

Room for Improvement

Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls users express concerns about slow support, high prices, and complex configurations. The interface and routing setup are not user-friendly and reporting tools lack depth. Users seek enhanced VPN capabilities, better integration, and improved threat analysis. The need for a dedicated middle-range solution is highlighted, along with demands for lower pricing and simplified updates. There's a call for more robust customer service, training, and documentation, alongside improvements in performance under heavy loads.

"The technical support from Palo Alto could be better; I find that it can be improved. The issues are mainly with response time and quality, as their first level support used to be better a couple of years ago, but now you sometimes get support that isn't as good."
"I believe the configuration part can be improved, particularly because the management tools like Panorama and the cloud management solutions are not fully aligned."
"Scalability is not really the case. Since the NextGen Firewalls are hardware-based, if I want to scale up, I need new hardware. It is not really scalable."

ROI

Users report seeing a strong return on investment from Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls due to enhanced security features like threat protection and URL filtering. These features reduce workload and operational costs while preventing security breaches. Users highlight fewer man-hours required for deployment and maintenance, increased visibility, and a unified platform that integrates various security functions. Many prioritize security over cost, noting substantial savings, reduced downtime, and ease of management as significant benefits.

Pricing

Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls are perceived as expensive, though they offer high security and reliability. Licensing costs vary based on services, with options for one to five-year contracts. Comparatively, they are pricier than competitors like Fortinet and Cisco, but provide quality features. The licensing model includes yearly fees and varies by hardware, often requiring additional licenses for features like DNS security and threat prevention. For enterprises, this cost can be justified by security efficacy.

"Palo Alto Networks offers more cost efficiency compared to Cisco, with better operational and maintenance ease."
"Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls have a higher price tag, costing roughly twice as much as competing products."
"Overall, it is commercially competitive compared to Cisco and Fortinet."

Popular Use Cases

Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls are used for perimeter security, threat prevention, VPN access, and application control. They support Internet-facing firewalls, data center protection, remote connectivity, and micro-segmentation. Organizations use them for securing diverse environments including cloud and on-premises networks. They handle traffic shaping, URL filtering, and antivirus protection. Their deployment ranges from edge devices for smaller setups to robust configurations for large enterprises, providing comprehensive network security and management across various sectors.

Service and Support

Customers report mixed experiences with the customer support and service of Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls. Support is generally helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive, but response times and quality of initial assistance can be inconsistent. Some clients face delays or struggle to reach experts directly, especially during critical issues. Language barriers are noted, as support is predominantly in English. Satisfied customers appreciate the expertise and promptness when issues are escalated to higher tiers.

Deployment

Users find Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls setup generally straightforward but sometimes challenging when unique network needs arise. Some report it as user-friendly, with clear documentation aiding the process. Transitioning from other solutions can add complexity, particularly with policy mapping. Effective planning and experience with the technology are key to a smoother implementation. Deployment duration varies, often influenced by company size and network configuration. Maintenance and configuration needs differ, impacting how straightforward the setup feels.

Scalability

Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls exhibit mixed scalability. Many users report high adaptability through diverse models and virtual/cloud-based solutions, citing ease of expansion and integration. However, some users highlight limitations due to hardware constraints, requiring model upgrades for higher capacity. Despite some challenges, these firewalls are favored for medium to large enterprises due to strong security features, centralized management through Panorama, and consistent performance across different environments. Cost can be a concern for smaller organizations.

Stability

Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls are widely acknowledged for their stability and reliability. Users report minimal issues, noting that configurations are critical to maintaining performance. Compared to other firewalls, Palo Alto is praised for its robustness and reliable functionality during various challenges. Frequent updates and configurations tend to align with user expectations, maintaining consistent performance under complex conditions. Overall, users rate the stability high, typically between eight and ten on a ten-point scale.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

15%

Financial Services Firm

Manufacturing Company

Government

Educational Organization

University

Comms Service Provider

Healthcare Company

Retailer

Construction Company

Non Profit

Insurance Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Energy/Utilities Company

Media Company

Hospitality Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Transportation Company

Performing Arts

Consumer Goods Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Outsourcing Company

Legal Firm

Engineering Company

Logistics Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Marketing Services Firm

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Compare Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls with alternative products

Learn more about Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls

Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls are a key choice for managing and protecting data centers, securing remote access, network segmentation, malware prevention, and ensuring high availability and performance for business-critical applications. Known for stability and strong security, these firewalls use application-aware identifiers and IPS/IDS subscriptions to offer advanced threat protection. The unified platform facilitates seamless integration, while GlobalProtect and centralized management via Panorama enhance ease of use. However, there are areas for improvement, including pricing strategies, training, user support, and integration with third-party applications.

What are the essential features?

Stability: Reliable performance in different environments.
Application Control: Identifies applications to manage traffic.
Advanced Threat Protection: Includes DNS security, WildFire, and machine learning.
GlobalProtect: Secure remote access for users.
Centralized Management: Managed via the Panorama platform.

What benefits or ROI should users expect?

Security: Protects against threats with robust features.
User-Friendly: Simplified interface and easy configuration.
High Availability: Ensures performance for critical applications.
Integration: Seamless with existing systems and applications.
Support: Reliable technical support and resources.

In industries like finance, healthcare, and retail, Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls secure sensitive data and meet regulatory requirements. These firewalls help manage large-scale networks in these sectors, providing essential security features and maintaining high-performance standards. They are implemented to ensure compliance, protect patient information, secure financial transactions, and safeguard customer data.

Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls was previously known as Palo Alto NGFW, Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall.

Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls customers

SkiStar AB, Ada County, Global IT Services PSF, Southern Cross Hospitals, Verge Health, University of Portsmouth, Austrian Airlines, The Heinz Endowments