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Palo Alto Networks VM-Series pros and cons

4.3 out of 5

Pros & Cons summary

Buyer's Guide

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Prominent pros & cons

PROS

Palo Alto Networks VM-Series provides detailed visibility into network traffic, including applications in use.
It offers excellent scalability, adapting easily to changes in load and resources.
The centralized management system simplifies security configuration, offering a single pane of glass for all installations.
The security features include advanced threat prevention with real-time visibility and robust threat intelligence support.
Its integration with cloud services like AWS and Azure enhances security posture and operational agility.

CONS

There are issues with performance and scalability, particularly in cloud deployments and the management of VM instances.
Integration with third-party tools and multi-factor authentication systems needs improvement.
Technical support is challenging to access and is not always efficient.
Licensing models and costs can be burdensome, with features not fully utilized by users.
The setup process is complex and requires extensive documentation review.
 

Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Pros review quotes

MuhammadNadeem - PeerSpot reviewer
Sr. Network Engineer at a tech services company with 1-10 employees
Nov 6, 2025
Palo Alto Networks VM-Series is better than Fortinet, mainly in its SP3 structure, flexibility, and reliability, and based on feedback from customers.
GR
General Manager at Tilaknagar Industries Ltd
Dec 17, 2024
Palo Alto offers excellent security, with features such as email scanning, malware protection, and efficient VPN and antivirus capabilities.
RonnieYazdani - PeerSpot reviewer
Head of Sales at Omgea Exim Ltd
Apr 17, 2025
It offers robust solutions, making it valuable to my customers.
Learn what your peers think about Palo Alto Networks VM-Series. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: June 2026.
902,270 professionals have used our research since 2012.
FN
Senior IT Infrastructure Specialist at contemi
Apr 3, 2025
Overall, I rate Palo Alto Networks VM-Series an eight out of ten. I am happy with its performance and rich features.
A
Senior Manager Technical Security at Hitachi Systems, Ltd.
Nov 20, 2024
The most effective features for threat prevention include the threat prevention signature level, the application filter capability, and the visibility provided by the firewalls.
AshwaniTyagi - PeerSpot reviewer
Regional Manager at Orange
Sep 16, 2024
It helps in offering advanced protection against malware and anti-spyware, which is based on customer feedback stating the product has very good threat prevention capabilities.
ØM
Senior Security Consultant at Netsecurity.no
Apr 30, 2025
The most valuable features are the DNS security and threat prevention capabilities.
SK
Product Manager of IT Ops and Management at ManageEngine A division of Zoho Corporation.
Oct 15, 2024
Palo Alto is easy to use. The UI is very easy to understand and does not require any certification or highly skilled technician to handle the firewall. It is very user-friendly and straightforward out of the box.
reviewer1360608 - PeerSpot reviewer
Security Technical Lead at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Dec 24, 2024
Palo Alto's robust threat intelligence supports new updates, and I can open cases directly with their Threat Intelligence team.
AW
Sr. Networking Engineer at Emerson
Apr 19, 2023
I like the UI. Most things are accessible from the user interface and it is quite user-friendly. With respect to both VM-based firewalls and physical firewalls, it's easy to create updates.
 

Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Cons review quotes

MuhammadNadeem - PeerSpot reviewer
Sr. Network Engineer at a tech services company with 1-10 employees
Nov 6, 2025
There are some deficiencies in Palo Alto Networks VM-Series. Having those features missing, we are not proposing Palo Alto Networks VM-Series to all customers.
GR
General Manager at Tilaknagar Industries Ltd
Dec 17, 2024
There is a need for two-factor authentication, particularly for VPN and CloudProtect.
RonnieYazdani - PeerSpot reviewer
Head of Sales at Omgea Exim Ltd
Apr 17, 2025
The performance of VM instances has some limitations in terms of threshold and throughput compared to appliances.
Learn what your peers think about Palo Alto Networks VM-Series. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: June 2026.
902,270 professionals have used our research since 2012.
FN
Senior IT Infrastructure Specialist at contemi
Apr 3, 2025
The initial setup of Palo Alto Networks VM-Series was somewhat challenging, requiring extensive documentation review. I rate it a six out of ten for ease.
A
Senior Manager Technical Security at Hitachi Systems, Ltd.
Nov 20, 2024
When managing the firewall, it involves a Strata Cloud web browser that requires improvement to enhance deployment ease and call center efficiency.
AshwaniTyagi - PeerSpot reviewer
Regional Manager at Orange
Sep 16, 2024
The scalability could be improved further.
ØM
Senior Security Consultant at Netsecurity.no
Apr 30, 2025
Perfection is unlikely as the dynamic nature of traffic and constant changes can result in occasional bugs despite regular updates.
SK
Product Manager of IT Ops and Management at ManageEngine A division of Zoho Corporation.
Oct 15, 2024
Enhancing the ease of accessing technical support would be useful.
reviewer1360608 - PeerSpot reviewer
Security Technical Lead at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Dec 24, 2024
I find it difficult to reach technical support at Palo Alto Networks. Most customers go for partner-enabled support, which involves multiple layers, leading to delays.
AW
Sr. Networking Engineer at Emerson
Apr 19, 2023
Recently, they introduced their Prisma Cloud solution. Compared to the previous technologies, like Panorama, which is used for centralized firewall management, or even the individual firewalls, it's a bit challenging to integrate the traditional firewall policies into Prisma Cloud.