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# Azure Firewall vs Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW Comparison - What are their main differences?

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Azure FirewallPalo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW[+ Add Product](#)

Pricing

**Azure Firewall**
No pricing available

**Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW**
Free Trial

No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Perceived Cost

**Azure Firewall**
$$$$$

**Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**Azure Firewall**
Not enough reviews yet

**Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW**
12%

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Time to Implement

**Azure Firewall** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

Return on Investment

**Azure Firewall** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**Pros & Cons**
from reviews

**Azure Firewall**

Security Protection (2)

Ease of Use (1)

High System Requirements (1)

Slow Performance (1)

**Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW**

Features (21)

Ease of Use (19)

Expensive (24)

Complex Configuration (12)

Integrations

**Azure Firewall**
Not enough data

**Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_cacdec8b8edeace9b3c89e0c2cded695/amazon-ec2.jpg "Product Avatar Image")

Amazon EC2

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Amazon Virtual Private...

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Amazon Web Services AI

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AWX - Ansible Open Source...

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View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-cloud-ngfw/integrations)

Screenshots

**Azure Firewall**
No screenshot available

**Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW**
 ![Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/1351634/product-rtbs-stop-more-threats-1067x593.jpg)

**Ratings**
from reviews

Meets Requirements

**Azure Firewall**

**9.0** /10

Based on 22 responses

**Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW**

**8.8** /10

Based on 179 responses

Ease of Use

**Azure Firewall**

**8.7** /10

Based on 23 responses

**Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW**

**8.2** /10

Based on 185 responses

Ease of Setup

**Azure Firewall**

**8.5** /10

Based on 13 responses

**Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW**

**8.1** /10

Based on 177 responses

Ease of Admin

**Azure Firewall**

**8.8** /10

Based on 12 responses

**Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW**

**8.2** /10

Based on 118 responses

Quality of Support

**Azure Firewall**

**9.0** /10

Based on 21 responses

**Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW**

**8.4** /10

Based on 167 responses

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Azure Firewall**

**9.2** /10

Based on 11 responses

**Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW**

**8.7** /10

Based on 112 responses

Product Direction (% positive)

**Azure Firewall**

**7.8** /10

Based on 21 responses

**Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW**

**9.2** /10

Based on 167 responses

**Features**
ratings from reviews

Firewall Software

**8.9** /10

Based on 15 responses

**9.0** /10

Based on 183 responses

User Insights

**Reviewers' Company Size**

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
24.0%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
48.0%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
28.0%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
24.0%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
48.0%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
28.0%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
32.0%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
38.6%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
29.4%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
32.0%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
38.6%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
29.4%

**Reviewers' Industry**

[![Azure Firewall](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a8a99a96fda235658139f710592f8a53/azure-firewall.svg "Azure Firewall")](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-firewall/reviews)
Azure Firewall

Information Technology and Services
40.0%

Computer Networking
8.0%

Computer & Network Security
8.0%

Medical Practice
4.0%

Market Research
4.0%

Other
36.0%

[![Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/ebdad1b3b32aae1ae3e92d7c850a6be1/palo-alto-networks-cloud-ngfw.svg "Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW")](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-cloud-ngfw/reviews)
Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW

Information Technology and Services
18.9%

Computer & Network Security
17.4%

Banking
7.4%

Computer Networking
5.3%

Computer Software
4.7%

Other
46.3%

Alternatives

**Azure Firewall Alternatives**

 ![Zscaler Internet Access](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/f063065622874e0a8214c8615c634d1e/zscaler-internet-access.svg "Zscaler Internet Access")

[
Zscaler Internet Access
](/products/zscaler-internet-access/reviews)

 ![FortiGate-VM NGFW](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/fa3376b61f91a50021359e71d1976187/fortigate-vm-ngfw.jpg "FortiGate-VM NGFW")

[
FortiGate-VM NGFW
](/products/fortigate-vm-ngfw/reviews)

 ![Netgate pfSense](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/f4469990cc8ea128d45e4ab41bf45ef3/netgate-pfsense.svg "Netgate pfSense")

[
Netgate pfSense
](/products/netgate-pfsense/reviews)

 ![Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/bac35b1c7d560638b47c46bddb26a15c/cisco-secure-firewall-threat-defense-virtual-formerly-ngfwv.svg "Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual (formerly NGFWv)")

[
Cisco Secure Firewall...
](/products/cisco-secure-firewall-threat-defense-virtual-formerly-ngfwv/reviews)

**Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW Alternatives**

 ![Netgate pfSense](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/f4469990cc8ea128d45e4ab41bf45ef3/netgate-pfsense.svg "Netgate pfSense")

[
Netgate pfSense
](/products/netgate-pfsense/reviews)

 ![Sophos Firewall](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/c3eafd206cf051259b58dcd9712f2d46/sophos-firewall.svg "Sophos Firewall")

[
Sophos Firewall
](/products/sophos-firewall/reviews)

 ![FortiGate-VM NGFW](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/fa3376b61f91a50021359e71d1976187/fortigate-vm-ngfw.jpg "FortiGate-VM NGFW")

[
FortiGate-VM NGFW
](/products/fortigate-vm-ngfw/reviews)

 ![Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/64ff8da1b6e6ffabf4336ae2510e8e3e/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws.svg "Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs)")

[
Check Point Next Generation...
](/products/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws/reviews)

## Azure Firewall vs Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 15, 2026

### What is the difference between Azure Firewall vs Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW?

Azure Firewall stands out for higher reviewer satisfaction on setup and support, while Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW is recognized for advanced threat protection and deployment ease.

| | [Azure Firewall](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-firewall/reviews) | [Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-cloud-ngfw/reviews) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.5/5 (31 reviews) | 4.3/5 (145 reviews) |
| Largest Segment | Mid-Market | Mid-Market |
| Ease of Setup score | 8.5 | 8.1 |
| Quality of Support score | 8.9 | 8.3 |
| Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Security Protection | Threat Protection |

### How do the pricing models of Azure Firewall and Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW compare?

Azure Firewall is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing greater satisfaction with its pricing compared to Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW.

- **Azure Firewall:** In recent reviews, buyers note Azure Firewall as cost-effective for complex Azure environments, though costs can accumulate with increased usage.
- **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW:** Reviewers consistently cite high cumulative costs and expensive licensing, especially for small businesses and when scaling across multiple regions.
- **Switching reasons:** Recent reviews mention switching to Azure Firewall for better value in Azure-centric deployments, while cost is a frequent reason for not choosing Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW.

### What are the best alternatives to Azure Firewall and Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW?

The top 3 alternatives to Azure Firewall and Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW are Zscaler Internet Access, FortiGate-VM NGFW, and Netgate pfSense.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Azure Firewall](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-firewall/reviews) | 4.5/5 (31 reviews) | Mid-Market | Costs can accumulate with usage | Security Protection |
| [Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-cloud-ngfw/reviews) | 4.3/5 (145 reviews) | Mid-Market | Expensive, especially at scale | Threat Protection |
| [Zscaler Internet Access](https://www.g2.com/products/zscaler-internet-access/reviews) | 4.4/5 (291 reviews) | Enterprise | — | — |
| [FortiGate-VM NGFW](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-vm-ngfw/reviews) | 4.6/5 (252 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | — |
| [Netgate pfSense](https://www.g2.com/products/netgate-pfsense/reviews) | 4.7/5 (326 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — |

### Which Firewall Software features should I prioritize when comparing Azure Firewall and Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW?

Buyers should prioritize threat protection, ease of setup, quality of support, URL filtering, and cost-effectiveness when comparing Azure Firewall and Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW.

- **Threat Protection:** Azure Firewall (Security Protection, 2 all-time mentions); Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW (Threat Protection, 13 all-time mentions).
- **Ease of Setup:** Azure Firewall (8.5); Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW (8.1).
- **Quality of Support:** Azure Firewall (8.9); Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW (8.3).
- **URL Filtering:** Both products are frequently cited for URL filtering capabilities in recent reviews.
- **Cost-Effectiveness:** Azure Firewall is noted as cost-effective for Azure environments, while Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW is frequently cited as expensive (14 all-time mentions).

### What are the pros and cons of Azure Firewall vs Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW?

Azure Firewall's headline strength is ease of use and integration with Azure, while Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW is recognized for advanced threat protection and deployment features.

- **Azure Firewall strengths:** Security Protection (2 all-time mentions), Ease of Use, helpful for Azure-centric deployments.
- **Azure Firewall trade-offs:** High system requirements, slow performance, and costs can accumulate with increased usage.
- **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW strengths:** Threat Protection (13 all-time mentions), Deployment Ease (10 all-time mentions), Features (8 all-time mentions), Integrations (6 all-time mentions), Advanced Security (4 all-time mentions).
- **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW trade-offs:** Expensive (14 all-time mentions), complex configuration (8 all-time mentions), difficult learning curve (6 all-time mentions), and high resource usage.

### Is Azure Firewall or Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW better for small businesses?

Netgate pfSense is the top-rated alternative for small businesses, but between Azure Firewall and Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW, Azure Firewall is more frequently cited as suitable for small environments.

- **Azure Firewall:** Largest segment is Mid-Market, but recent reviews highlight its applicability for small, medium, and large environments, with some noting cost as a consideration for small entities.
- **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW:** Largest segment is Mid-Market, and reviewers frequently cite high cost and complexity as barriers for small businesses.

### Which Firewall Software platform has better integrations?

Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW is favored by reviewers for integrations, with 6 all-time mentions of integration capabilities.

- **Azure Firewall:** No recent reviewer-cited integrations.
- **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW:** Integrations are cited in 6 all-time reviews, with recent mentions of integration with SIEM, EDR, vulnerability management, and identity services.

### How do Azure Firewall and Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW compare on customer support?

Azure Firewall scores higher on Quality of Support (8.9 vs 8.3), a difference of 0.6 points, indicating a material advantage.

- **Azure Firewall:** Reviewers consistently praise fast and reliable customer support, with multiple recent reviews highlighting helpfulness and responsiveness.
- **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW:** Reviewers note helpful support but also mention challenges such as slow response times and the need for more experienced support engineers.

### Which is easier to implement, Azure Firewall or Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW?

Azure Firewall is rated higher for Ease of Setup (8.5 vs 8.1), a difference of 0.4 points, indicating it is easier to implement than Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW.

- **Azure Firewall:** Reviewers describe setup as easy and user-friendly, especially for those familiar with Azure environments, though some note initial complexity for newcomers.
- **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW:** Reviewers frequently mention a complex initial setup and a steep learning curve, especially for advanced features, but also note that management becomes easier after initial configuration.

### Which product has better URL Filtering?

Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW is more frequently cited for advanced URL Filtering capabilities.

- **Azure Firewall:** URL filtering is mentioned as a benefit in recent reviews, with reviewers noting its effectiveness for web filtering and threat intelligence.
- **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW:** URL Filtering is a core feature, frequently cited in recent reviews, and is integrated with threat prevention and content-based controls.