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Compare Netgate pfSense and Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall 
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Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall
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At a Glance
Market Segments
Small-Business (68.7% of reviews)
Enterprise (43.3% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
No pricing available
Netgate pfSense
Star Rating
(322)4.8 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (68.7% of reviews)
Pros & Cons
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about Netgate pfSensePalo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall
Star Rating
(91)4.3 out of 5
Market Segments
Enterprise (43.3% of reviews)
Pros & Cons
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual FirewallSummary
AI Generated Summary
AI-generated. Powered by real user reviews.
- Users report that Netgate pfSense excels in its open-source code, allowing for extensive customization and flexibility, which is particularly beneficial for small businesses looking for tailored solutions.
- Reviewers mention that Palo Alto VM-Series shines in intrusion prevention capabilities, with a score of 8.8, indicating a robust defense against potential threats, which is crucial for enterprise-level users.
- G2 users highlight that Netgate pfSense offers superior quality of support with a score of 9.1, making it a reliable partner for businesses that may require more hands-on assistance.
- Users on G2 report that Palo Alto VM-Series provides better logging and reporting features, scoring 9.1, which helps enterprises maintain compliance and monitor their security posture effectively.
- Reviewers say that Netgate pfSense has a strong performance in multi-device usage with a score of 9.2, making it ideal for small businesses that operate across various platforms.
- Users mention that Palo Alto VM-Series is favored for its URL filtering capabilities, scoring 9.3, which is essential for enterprises looking to control web access and enhance security measures.
Pricing
Entry-Level Pricing
Netgate pfSense
No pricing availablePalo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall
No pricing availableFree Trial
Netgate pfSense
Free Trial is available
Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall
No trial information availableRatings
Meets Requirements
9.4
257
8.8
84
Ease of Use
8.5
264
8.3
85
Ease of Setup
8.8
243
8.3
81
Ease of Admin
8.8
241
8.5
62
Quality of Support
9.1
205
8.3
82
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
9.1
195
8.6
63
Product Direction (% positive)
8.6
258
9.4
81
Features by Category
Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)Hide 14 FeaturesShow 14 Features
Not enough data
8.8
37
Prevention
Not enough data
9.2
36
Not enough data
9.2
37
Not enough data
9.2
35
Not enough data
9.1
36
Not enough data
8.8
32
Detection
Not enough data
9.0
36
Not enough data
9.1
35
Not enough data
9.1
36
Administration
Not enough data
9.0
35
Not enough data
8.8
36
Not enough data
8.6
35
Generative AI
Not enough data
7.7
11
Agentic AI - Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)
Not enough data
8.3
5
Not enough data
8.3
5
Administration
8.7
185
8.8
68
8.3
208
8.9
68
8.4
178
8.6
67
9.0
199
8.7
66
Agentic AI - Firewall Software
Not enough data
8.3
12
Not enough data
8.9
11
Functionality
9.1
215
8.8
64
6.5
135
8.8
65
7.9
166
9.0
64
9.3
199
9.0
65
Monitoring
8.5
162
8.7
65
8.2
167
8.7
65
8.7
187
8.9
67
8.4
180
8.9
65
Generative AI
6.7
73
7.9
17
Artificial Intelligence - Firewall
Not enough data
8.8
14
Usage
9.2
145
Not enough data
9.5
161
Not enough data
9.3
164
Not enough data
9.4
155
Not enough data
7.9
109
Not enough data
8.5
112
Not enough data
8.5
107
Not enough data
Miscellaneous
8.2
108
Not enough data
9.3
145
Not enough data
8.2
97
Not enough data
Categories
Categories
Shared Categories
Netgate pfSense and Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall are categorized as Firewall Software
Unique Categories
Netgate pfSense is categorized as Business VPN
Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall is categorized as Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)
Reviews
Reviewers' Company Size
Netgate pfSense
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
Small-Business
(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market
(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise
(> 1000 emp.)
Reviewers' Industry
Information Technology and Services
20.4%
Computer & Network Security
10.5%
Computer Software
6.1%
Telecommunications
4.1%
Computer Networking
3.8%
Other
55.1%
Computer & Network Security
17.8%
Information Technology and Services
16.7%
Consulting
5.6%
Computer Software
5.6%
Insurance
4.4%
Other
50.0%
Alternatives
Discussions
Can pfSense be used as a router?
11 Comments
SG
pfSense is an open-source firewall and router software distribution based on FreeBSD. It supports NAT and different types of interfaces (WAN, LAN, DMZ). It...Read more
What is pfSense used for?
7 Comments
RB
pfSense is a a preconfigured operating system and suite of tools for directing traffic between your LAN and the Internet.
The community version of pfSense...Read more
Is pfSense still free?
5 Comments
JK
Yes, it is. There is a Community Edition and a Plus edition. The Community Edition is free. The Plus edition is free for home lab and comes pre-installed...Read more
Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall has no discussions with answers
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