# Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW vs Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that both Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall and Cloud NGFW offer strong security features, but users of the VM-Series appreciate its **consistent security across on-premises and cloud environments** , highlighting the preservation of App-ID, User-ID, and Threat Prevention capabilities.
- **Users say** that the Cloud NGFW excels in providing **visibility and control over network traffic** , with a user-friendly dashboard that consolidates information effectively, making it easier to monitor active applications and users.
- **Reviewers mention** that while both products have similar ratings for ease of use, the VM-Series slightly edges out with a more intuitive setup process, which users find beneficial for quick implementation and minimal downtime.
- **According to verified reviews** , the VM-Series is praised for its **cost-effectiveness** and capability to match physical firewall performance, making it a preferred choice for enterprises looking for robust security without compromising on budget.
- **Users appreciate** the Cloud NGFW for its **comprehensive threat prevention capabilities** , which provide detailed insights into application usage, helping security teams enforce policies more effectively.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that both products maintain a high quality of support, but the VM-Series has received feedback indicating a slight edge in **administrative ease** , allowing for smoother management of security policies and configurations.



| | Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW | Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.3 out of 5 | 4.3 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 142 | 92 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Mid-Market (38.6% of reviews) | Enterprise (44.0% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW

Pros:
- Threat Protection (13 reviews)
- Deployment Ease (10 reviews)

Cons:
- Expensive (14 reviews)
- Complex Configuration (8 reviews)

### Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall

Pros:
- Features (18 reviews)
- Threat Protection (18 reviews)

Cons:
- Expensive (26 reviews)
- Difficult Learning Curve (11 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW | Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.8 (130 reviews) | 8.8 (85 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.2 (129 reviews) | 8.3 (86 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.1 (120 reviews) | 8.2 (82 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.2 (87 reviews) | 8.5 (63 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.3 (118 reviews) | 8.3 (82 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.7 (82 reviews) | 8.6 (63 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 9.1 (123 reviews) | 9.4 (82 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

Yes

### Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Network Security

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW** | N/A | N/A |
| **Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall** | N/A | N/A |

#### Additional Functionality

| Feature | Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW | Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall | 
|---|---|---|
| **Penetration Testing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Alerts/Notifications** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Audit Trail** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Anti Virus** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Vulnerability Scanning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Remote Monitoring & Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **VPN** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Behavior Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting/Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Notifications** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Access Controls/Permissions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **SSL Security** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Patch Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Event Logs** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Anomaly/Malware Detection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **DNS Leak Protection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Third-Party Integrations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Server Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Compliance Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Network Provisioning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **API** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Email Alerts** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Security Auditing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Intrusion Detection System** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Visualization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Two-Factor Authentication** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Generative AI** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Firewalls** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Copilot** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Anti Spam** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Threat Response** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Risk Alerts** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Loss Prevention** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Single Sign On** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Intrusion Prevention System** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Secure Login** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Policy Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Dashboard** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW** | N/A | N/A |
| **Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall** | 8.8/10 | 37 |

#### Prevention

| Feature | Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW | Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall | 
|---|---|---|
| **Intrusion Prevention** | Not enough data | 9.2 (36 reviews) | 
| **Firewall** | Not enough data | 9.2 (37 reviews) | 
| **Encryption** | Not enough data | 9.2 (35 reviews) | 
| **Security hardening** | Not enough data | 9.1 (36 reviews) | 
| **Cloud Data Protection** | Not enough data | 8.8 (32 reviews) | 

#### Detection

| Feature | Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW | Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall | 
|---|---|---|
| **Intrusion Detection** | Not enough data | 9.0 (36 reviews) | 
| **Security Monitoring** | Not enough data | 9.1 (35 reviews) | 
| **Anti-Malware / Malware Detection** | Not enough data | 9.1 (36 reviews) | 

#### Administration

| Feature | Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW | Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall | 
|---|---|---|
| **Compliance** | Not enough data | 9.0 (35 reviews) | 
| **Administration Console -** | Not enough data | 8.8 (36 reviews) | 
| **API / integrations** | Not enough data | 8.6 (35 reviews) | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW | Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Summarization** | Not enough data | 7.7 (11 reviews) | 

#### Agentic AI - Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)

| Feature | Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW | Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | 8.3 (5 reviews) | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | 8.3 (5 reviews) | 

### Firewall Software

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW** | 8.5/10 | 126 |
| **Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall** | 8.7/10 | 70 |

#### Administration

| Feature | Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW | Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall | 
|---|---|---|
| **Policy Management** | 8.8 (118 reviews) | 8.8 (69 reviews) | 
| **Logging and Reporting** | 8.5 (108 reviews) | 8.9 (68 reviews) | 
| **Application Gateway** | 8.4 (102 reviews) | 8.6 (67 reviews) | 
| **Concurrent Sessions** | 8.2 (101 reviews) | 8.7 (66 reviews) | 
| **Uptime Reporting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Web Traffic Reporting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Compliance Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Access Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Incident Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Audit Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Remote Monitoring & Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI - Firewall Software

| Feature | Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW | Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | 8.3 (12 reviews) | 
| **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | 8.9 (11 reviews) | 
| **AI/Machine Learning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Functionality

| Feature | Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW | Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall | 
|---|---|---|
| **Virtual Private Network (VPN)** | 8.6 (102 reviews) | 8.8 (64 reviews) | 
| **Antivirus** | 8.5 (105 reviews) | 8.8 (65 reviews) | 
| **URL Filtering** | 8.7 (104 reviews) | 9.0 (64 reviews) | 
| **Availability** | 8.6 (100 reviews) | 9.0 (65 reviews) | 
| **IP Filtering** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Content Filtering** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Monitoring

| Feature | Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW | Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall | 
|---|---|---|
| **Load Balancing** | 8.2 (99 reviews) | 8.7 (65 reviews) | 
| **Continuous Analysis** | 8.5 (101 reviews) | 8.7 (65 reviews) | 
| **Intrusion Prevention** | 8.8 (109 reviews) | 8.9 (68 reviews) | 
| **Intrusion Detection** | 8.8 (99 reviews) | 8.9 (65 reviews) | 
| **Intrusion Detection System** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Intrusion Prevention System** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW | Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Summarization** | 7.5 (92 reviews) | 7.9 (17 reviews) | 
| **Generative AI** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Artificial Intelligence - Firewall

| Feature | Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW | Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Firewall** | Feature Not Available | 8.8 (14 reviews) | 

#### Additional Functionality

| Feature | Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW | Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall | 
|---|---|---|
| **Spam Blocker** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Alerts/Escalation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Role-Based Permissions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Network Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Visual Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customizable Reports** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting & Statistics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Anti Spam** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Dashboard** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Notifications** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Hardware Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Summary Reports** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Alerts/Notifications** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Access Controls/Permissions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Data** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Server Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Two-Factor Authentication** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Log Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting/Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-Location** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **SSL Security** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Behavior Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Copilot** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **API** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Event Logs** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Vulnerability Scanning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Risk Alerts** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Single Sign On** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Dashboard Creation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Firewall Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/firewall-software)


**Unique to Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall (1):** [Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)](https://www.g2.com/categories/intrusion-detection-and-prevention-systems-idps)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW | Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 28.6% | 26.4% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 38.6% | 29.7% | 
| **Enterprise** | 32.9% | 44.0% | 

### By Industry

#### Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW

- **Computer & Network Security:** 18.0%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 17.3%
- **Banking:** 6.8%
- **Telecommunications:** 5.3%
- **Financial Services:** 5.3%
- **Computer Software:** 4.5%
- **Internet:** 3.8%
- **Consulting:** 3.0%
- **Computer Networking:** 3.0%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 3.0%
- **Other:** 30.1%

#### Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall

- **Computer & Network Security:** 17.6%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 16.5%
- **Consulting:** 5.5%
- **Computer Software:** 5.5%
- **Insurance:** 4.4%
- **Telecommunications:** 3.3%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 3.3%
- **Oil & Energy:** 3.3%
- **Banking:** 3.3%
- **Education Management:** 3.3%
- **Other:** 34.1%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW

- [Azure Firewall](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-firewall/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (31 reviews)
- [Netgate pfSense](https://www.g2.com/products/netgate-pfsense/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (326 reviews)
- [Sophos Firewall](https://www.g2.com/products/sophos-firewall/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (869 reviews)
- [Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs)](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (595 reviews)
- [FortiGate-VM NGFW](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-vm-ngfw/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (250 reviews)
- [ThreatLocker Zero Trust Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/threatlocker-zero-trust-platform/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (514 reviews)
- [Zscaler Internet Access](https://www.g2.com/products/zscaler-internet-access/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (291 reviews)
- [Check Point Cloud Firewall (formerly CloudGuard Network Security)](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-cloud-firewall-formerly-cloudguard-network-security/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (294 reviews)
- [WatchGuard Network Security](https://www.g2.com/products/watchguard-network-security/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (268 reviews)
- [SonicWall Next Generation Firewall](https://www.g2.com/products/sonicwall-next-generation-firewall/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (154 reviews)

### Alternatives to Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall

- [Sophos Firewall](https://www.g2.com/products/sophos-firewall/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (869 reviews)
- [Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs)](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (595 reviews)
- [Netgate pfSense](https://www.g2.com/products/netgate-pfsense/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (326 reviews)
- [ThreatLocker Zero Trust Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/threatlocker-zero-trust-platform/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (514 reviews)
- [FortiGate-VM NGFW](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-vm-ngfw/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (250 reviews)
- [Check Point Cloud Firewall (formerly CloudGuard Network Security)](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-cloud-firewall-formerly-cloudguard-network-security/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (294 reviews)
- [Zscaler Internet Access](https://www.g2.com/products/zscaler-internet-access/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (291 reviews)
- [WatchGuard Network Security](https://www.g2.com/products/watchguard-network-security/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (268 reviews)
- [TrendAI Vision One - Cloud Security](https://www.g2.com/products/trendai-vision-one-cloud-security/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (187 reviews)
- [SonicWall Next Generation Firewall](https://www.g2.com/products/sonicwall-next-generation-firewall/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (154 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW

No discussions available for this product.

### Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall

No discussions available for this product.

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/palo-alto-networks-cloud-ngfw-vs-palo-alto-networks-vm-series-virtual-firewall)