Link copied to clipboard # Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW vs VM-Series Virtual Firewall Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/palo-alto-networks-cloud-ngfw/vm-series-virtual-firewall/export.csv) Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFWVM-Series Virtual Firewall[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW** Free Trial No pricing available **VM-Series Virtual Firewall** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW** 3 months Based on 22 responses **VM-Series Virtual Firewall** 3 months Based on 6 responses Return on Investment **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW** 11 months2 months sooner Based on 22 responses **VM-Series Virtual Firewall** 13 months Based on 6 responses Perceived Cost **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW** $$$$$ **VM-Series Virtual Firewall** $$$$$ Average Discount **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW** 12% **VM-Series Virtual Firewall** 12% **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW** [ Features (21) ](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-cloud-ngfw/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1427140&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Ease of Use (19) ](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-cloud-ngfw/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1425652&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Expensive (24) ](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-cloud-ngfw/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1426736&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Complex Configuration (12) ](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-cloud-ngfw/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1428236&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) **VM-Series Virtual Firewall** [ Features (18) ](https://www.g2.com/products/vm-series-virtual-firewall/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2008021&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Threat Protection (18) ](https://www.g2.com/products/vm-series-virtual-firewall/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2008023&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Expensive (26) ](https://www.g2.com/products/vm-series-virtual-firewall/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2008010&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Difficult Learning Curve (11) ](https://www.g2.com/products/vm-series-virtual-firewall/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2031698&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Integrations **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 ](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-ec2/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_6f7467a9095411d659210c508d7bb82a/amazon-virtual-private-cloud-amazon-vpc.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Amazon Virtual Private... ](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-virtual-private-cloud-amazon-vpc/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_3a7a925cc43d97814fa81ec2d6c06f45/amazon-web-services-ai.jpeg "Product Avatar Image") Amazon Web Services AI ](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-web-services-ai/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_0a0da7c2a20bae5318805e885a9a676e/awx-ansible-open-source-gui-project-amazon-linux.jpg "Product Avatar Image") AWX - Ansible Open Source... ](https://www.g2.com/products/awx-ansible-open-source-gui-project-amazon-linux/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-cloud-ngfw/integrations) **VM-Series Virtual Firewall** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_47bf20a76fe88056707e198b1947bb33/cisco-application-centric-infrastructure-aci.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Cisco Application Centric... ](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-application-centric-infrastructure-aci/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_714a85cc0a3550036eb29b16ed622945/fortisiem.jpg "Product Avatar Image") FortiSIEM ](https://www.g2.com/products/fortisiem/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_5d3f3d677954defc7e2c4125b2deb797/nutanix-database-service-ndb.png "Product Avatar Image") Nutanix Database Service (NDB) ](https://www.g2.com/products/nutanix-database-service-ndb/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_8b3109519c061f3739371275d691098a/palo-alto-networks-panorama.png "Product Avatar Image") Palo Alto Networks Panorama ](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-panorama/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/vm-series-virtual-firewall/integrations) Screenshots **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) **VM-Series Virtual Firewall** No screenshot available **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW** **8.8** /10 Based on 173 responses **VM-Series Virtual Firewall** **8.8** /10 Based on 86 responses Ease of Use **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW** **8.2** /10 Based on 179 responses **VM-Series Virtual Firewall** **8.3** /10 Based on 87 responses Ease of Setup **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW** **8.1** /10 Based on 171 responses **VM-Series Virtual Firewall** **8.2** /10 Based on 83 responses Ease of Admin **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW** **8.2** /10 Based on 113 responses **VM-Series Virtual Firewall** **8.5** /10 Based on 64 responses Quality of Support **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW** **8.4** /10 Based on 161 responses **VM-Series Virtual Firewall** **8.3** /10 Based on 83 responses Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW** **8.7** /10 Based on 107 responses **VM-Series Virtual Firewall** **8.6** /10 Based on 64 responses Product Direction (% positive) **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW** **9.1** /10 Based on 162 responses **VM-Series Virtual Firewall** **9.4** /10 Based on 83 responses **Features** ratings from reviews Firewall Software **9.1** /10 Based on 176 responses **8.7** /10 Based on 71 responses Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS) Not enough data **8.8** /10 Based on 37 responses User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 32.1% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 38.9% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 29.0% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 32.1% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 38.9% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 29.0% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 26.1% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 30.4% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 43.5% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 26.1% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 30.4% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 43.5% **Reviewers' Industry** [![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 19.0% Computer & Network Security 17.4% Banking 7.1% Computer Networking 5.4% Computer Software 4.9% Other 46.2% [![VM-Series Virtual Firewall](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/f6a3d45d41e697437b84a2340cfee124/vm-series-virtual-firewall.svg "VM-Series Virtual Firewall")](https://www.g2.com/products/vm-series-virtual-firewall/reviews) VM-Series Virtual Firewall Computer & Network Security 17.4% Information Technology and Services 17.4% Consulting 5.4% Computer Software 5.4% Insurance 4.3% Other 50.0% Alternatives **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW Alternatives** ![Azure Firewall](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a8a99a96fda235658139f710592f8a53/azure-firewall.svg "Azure Firewall") [ Azure Firewall ](/products/azure-firewall/reviews) ![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) **VM-Series Virtual Firewall Alternatives** ![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) ![Sophos Firewall](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/c3eafd206cf051259b58dcd9712f2d46/sophos-firewall.svg "Sophos Firewall") [ Sophos Firewall ](/products/sophos-firewall/reviews) ![Netgate pfSense](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/f4469990cc8ea128d45e4ab41bf45ef3/netgate-pfsense.svg "Netgate pfSense") [ Netgate pfSense ](/products/netgate-pfsense/reviews) ## Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW vs VM-Series Virtual Firewall FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 16, 2026 ### What is the difference between Palo Alto Networks... vs Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW? Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall is favored for hybrid and multi-cloud consistency, while Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW is highlighted for ease of deployment and management in cloud-native environments. | [Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-vm-series-virtual-firewall/reviews) | [Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-cloud-ngfw/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.3/5 (92 reviews) | 4.3/5 (145 reviews) | | Enterprise | Mid-Market | | 8.2 | 8.1 | | 8.3 | 8.3 | | Consistency across on-premises and cloud security | Ease of deployment and management in cloud-native environments | ### How do the pricing models of Palo Alto Networks... and Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW compare? Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW and Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall are rated at parity for value, with both showing similar satisfaction on cost-related dimensions. - **Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall:** In recent reviews, many cite high cost and licensing complexity as a significant trade-off, with 26 all-time mentions of expense and 7 for pricing issues. - **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW:** Reviewers frequently mention the pay-as-you-go pricing model as expensive, with 14 all-time mentions of expense and 4 for pricing issues, but also note its flexibility for scaling in cloud environments. ### What are the best alternatives to Palo Alto Networks... and Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW? The top three alternatives to Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall and Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW are Sophos Firewall, Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs), and Netgate pfSense. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-vm-series-virtual-firewall/reviews) | 4.3/5 (92 reviews) | Enterprise | High cost and licensing complexity frequently cited | Consistency across on-premises and cloud security | | [Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-cloud-ngfw/reviews) | 4.3/5 (145 reviews) | Mid-Market | Expensive pay-as-you-go model, but flexible for cloud scaling | Ease of deployment and management in cloud-native environments | | [Sophos Firewall](https://www.g2.com/products/sophos-firewall/reviews) | 4.7/5 (870 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Comprehensive security features and ease of use | | [Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs)](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws/reviews) | 4.5/5 (595 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Strong threat prevention and policy management | | [Netgate pfSense](https://www.g2.com/products/netgate-pfsense/reviews) | 4.7/5 (326 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Open-source flexibility and cost-effectiveness | ### Which Firewall Software features should I prioritize when comparing Palo Alto Networks... and Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW? Buyers comparing Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall and Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW should prioritize threat protection, deployment and management, integration capabilities, cost structure, and application visibility. - **Threat Protection:** Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall (18 all-time mentions), Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW (13 all-time mentions). - **Deployment and Management:** Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall (11 all-time mentions for deployment ease), Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW (10 all-time mentions for deployment ease, 7 for ease of implementation). - **Integration Capabilities:** Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall (9 all-time mentions), Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW (6 all-time mentions). - **Cost Structure:** Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall (26 all-time mentions for expense), Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW (14 all-time mentions for expense). - **Application Visibility:** Both products are frequently cited for strong application visibility and control in recent reviews. ### What are the pros and cons of Palo Alto Networks... vs Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW? Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall is strongest for hybrid and multi-cloud consistency, while Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW excels in ease of deployment and management for cloud-native environments. - **Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall strengths:** Consistency across on-premises and cloud security (18 all-time mentions for features, 18 for threat protection), deep application awareness, centralized management, and advanced threat prevention. - **Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall trade-offs:** High cost and licensing complexity (26 all-time mentions for expense, 10 for complex configuration), steep learning curve (11 mentions), and resource-intensive performance (8 mentions for high resource usage). - **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW strengths:** Ease of deployment and management in cloud-native environments (10 all-time mentions for deployment ease, 7 for ease of implementation), strong threat protection (13 mentions), and flexible scaling. - **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW trade-offs:** Expensive pay-as-you-go pricing (14 all-time mentions for expense), complex configuration (8 mentions), and a learning curve for advanced features (6 mentions). ### Is Palo Alto Networks... or Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW better for small businesses? Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW is the better fit for small businesses, as it is most prominent in the Mid-Market segment and is frequently cited for ease of deployment and management. - **Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall:** Largest segment is Enterprise; reviewers highlight its robust security and centralized management but note high cost and complexity as barriers for smaller teams. - **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; reviewers emphasize its ease of implementation and management, though cost is still a consideration for small businesses. ### Which Firewall Software platform has better integrations? Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall and Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW are at parity for integrations, with both products receiving similar reviewer attention for integration capabilities. - **Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall:** Integrations are mentioned in 9 reviews, with recent reviewers highlighting compatibility with AWS, Azure, and other cloud platforms. - **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW:** Integrations are mentioned in 6 reviews, with recent feedback noting integration with AWS, Azure, and Elastic Stack. ### How do Palo Alto Networks... and Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW compare on customer support? Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall and Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW are rated at parity for Quality of Support, both scoring 8.3. - **Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall:** Reviewers consistently cite responsive and reliable customer support, with 8 all-time mentions for customer support and positive experiences during deployment and troubleshooting. - **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW:** Reviewers highlight helpful support teams and effective troubleshooting, with 7 all-time mentions for quality of support and positive feedback on TAC support and implementation assistance. ### Which is easier to implement, Palo Alto Networks... or Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW? Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall and Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW are rated at near-parity for Ease of Setup, with scores of 8.2 and 8.1 respectively. - **Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall:** Reviewers describe the setup as complex, especially for new users, but note that the interface is intuitive once learned and that deployment is efficient for experienced teams. - **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW:** Reviewers highlight ease of deployment and management, particularly in cloud-native environments, but also mention that initial configuration can be complex for those unfamiliar with the platform. ### Which product has better Firewall? Both Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall and Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW are highly rated for Firewall capabilities, with strong reviewer sentiment and frequent mentions of firewall efficiency. - **Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Firewall:** 11 all-time mentions for firewall efficiency, 13 for protection, and 18 for threat protection; reviewers highlight deep packet inspection and granular policy enforcement. - **Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW:** 2 all-time mentions for firewall efficiency, 13 for threat protection, and 6 for security; reviewers emphasize strong application visibility and automated threat prevention in cloud environments.