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# Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls vs Snort Comparison - What are their main differences?

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Palo Alto Networks...Snort[+ Add Product](#)

Reviews

**Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls** [

4.5/5(171)

](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-next-generation-firewalls/reviews#reviews)

**Snort** [

4/5(18)

](https://www.g2.com/products/snort/reviews#reviews)

Pricing

**Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls**
No pricing available

**Snort**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls**
2 months

Based on 12 responses

**Snort**
Not enough reviews yet

Return on Investment

**Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls**
10 months

Based on 12 responses

**Snort**
Not enough reviews yet

Perceived Cost

**Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls**
$$$$$

**Snort**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls**
15%

**Snort**
Not enough reviews yet

Pros & Cons

**Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls**
[
Firewall Efficiency (14)
](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-next-generation-firewalls/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1472541&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Ease of Use (13)
](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-next-generation-firewalls/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1472283&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Expensive (23)
](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-next-generation-firewalls/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1472974&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Difficult Learning Curve (12)
](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-next-generation-firewalls/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1472691&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

**Snort**
Not enough data

Integrations

**Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_f176b4154a751d10150daa67a57b7dc5/azure-active-directory-domain-services.jpg "Product Avatar Image")

Azure Active Directory...

](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-active-directory-domain-services/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_7104539447b2423177c675ea25b47b31/cisco-identity-services-engine-ise.jpg "Product Avatar Image")

Cisco Identity Services...

](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-identity-services-engine-ise/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_56db399f44b6fabb7c667f09bc770579/falcon-security-and-it-operations.png "Product Avatar Image")

Falcon Security and IT...

](https://www.g2.com/products/falcon-security-and-it-operations/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_3a3011d148181c9769d5f17b48322103/hpe-aruba-networking-management.png "Product Avatar Image")

HPE Aruba Networking...

](https://www.g2.com/products/hpe-aruba-networking-management/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-next-generation-firewalls/integrations)

**Snort**
Not enough data

Ratings

Meets Requirements

**Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls**

8.9

8.9154

**Snort**

6.5

6.518

Ease of Use

**Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls**

8.3

8.3155

**Snort**

8.8

8.818

Ease of Setup

**Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls**

8.2

8.2139

**Snort**
Not enough data

Ease of Admin

**Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls**

8.4

8.4109

**Snort**
Not enough data

Quality of Support

**Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls**

8.2

8.2146

**Snort**

8.1

8.118

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls**

8.8

8.8107

**Snort**
Not enough data

Product Direction (% positive)

**Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls**

9.2

9.2149

**Snort**

7.3

7.317

Features

Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)[Hide 14 FeaturesShow 14 Features](javascript:void(0);)

8.8

69

Not enough data

Prevention

Intrusion Prevention

9.1(won by default)

66

Not enough data

Firewall

9.4(won by default)

65

Not enough data

Encryption

8.9(won by default)

64

Not enough data

Security hardening

9.0(won by default)

64

Not enough data

Cloud Data Protection

8.3(won by default)

61

Not enough data

Detection

Intrusion Detection

9.0(won by default)

66

Not enough data

Security Monitoring

8.9(won by default)

65

Not enough data

Anti-Malware / Malware Detection

8.9(won by default)

65

Not enough data

Administration

Compliance

8.8(won by default)

62

Not enough data

Administration Console -

8.8(won by default)

65

Not enough data

API / integrations

8.6(won by default)

59

Not enough data

Generative AI

AI Text Summarization

8.2(won by default)

20

Not enough data

Agentic AI - Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)

Autonomous Task Execution

8.9(won by default)

6

Not enough data

Proactive Assistance

8.6(won by default)

6

Not enough data

Firewall Software[Hide 62 FeaturesShow 62 Features](javascript:void(0);)

8.3

114

Not enough data

Administration

Policy Management

8.7(won by default)

106

Not enough data

Logging and Reporting

8.6(won by default)

106

Not enough data

Application Gateway

8.3(won by default)

97

Not enough data

Concurrent Sessions

8.4(won by default)

97

Not enough data

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

Autonomous Task Execution

8.0(won by default)

10

Not enough data

Adaptive Learning

7.5(won by default)

10

Not enough data

AI/Machine Learning

Not enough data

Not enough data

Functionality

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

8.7(won by default)

103

Not enough data

Antivirus

8.4(won by default)

97

Not enough data

URL Filtering

8.8(won by default)

99

Not enough data

Availability

8.8(won by default)

98

Not enough data

IP Filtering

Not enough data

Not enough data

Content Filtering

Not enough data

Not enough data

Monitoring

Load Balancing

8.4(won by default)

96

Not enough data

Continuous Analysis

8.6(won by default)

97

Not enough data

Intrusion Prevention

8.8(won by default)

101

Not enough data

Intrusion Detection

8.7(won by default)

98

Not enough data

Intrusion Detection System

Not enough data

Not enough data

Intrusion Prevention System

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

AI Text Summarization

7.1(won by default)

29

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

Artificial Intelligence - Firewall

AI Firewall

7.4(won by default)

17

Not enough data

Additional Functionality

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

Show 1 feature category with incomplete data

Network Security[Hide 40 FeaturesShow 40 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Additional Functionality

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

User Insights

Reviewers' Company Size

[![Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/f6a3d45d41e697437b84a2340cfee124/palo-alto-networks-next-generation-firewalls.svg "Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls")](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-next-generation-firewalls/reviews)

Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

18.2%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

46.1%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

35.8%

[![Snort](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_e849ecb123c065581b07cd2323b90243/snort.jpeg "Snort")](https://www.g2.com/products/snort/reviews)

Snort

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

22.2%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

72.2%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

5.6%

Small-Business

(50 or fewer emp.)

18.2%

22.2%

Mid-Market

(51-1000 emp.)

46.1%

72.2%

Enterprise

(\> 1000 emp.)

35.8%

5.6%

Reviewers' Industry

[![Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/f6a3d45d41e697437b84a2340cfee124/palo-alto-networks-next-generation-firewalls.svg "Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls")](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-next-generation-firewalls/reviews)
Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls

Information Technology and Services

19.5%

Computer & Network Security

13.4%

Banking

6.7%

Computer Software

6.1%

Financial Services

6.1%

Other

48.2%

[![Snort](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_e849ecb123c065581b07cd2323b90243/snort.jpeg "Snort")](https://www.g2.com/products/snort/reviews)
Snort

Computer Software

83.3%

Information Technology and Services

11.1%

Computer & Network Security

5.6%

‐

‐

Other

0.0%

FAQs

## Palo Alto Networks... vs Snort FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 14, 2026

### What is the difference between Palo Alto Networks... vs Snort?

Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls stand out for advanced threat prevention and granular application control, while Snort is recognized for its open-source flexibility and customizable intrusion detection.

| [Palo Alto Networks...](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-next-generation-firewalls/reviews) | [Snort](https://www.g2.com/products/snort/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.5/5 (170 reviews) | 4.0/5 (18 reviews) |
| Mid-Market | Mid-Market |
| 8.2 | — |
| 8.2 | 8.1 |
| Threat Protection (13 all-time mentions) | Customizable Rules (recent reviews) |

### How do the pricing models of Palo Alto Networks... and Snort compare?

Reviewers consider Snort the stronger value on pricing satisfaction, while Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls are frequently cited as expensive.

- **Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls:** In recent reviews, many cite high upfront hardware costs and ongoing licensing fees as a major drawback, with 23 all-time mentions of expense.
- **Snort:** Reviewers highlight its open-source nature and lack of licensing fees as a key value advantage.
- **Switching reasons:** Several reviewers mention switching to Snort for cost savings and flexibility in rule customization.

### What are the best alternatives to Palo Alto Networks... and Snort?

The top 3 alternatives to Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls and Snort are Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual, Sophos Firewall, and Check Point Next Generation Firewalls.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Palo Alto Networks...](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-next-generation-firewalls/reviews) | 4.5/5 (170) | Mid-Market | Expensive, complex licensing (recent reviews) | Threat Protection (13 all-time mentions) |
| [Snort](https://www.g2.com/products/snort/reviews) | 4.0/5 (18) | Mid-Market | Open-source, no licensing fees (recent reviews) | Customizable Rules (recent reviews) |
| [Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-firewall-threat-defense-virtual-formerly-ngfwv/reviews) | 4.2/5 (93) | Mid-Market | — | Integration with Cisco ecosystem (recent reviews) |
| [Sophos Firewall](https://www.g2.com/products/sophos-firewall/reviews) | 4.7/5 (870) | Mid-Market | — | Ease of Use (recent reviews) |
| [Check Point Next Generation Firewalls](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws/reviews) | 4.5/5 (595) | Mid-Market | — | Comprehensive Security Features (recent reviews) |

### Which Firewall Software features should I prioritize when comparing Palo Alto Networks... and Snort?

Buyers comparing Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls and Snort should prioritize threat protection, ease of use, customization/flexibility, cost, and support quality.

- **Threat Protection:** Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls: 13 all-time mentions; Snort: recent reviews highlight malware detection and automated threat detection.
- **Ease of Use:** Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls: 8.3; Snort: 8.8.
- **Customization/Flexibility:** Snort: Reviewers highlight customizable rules and open-source flexibility; Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls: Focus on granular policy creation and application control.
- **Cost:** Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls: 23 all-time mentions of expense; Snort: Open-source, no licensing fees cited in recent reviews.
- **Support Quality:** Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls: 8.2; Snort: 8.1.

### What are the pros and cons of Palo Alto Networks... vs Snort?

Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls are strongest in advanced threat protection, while Snort excels in open-source flexibility and customizable rules.

- **Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls strengths:** Threat Protection (13 all-time mentions), Firewall Efficiency (14), Ease of Use (13), Features (11), Control (9), Threat Detection (9), Reliability (8).
- **Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls trade-offs:** Expensive (23 all-time mentions), Difficult Learning Curve (12), Slow Performance (10), Complex Configuration (8), Poor Interface Design (7).
- **Snort strengths:** Customizable rules, open-source flexibility, active community support, and broad network visibility (recent reviews).
- **Snort trade-offs:** Requires significant configuration and domain knowledge, potential for false positives, lacks a user interface, and ongoing maintenance needed for optimal detection (recent reviews).

### Is Palo Alto Networks... or Snort better for small businesses?

Snort is the better fit for small businesses due to its open-source model and cost advantages, while Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls are more commonly used in mid-market environments.

- **Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; reviewers frequently cite high cost and complexity as barriers for smaller organizations.
- **Snort:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; reviewers highlight its open-source, no-cost model and flexibility as advantages for smaller teams with technical expertise.

### Which Firewall Software platform has better integrations?

Reviewers favor Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls for integrations, citing frequent mentions of integration with security tools and automation systems.

- **Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls:** Recent reviews mention integration with Panorama, syslog servers, and automation systems for centralized management and log forwarding.
- **Snort:** Reviewers note its compatibility with various platforms and open-source tools, but do not cite specific third-party integrations in recent reviews.

### How do Palo Alto Networks... and Snort compare on customer support?

Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls and Snort are rated at near-parity for Quality of Support, with scores of 8.2 and 8.1 respectively.

- **Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls:** Reviewers describe support as generally good, with some citing slow response times and variability depending on subscription tier.
- **Snort:** Reviewers highlight active community support and available documentation, with some noting the need for technical expertise to resolve issues.

### Which is easier to implement, Palo Alto Networks... or Snort?

Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls and Snort are rated at near-parity for Ease of Setup, with Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls scoring 8.2 and Snort lacking a published score but described as requiring significant configuration.

- **Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls:** Reviewers frequently mention a steep learning curve and complex initial setup, but also note that setup becomes easier with experience and training.
- **Snort:** Reviewers describe setup as requiring substantial domain knowledge, manual configuration, and command-line expertise, making it less accessible for non-technical users.

Alternatives

**Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls Alternatives**

 ![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)

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

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

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

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

**Snort Alternatives**

 ![Ossec](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_68fe4f9ef12f3b7f5ebe2d1849424924/ossec.png "Ossec")

[
Ossec
](/products/ossec/reviews)

 ![CrowdSec](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/d7dbc2a714938747ea449ae2a51151f7/crowdsec.svg "CrowdSec")

[
CrowdSec
](/products/crowdsec/reviews)

 ![FortiGate IPS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_4b3d2bf7a2d1666c4c258b5faf9b3c45/fortigate-ips.jpg "FortiGate IPS")

[
FortiGate IPS
](/products/fortigate-ips/reviews)

 ![LevelBlue USM Anywhere](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/dafcd5faaef898c5bee18cd5d63cef91/levelblue-usm-anywhere%282%29.svg "LevelBlue USM Anywhere")

[
LevelBlue USM Anywhere
](/products/levelblue-usm-anywhere/reviews)