CISO Tribune

Vendor comparison · 2 companies

Palo Alto Networks vs SonicWall

Palo Alto Networks sells network security, security operations, cloud security, identity security, AI security and observability platforms, along with threat intelligence and incident response services. SonicWall is a unified cybersecurity portfolio that helps SMBs, MSPs, and IT teams consolidate network, endpoint, cloud, and threat response across hybrid environments. CISO Tribune files both under Firewalls and NGFW and EDR and XDR. This page sets the two records side by side: what each sells, where it is based, who owns and funds it, the customers it names and its recent news, each fact numbered to its source.

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  • Palo Alto Networks
  • SonicWall
Palo Alto Networks vs SonicWall: Products, Customers and Funding Compared
Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks sells network security, security operations, cloud security, identity security, AI security and observability platforms, along with threat intelligence and incident response services.paloaltonetworks.comSonicWallSonicWall is a unified cybersecurity portfolio that helps SMBs, MSPs, and IT teams consolidate network, endpoint, cloud, and threat response across hybrid environments.sonicwall.com
What it sells
  • Strata[1][12][21]A network security platform built for Zero Trust and powered by AI.
  • Next-Generation Firewalls[20]Physical appliances and virtualized firewalls that can be managed with Panorama.
  • Cortex XSIAM[22]A security operations platform used by Abraxas.
  • Cortex XCOR[12]An AI-driven platform for observability.
  • Cortex Cloud[1][23]A cloud security product that unifies posture, runtime and investigation workflows.
  • Idira[1][11][12][25]An identity security product for human, machine and agentic identities.
  • Prisma AIRS[26][27]An AI security platform for enterprise AI applications and LLM deployments.
  • Prisma AIRS AI Gateway[27]A product that brings AI governance, identity and runtime controls together.
  • Capture Client[3][12]Endpoint detection and response built on SentinelOne.
  • Cloud Secure Edge[1][3][7][13][15]SonicWall's Security Service Edge (SSE) platform.
  • SonicSentry MDR[3][7][11]Managed detection and response from SonicWall analysts.
  • SonicWall Unified Management[3]A single console for managing SonicWall products.
Categories
Headquarters
Santa Clara, United States[24]Not stated on its pages
Founded
2005[4][24]Not stated on its pages
Ownership and funding
Public (NASDAQ: PANW)[2][9][13][15][18][19][21][22][30][32][33]Owned by Francisco Partners and Elliott Management since 2016[2][3][5][6]
Named customers
  • Village Roadshow[5]
  • Banco Inter[6]
  • State of Louisiana[7]
  • Boyne Resorts[8]
Not stated on its pages
Recent news
  • September 22, 2026Palo Alto Networks announced a new service that lets enterprises continuously find and fix exposures before attackers weaponize them.[17]
  • September 1, 2026Palo Alto Networks acquired Console, an AI-native platform that adds agentic capabilities to security operations workflows.[9]
  • September 1, 2026Palo Alto Networks reported fiscal fourth-quarter 2026 revenue of $3.41 billion, up 34% year over year.[10]
  • May 29, 2026Palo Alto Networks announced it has closed its acquisition of Portkey, a company focused on AI Gateways.[30]
  • May 12, 2026Palo Alto Networks launched Idira, an identity security platform for discovering, controlling and governing human, machine and agentic identities.[11]
  • May 12, 2026SonicWall announced availability of the Gen 8 NSv XS, a subscription-based virtual firewall for MSPs and MSSPs serving small and distributed environments.[18]
G2 and Gartner Peer Insights
  • G2: Not stated on its pages
  • Gartner Peer Insights: listed, seen November 4, 2026[19]
  • G2: listed, seen November 4, 2026[5]
  • Gartner Peer Insights: listed, seen November 4, 2026[6]
Who it fits
From its own pages, Palo Alto Networks sells network security for branch offices, data centers, public cloud environments and mobile networks. Its customer stories name a tire manufacturer headquartered in India and a provider of IT solutions for the public sector in Switzerland. That provider has state and local government organisations under management. Its pages describe operational technology security for networks that manage physical hardware across manufacturing plants and water utilities, and cover healthcare delivery organizations such as hospitals and clinics.From its own pages, SonicWall sells mainly to SMBs, MSPs, and IT teams, and to MSSPs and distributed enterprises. Its pages name healthcare, education, local government, finance, manufacturing, and retail as the kinds of organizations it protects. TZ series firewalls are positioned for SMBs and branch locations.
Last verified
October 10, 2026September 27, 2026

Where they overlap

  • Firewalls and NGFW is the primary category of both Palo Alto Networks and SonicWall; both are also filed under EDR and XDR.

Where they differ, field by field

  • Palo Alto Networks is also filed under Cloud-native application protection (CNAPP) and Privileged access management. SonicWall is also filed under SASE and SSE and MDR and managed SOC.
  • Palo Alto Networks lists Strata, Next-Generation Firewalls, Cortex XSIAM, Cortex XCOR, Cortex Cloud and 3 more. SonicWall lists Capture Client, Cloud Secure Edge, SonicSentry MDR and SonicWall Unified Management.
  • Palo Alto Networks is headquartered in Santa Clara, United States.
  • Palo Alto Networks was founded in 2005.
  • Palo Alto Networks is a public company listed on NASDAQ as PANW. SonicWall is owned by Francisco Partners and Elliott Management, since 2016.
  • Palo Alto Networks publicly names Village Roadshow, Banco Inter, State of Louisiana and Boyne Resorts.

How they differ

CISO Tribune files Palo Alto Networks under Firewalls and NGFW, Cloud-native application protection (CNAPP), EDR and XDR, and Privileged access management, with Firewalls and NGFW as its primary category. CISO Tribune files SonicWall under Firewalls and NGFW, SASE and SSE, EDR and XDR, and MDR and managed SOC, also with Firewalls and NGFW as its primary category. Both companies therefore sell firewalls and endpoint detection and response, and each is filed under EDR and XDR. Palo Alto Networks sells the Strata network security platform, next-generation firewalls, Cortex XSIAM, Cortex Cloud, Idira for identity security, and Prisma AIRS for AI security. SonicWall sells firewalls, Capture Client for endpoint detection and response, the Cloud Secure Edge SSE platform, SonicSentry MDR, and a management console called SonicWall Unified Management. SonicWall says Capture Client is built on SentinelOne.

Palo Alto Networks is headquartered in Santa Clara, United States, was founded in 2005, and is listed on NASDAQ as PANW. SonicWall has been owned by Francisco Partners and Elliott Management since 2016. Palo Alto Networks publicly names Village Roadshow, Banco Inter, State of Louisiana, and Boyne Resorts as customers. SonicWall sells mainly to SMBs, MSPs, IT teams, MSSPs, and distributed enterprises, and names healthcare, education, local government, finance, manufacturing, and retail as the kinds of organizations it protects.

On September 1, 2026, Palo Alto Networks acquired Console, an AI-native platform that adds agentic capabilities to security operations workflows. On May 12, 2026, Palo Alto Networks launched Idira, an identity security platform. Palo Alto Networks also announced on February 11, 2026 that it completed its acquisition of CyberArk. On May 12, 2026, SonicWall announced availability of the Gen 8 NSv XS, a subscription-based virtual firewall for MSPs and MSSPs serving small and distributed environments.

What it sells: Palo Alto Networks

What Strata does[1][12][21]
Palo Alto Networks says the Strata Network Security Platform is built for Zero Trust and powered by AI. Palo Alto Networks says Strata proactively monitors, analyzes and prevents sophisticated threats in real time.
What Next-Generation Firewalls does[20]
Palo Alto Networks offers next-generation firewalls as physical appliances and virtualized firewalls. They can be managed individually or centrally using Panorama, and Strata Cloud Manager supports them. Palo Alto Networks says its NGFW uses App-ID technology to classify applications across all ports.
What Cortex XSIAM does[22]
Abraxas says Cortex XSIAM unites SIEM and EDR in one integrated solution. Cortex XSIAM provides SecOps across 3,000 clients and in-house Abraxas devices.
What Prisma AIRS does[26][27]
Prisma AIRS is an AI security platform designed to secure the entire enterprise AI ecosystem and to protect AI applications and LLM deployments. Prisma AIRS offers deployment modes such as Network Intercept and API Intercept.
What Prisma AIRS AI Gateway does[27]
Prisma AIRS AI Gateway brings AI governance, identity and runtime controls together in one place. Prisma AIRS AI Gateway intercepts and optimizes agentic traffic while inspecting and securing communications to protect agents from attacks.

What it sells: SonicWall

What Capture Client does[3][12]
Capture Client is built on SentinelOne. SonicWall describes it as delivering endpoint detection and response integrated with the SonicWall ecosystem.
What Cloud Secure Edge does[1][3][7][13][15]
Cloud Secure Edge delivers secure access to internal resources and safe connections to the internet for remote and hybrid workers. It covers ZTNA, SWG, CASB, and DNS Security from one platform.
What SonicSentry MDR does[3][7][11]
SonicSentry MDR combines SonicWall telemetry with expert analysts who hunt, triage, and contain threats around the clock. For endpoints, SonicWall describes 24/7 expert monitoring and response backed by proactive threat hunting.
What SonicWall Unified Management does[3]
SonicWall Unified Management gives IT teams and MSPs a single console to manage, monitor, and respond. It covers firewalls, switches, endpoints, and Cloud Secure Edge.

Questions about Palo Alto Networks and SonicWall

What do Palo Alto Networks and SonicWall sell?
Palo Alto Networks sells Strata, Next-Generation Firewalls, Cortex XSIAM, Cortex XCOR, Cortex Cloud and 3 more. SonicWall sells Capture Client, Cloud Secure Edge, SonicSentry MDR and SonicWall Unified Management.
Are Palo Alto Networks and SonicWall in the same category?
Yes. Firewalls and NGFW is the primary category of both on CISO Tribune.
Where are Palo Alto Networks and SonicWall headquartered?
Palo Alto Networks is headquartered in Santa Clara, United States.
When were Palo Alto Networks and SonicWall founded?
Palo Alto Networks was founded in 2005.
Who owns Palo Alto Networks and SonicWall?
Palo Alto Networks is a public company listed on NASDAQ as PANW. SonicWall is owned by Francisco Partners and Elliott Management, since 2016.
Which customers do Palo Alto Networks and SonicWall name?
Palo Alto Networks publicly names Village Roadshow, Banco Inter, State of Louisiana and Boyne Resorts.
Who are Palo Alto Networks and SonicWall sold to?
From its own pages, Palo Alto Networks sells network security for branch offices, data centers, public cloud environments and mobile networks. From its own pages, SonicWall sells mainly to SMBs, MSPs, and IT teams, and to MSSPs and distributed enterprises.
What have Palo Alto Networks and SonicWall announced recently?
September 22, 2026: Palo Alto Networks announced a new service that lets enterprises continuously find and fix exposures before attackers weaponize them. May 12, 2026: SonicWall announced availability of the Gen 8 NSv XS, a subscription-based virtual firewall for MSPs and MSSPs serving small and distributed environments.

About Palo Alto Networks

Palo Alto Networks sells network security, security operations, cloud security, identity security, AI security and observability platforms, along with threat intelligence and incident response services. Palo Alto Networks says the Strata Network Security Platform is built for Zero Trust and powered by AI, and that Strata proactively monitors, analyzes and prevents sophisticated threats in real time.[1][12]

On the network side, Palo Alto Networks offers next-generation firewalls as physical appliances and virtualized firewalls. Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewalls can be managed individually or centrally using Panorama, and Strata Cloud Manager supports them. Palo Alto Networks says its hardware firewalls are a foundational part of its network security platform. Palo Alto Networks says its NGFW uses App-ID technology to classify applications across all ports, regardless of protocol, evasion tactic, or encryption. Palo Alto Networks says its NGFW can decrypt SSL/TLS traffic to inspect for threats and prevent data loss. Palo Alto Networks says every internet-connected NGFW in a network is updated within single-digit seconds of an analysis through zero-delay signatures. Palo Alto Networks says an IoT device can be profiled to reveal its type, vendor, model and firmware. Palo Alto Networks says its latest Next-Generation Firewall is managed by Palo Alto Networks and procured in the AWS Marketplace. Palo Alto Networks describes protecting inbound, outbound and east-west traffic between container trust zones and other workload types in Kubernetes environments.[12][20]

For security operations, Abraxas Informatik AG provides end-to-end IT solutions for the public sector in Switzerland. Abraxas had a Cortex XDR endpoint deployment and then explored Cortex XSIAM to create an AI-powered security operations center platform. Abraxas says Cortex XSIAM unites SIEM and EDR in one integrated solution. Cortex XSIAM provides SecOps across 3,000 clients and in-house Abraxas devices. Abraxas says some 30% of cases are now resolved automatically. Palo Alto Networks also describes Cortex XCOR as an AI-driven platform for observability that delivers autonomous remediation and nearly 90% data volume reduction.[12]

For cloud security, Palo Alto Networks says its cloud platform merges a CNAPP with CDR. Cortex Cloud Runtime Security unifies posture, runtime, and investigation workflows. Prisma Cloud is deployed as a cloud-native application protection platform (CNAPP).[12][23]

For identity, Palo Alto Networks says Idira secures every identity for the enterprise, human, machine and agentic, with a unified control plane. Idira training courses cover PAM and EPM. For AI security, Palo Alto Networks sells Prisma AIRS, an AI security platform designed to secure the entire enterprise AI ecosystem and to protect AI applications and LLM deployments. Prisma AIRS offers deployment modes such as Network Intercept and API Intercept. Palo Alto Networks says Prisma AIRS uses the Precision AI engine to monitor AI traffic and detect threats such as prompt injection, sensitive data exposure, malicious URLs and toxic content. Prisma AIRS provides dedicated AI Agent Security against risks such as memory manipulation and tool misuse. Prisma AIRS AI Gateway brings AI governance, identity and runtime controls together in one place. Prisma AIRS AI Gateway intercepts and optimizes agentic traffic while inspecting and securing communications to protect agents from attacks.[12][25][26][27]

On services, Palo Alto Networks says Unit 42 provides threat researchers, incident responders and security consultants who guide customers with a threat-informed approach before, during and after an incident. Palo Alto Networks runs a global network of authorized training delivery experts.[12][25]

Apollo Tyres Ltd is headquartered in Gurgaon, India, and has manufactured and sold tires since 1972. Apollo Tyres partnered with Palo Alto Networks on a security architecture spanning network security, cloud protection and unified management. Palo Alto Networks says Prisma Access helps Apollo Tyres maintain data and regulatory compliance. Abraxas has almost 150 state and local government organisations under management.[1][3][12][14][28][29]

Palo Alto Networks on the record

Sources

Palo Alto Networks full record

  1. [1]paloaltonetworks.comPalo Alto Networks · paloaltonetworks.com · undated page, accessed September 27, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]Palo alto networks to announce fiscal second quarter 2026 financial results on tuesday february 17 2026Palo Alto Networks · paloaltonetworks.com · published February 3, 2026 · Tier A
  3. [3]Panw 20250731Palo Alto Networks via SEC EDGAR · sec.gov · published July 31, 2025 · Tier A
  4. [4]Palo alto networks global identity operations faqPalo Alto Networks · paloaltonetworks.com · undated page, accessed October 10, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]Village roadshow fortifies entertainment empire with ai powered cybersecurityPalo Alto Networks · paloaltonetworks.com · undated page, accessed October 10, 2026 · Tier A
  6. [6]Banco inter resolves cases faster with cortex xsiamPalo Alto Networks · paloaltonetworks.com · undated page, accessed October 10, 2026 · Tier A
  7. [7]Louisiana scales security using ai driven cortex xsiamPalo Alto Networks · paloaltonetworks.com · undated page, accessed October 10, 2026 · Tier A
  8. [8]Boyne resorts achieves game changing soc improvements with cortex xsiam and unit 42 mdrPalo Alto Networks · paloaltonetworks.com · undated page, accessed October 10, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]Palo alto networks acquires console to agentify securityPalo Alto Networks · paloaltonetworks.com · published September 1, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]Palo alto networks reports fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal year 2026 financial resultsPalo Alto Networks · paloaltonetworks.com · published September 1, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]Palo alto networks introduces idira the next generation identity security platform built for the ai enterprisePalo Alto Networks · paloaltonetworks.com · published May 12, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]Leader in Cybersecurity Protection & Software for the Modern Enterprises - Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed October 27, 2026 · Tier A
  13. [13]Advanced Threat Prevention - Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed October 27, 2026 · Tier A
  14. [14]Legitimate SaaS Platforms Being Used to Host Phishing AttacksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed October 27, 2026 · Tier A
  15. [15]Palo Alto Networks Completes Chronosphere Acquisition, Unifying Observability and Security for the AI EraPalo Alto Networks · published January 29, 2026 · Tier A
  16. [16]Palo Alto Networks to Acquire Portkey to Secure the Rise of AI AgentsPalo Alto Networks · published April 30, 2026 · Tier A
  17. [17]Palo Alto Networks Delivers Anthropic's Mythos and OpenAI's GPT-5.6 to Customers with Unit 42 Continuous Frontier AI DefensePalo Alto Networks · published September 22, 2026 · Tier A
  18. [18]Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls Reviews & Product DetailsG2 · undated page, accessed October 27, 2026 · Tier C
  19. [19]Palo Alto Networks Reviews, Ratings & Features 2026 - GartnerGartner Peer Insights · undated page, accessed October 27, 2026 · Tier C
  20. [20]Next-Generation Firewalls - Product Selection - Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  21. [21]Next-Generation Firewalls - Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  22. [22]Abraxas unlocks agile, AI-powered SecOps across the Swiss public sector using Cortex XSIAM - Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  23. [23]Navigate the Cortex Cloud Runtime Security docs | Cortex Documentation PortalPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  24. [24]Apollo Tyres unifies security and slashes MTTR with Palo Alto Networks - Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  25. [25]Authorized Training Partners - Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  26. [26]Prisma AIRS - Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  27. [27]The AI Control Plane for the Enterprise - Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  28. [28]What Is Healthcare Cybersecurity? - Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  29. [29]What Is OT Security? Definition, Architecture & Guide - Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  30. [30]Palo Alto Networks Completes Acquisition of Portkey to Secure AI AgentsPalo Alto Networks · published May 29, 2026 · Tier A
  31. [31]Palo Alto Networks Announces Intent to Acquire Koi to Secure the Agentic EndpointPalo Alto Networks · published February 17, 2026 · Tier A
  32. [32]Palo Alto Networks Completes Acquisition of CyberArk to Secure the AI EraPalo Alto Networks · published February 11, 2026 · Tier A
  33. [33]Palo Alto Networks Completes Acquisition of Koi to Secure the Agentic EndpointPalo Alto Networks · published April 14, 2026 · Tier A

SonicWall full record

  1. [1]sonicwall.comSonicWall · sonicwall.com · undated page, accessed September 27, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]Francisco partners and elliott management complete acquisition of dell software groupFrancisco Partners · franciscopartners.com · published November 1, 2016 · Tier A
  3. [3]Cybersecurity That Delivers Real Business Outcomes | SonicWallSonicWall · undated page, accessed October 28, 2026 · Tier A
  4. [4]Federal Government Cybersecurity | SonicWallSonicWall · undated page, accessed October 28, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]SonicWall Next Generation Firewall Reviews & Product Details - G2G2 · undated page, accessed October 28, 2026 · Tier C
  6. [6]SonicWall Reviews, Ratings & Features 2026 | Gartner Peer InsightsGartner Peer Insights · undated page, accessed October 28, 2026 · Tier C
  7. [7]Cybersecurity Solutions by Use Case | SonicWallSonicWall · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  8. [8]Cybersecurity for Cloud Virtual and Hybrid Networks | SonicWallSonicWall · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]SonicWall TZ Series: Advanced Protection for SMBs | Entry Level Next Generation FirewallsSonicWall · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]Firewall & Network Security Services | SonicwallSonicWall · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]Endpoint Security & Managed EDR Solutions | SonicWallSonicWall · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]Endpoint Security Solutions | EDR, NGAV & Ransomware Protection | SonicWallSonicWall · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  13. [13]Cloud Secure Edge (CSE): ZTNA Solution | SonicWallSonicWall · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  14. [14]SonicWall VPN Clients | NetExtender & Mobile ConnectSonicWall · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  15. [15]SonicWall Unified Management | Cybersecurity PlatformSonicWall · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  16. [16]SonicWall Capture Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)SonicWall · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  17. [17]On-Premise ATP | SonicWall Capture Security applianceSonicWall · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  18. [18]SonicWall Expands Gen 8 Platform to the Cloud with New NSv XS Virtual Firewall to Help MSPs and MSSPs Deliver Managed Security Wherever Workloads RunSonicWall · published May 12, 2026 · Tier A

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