Best Palo Alto Networks CN-Series Alternatives in 2026
The top Palo Alto Networks CN-Series alternatives are Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall, FortiGate and Check Point Quantum Security Gateway: 15 next generation firewall software our editors would look at instead of Palo Alto Networks CN-Series, in our ranking order.
Palo Alto Networks CN-Series: Kubernetes-focused traffic protection with Layer 7 controls and centralized Panorama management. Where it falls short: narrow kubernetes and container focus limits general NGFW use.
Switching from Palo Alto Networks CN-Series? For most next generation firewall software buyers the best Palo Alto Networks CN-Series alternative is Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall, built for enterprises needing broad, threat-focused NGFW. Google Cloud Secret Manager has a free plan, which Palo Alto Networks CN-Series does not.
Why People Look for a Palo Alto Networks CN-Series Alternative
- Narrow Kubernetes and container focus limits general NGFW use
- VPN features are unavailable
- Credit-based vCPU licensing requires contacting sales for pricing
- No free plan — 1 of the alternatives below has it
- No vPN support — 2 of the alternatives below have it
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallPalo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall9.4
Enterprises needing broad, threat-focused NGFW
Visit Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall - Best free optionGoogle Cloud Secret Manager7.7
Has a free plan (Palo Alto Networks CN-Series has none)
Visit Google Cloud Secret Manager - Best for vpn supportCheck Point Cloud Firewall9.0
VPN support (Palo Alto Networks CN-Series: no)
Visit Check Point Cloud Firewall
All 15 Palo Alto Networks CN-Series Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forEnterprises needing broad, threat-focused NGFW
- Better than Palo Alto Networks CN-Series:
- Editor score 9.4 vs 8.2
A broad NGFW family for organizations combining threat prevention, traffic control and VPN.
9.4/10★★★★★Visit site -
Best forOrganizations needing hybrid NGFW and SD-WAN
- Better than Palo Alto Networks CN-Series:
- Editor score 9.2 vs 8.2
Hybrid NGFW and SD-WAN in one platform, with pricing tailored to model and deployment.
9.2/10★★★★★Visit Fortinet -
Best forMid-market and enterprise gateway deployments
- Better than Palo Alto Networks CN-Series:
- Editor score 9.1 vs 8.2
A broad gateway feature set for mid-market and enterprise networks, with model-dependent capacity.
9.1/10★★★★★Contact Check Point -
Best forCloud-first teams across multiple environments
- Better than Palo Alto Networks CN-Series:
- VPN support
- Editor score 9.0 vs 8.2
A broad virtual firewall for teams securing cloud and on-premises environments.
- VPN support
- Intrusion prevention
- Application control
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit Check Point -
Best forAWS environments needing managed network filtering
- Better than Palo Alto Networks CN-Series:
- Editor score 8.9 vs 8.2
Managed VPC filtering with deep inspection and usage-based charges.
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit AWS -
Best forEnterprises prioritizing deep traffic inspection
- Better than Palo Alto Networks CN-Series:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 8.2
Deep traffic inspection and centralized controls for distributed enterprise networks.
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit Forcepoint -
Best forSmall and midsize teams wanting flexible deployment
- Better than Palo Alto Networks CN-Series:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 8.2
Flexible firewall coverage for small teams through enterprises across cloud and virtual environments.
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit WatchGuard -
Best forLarge networks needing appliance-based threat controls
- Better than Palo Alto Networks CN-Series:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 8.2
Enterprise appliance firewall with VPN, IPS, anti-DDoS and encrypted-traffic inspection
8.6/10★★★★☆Contact Huawei -
Best forDistributed networks needing SD-WAN with firewalling
- Better than Palo Alto Networks CN-Series:
- Editor score 8.4 vs 8.2
A WAN-focused choice for distributed networks that need routing, resilience and firewalling together.
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Barracuda -
Best forSmall and midsize sites needing appliance security
- Better than Palo Alto Networks CN-Series:
- Editor score 8.3 vs 8.2
Business firewall appliances pair SD-WAN options with layered network security.
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit Zyxel -
Best forMidmarket and enterprise security teams
- Better than Palo Alto Networks CN-Series:
- VPN support
Integrated firewall, threat prevention, and traffic controls for midmarket and enterprise networks.
- VPN support
- Intrusion prevention
- Application control
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit Versa Networks -
Best forTeams managing multiple Stormshield SNS firewalls
A centralized control plane for Stormshield SNS fleets, not a standalone firewall.
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Stormshield -
Best forTeams managing Juniper SRX firewall policies
A Juniper-focused control plane for firewall policy operations, not a firewall engine.
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit site -
Best forOrganizations managing fleets of Sophos firewalls
Centralizes Sophos firewall policies and operations, but is not an NGFW itself.
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit Sophos -
Best forGoogle Cloud users needing secrets management
- Better than Palo Alto Networks CN-Series:
- Free plan
A managed secrets service for Google Cloud workloads, not a next-generation firewall.
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit Google Cloud
Palo Alto Networks CN-Series Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Palo Alto Networks CN-Series?
Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall: #1 in our Next Generation Firewall Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.4 out of 10. A broad NGFW family for organizations combining threat prevention, traffic control and VPN.
Is there a free alternative to Palo Alto Networks CN-Series?
Yes. Google Cloud Secret Manager has a free plan or a free tier.
Why do people look for Palo Alto Networks CN-Series alternatives?
Narrow Kubernetes and container focus limits general NGFW use; VPN features are unavailable; Credit-based vCPU licensing requires contacting sales for pricing.
How do I switch from Palo Alto Networks CN-Series?
Export your data from Palo Alto Networks CN-Series (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Palo Alto Networks CN-Series.
How to Switch from Palo Alto Networks CN-Series
- Export your data from Palo Alto Networks CN-Series (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Palo Alto Networks CN-Series.
Palo Alto Networks CN-Series vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Palo Alto Networks CN-Series | No | 8.2 | |
| 1 | Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall | 9.4 | ||
| 2 | FortiGate | No | 9.2 | |
| 3 | Check Point Quantum Security Gateway | 9.1 | ||
| 4 | Check Point Cloud Firewall | No | 9.0 | |
| 5 | AWS Network Firewall | No | $0.07/GB usage-based | 8.9 |
| 6 | Forcepoint Network Security Platform | No | 8.8 | |
| 7 | WatchGuard Firebox | 8.7 | ||
| 8 | Huawei HiSecEngine USG6800G | 8.6 | ||
| 9 | Barracuda Secure SD-WAN | 8.4 | ||
| 10 | Zyxel SD-WAN | No | 8.3 | |
| 11 | Versa Next Generation Firewall | 8.1 | ||
| 12 | Stormshield Management Center | 7.8 | ||
| 13 | Juniper Security Director | 7.7 | ||
| 14 | Sophos Central Firewall Management | No | 7.7 | |
| 15 | Google Cloud Secret Manager | Yes | $0.03/unit/mo | 7.7 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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