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Azure Sphere vs Palo Alto Networks IoT Security comparison

Microsoft and Palo Alto Networks are both solutions in the IoT Security category. Microsoft is ranked #6 with an average rating of 9.0, while Palo Alto Networks is ranked #3 with an average rating of 8.4. Microsoft holds a 4.1% mindshare in IS, compared to Palo Alto Networks’s 6.6% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Microsoft users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Palo Alto Networks users who would recommend it.
Azure Sphere
Read 3 Azure Sphere reviews
  • 358 Views
  • 358 Comparison Views
100% willing to recommend
Palo Alto Networks IoT Secu...
Read 11 Palo Alto Networks IoT Security reviews
  • 1,506 Views
  • 1,506 Comparison Views
100% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Feb 3, 2025

Azure Sphere and Palo Alto Networks IoT Security compete in the IoT security category. Azure Sphere has the edge with competitive pricing and strong support, while Palo Alto Networks is favored for advanced features and is worth the premium.

Features: Azure Sphere focuses on secure hardware root of trust, cloud-based security services, and device authentication. Palo Alto Networks IoT Security offers real-time threat intelligence, automated response capabilities, and network integration. Azure Sphere is device-centric, whereas Palo Alto Networks emphasizes network-wide security.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Azure Sphere's deployment is simpler and coupled with effective customer support. Palo Alto Networks, while more intricate, provides extensive deployment options and proactive support, ideal for larger operations.

Pricing and ROI: Azure Sphere is cost-effective for smaller deployments, providing ROI through device security. Palo Alto Networks, with a higher initial cost, offers ROI for large enterprises with comprehensive threat protection and risk reduction.

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To learn more, read our detailed Azure Sphere vs. Palo Alto Networks IoT Security Report (Updated: February 2026).
Buyer's Guide
Azure Sphere vs. Palo Alto Networks IoT Security
February 2026
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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Categories and Ranking

Azure Sphere
Ranking in IoT Security
6th
Average Rating
7.6
Reviews Sentiment
8.4
Number of Reviews
3
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Palo Alto Networks IoT Secu...
Ranking in IoT Security
3rd
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
6.9
Number of Reviews
11
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of February 2026, in the IoT Security category, the mindshare of Azure Sphere is 4.1%, up from 1.3% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Palo Alto Networks IoT Security is 6.6%, down from 7.3% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
IoT Security Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
Palo Alto Networks IoT Security6.6%
Azure Sphere4.1%
Other89.3%
IoT Security
 

Featured Reviews

Chandrakant Deshmukh - PeerSpot reviewer
Chandrakant Deshmukh
Senior VP IOT at Mastek Ltd
Has a learning curve that is easy to deal with for users
With the tool, the learning curve is really good. I don't have to spend time in long training sessions, which is typically required for other platforms. As my company is a Microsoft kind of shop, we have developers, making the learning curve easy compared to other tools. When it comes to integration with the back-end systems, manufacturing companies are still using some other apps in their environment. Getting data or pushing those analytics data back to the back-end systems is relatively simple while using Azure Sphere and other integration points, and so that is why there is a clear direction from our company's end customer that they need an Azure solution.
Read full review
Engineerinfosec67 - PeerSpot reviewer
Engineerinfosec67
Presale Engineer at Westcon-Comstor
Recognizing and classifying devices with AI and machine learning boosts security without extra network controls
Palo Alto Networks IoT Security integrates with a cloud-based engine that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning for device recognition and classification based on traffic types. This adaptability, which does not rely strictly on a static database, allows for identifying a wider range of devices. The behavior-based identification of devices enhances the capabilities of security controls, extending the network security platform's recognition capacity without deploying a separate network access control system.
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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"When you use this solution, you get a dual processor with all the necessary security and Microsoft updates supplied. You don't have to be concerned about the security aspect related to IoT because Microsoft takes care of this."
"It's stable and the performance has been great."
"I think my team is comfortable with the installation of the product."
"It is simple to use. We just need to enable features and then configure IoT policies."
"I like the Cortex Data Lake integration with security automation."
"From a security standpoint, it provides a comprehensive range of standard security features that align with our requirements."
"This solution has been most valuable for establishing a VPN and implementing allow/deny rules. It has also enabled us to create security policies. It is an easy solution to customise when it comes to creating templates and pulling reports."
"I like the threat information, and we can share the logging data with Cortex Data Lake."
"Palo Alto is valued for its GlobalProtect feature, which offers a range of security options, including user ID mapping and VPNs."
"The key strength of Palo Alto firewalls lies in their application-based approach, offering a much finer level of control compared to traditional firewalls."
"I would recommend Palo Alto Networks IoT Security to any organization with automation plants or standard enterprise IT environments."
More Palo Alto Networks IoT Security pros
 

Cons

"One of the pain points of this solution is that the full Linux box is not exposed to all developers. This restricts what the applications can do as they cant be adjusted."
"The lack of awareness of the products among our company's customers is a challenge that needs to be looked at and improved by Microsoft."
"The type of edge devices being addressed through the suite was limited."
"More application signatures are required."
"While not overly complex, its usability could be enhanced, making it a more intuitive experience for everyone."
"There can be more automation in terms of security and detection. It is already good."
"Palo Alto Networks IoT Security's reporting capabilities are less comprehensive and robust than those provided by Cisco."
"The reporting for this solution could be improved. The logs we receive are only saved for one week. We would like to have the database timeframe increased to a month or two for historical reporting as well as increased storage capabilities to support this data and reporting."
"The support is in line with Palo Alto Networks services for other products but needs improvement."
"The cost is still high and licensing is still complex."
"I had to call the support because there were some devices that were not showing up."
More Palo Alto Networks IoT Security cons
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"This solution offers secure IoT communication to the cloud at a fairly low cost."
"The successful migration trend suggests that Palo Alto provides a superior cost-benefit ratio for firewall solutions."
"The pricing for Palo Alto Networks IoT Security is a bit high."
"The initial investment is substantial, but the renewal costs make it financially unsustainable."
"While Palo Alto Networks IoT Security might cost more than some competitors, its features and effectiveness justify the price tag."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
No data available
Performing Arts
14%
Manufacturing Company
11%
Government
7%
Computer Software Company
7%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
No data available
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business3
Large Enterprise7
 

Questions from the Community

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Azure Sphere?
I think the license part is good enough as of now because as a company, we don't handle the license part. My company has a partner from Microsoft who manages everything for us, so we don't deal dir...
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What needs improvement with Azure Sphere?
When it comes to the challenges or drawbacks associated with the product, I will not talk about the system. Our company's customers who are into manufacturing and other such businesses are not very...
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What is your primary use case for Azure Sphere?
I use the solution in my company for process automation. Based on the kind of devices and architecture our company's customers use, our company is now fetching those data points and integrating the...
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What needs improvement with Palo Alto Networks IoT Security?
One thing I communicated to them is that they need to provide a managed update for their IoT devices.
See all answers
What is your primary use case for Palo Alto Networks IoT Security?
I use it for one of my customers, and my role is to help my customer with the solution. They use it for their IoT devices in the field, and they have a lot of sensors out there for their heating eq...
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What advice do you have for others considering Palo Alto Networks IoT Security?
The pricing is not that bad. I would rate this solution an 8 out of 10.
See all answers
 

Comparisons

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Microsoft Defender for IoT vs Azure Sphere
Compared 48% of the time
Armis Centrix for OT/IoT Security vs Azure Sphere Logo
Armis Centrix for OT/IoT Security vs Azure Sphere
Compared 15% of the time
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Armis vs Palo Alto Networks IoT Security Logo
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Compared 31% of the time
Nozomi Networks vs Palo Alto Networks IoT Security Logo
Nozomi Networks vs Palo Alto Networks IoT Security
Compared 16% of the time
Phosphorus Cybersecurity vs Palo Alto Networks IoT Security Logo
Phosphorus Cybersecurity vs Palo Alto Networks IoT Security
Compared 15% of the time
Microsoft Defender for IoT vs Palo Alto Networks IoT Security Logo
Microsoft Defender for IoT vs Palo Alto Networks IoT Security
Compared 14% of the time
Forescout Platform vs Palo Alto Networks IoT Security Logo
Forescout Platform vs Palo Alto Networks IoT Security
Compared 6% of the time
More Palo Alto Networks IoT Security Competitors
 

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
IoT Security
January 2026
Azure Sphere reportDownload Azure Sphere product report
Buyer's Guide
Palo Alto Networks IoT Security
January 2026
Palo Alto Networks IoT Security reportDownload Palo Alto Networks IoT Security product report
 

Overview

Azure Sphere development kits provide everything you need to start prototyping and developing Azure Sphere applications. Order yours today and start taking advantage of the rich development experience in Visual Studio.

Microsoft

Introducing comprehensive IoT Security solutions tailored for enterprises, healthcare, and industrial operations. Safeguard every device, visible or unseen, with Zero Trust security protocols, ensuring protection against known and unknown threats. With rapid 15X faster deployment times, Enterprise IoT Security, Medical IoT Security, and Industrial OT Security streamline operations, allowing teams to prioritize security over setup. Seamlessly integrate with Palo Alto Networks ML-Powered NGFWs or Prisma Access for swift implementation, making your infrastructure IoT-aware within minutes. Eliminate blind spots across existing IT and security solutions with playbook-driven, built-in integrations, and simplify cloud delivery for deployment across any architecture without the need for multiple sensors or network redesign. Protect your assets and ensure uninterrupted operations with our comprehensive IoT security solutions.

Palo Alto Networks
Buyer's Guide
Azure Sphere vs. Palo Alto Networks IoT Security
February 2026
Free Report: Azure Sphere vs. Palo Alto Networks IoT Security
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We monitor all IoT Security reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.