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Forescout Platform vs Palo Alto Networks IoT Security comparison

Forescout and Palo Alto Networks are both solutions in the IoT Security category. Forescout is ranked #3 with an average rating of 8.6, while Palo Alto Networks is ranked #4 with an average rating of 8.3. Forescout holds a 13.8% mindshare in IS, compared to Palo Alto Networks’s 6.8% mindshare. Additionally, 88% of Forescout users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Palo Alto Networks users who would recommend it.
Forescout Platform
Read 76 Forescout Platform reviews
  • 1,127 Views
  • 694 Comparison Views
88% willing to recommend
Palo Alto Networks IoT Secu...
Read 10 Palo Alto Networks IoT Security reviews
  • 1,455 Views
  • 298 Comparison Views
100% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Feb 3, 2025

Forescout Platform and Palo Alto Networks IoT Security compete in the network visibility and security solutions category. Forescout appears to hold an edge in device interaction and endpoint visibility while Palo Alto Networks excels with its next-gen firewall technology and integration capabilities.

Features: Forescout Platform offers comprehensive visibility of all devices on the network, integration with third-party security tools, and robust endpoint security without relying on 802.1x. Palo Alto Networks IoT Security utilizes next-gen firewall technology for risk assessment, aligns with zero-trust architecture, and provides detailed asset management features.

Room for Improvement: Forescout struggles with switch management data accuracy, high licensing costs, and requires better reporting. Palo Alto Networks IoT Security's user interface is complicated, integration capabilities can be enhanced, and reporting features lack depth.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Forescout supports on-premises, hybrid, and cloud deployments, with varied technical support satisfaction. Palo Alto Networks offers cloud and on-premises deployment options, with high customer service satisfaction but room for improvement in partner support.

Pricing and ROI: Forescout provides a flexible yet expensive licensing model, reflecting substantial total costs. Palo Alto Networks, also costly, justifies its price with robust features, though costs are a barrier for small organizations.

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To learn more, read our detailed Forescout Platform vs. Palo Alto Networks IoT Security Report (Updated: April 2025).
Buyer's Guide
Forescout Platform vs. Palo Alto Networks IoT Security
April 2025
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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

Forescout Platform
Ranking in IoT Security
3rd
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
6.6
Number of Reviews
76
Ranking in other categories
Network Access Control (NAC) (5th), Endpoint Compliance (6th), Extended Detection and Response (XDR) (18th)
Palo Alto Networks IoT Secu...
Ranking in IoT Security
4th
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
7.0
Number of Reviews
10
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2025, in the IoT Security category, the mindshare of Forescout Platform is 13.8%, down from 18.7% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Palo Alto Networks IoT Security is 6.8%, down from 7.2% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
IoT Security
 

Featured Reviews

Odai Halawani - PeerSpot reviewer
It's an easy and effective solution, especially for device profiling without agents
Forescout Platform's most valuable aspect is its excellent device profiling for devices without agents, which is crucial for our work due to challenges with agent-based devices. Its isolation and blocking actions are particularly effective for network security. The device compliance feature helps us ensure device compliance through immediate actions like updating antivirus software. We have already integrated Forescout with antivirus and vulnerability assessment tools, allowing it to monitor vulnerability scores and automatically isolate devices if critical vulnerabilities are detected.
Read full review
Engineerinfosec67 - PeerSpot reviewer
Recognizing and classifying devices with AI and machine learning boosts security without extra network controls
Palo Alto Networks IoT Security ( /products/palo-alto-networks-iot-security-reviews ) 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.
Read full review

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"Forescout Platform's most valuable aspect is its excellent device profiling for devices without agents, which is crucial for our work due to challenges with agent-based devices. Its isolation and blocking actions are particularly effective for network security. The device compliance feature helps us ensure device compliance through immediate actions like updating antivirus software. We have already integrated Forescout with antivirus and vulnerability assessment tools, allowing it to monitor vulnerability scores and automatically isolate devices if critical vulnerabilities are detected."
"The threat prevention feature provides complete visibility."
"We really like that we get full visibility of devices in the local network."
"The initial setup is quite simple. It's not too complex or difficult to set up."
"The solution's implementation and operation are very easy."
"The interface is easy to use."
"Forescout Platform's best feature is plug-in integration."
"The actions that the agentless visibility, allow us to perform on the endpoint, are really amazing, especially in the way that it is done."
More Forescout Platform pros
"I find Palo Alto Networks IoT Security to be highly responsive, and its separate management and data planes are a major advantage."
"I like the threat information, and we can share the logging data with Cortex Data Lake."
"It is simple to use. We just need to enable features and then configure IoT policies."
"Palo Alto is valued for its GlobalProtect feature, which offers a range of security options, including user ID mapping and VPNs."
"I would recommend Palo Alto Networks IoT Security to any organization with automation plants or standard enterprise IT environments."
"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 Cortex Data Lake integration with security automation."
"Single-pass traffic processing enables very high throughput and low latency."
More Palo Alto Networks IoT Security pros
 

Cons

"As a product, there is nothing to complain about. However, they should improve their overall support. You need that level of knowledge, that level of information is clearly not available. First and foremost, that information is not accessible. The second point to mention is that once you purchase the later support and services. That is, they will continue to charge you for every service."
"When adding what is in scope to a policy, it would be nice if you could select multiple policies instead of one policy at a time to add what is in the scope for network segmentation. I have found that during the install and configuration of the policies that if you want to modify multiple policies or enable multiple policies that you need to define what is in the scope (IP range or segments) one rule at a time. This caused some slow downs when implementing policies."
"Two things can be improved in the Forescout Platform. First of all, the support for some certain proprietary protocols from other vendors, but they are very widely used. If the TechEx from Cisco, was added to Forescout, then it will be a full solution for me."
"More detailed analysis during the authentication process, especially for troubleshooting access issues. We have found that troubleshooting RADIUS controls is quite arduous, as it is today. A trace function could easily resolve this by providing a means by which access issues from a certificate to passwords or accounts could easily be identified and remediated."
"The initial setup was complex."
"Forescout Platform isn't flexible with connections to devices like printers and forces you to re-enter details like the MAC address after any breakdowns."
"It's scalable, but not without a big investment. It doesn't do so well at the branch. At the home office, it does okay and not so well at the branch."
"The installation is not secure because it takes high admin privileges."
More Forescout Platform cons
"Palo Alto Networks IoT Security's reporting capabilities are less comprehensive and robust than those provided by Cisco."
"It would be beneficial if Palo Alto IoT Security could integrate with Let's Encrypt for free SSL certificates."
"It would be beneficial to have a more centralized and user-friendly platform that could consolidate all the necessary information, which proved challenging during the initial POC phase."
"More application signatures are required."
"The cost is still high and licensing is still complex."
"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."
"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."
More Palo Alto Networks IoT Security cons
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Forescout is more expensive than Cisco because Cisco gives high discounts."
"The Forescout Platform's pricing is in the middle range, not too cheap or expensive."
"Devices with multiple IP's count multiple times against your license count."
"For one license, we pay around 3,000 Indian rupees."
"The product's pricing is reasonable."
"The solution’s pricing is fine."
"We need to pay for integration for each integration that we want to do and there is an additional license fee. This adds more costs. It is not something that anyone can afford. If you want to integrate this with a lot of other tools, it can be costly."
"I would rate Forescout Platform's pricing as four out of five."
More Forescout Platform pricing and cost advice
"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."
"While Palo Alto Networks IoT Security might cost more than some competitors, its features and effectiveness justify the price tag."
"The initial investment is substantial, but the renewal costs make it financially unsustainable."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Educational Organization
29%
Computer Software Company
11%
Financial Services Firm
8%
Government
7%
Manufacturing Company
16%
Computer Software Company
14%
Comms Service Provider
5%
Energy/Utilities Company
5%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

What advice do you have for others considering Forescout Platform?
Forescout is a very powerful NAC product that does not rely on port level configuration. It can detect and block unauthorized devices very quickly. But it has a lot of capabilities and really would...
See all answers
What advice do you have for others considering Forescout Platform?
I would rate the Forescout Device and Visibility Control Platform at a six out of ten.
See all answers
What advice do you have for others considering Forescout Platform?
I recommend doing a compression demo. If people use it, they will buy it. So they have to see the product in place. That's the main recommendation is to do a proof of concept. If they do, they will...
See all answers
What do you like most about Palo Alto Networks IoT Security?
From a security standpoint, it provides a comprehensive range of standard security features that align with our requirements.
See all answers
What needs improvement with Palo Alto Networks IoT Security?
The major challenge is the integration with existing complex production lines. These architectures were developed with a focus on automation functionalities, not security. Finding the right integra...
See all answers
What is your primary use case for Palo Alto Networks IoT Security?
I use Palo Alto Networks IoT Security ( /products/palo-alto-networks-iot-security-reviews ) for discovering automation devices and detecting various types of data traffic on automation infrastructu...
See all answers
 

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More Palo Alto Networks IoT Security Competitors
 

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Forescout Platform
May 2025
Forescout Platform reportDownload Forescout Platform product report
Buyer's Guide
Palo Alto Networks IoT Security
May 2025
Palo Alto Networks IoT Security reportDownload Palo Alto Networks IoT Security product report
 

Also Known As

Forescout Platform, CounterACT for Endpoint Compliance, ForeScout CounterACT
No data available
 

Overview

Forescout Platform provides today’s busy enterprise organizations with policy and protocol management, workflow coordination, streamlining, and complete device and infrastructure visibility to improve overall network security. The solution also provides concise real-time intelligence of all devices and users on the network. Policy and protocols are delineated using gathered intelligence to facilitate the appropriate levels of remediation, compliance, network access, and all service operations. Forescout Platform is very flexible, integrates well with most of today’s leading network security products, and is a very cost-effective solution.

Forescout Platform Features

  • Real-time complete visibility: With Forescout eyeSight, each and every device is classified when any attempt to access your network has been made. This includes - but is not limited to - desktops, laptops, android devices, virtual machines, switches, VoIP phones, USB memory sticks, webcams, IoT devices, and more.

  • Policy-based and manual controls: In today’s busy robust environment, networks are continually changing; there are different types and amounts of devices connected, various software applications, network compliance requirements, and the constant potential for risk make managing an IT network a very daunting challenge. The Forescout Console is used to simplify the administration and management of important alerts, remediation, and access controls to keep the network secure.

  • Intuitive real-time dashboards: Forescout Dashboards, a component of Forescout WebClient, is a comprehensive web-based intelligence center that gives full visibility and real-time insight of the complete network using both out-of-the-box and user-created widgets. The dashboards are very intuitive and deliver robust, easy-to-understand information about device visibility, compliance, health monitoring, and more.

  • Advanced reporting capabilities: The Forescout Reports Plugin will generate numerous valuable reports indicating real-time and overall status information about endpoint compliance, device details, networks guests, protocols, and more. The reports help to ensure IT administrators, executives, security teams, and other important shareholders stay well-informed about all network activity at all times.

  • Comprehensive third-party overview: Forescout eyeExtend facilitates seamless information sharing with third-party vendors, networks, and IT management solutions supporting improved automated workflows, productivity, cost-effectiveness, and overall security.

Real User Reviews

An important main feature of Forescout is the visibility the solution offers.

One reviewer who is a Consultant at a tech services company, says, "Within three or four days, you can have complete visibility of your infrastructure on the network. Compared to other solutions, the deployment of the solution is easier and we can close the project quickly."

Users also appreciate that the user interface is clear and easy to understand.

An Instructor at a tech services company, shares, "The most valuable feature of the Forescout Platform is the large capacity it can handle. Additionally, the interface of the platform is good."

Forescout

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
 

Sample Customers

NHS Sussex, SAP, SEGA, Vistaprint, Miami Children's Hospital, Pioneer Investments, New York Law School, OmnicomGroup, Meritrust
Information Not Available
Buyer's Guide
Forescout Platform vs. Palo Alto Networks IoT Security
April 2025
Free Report: Forescout Platform vs. Palo Alto Networks IoT Security
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