Forescout Platform vs Palo Alto Networks IoT Security comparison

Forescout Platform vs. Palo Alto Networks IoT Security

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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

4th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Network Access Control (NAC) (6th), Endpoint Compliance (2nd), Extended Detection and Response (XDR) (19th)

Palo Alto Networks IoT Secu...

Ranking in IoT Security

3rd

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.9

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of June 2026, in the IoT Security category, the mindshare of Forescout Platform is 8.2%, down from 12.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Palo Alto Networks IoT Security is 5.9%, down from 7.0% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

IoT Security Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Palo Alto Networks IoT Security	5.9%
Forescout Platform	8.2%
Other	85.9%

IoT Security

Featured Reviews

AshishKumar Rai

Security Consultant at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

Comprehensive visibility has strengthened endpoint control and automated threat response across networks

When it comes to improving Forescout Platform, I have faced some issues recently, particularly with the switch integration part. When integrating a switch, it asks for the vendor type, and often it does not match. For example, one series of HP switches may not be found in that vendor list. This leads to frustration because you have to check again with different HP models, and once you integrate a switch, you cannot edit the vendor list without removing it. Other issues are being worked on, particularly related to switch integration. I believe they will be fixed in the next upgrade or patch fix. There are no major issues, but the configuration changes needed for the switch model are necessary, and I think it would help if during integration, an admin user could check the password or credential used, as they currently cannot see the password after it is entered and saved.

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reviewer2774463

Manager ERP (Insurance) at a manufacturing company with 10,001+ employees

Have used it to manage device updates remotely and now see potential for improved centralized control

One of the favorite features is that they can plug in a device and update it without being on the network, so you can perform an offline update. If all the IoT devices in the field can provide a single pane of glass and management through that platform in a controlled fashion, that would be really beneficial.

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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

"The most valuable feature of the Forescout Platform is the large capacity it can handle. Additionally, the interface of the platform is good."

"Forescout Platform is a very good NAC solution."

"The most valuable features of the Forescout Platform are NAC for sharing, Network Access Control, and port sharing of the devices."

"Forescout Platform's compliance enforcement has delivered significant cost savings for our organization."

"Forescout has a feature that blocks the endpoint at the point of collection. It sets preconditions and will block the system if those aren't met."

"There are two main solutions in the market, Cisco ISE, and Forescout Platform; if we compare both of them, the Forescout Platform is best."

"The most valuable feature is the blocking of USB devices."

"It gives us a clear initial and secondary view of what's happening on our network to determine its health."

More Forescout Platform pros

"Single-pass traffic processing enables very high throughput and low latency."

"I like the Cortex Data Lake integration with security automation."

"It is simple to use. We just need to enable features and then configure IoT policies."

"From a security standpoint, it provides a comprehensive range of standard security features that align with our requirements."

"I find Palo Alto Networks IoT Security to be highly responsive, and its separate management and data planes are a major advantage."

"I would recommend Palo Alto Networks IoT Security to any organization with automation plants or standard enterprise IT environments."

"I like the threat information, and we can share the logging data with Cortex Data Lake."

"The key strength of Palo Alto firewalls lies in their application-based approach, offering a much finer level of control compared to traditional firewalls."

More Palo Alto Networks IoT Security pros

Cons

"Better integration with third-party vendors is needed because as it is now, the list of third-party solutions that we can integrate and automate is quite limited."

"I believe that the overall user experience has not always been preferable."

"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 reporting feature needs improvement."

"The licensing costs are quite high. With the amount of hardware we have, we need too many licenses to make the product effective and it's ultimately just too costly."

"There were many issues with deployment, but these were largely due to our own network architecture issues."

"JAVA memory management - leaving the app running for multiple days requires relaunch."

"Can be expensive if it's only being used for one feature."

More Forescout Platform cons

"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."

"Essentially, this solution focuses on data analysis and cannot perform any physical actions."

"More application signatures are required."

"There can be more automation in terms of security and detection. It is already good."

"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."

"It would be beneficial if Palo Alto IoT Security could integrate with Let's Encrypt for free SSL certificates."

"The cost is still high and licensing is still complex."

More Palo Alto Networks IoT Security cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The price of Forescout is reasonable when compared to Cisco ISE."

"Time savings in finding rogue devices as well as identifying potentially unwanted devices on the network has saved the organization time and money."

"There are no additional costs that I am aware of."

"You can have a flexible license depending on your environment."

"Forescout Platform is too expensive, so the price should be reduced."

"We have a very clear licensing model for business. I don't have to have a Ph.D. to be able to understand the licensing model as you might need for other solutions. If I know exactly what we want, it can tell you which license you need. The solution is easy for purchasing, ordering, and ease of deployment as well."

"The solution is not priced low. There are no hidden costs."

"Forescout Platform is on the expensive side."

More Forescout Platform pricing and cost advice

"The initial investment is substantial, but the renewal costs make it financially unsustainable."

"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 successful migration trend suggests that Palo Alto provides a superior cost-benefit ratio for firewall solutions."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Manufacturing Company

12%

Financial Services Firm

10%

Government

Computer Software Company

Performing Arts

13%

Manufacturing Company

11%

Financial Services Firm

Government

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	30
Midsize Enterprise	10
Large Enterprise	45

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	3
Large Enterprise	7

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...

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.

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...

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.

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...

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.

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Product Reports

Forescout Platform

Download Forescout Platform product report

Palo Alto Networks IoT Security

Download 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 comprehensive device visibility and asset management without requiring agent installation. It strengthens network access control and endpoint compliance, integrating flexibly with zero-trust architecture.

Forescout Platform offers organizations a robust solution for maintaining network security by enabling detailed monitoring of connected devices and enforcing compliance policies across IT and OT networks. Effective in sectors like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, it controls unauthorized access, authenticates, quarantines, and remediates noncompliant devices while supporting both on-premises and cloud environments. Notable for its third-party integration, easy configuration, and customizable threat responses, Forescout Platform aids in efficient security measure maintenance.

What are the key features?

Device Visibility: Identifies and monitors all connected devices.
Asset Management: Facilitates efficient oversight of network assets.
Third-party Integration: Offers compatibility with many security systems.
No Agent Installation Required: Simplifies setup and reduces overhead.
Network Access Control: Protects networks with automated policy enforcement.
Endpoint Compliance: Ensures devices adhere to security policies.
Customizable Threat Responses: Tailors actions to specific security threats.

What are the benefits to look for?

Flexibility: Adapts to diverse IT environments with ease.
Zero-trust Integration: Enhances security with robust architecture compatibility.
Ease of Use: Reduces complexity in setup and operation.
Comprehensive Visibility: Maintains detailed insight into network devices.

Forescout Platform finds widespread adoption across industries like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. It is particularly valued for enforcing cybersecurity measures and maintaining compliance in diverse operational environments, handling network access and device management challenges efficiently.

Forescout

Palo Alto Networks IoT Security enhances device classification and security through a cloud-based AI engine. It integrates seamlessly with third-party systems, supporting zero-trust policies and efficient network management.

Focused on securing on-premises and industrial control systems, Palo Alto Networks IoT Security utilizes AI-driven integration with Cortex Data Lake for automated security policy management. It aids endpoint security, IoT log monitoring, and regulatory compliance, offering centralized threat protection and vulnerability detection across diverse applications. Challenges include user-friendliness, scalability, and integration with infrastructure, but the service supports robust VPN capabilities and next-gen firewall technology.

What are the key features of Palo Alto Networks IoT Security?

Application Visibility: Offers deep insights into device operations.
Third-Party Integration: Enables seamless connections with existing systems.
Zero-Trust Policies: Implements granular security controls.
AI Device Classification: Utilizes cloud-based AI for advanced device management.
Cortex Data Lake: Enhances logging and threat management capabilities.

What benefits and ROI can be expected from using Palo Alto Networks IoT Security?

Comprehensive Management: Intuitive dashboard simplifies network oversight.
Offline Updates: Supports continued security even without direct cloud access.
Custom Policy Creation: Allows efficient security policy customization.
Enhanced Threat Protection: Offers robust defense across various environments.
VPN Capabilities: Provides secure connectivity in diverse scenarios.

In specific industries, Palo Alto Networks IoT Security serves as a critical tool for centralized network security in on-premises and operational technology environments. It is deployed for automated vulnerability detection and compliance across different applications, addressing regulatory and network security challenges for enterprises.

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

Forescout Platform vs. Palo Alto Networks IoT Security