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) (5th), 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 April 2026, in the IoT Security category, the mindshare of Forescout Platform is 8.2%, down from 14.2% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Palo Alto Networks IoT Security is 6.4%, down from 6.7% 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	6.4%
Forescout Platform	8.2%
Other	85.4%

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 initial setup is straightforward; we had to implement the solution in a short timeframe and we managed to do it in one month as a managed service, and Forescout Platform is easy to deploy as the fastest NAC solution that you can deploy in a large environment."

"We use it to prevent malicious activities on our network that potentially infiltrate it."

"Forescout Platform provides multiple features. They have a very effective device fingerprinting in their cloud. You do not need to add any devices manually, such as in Mac devices. Other solutions you have to add IoT devices and OT devices manually. This is one of the major areas that Forescout Platform is excelling in."

"I have noticed that in the last year the license model has changed from licensing the whole appliance to licensing the number of devices. It's more simple for a large installation, or a user to have CounterACT as their peripheral site in the company. It's a good choice to have changed the license policy."

"Within three or four days, we have complete visibility of your infrastructure on the network."

"Forescout CounterACT has allowed us to better open our access and control wireless access globally from our HQ, allowing us to monitor the network access for every office globally, improving overall security, reducing risk, and opening up the opportunity to provide greater end user flexibility."

"The most valuable features are remote access and administration scripts."

"We really like that we get full visibility of devices in the local network."

More Forescout Platform pros

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

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

"This solution has been most valuable for establishing a VPN and implementing allow/deny rules."

"The stability is pretty good; it's a very solid solution, so if customers are looking for an IoT/OT solution, they should consider Palo Alto Networks IoT Security."

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

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

"Palo Alto is valued for its GlobalProtect feature, which offers a range of security options, including user ID mapping and VPNs."

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

More Palo Alto Networks IoT Security pros

Cons

"The solution does have a bit of complexity, and there's some complexity in the deployment. Users need to be trained before undertaking an initial setup."

"Definitely, having more third-party integration would be an improvement."

"Forescout needs to upgrade its development in the future."

"The console is a fat client, and a web interface would be preferable."

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

"Forescout Platform could improve the costs of integrations."

"If you want to deploy a new solution to block, you can't do it by yourself."

"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."

More Forescout Platform cons

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

"I had to call the support because there were some devices that were not showing up."

"Palo Alto Networks IoT Security's reporting capabilities are less comprehensive and robust than those provided by Cisco."

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

"While not overly complex, its usability could be enhanced, making it a more intuitive experience for everyone."

"More application signatures are required."

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

"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 Palo Alto Networks IoT Security cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"5,000 user licenses will cost you between seven and eight million dollars, compared to 20 million for Aruba."

"For one license, we pay around 3,000 Indian rupees."

"The setup cost, pricing, and licensing are on the high side."

"The price of the Forescout Platform is expensive. I purchased it for approximately 94 lakhs."

"The solution’s pricing is fine."

"It is expensive because you have to pay for their CSM, the customer's access manager, and their professional services on top of that, and they charge you roughly $400 per hour, which is overhead."

"The tool's pricing is expensive but reasonable."

"The cost of licensing for this product is quite high, but this cost covers all the features of the solution so it is a single payment for the term that has been selected."

More Forescout Platform pricing and cost advice

"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."

"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."

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889,955 professionals have used our research since 2012.

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Manufacturing Company

11%

Financial Services Firm

10%

Government

Computer Software Company

Performing Arts

13%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Retailer

University

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	30
Midsize Enterprise	10
Large Enterprise	44

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.

Aruba ClearPass vs Forescout Platform

Comparisons

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Armis vs Forescout Platform

Compared 5% of the time

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Compared 4% of the time

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Allot IoTSecure vs Palo Alto Networks IoT Security

Compared 6% of the time

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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 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

Forescout Platform vs. Palo Alto Networks IoT Security