Palo Alto vs. CrowdStrike: Which is Better?

CrowdStrike excels in cloud-native endpoint protection and threat detection. Palo Alto Networks offers superior network security and firewall capabilities. Choose based on whether endpoint or network security is your primary concern. Both platforms provide robust cloud security features with different strengths.

CrowdStrike delivers cloud-native endpoint protection through its Falcon platform, leveraging AI and machine learning to detect and prevent sophisticated cyber threats. Their solution particularly stands out for:Real-time threat detection and responseAdvanced endpoint protectionCloud workload securityThreat intelligence integrationIncident response capabilities.

Palo Alto Networks provides comprehensive security solutions, specializing in next-generation firewalls and cloud security. Their platform excels in:Next-generation firewall protectionAdvanced threat preventionCloud security suiteNetwork security featuresZero Trust implementation.

1. Endpoint ProtectionCrowdStrike Advantages:Industry-leading endpoint detection and response (EDR)Behavioral AI-driven threat detectionLightweight agent with minimal system impactReal-time threat hunting capabilitiesPalo Alto Networks Advantages:Integrated endpoint security within broader platformAdvanced malware preventionAutomated response actionsDeep integration with network security features.

2. Network SecurityCrowdStrike Capabilities:Network threat detectionBasic IDS/IPS functionalityNetwork traffic analysisThreat intelligence integrationPalo Alto Networks Strengths:Industry-leading next-gen firewallAdvanced threat preventionDeep packet inspectionComprehensive network visibility.

3. Cloud Security FeaturesCrowdStrike Cloud Protection:Container securityCloud workload protectionCloud-native platform architectureMulti-cloud supportPalo Alto Networks Cloud Solutions:Prisma Cloud platformCASB functionalityCloud-native securityDevSecOps integration.

For organizations prioritizing endpoint security with cloud-first architecture, CrowdStrike offers superior protection. However, if your focus is on comprehensive network security with integrated features, Palo Alto Networks provides a more complete solution.

Choose CrowdStrike If You Need:Best-in-class endpoint protectionCloud-native security solutionSimplified deployment and managementAdvanced threat detection and responseChoose Palo Alto Networks If You Need:Comprehensive network securityNext-generation firewall capabilitiesIntegrated security platformEnterprise-grade protection.

CrowdStrike User Feedback4.5/5 average rating on Gartner Peer InsightsPraised for ease of use and deploymentStrong threat detection capabilitiesResponsive support teamPalo Alto Networks User Feedback4.4/5 average rating on Gartner Peer InsightsRecognized for comprehensive securityExcellent technical supportRobust feature set.

CrowdStrike typically offers more straightforward implementation for small businesses, while Palo Alto Networks might be more suitable for enterprises with complex network requirements. Yes, many organizations implement both solutions to leverage CrowdStrike's endpoint protection alongside Palo Alto Networks' network security capabilities.

Both CrowdStrike and Palo Alto offer top-notch solutions in this area, but which is the better stock to buy right now?

Based on Gartner's rating, CrowdStrike not only has a lead on Palo Alto but every player in the endpoint protection space.

CrowdStrike is a cloud-native platform that leverages AI when it's applicable.

Palo Alto Networks' offerings aren't quite as comprehensive as CrowdStrike's.

From a business model standpoint, I don't think there's any real winner here, as both companies are actively following the same formula. Winner: Tie.

In its fiscal 2025 Q1 next-gen ARR rose 40% year over year to $4.5 billion, edging out CrowdStrike in total ARR and growth rate.

It is difficult to pick a winner in this category because Palo Alto is growing more slowly overall, but more quickly in the area where it matters the most. Winner: Tie.

In terms of profitability, Palo Alto has a clear edge, as it is the older and more mature business. Winner: Palo Alto Networks.

CrowdStrike has a lot of room to improve on the profitability front, but Palo Alto is the winner right now.

From that perspective, Palo Alto Networks trades at essentially half the valuation of CrowdStrike.

This means Palo Alto is by far the cheaper stock.

As a result, it's easy to declare a winner here. Winner: Palo Alto Networks.

With a score of two wins and two ties, Palo Alto edges out CrowdStrike.

CrowdStrike having a best-in-class offering should be a strong consideration.

Palo Alto's slower overall growth rate could also be seen as a drawback.

This could easily lead investors to come to a different conclusion, but I still think both cybersecurity stocks are great, and owning both makes sense.