# Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) vs Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security: side-by-side comparison (2026) [Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aqua-cloud-native-application-protection-platform-cnapp) is a commercial [cloud-native application protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cnapp) solution by [Aqua Security Software Ltd](https://cybersectools.com/companies/aqua-security-software-ltd). [Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security) is a commercial [cloud-native application protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cnapp) solution by [Palo Alto Networks](https://cybersectools.com/companies/palo-alto-networks). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side. ## Our take What our shortlists say about the one we picked. ### [Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security) Best for: Mid-market and enterprise teams prioritizing runtime workload defense The platform is sized for mid-market and enterprise. The lightweight agent requirement means you need a deployment process, which adds overhead compared to agentless alternatives. If your primary concern is compliance reporting or posture visibility, this is more solution than you need. But if you are running sensitive workloads in Kubernetes or serverless environments and you need runtime blocking, not just detection, Cortex Cloud Runtime Security is one of the strongest options in this list. From [Best Cloud Security Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-cloud-security-solutions), Fall 2026. Reviewed by [Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze](https://cybersectools.com/about). ## Side-by-side comparison | | Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) | Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security | |---|---|---| | Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial | | Category | Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform | Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform | | Verified | No | No | | Deployment type | Cloud | Cloud | | Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Mid-Market, Enterprise | | Company | Aqua Security Software Ltd. | Palo Alto Networks | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) | Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security | |---|---|---| | Runtime Security | Yes | Yes | | Software Supply Chain | Yes | – | | Kubernetes | Yes | Yes | | Workload Security | – | Yes | ### Core features **Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP)** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ### Integrations **Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP)** 34 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security** 23 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ## Which one fits you Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source. - [Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aqua-cloud-native-application-protection-platform-cnapp) fits if you are a small business. ## Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) vs Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security FAQ Common questions when comparing Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) vs Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security for cloud-native application protection platform. ### What is the difference between Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) and Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security? **Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP)**: CNAPP providing security from code to cloud for cloud native and AI apps. Built by Aqua Security Software Ltd. **Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security**: Real-time cloud workload protection for VMs, containers, K8s & serverless. Built by Palo Alto Networks. The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ. ### Who makes Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) and Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security? **Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP)** is made by Aqua Security Software Ltd. **Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security** is made by Palo Alto Networks. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit. ### Is Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) a good alternative to Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security? Often, yes. Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) and Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security are both Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform products, and both cover Runtime Security, Kubernetes. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ. ## Related comparisons - [Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) vs Sysdig Cloud-native application protection platform (CNAPP)](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aqua-cloud-native-application-protection-platform-cnapp-vs-sysdig-cloud-native-application-protection-platform-cnapp) - [Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) vs RoonCyber Runtime CNAPP + CADR](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aqua-cloud-native-application-protection-platform-cnapp-vs-rooncyber-runtime-cnapp-cadr) - [Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) vs Sysdig Secure](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aqua-cloud-native-application-protection-platform-cnapp-vs-sysdig-secure) - [Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security vs Sysdig Cloud-native application protection platform (CNAPP)](https://cybersectools.com/compare/palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security-vs-sysdig-cloud-native-application-protection-platform-cnapp) - [Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security vs RoonCyber Runtime CNAPP + CADR](https://cybersectools.com/compare/palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security-vs-rooncyber-runtime-cnapp-cadr) - [Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security vs Sysdig Secure](https://cybersectools.com/compare/palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security-vs-sysdig-secure) ## Alternatives to each - [See all Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/aqua-cloud-native-application-protection-platform-cnapp) - [See all Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/aqua-cloud-native-application-protection-platform-cnapp-vs-palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/aqua-cloud-native-application-protection-platform-cnapp.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) and Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md