# Custom Activities Repository vs Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Custom Activities Repository](https://cybersectools.com/tools/custom-activities-repository) is a free [security orchestration automation and response](https://cybersectools.com/categories/security-orchestration-automation-and-response-soar) solution. [Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR](https://cybersectools.com/tools/palo-alto-networks-cortex-xsoar) is a commercial [security orchestration automation and response](https://cybersectools.com/categories/security-orchestration-automation-and-response-soar) solution by [Palo Alto Networks](https://cybersectools.com/companies/palo-alto-networks). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | Custom Activities Repository | Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Free | Commercial |
| Category | Security Orchestration Automation and Response | Security Orchestration Automation and Response |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Hybrid | Cloud |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| GitHub stars | 7 | – |
| Last commit | Nov 2021 | – |
| Company | – | Palo Alto Networks |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Custom Activities Repository | Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR |
|---|---|---|
| Workflow | Yes | – |
| Security Orchestration | Yes | Yes |
| Open Source | Yes | – |
| Case Management | – | Yes |
| Playbooks | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Custom Activities Repository**

No features listed.

**Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR**

6 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

### Integrations

**Custom Activities Repository**

No integrations listed.

**Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR**

1 integration 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.

- [Custom Activities Repository](https://cybersectools.com/tools/custom-activities-repository) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options, you need a free product and you want an open-source product.
- [Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR](https://cybersectools.com/tools/palo-alto-networks-cortex-xsoar) fits if you want a cloud product.

## Custom Activities Repository vs Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR FAQ

Common questions when comparing Custom Activities Repository vs Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR for security orchestration automation and response.

### What is the difference between Custom Activities Repository and Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR?

**Custom Activities Repository**: A community-driven repository and development framework for creating custom automation activities within the Ayehu NG IT orchestration platform.

**Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR**: SOAR platform for orchestrating security products and automating SOC workflows. Built by Palo Alto Networks.

The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.

### Who makes Custom Activities Repository and Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR?

**Custom Activities Repository** is open-source with 7 GitHub stars. **Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR** 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 Custom Activities Repository a good alternative to Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR?

Often, yes. Custom Activities Repository and Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR are both Security Orchestration Automation and Response products, and both cover Security Orchestration. Key differences: Custom Activities Repository is Free while Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR is Commercial, Custom Activities Repository is open-source. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Custom Activities Repository vs Imperum SecOps Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/custom-activities-repository-vs-imperum-secops-platform)
- [Custom Activities Repository vs autobotAI MDR](https://cybersectools.com/compare/autobotai-mdr-vs-custom-activities-repository)
- [Custom Activities Repository vs IBM QRadar SOAR](https://cybersectools.com/compare/custom-activities-repository-vs-ibm-qradar-soar)
- [Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR vs Imperum SecOps Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/imperum-secops-platform-vs-palo-alto-networks-cortex-xsoar)
- [Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR vs autobotAI MDR](https://cybersectools.com/compare/autobotai-mdr-vs-palo-alto-networks-cortex-xsoar)
- [Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR vs IBM QRadar SOAR](https://cybersectools.com/compare/ibm-qradar-soar-vs-palo-alto-networks-cortex-xsoar)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Custom Activities Repository alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/custom-activities-repository)
- [See all Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/palo-alto-networks-cortex-xsoar)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/custom-activities-repository-vs-palo-alto-networks-cortex-xsoar

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More on Custom Activities Repository and Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR: 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
