# Driftnet Explore vs Palo Alto Networks Cortex Xpanse: side-by-side comparison (2026) [Driftnet Explore](https://cybersectools.com/tools/driftnet-explore) is a commercial [external attack surface management](https://cybersectools.com/categories/external-asm) solution by [Driftnet](https://cybersectools.com/companies/driftnet). [Palo Alto Networks Cortex Xpanse](https://cybersectools.com/tools/palo-alto-networks-cortex-xpanse) is a commercial [external attack surface management](https://cybersectools.com/categories/external-asm) 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 Xpanse](https://cybersectools.com/tools/palo-alto-networks-cortex-xpanse) Best for: Large companies wanting automated fixes for exposures It earns a place because it goes past listing exposures, since automated playbooks close them without a ticket, which suits a large company with a sprawling footprint. It fits mid-market and enterprise teams. Agree up front which fixes the playbooks may run on their own, because automatic changes to live assets need an owner. From [Best Attack Surface Management Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-attack-surface-solutions), Fall 2026. Reviewed by [Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze](https://cybersectools.com/about). Need the answer fast? [Best Attack Surface Management Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-attack-surface-solutions) picks Palo Alto Networks Cortex Xpanse, Microsoft Defender EASM, Mandiant Attack Surface Management and 4 more. ## Side-by-side comparison | | Driftnet Explore | Palo Alto Networks Cortex Xpanse | |---|---|---| | Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial | | Category | External Attack Surface Management | External Attack Surface Management | | Verified | No | No | | Deployment type | Cloud | Cloud | | Company size fit | Mid-Market, Enterprise | Mid-Market, Enterprise | | Company | Driftnet | Palo Alto Networks | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | Driftnet Explore | Palo Alto Networks Cortex Xpanse | |---|---|---| | Network Scanning | Yes | – | | Reconnaissance | Yes | Yes | | OSINT | Yes | – | | IoT Security | Yes | – | | C2 | Yes | – | | SCADA | Yes | – | | TLS | Yes | – | | Network Discovery | Yes | – | | Vulnerability | Yes | – | | IP Address | Yes | – | ### Core features **Driftnet Explore** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Palo Alto Networks Cortex Xpanse** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ### Integrations **Driftnet Explore** 32 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Palo Alto Networks Cortex Xpanse** 12 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ## Driftnet Explore vs Palo Alto Networks Cortex Xpanse FAQ Common questions when comparing Driftnet Explore vs Palo Alto Networks Cortex Xpanse for external attack surface management. ### What is the difference between Driftnet Explore and Palo Alto Networks Cortex Xpanse? **Driftnet Explore**: Internet-wide scanning platform for discovering exposed devices, services. Built by Driftnet. **Palo Alto Networks Cortex Xpanse**: Active attack surface mgmt solution for discovering & remediating unknown risks. Built by Palo Alto Networks. The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ. ### Who makes Driftnet Explore and Palo Alto Networks Cortex Xpanse? **Driftnet Explore** is made by Driftnet. **Palo Alto Networks Cortex Xpanse** 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 Driftnet Explore a good alternative to Palo Alto Networks Cortex Xpanse? Often, yes. Driftnet Explore and Palo Alto Networks Cortex Xpanse are both External Attack Surface Management products, and both cover Reconnaissance. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ. ## Related comparisons - [Driftnet Explore vs MGM Security Partners recon me](https://cybersectools.com/compare/driftnet-explore-vs-mgm-security-partners-recon-me) - [Driftnet Explore vs DDactic Attack Surface Discovery](https://cybersectools.com/compare/ddactic-attack-surface-discovery-vs-driftnet-explore) - [Driftnet Explore vs Attaxion](https://cybersectools.com/compare/attaxion-vs-driftnet-explore) - [Palo Alto Networks Cortex Xpanse vs MGM Security Partners recon me](https://cybersectools.com/compare/mgm-security-partners-recon-me-vs-palo-alto-networks-cortex-xpanse) - [Palo Alto Networks Cortex Xpanse vs DDactic Attack Surface Discovery](https://cybersectools.com/compare/ddactic-attack-surface-discovery-vs-palo-alto-networks-cortex-xpanse) - [Palo Alto Networks Cortex Xpanse vs Attaxion](https://cybersectools.com/compare/attaxion-vs-palo-alto-networks-cortex-xpanse) ## Alternatives to each - [See all Driftnet Explore alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/driftnet-explore) - [See all Palo Alto Networks Cortex Xpanse alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/palo-alto-networks-cortex-xpanse) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/driftnet-explore-vs-palo-alto-networks-cortex-xpanse For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/driftnet-explore.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on Driftnet Explore and Palo Alto Networks Cortex Xpanse: 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