# Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security vs SubImage: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[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). [SubImage](https://cybersectools.com/tools/subimage) is a commercial [Cloud-Native application protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cnapp) solution by [SubImage](https://cybersectools.com/companies/subimage). 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

| | Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security | SubImage |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial |
| Category | Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform | Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | Hybrid |
| Company size fit | Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | Palo Alto Networks | SubImage |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security | SubImage |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime Security | Yes | – |
| Workload Security | Yes | – |
| Kubernetes | Yes | – |
| Cloud Native | – | Yes |
| Graph | – | Yes |
| Misconfiguration | – | Yes |
| Attack Paths | – | Yes |
| Vulnerability Prioritization | – | Yes |
| Open Source | – | Yes |
| Inventory | – | Yes |
| RBAC | – | Yes |
| CVE | – | Yes |
| Visibility | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security**

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

**SubImage**

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

### Integrations

**Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security**

23 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**SubImage**

31 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.

- [Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security) fits if you want a cloud product.
- [SubImage](https://cybersectools.com/tools/subimage) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options and you are a small business.

## Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security vs SubImage FAQ

Common questions when comparing Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security vs SubImage for Cloud-Native application protection platform.

### What is the difference between Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security and SubImage?

**Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security**: Real-time cloud workload protection for VMs, containers, K8s & serverless, built by Palo Alto Networks.

**SubImage**: Agentless CNAPP that maps cloud/SaaS/on-prem assets into a queryable security graph, built by SubImage.

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

### Who makes Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security and SubImage?

**Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security** is made by Palo Alto Networks. **SubImage** is made by SubImage. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security a good alternative to SubImage?

Often, yes. Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security and SubImage are both Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform products. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security vs CodeShield](https://cybersectools.com/compare/codeshield-vs-palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security)
- [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 Native Security Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/native-security-platform-vs-palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security)
- [SubImage vs CodeShield](https://cybersectools.com/compare/codeshield-vs-subimage)
- [SubImage vs RoonCyber Runtime CNAPP + CADR](https://cybersectools.com/compare/rooncyber-runtime-cnapp-cadr-vs-subimage)
- [SubImage vs Native Security Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/native-security-platform-vs-subimage)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security)
- [See all SubImage alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/subimage)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security-vs-subimage

For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/palo-alto-networks-cortex-cloud-runtime-security.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud Runtime Security and SubImage: 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
