# Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls vs Polaris Infosec WAAP: side-by-side comparison (2026) [Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls](https://cybersectools.com/tools/palo-alto-networks-strata-network-security-platform) is a commercial [next-gen firewalls](https://cybersectools.com/categories/next-generation-firewalls) solution by [Palo Alto Networks](https://cybersectools.com/companies/palo-alto-networks). [Polaris Infosec WAAP](https://cybersectools.com/tools/polaris-infosec-waap) is a commercial [cloud web application and API protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cloud-waap) solution by [Polaris Infosec](https://cybersectools.com/companies/polaris-infosec). 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 Next-Generation Firewalls](https://cybersectools.com/tools/palo-alto-networks-strata-network-security-platform) Best for: Large companies wanting one policy across all firewall types It leads this list because one policy runs across every form factor, so your data center, cloud and container firewalls do not drift apart. That suits mid-market and enterprise estates with many sites and clouds. Ask which of the added services, such as SASE, AI app security and IoT, you need now, because each one widens the deal. From [Best Next-Generation Firewall Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-next-generation-firewalls), Fall 2026. Reviewed by [Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze](https://cybersectools.com/about). Need the answer fast? [Best Next-Generation Firewall Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-next-generation-firewalls) picks Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls, Fortinet FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall, Cisco Secure Firewall and 4 more. ## Side-by-side comparison | | Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls | Polaris Infosec WAAP | |---|---|---| | Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial | | Category | Next-Gen Firewalls | Cloud Web Application and API Protection | | Verified | No | No | | Deployment type | Hybrid | Hybrid | | Company size fit | Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | | Company | Palo Alto Networks | Polaris Infosec | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls | Polaris Infosec WAAP | |---|---|---| | SASE | Yes | – | | WAF | – | Yes | | DDoS | – | Yes | | Bot Protection | – | Yes | | Web Security | – | Yes | ### Core features **Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Polaris Infosec WAAP** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ### Integrations **Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls** 13 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Polaris Infosec WAAP** No integrations listed. ## Which one fits you Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source. - [Polaris Infosec WAAP](https://cybersectools.com/tools/polaris-infosec-waap) fits if you are a startup or a small business. ## Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls vs Polaris Infosec WAAP FAQ Common questions when comparing Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls vs Polaris Infosec WAAP for next-gen firewalls. ### What is the difference between Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls and Polaris Infosec WAAP? **Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls**: AI-powered network security platform with unified firewall and SASE capabilities. Built by Palo Alto Networks. **Polaris Infosec WAAP**: AI-powered WAAP platform with WAF, API security, DDoS, and bot mgmt. Built by Polaris Infosec. The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ. ### Who makes Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls and Polaris Infosec WAAP? **Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls** is made by Palo Alto Networks. **Polaris Infosec WAAP** is made by Polaris Infosec. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit. ### Is Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls a good alternative to Polaris Infosec WAAP? In part. Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls and Polaris Infosec WAAP are not in the same category on CybersecTools. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ. ## Related comparisons - [Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls vs HAProxy Fusion Control Plane](https://cybersectools.com/compare/haproxy-fusion-control-plane-vs-palo-alto-networks-strata-network-security-platform) - [Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls vs Fortinet Secure Networking](https://cybersectools.com/compare/fortinet-secure-networking-vs-palo-alto-networks-strata-network-security-platform) - [Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls vs Sangfor Athena NGFW](https://cybersectools.com/compare/palo-alto-networks-strata-network-security-platform-vs-sangfor-network-secure-next-generation-firewall-ngfw) - [Polaris Infosec WAAP vs HAProxy Fusion Control Plane](https://cybersectools.com/compare/haproxy-fusion-control-plane-vs-polaris-infosec-waap) - [Polaris Infosec WAAP vs Fortinet Secure Networking](https://cybersectools.com/compare/fortinet-secure-networking-vs-polaris-infosec-waap) - [Polaris Infosec WAAP vs Sangfor Athena NGFW](https://cybersectools.com/compare/polaris-infosec-waap-vs-sangfor-network-secure-next-generation-firewall-ngfw) ## Alternatives to each - [See all Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/palo-alto-networks-strata-network-security-platform) - [See all Polaris Infosec WAAP alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/polaris-infosec-waap) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/palo-alto-networks-strata-network-security-platform-vs-polaris-infosec-waap 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-strata-network-security-platform.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls and Polaris Infosec WAAP: 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