Wiz vs Prisma Cloud -- Cloud Security & CNAPP Compared

Wiz vs Prisma Cloud

Prisma Cloud offers the broadest feature set of any CNAPP, covering code security, infrastructure security, runtime protection, and API security in a single platform. Wiz provides a more focused, agentless approach with superior UX and faster time-to-value. Prisma Cloud's agent-based approach enables real-time runtime protection that Wiz's agentless model cannot match, but at the cost of deployment complexity and operational overhead.

The Verdict

Choose Prisma Cloud if you need the broadest code-to-cloud CNAPP coverage including runtime protection and WAAS, and your organization can manage the complexity of agent deployment. Choose Wiz if you want the fastest time-to-value, the best risk visualization, and a unified agentless experience that prioritizes ease of use over feature breadth.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeaturePrisma CloudWiz
Deployment ModelAgent + agentless hybridFully agentless
Runtime ProtectionReal-time agent-based protectionSnapshot-based scanning (no runtime)
CSPMComprehensive CSPMComprehensive CSPM
IaC ScanningBridgecrew/Checkov (best-in-class)Integrated IaC scanning
UI/UXComplex multi-module interfaceUnified intuitive interface
WAASBuilt-in web app and API securityNot included
Time-to-ValueWeeks (agent deployment required)Hours (API connector setup)
Risk VisualizationDashboard-based reportingSecurity Graph with attack paths

When to Choose Each Tool

Choose Prisma Cloud when:

  • +You need agent-based runtime threat detection and response capabilities
  • +Your organization requires the broadest code-to-cloud feature coverage in one platform
  • +You are already invested in the Palo Alto Networks security ecosystem
  • +IaC scanning with Bridgecrew/Checkov integration in CI/CD is a key requirement
  • +You need web application and API security (WAAS) integrated with cloud security

Choose Wiz when:

  • +You want agentless deployment with the fastest time-to-value
  • +A clean, intuitive UI with strong risk visualization is a top priority
  • +You want to avoid the complexity of managing security agents across workloads
  • +Your team prefers a focused, unified platform over a sprawling multi-module suite
  • +You value Security Graph attack path analysis for risk prioritization

Pros & Cons Comparison

Prisma Cloud

Pros

  • +Most comprehensive feature breadth covering code-to-cloud security
  • +Agent-based runtime protection provides real-time threat detection
  • +Strong IaC scanning through acquired Bridgecrew/Checkov technology
  • +Deep integration with Palo Alto Networks security ecosystem
  • +Extensive compliance framework coverage for regulated industries

Cons

  • –Complex platform with steep learning curve and module sprawl
  • –Credit-based pricing model can be confusing and expensive at scale
  • –Agent deployment required for runtime protection adds operational overhead
  • –UI experience inconsistent across modules due to multiple acquisitions
  • –Integration between acquired components can feel disjointed

Wiz

Pros

  • +Agentless deployment scans entire cloud estate in minutes
  • +Security Graph surfaces toxic risk combinations that actually matter
  • +Unified platform covers CSPM, CWPP, CIEM, DSPM, and IaC scanning
  • +Intuitive UI with strong visualization of attack paths
  • +Rapid time-to-value with API-based cloud connector setup

Cons

  • –Premium enterprise pricing puts it out of reach for smaller organizations
  • –Agentless approach lacks real-time runtime protection capabilities
  • –Limited on-premises and hybrid cloud coverage
  • –Deep customization and policy authoring can require professional services
  • –Vendor lock-in risk given proprietary platform architecture

Wiz vs Prisma Cloud FAQ

Common questions about choosing between Wiz and Prisma Cloud.

What is the main difference between Wiz and Prisma Cloud?

Prisma Cloud offers the broadest feature set of any CNAPP, covering code security, infrastructure security, runtime protection, and API security in a single platform. Wiz provides a more focused, agentless approach with superior UX and faster time-to-value. Prisma Cloud's agent-based approach enables real-time runtime protection that Wiz's agentless model cannot match, but at the cost of deployment complexity and operational overhead.

Is Prisma Cloud better than Wiz?

Choose Prisma Cloud if you need the broadest code-to-cloud CNAPP coverage including runtime protection and WAAS, and your organization can manage the complexity of agent deployment. Choose Wiz if you want the fastest time-to-value, the best risk visualization, and a unified agentless experience that prioritizes ease of use over feature breadth.

How much does Prisma Cloud cost compared to Wiz?

Prisma Cloud pricing: Module-based enterprise pricing / Credits system. Wiz pricing: Custom enterprise pricing / Usage-based by cloud resources. Prisma Cloud's pricing model is credit-based (per module and resource), while Wiz uses resource-based (per cloud workload) pricing.

Can I migrate from Wiz to Prisma Cloud?

Yes, you can migrate from Wiz to Prisma Cloud. The migration process depends on your specific setup and the features you use. Both platforms offer APIs that can facilitate automated migration. Consider running both tools in parallel during the transition to ensure zero downtime.

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