# Application Gateway vs Cloudflare WAF: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Application Gateway](https://cybersectools.com/tools/application-gateway) is a free [cloud web application and API protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cloud-waap) solution. [Cloudflare WAF](https://cybersectools.com/tools/cloudflare-waf) is a commercial [cloud web application and API protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cloud-waap) solution by [Cloudflare, Inc](https://cybersectools.com/companies/cloudflare-inc). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Our take

What our shortlists say about the one we picked.

### [Cloudflare WAF](https://cybersectools.com/tools/cloudflare-waf)

Best for: Teams wanting global protection with little upkeep

It earns its place because the firewall, bot controls and rate limiting all run as one cloud service, so you protect a site by routing its traffic through the network instead of running your own gear. It fits any size, from startups to enterprises. The question to weigh is whether you are comfortable sending all your web traffic through one provider.

From [Best Cloud WAAP Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-cloud-waap-solutions), Fall 2026.

Reviewed by [Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze](https://cybersectools.com/about).

Need the answer fast? [Best Cloud WAAP Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-cloud-waap-solutions) picks Cloudflare WAF, Akamai App & API Protector, Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) and 3 more.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | Application Gateway | Cloudflare WAF |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Free | Commercial |
| Category | Cloud Web Application and API Protection | Cloud Web Application and API Protection |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | Cloud |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | – | Cloudflare, Inc. |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Application Gateway | Cloudflare WAF |
|---|---|---|
| Azure | Yes | – |
| Infrastructure | Yes | – |
| DDoS | – | Yes |
| Web Security | – | Yes |
| WAF | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Application Gateway**

No features listed.

**Cloudflare WAF**

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

### Integrations

**Application Gateway**

No integrations listed.

**Cloudflare WAF**

13 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.

- [Application Gateway](https://cybersectools.com/tools/application-gateway) fits if you need a free product.
- [Cloudflare WAF](https://cybersectools.com/tools/cloudflare-waf) fits if you are a startup.

## Application Gateway vs Cloudflare WAF FAQ

Common questions when comparing Application Gateway vs Cloudflare WAF for cloud web application and API protection.

### What is the difference between Application Gateway and Cloudflare WAF?

**Application Gateway**: Load-balancing solution by Microsoft Azure with global infrastructure and financial guidance.

**Cloudflare WAF**: A cloud-based web application firewall that protects applications from various cyber threats through rule-based filtering, machine learning detection, and integrated security features. Built by Cloudflare, Inc.

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

### Is Application Gateway a good alternative to Cloudflare WAF?

Often, yes. Application Gateway and Cloudflare WAF are both Cloud Web Application and API Protection products. Key differences: Application Gateway is Free while Cloudflare WAF is Commercial. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Application Gateway vs Array ASF Series Web Application Firewall](https://cybersectools.com/compare/application-gateway-vs-array-asf-series-web-application-firewall)
- [Application Gateway vs Imperva Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/application-gateway-vs-imperva-application-security)
- [Application Gateway vs Baffin Bay Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/application-gateway-vs-baffin-bay-application-security)
- [Cloudflare WAF vs Array ASF Series Web Application Firewall](https://cybersectools.com/compare/array-asf-series-web-application-firewall-vs-cloudflare-waf)
- [Cloudflare WAF vs Imperva Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cloudflare-waf-vs-imperva-application-security)
- [Cloudflare WAF vs Baffin Bay Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/baffin-bay-application-security-vs-cloudflare-waf)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Application Gateway alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/application-gateway)
- [See all Cloudflare WAF alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/cloudflare-waf)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/application-gateway-vs-cloudflare-waf

For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/application-gateway.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on Application Gateway and Cloudflare WAF: 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