# AWS WAF vs AWS Web Application Firewalls (WAFs): side-by-side comparison (2026)

[AWS WAF](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aws-waf) is a commercial [cloud web application and API protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cloud-waap) solution by [Amazon Web Services, Inc](https://cybersectools.com/companies/amazon-web-services-inc). [AWS Web Application Firewalls (WAFs)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aws-web-application-firewalls-wafs) is a free [cloud web application and API protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cloud-waap) solution. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

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

| | AWS WAF | AWS Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Free |
| Category | Cloud Web Application and API Protection | Cloud Web Application and API Protection |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | Cloud |
| Company size fit | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| GitHub stars | – | 255 |
| Last commit | – | Jul 2025 |
| Company | Amazon Web Services, Inc. | – |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | AWS WAF | AWS Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) |
|---|---|---|
| AWS | Yes | Yes |
| WAF | Yes | Yes |
| Web Security | – | Yes |
| Bot Protection | – | Yes |

## Which one fits you

Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.

- [AWS WAF](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aws-waf) fits if you are a startup.
- [AWS Web Application Firewalls (WAFs)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aws-web-application-firewalls-wafs) fits if you need a free product and you want an open-source product.

## AWS WAF vs AWS Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) FAQ

Common questions when comparing AWS WAF vs AWS Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) for cloud web application and API protection.

### What is the difference between AWS WAF and AWS Web Application Firewalls (WAFs)?

**AWS WAF**: AWS Web Application Firewall (WAF) for protecting web applications from common exploits. Built by Amazon Web Services, Inc.

**AWS Web Application Firewalls (WAFs)**: AWS Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) are cloud-based security services that protect web applications and APIs from internet-based attacks through customizable filtering rules and centralized management capabilities.

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

### Who makes AWS WAF and AWS Web Application Firewalls (WAFs)?

**AWS WAF** is made by Amazon Web Services, Inc. **AWS Web Application Firewalls (WAFs)** is open-source with 255 GitHub stars. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is AWS WAF a good alternative to AWS Web Application Firewalls (WAFs)?

Often, yes. AWS WAF and AWS Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) are both Cloud Web Application and API Protection products, and both cover AWS, WAF. Key differences: AWS WAF is Commercial while AWS Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) is Free, AWS Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) is open-source. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [AWS WAF vs Imperva Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-waf-vs-imperva-application-security)
- [AWS WAF vs Myra Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-waf-vs-myra-application-security)
- [AWS WAF vs Astra DDoS Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/astra-ddos-protection-vs-aws-waf)
- [AWS Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) vs Imperva Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-web-application-firewalls-wafs-vs-imperva-application-security)
- [AWS Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) vs Myra Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-web-application-firewalls-wafs-vs-myra-application-security)
- [AWS Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) vs Astra DDoS Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/astra-ddos-protection-vs-aws-web-application-firewalls-wafs)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all AWS WAF alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/aws-waf)
- [See all AWS Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/aws-web-application-firewalls-wafs)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-waf-vs-aws-web-application-firewalls-wafs

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More on AWS WAF and AWS Web Application Firewalls (WAFs): 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