# AWS WAF vs Cloudflare WAF: 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). [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

| | AWS WAF | Cloudflare WAF |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial |
| 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 | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | Amazon Web Services, Inc. | Cloudflare, Inc. |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | AWS WAF | Cloudflare WAF |
|---|---|---|
| AWS | Yes | – |
| WAF | Yes | Yes |
| DDoS | – | Yes |
| Web Security | – | Yes |

### Core features

**AWS WAF**

No features listed.

**Cloudflare WAF**

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

### Integrations

**AWS WAF**

No integrations listed.

**Cloudflare WAF**

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

## AWS WAF vs Cloudflare WAF FAQ

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

### What is the difference between AWS WAF and Cloudflare WAF?

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

**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.

### Who makes AWS WAF and Cloudflare WAF?

**AWS WAF** is made by Amazon Web Services, Inc. **Cloudflare WAF** is made by Cloudflare, Inc. 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 Cloudflare WAF?

Often, yes. AWS WAF and Cloudflare WAF are both Cloud Web Application and API Protection products, and both cover WAF. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [AWS WAF vs Array ASF Series Web Application Firewall](https://cybersectools.com/compare/array-asf-series-web-application-firewall-vs-aws-waf)
- [AWS WAF vs Imperva Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-waf-vs-imperva-application-security)
- [AWS WAF vs Baffin Bay Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-waf-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 AWS WAF alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/aws-waf)
- [See all Cloudflare WAF alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/cloudflare-waf)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-waf-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/aws-waf.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on AWS WAF 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