# AWS WAF vs Instart Web Performance (Legacy): 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). [Instart Web Performance (Legacy)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/instart-web-performance-legacy) is a commercial [cloud web application and API protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cloud-waap) solution by [Akamai](https://cybersectools.com/companies/akamai). 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 | Instart Web Performance (Legacy) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | Amazon Web Services, Inc. | Akamai |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | AWS WAF | Instart Web Performance (Legacy) |
|---|---|---|
| AWS | Yes | – |
| WAF | Yes | Yes |
| Security Configuration | – | Yes |
| Content Security Policy | – | 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 WAF vs Instart Web Performance (Legacy) FAQ

Common questions when comparing AWS WAF vs Instart Web Performance (Legacy) for cloud web application and API protection.

### What is the difference between AWS WAF and Instart Web Performance (Legacy)?

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

**Instart Web Performance (Legacy)**: A legacy web application security and performance optimization solution that combines security controls with performance enhancement features. Built by Akamai.

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

### Who makes AWS WAF and Instart Web Performance (Legacy)?

**AWS WAF** is made by Amazon Web Services, Inc. **Instart Web Performance (Legacy)** is made by Akamai. 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 Instart Web Performance (Legacy)?

Often, yes. AWS WAF and Instart Web Performance (Legacy) 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 Oracle Cloud Infrastructure WAF](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-waf-vs-oracle-cloud-infrastructure-waf)
- [AWS WAF vs Akamai App & API Protector](https://cybersectools.com/compare/akamai-app-and-api-protector-vs-aws-waf)
- [AWS WAF vs Indusface AppTrana AppSec Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-waf-vs-indusface-apptrana-appsec-platform)
- [Instart Web Performance (Legacy) vs Oracle Cloud Infrastructure WAF](https://cybersectools.com/compare/instart-web-performance-legacy-vs-oracle-cloud-infrastructure-waf)
- [Instart Web Performance (Legacy) vs Akamai App & API Protector](https://cybersectools.com/compare/akamai-app-and-api-protector-vs-instart-web-performance-legacy)
- [Instart Web Performance (Legacy) vs Indusface AppTrana AppSec Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/indusface-apptrana-appsec-platform-vs-instart-web-performance-legacy)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all AWS WAF alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/aws-waf)
- [See all Instart Web Performance (Legacy) alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/instart-web-performance-legacy)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-waf-vs-instart-web-performance-legacy

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 Instart Web Performance (Legacy): 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