# check-my-headers vs Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF): side-by-side comparison (2026) [check-my-headers](https://cybersectools.com/tools/check-my-headers) is a free [security scanning](https://cybersectools.com/categories/security-scanning) solution. [Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/imperva-web-application-firewall-waf) is a commercial [cloud web application and API protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cloud-waap) solution by [Imperva](https://cybersectools.com/companies/imperva). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side. ## Our take What our shortlists say about the one we picked. ### [Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/imperva-web-application-firewall-waf) Best for: Compliance-driven teams needing PCI DSS and GDPR coverage The compliance coverage is where Imperva earns its place in regulated industries. Built-in logging, auditing, and access controls for GDPR, PII, and PCI DSS requirements mean your WAF is also contributing to your compliance posture, not just your security posture. If you are heading into a PCI DSS audit or need to demonstrate GDPR-compliant data handling at the application layer, Imperva's reporting capabilities are more mature than most competitors in this roundup. 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). ## Side-by-side comparison | | check-my-headers | Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) | |---|---|---| | Pricing model | Free | Commercial | | Category | Security Scanning | Cloud Web Application and API Protection | | Verified | No | No | | Deployment type | On-Premises | Hybrid | | Company size fit | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | | GitHub stars | 46 | – | | Last commit | Jun 2023 | – | | Company | – | Imperva | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | check-my-headers | Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) | |---|---|---| | Security Scanning | Yes | – | | Node.js | Yes | – | | SQL Injection | – | Yes | | XSS | – | Yes | | WAF | – | Yes | ### Core features **check-my-headers** No features listed. **Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ### Integrations **check-my-headers** No integrations listed. **Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)** 4 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. - [check-my-headers](https://cybersectools.com/tools/check-my-headers) fits if you need to run it on your own servers, you are a startup, you need a free product and you want an open-source product. - [Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/imperva-web-application-firewall-waf) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options. ## check-my-headers vs Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) FAQ Common questions when comparing check-my-headers vs Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) for security scanning. ### What is the difference between check-my-headers and Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)? **check-my-headers**: A Node.js tool that analyzes HTTP security headers on websites to identify missing or problematic security configurations. **Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)**: WAF protecting web apps and APIs from OWASP Top 10 and other threats, built by Imperva. The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ. ### Who makes check-my-headers and Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)? **check-my-headers** is open-source with 46 GitHub stars. **Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)** is made by Imperva. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit. ### Is check-my-headers a good alternative to Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)? In part. check-my-headers and Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) are not in the same category on CybersecTools. Key differences: check-my-headers is Free while Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) is Commercial, check-my-headers is open-source. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ. ## Related comparisons - [check-my-headers vs CyberChecker](https://cybersectools.com/compare/check-my-headers-vs-cyberchecker) - [check-my-headers vs RoboShadow OWASP ZAP Vulnerability Scanner](https://cybersectools.com/compare/check-my-headers-vs-roboshadow-owasp-zap-vulnerability-scanner) - [check-my-headers vs Sucuri Website Malware Scanner](https://cybersectools.com/compare/check-my-headers-vs-sucuri-website-malware-scanner) - [Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) vs CyberChecker](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cyberchecker-vs-imperva-web-application-firewall-waf) - [Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) vs RoboShadow OWASP ZAP Vulnerability Scanner](https://cybersectools.com/compare/imperva-web-application-firewall-waf-vs-roboshadow-owasp-zap-vulnerability-scanner) - [Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) vs Sucuri Website Malware Scanner](https://cybersectools.com/compare/imperva-web-application-firewall-waf-vs-sucuri-website-malware-scanner) ## Alternatives to each - [See all check-my-headers alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/check-my-headers) - [See all Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/imperva-web-application-firewall-waf) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/check-my-headers-vs-imperva-web-application-firewall-waf For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/check-my-headers.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on check-my-headers and Imperva Web Application Firewall (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