# Cloudflare WAF vs Datadog App & API Protection: side-by-side comparison (2026) [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). [Datadog App & API Protection](https://cybersectools.com/tools/datadog-app-and-api-protection) is a commercial [cloud web application and API protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cloud-waap) solution by [Datadog](https://cybersectools.com/companies/datadog). 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 | | Cloudflare WAF | Datadog App & API Protection | |---|---|---| | 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 | Cloudflare, Inc. | Datadog | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | Cloudflare WAF | Datadog App & API Protection | |---|---|---| | DDoS | Yes | – | | Web Security | Yes | – | | WAF | Yes | – | | App Security | – | Yes | | Attack Detection | – | Yes | | Cloud Native | – | Yes | | Observability | – | Yes | | Runtime Security | – | Yes | ### Core features **Cloudflare WAF** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Datadog App & API Protection** 8 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ### Integrations **Cloudflare WAF** 13 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Datadog App & API Protection** No integrations listed. ## Which one fits you Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source. - [Cloudflare WAF](https://cybersectools.com/tools/cloudflare-waf) fits if you are a startup. ## Cloudflare WAF vs Datadog App & API Protection FAQ Common questions when comparing Cloudflare WAF vs Datadog App & API Protection for cloud web application and API protection. ### What is the difference between Cloudflare WAF and Datadog App & API Protection? **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. **Datadog App & API Protection**: Runtime protection for web apps and APIs against attacks and threats. Built by Datadog. The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ. ### Who makes Cloudflare WAF and Datadog App & API Protection? **Cloudflare WAF** is made by Cloudflare, Inc. **Datadog App & API Protection** is made by Datadog. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit. ### Is Cloudflare WAF a good alternative to Datadog App & API Protection? Often, yes. Cloudflare WAF and Datadog App & API Protection are both Cloud Web Application and API Protection products. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ. ## Related comparisons - [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 DBAppSecurity DAS Web Application Firewall](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cloudflare-waf-vs-dbappsecurity-das-web-application-firewall) - [Cloudflare WAF vs Imperva Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cloudflare-waf-vs-imperva-application-security) - [Datadog App & API Protection vs Array ASF Series Web Application Firewall](https://cybersectools.com/compare/array-asf-series-web-application-firewall-vs-datadog-app-and-api-protection) - [Datadog App & API Protection vs DBAppSecurity DAS Web Application Firewall](https://cybersectools.com/compare/datadog-app-and-api-protection-vs-dbappsecurity-das-web-application-firewall) - [Datadog App & API Protection vs Imperva Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/datadog-app-and-api-protection-vs-imperva-application-security) ## Alternatives to each - [See all Cloudflare WAF alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/cloudflare-waf) - [See all Datadog App & API Protection alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/datadog-app-and-api-protection) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/cloudflare-waf-vs-datadog-app-and-api-protection For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/cloudflare-waf.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on Cloudflare WAF and Datadog App & API Protection: 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