# Cloudflare WAF vs F5 BIG-IP Advanced WAF: 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). [F5 BIG-IP Advanced WAF](https://cybersectools.com/tools/f5-big-ip-advanced-waf) is a commercial [cloud web application and API protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cloud-waap) solution by [F5](https://cybersectools.com/companies/f5). 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 | F5 BIG-IP Advanced WAF | |---|---|---| | Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial | | Category | Cloud Web Application and API Protection | Cloud Web Application and API Protection | | Verified | No | No | | Deployment type | Cloud | Hybrid | | Company size fit | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | | Company | Cloudflare, Inc. | F5 | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | Cloudflare WAF | F5 BIG-IP Advanced WAF | |---|---|---| | DDoS | Yes | Yes | | Web Security | Yes | – | | WAF | Yes | Yes | ### Core features **Cloudflare WAF** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **F5 BIG-IP Advanced WAF** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ### Integrations **Cloudflare WAF** 13 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **F5 BIG-IP Advanced WAF** 6 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. - [Cloudflare WAF](https://cybersectools.com/tools/cloudflare-waf) fits if you want a cloud product and you are a startup. - [F5 BIG-IP Advanced WAF](https://cybersectools.com/tools/f5-big-ip-advanced-waf) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options. ## Cloudflare WAF vs F5 BIG-IP Advanced WAF FAQ Common questions when comparing Cloudflare WAF vs F5 BIG-IP Advanced WAF for cloud web application and API protection. ### What is the difference between Cloudflare WAF and F5 BIG-IP Advanced WAF? **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. **F5 BIG-IP Advanced WAF**: WAF protecting apps and APIs from attacks, bots, and OWASP Top 10 threats. Built by F5. The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ. ### Who makes Cloudflare WAF and F5 BIG-IP Advanced WAF? **Cloudflare WAF** is made by Cloudflare, Inc. **F5 BIG-IP Advanced WAF** is made by F5. 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 F5 BIG-IP Advanced WAF? Often, yes. Cloudflare WAF and F5 BIG-IP Advanced WAF are both Cloud Web Application and API Protection products, and both cover DDoS, WAF. 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 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) - [F5 BIG-IP Advanced WAF vs Array ASF Series Web Application Firewall](https://cybersectools.com/compare/array-asf-series-web-application-firewall-vs-f5-big-ip-advanced-waf) - [F5 BIG-IP Advanced WAF vs Imperva Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/f5-big-ip-advanced-waf-vs-imperva-application-security) - [F5 BIG-IP Advanced WAF vs Baffin Bay Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/baffin-bay-application-security-vs-f5-big-ip-advanced-waf) ## Alternatives to each - [See all Cloudflare WAF alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/cloudflare-waf) - [See all F5 BIG-IP Advanced WAF alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/f5-big-ip-advanced-waf) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/cloudflare-waf-vs-f5-big-ip-advanced-waf 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 F5 BIG-IP Advanced 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