Cloudflare WAF is a commercial cloud web application and API protection solution by Cloudflare, Inc. F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX is a commercial cloud web application and API protection solution by F5. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.
What our shortlists say about the one we picked.
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, Fall 2026
Reviewed by Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze.
A cloud-based web application firewall that protects applications from various cyber threats through rule-based filtering, machine learning detection, and integrated security features.
WAF and L7 DoS protection for modern apps and APIs in DevOps environments
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Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.
Cloudflare WAF fits if you want a cloud product and you are a startup.
F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options.
Common questions when comparing Cloudflare WAF vs F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX for cloud web application and 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.
F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX: WAF and L7 DoS protection for modern apps and APIs in DevOps environments, built by F5.
The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.
Cloudflare WAF is made by Cloudflare, Inc. F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX is made by F5. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.
Often, yes. Cloudflare WAF and F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX 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.
Need the answer fast? Best Cloud WAAP Solutions for Business picks Cloudflare WAF, Akamai App & API Protector, Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) and 3 more.See the shortlist
