# Cloudflare WAF vs F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX: 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 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX](https://cybersectools.com/tools/f5-waf-for-nginx-and-f5-dos-for-nginx) 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 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX | |---|---|---| | 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 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX | |---|---|---| | DDoS | Yes | Yes | | Web Security | Yes | – | | WAF | Yes | Yes | | Bot Protection | – | Yes | | OWASP | – | Yes | | Kubernetes | – | Yes | ### Core features **Cloudflare WAF** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX** 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 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX** 3 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 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX](https://cybersectools.com/tools/f5-waf-for-nginx-and-f5-dos-for-nginx) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options. ## Cloudflare WAF vs F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX FAQ Common questions when comparing Cloudflare WAF vs F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX for cloud web application and API protection. ### What is the difference between Cloudflare WAF and F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX? **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. ### Who makes Cloudflare WAF and F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX? **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. ### Is Cloudflare WAF a good alternative to F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX? 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. ## Related comparisons - [Cloudflare WAF vs Imperva Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cloudflare-waf-vs-imperva-application-security) - [Cloudflare WAF vs Myra Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cloudflare-waf-vs-myra-application-security) - [Cloudflare WAF vs Astra DDoS Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/astra-ddos-protection-vs-cloudflare-waf) - [F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX vs Imperva Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/f5-waf-for-nginx-and-f5-dos-for-nginx-vs-imperva-application-security) - [F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX vs Myra Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/f5-waf-for-nginx-and-f5-dos-for-nginx-vs-myra-application-security) - [F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX vs Astra DDoS Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/astra-ddos-protection-vs-f5-waf-for-nginx-and-f5-dos-for-nginx) ## Alternatives to each - [See all Cloudflare WAF alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/cloudflare-waf) - [See all F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/f5-waf-for-nginx-and-f5-dos-for-nginx) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/cloudflare-waf-vs-f5-waf-for-nginx-and-f5-dos-for-nginx 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 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX: 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