Cloudflare WAF is a commercial cloud web application and API protection solution by Cloudflare, Inc. Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) is a commercial cloud web application and API protection solution by Imperva. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.
What our shortlists say about each one.
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
Best for: Regulated teams wanting managed rules, such as banks
Its place here comes from choice: a cloud service, a gateway for older on-premises apps and an elastic option for modern ones, all in one product. The audit logging maps to PCI DSS and GDPR work, which helps if you answer to regulators. Decide which option each app needs, because running gateways in your own data center is a different job from using a cloud service.
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 protecting web apps and APIs from OWASP Top 10 and other threats
See more solutions in this category, or build a security stack from your picks.
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.
Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options.
Common questions when comparing Cloudflare WAF vs Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) 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.
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.
Cloudflare WAF is made by Cloudflare, Inc. 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.
Often, yes. Cloudflare WAF and Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) are both Cloud Web Application and API Protection products, and both cover 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