# Cloudflare WAF vs Imperva Web Application Firewall (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). [Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/imperva-web-application-firewall-waf) is a commercial [cloud web application and API protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cloud-waap) solution by [Imperva](https://cybersectools.com/companies/imperva). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side. ## Our take What our shortlists say about each one. ### [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. ### [Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/imperva-web-application-firewall-waf) 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](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 | Imperva Web Application Firewall (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. | Imperva | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | Cloudflare WAF | Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) | |---|---|---| | DDoS | Yes | – | | Web Security | Yes | – | | WAF | Yes | Yes | | SQL Injection | – | Yes | | XSS | – | Yes | ### Core features **Cloudflare WAF** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Imperva Web Application Firewall (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. **Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)** 4 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. - [Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/imperva-web-application-firewall-waf) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options. ## Cloudflare WAF vs Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) FAQ Common questions when comparing Cloudflare WAF vs Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) for cloud web application and API protection. ### What is the difference between Cloudflare WAF and Imperva Web Application Firewall (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. **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. ### Who makes Cloudflare WAF and Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)? **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. ### Is Cloudflare WAF a good alternative to Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF)? 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. ## Related comparisons - [Cloudflare WAF vs MONITORAPP AIWAF](https://cybersectools.com/compare/monitorapp-aiwaf-vs-cloudflare-waf) - [Cloudflare WAF vs Sectigo SiteLock Website Protection Solutions](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cloudflare-waf-vs-sectigo-sitelock-website-protection-solutions) - [Cloudflare WAF vs Alibaba Cloud Web Application Firewall (WAF)](https://cybersectools.com/compare/alibaba-cloud-web-application-firewall-waf-vs-cloudflare-waf) - [Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) vs MONITORAPP AIWAF](https://cybersectools.com/compare/imperva-web-application-firewall-waf-vs-monitorapp-aiwaf) - [Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) vs Sectigo SiteLock Website Protection Solutions](https://cybersectools.com/compare/imperva-web-application-firewall-waf-vs-sectigo-sitelock-website-protection-solutions) - [Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) vs Alibaba Cloud Web Application Firewall (WAF)](https://cybersectools.com/compare/alibaba-cloud-web-application-firewall-waf-vs-imperva-web-application-firewall-waf) ## Alternatives to each - [See all Cloudflare WAF alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/cloudflare-waf) - [See all Imperva Web Application Firewall (WAF) alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/imperva-web-application-firewall-waf) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/cloudflare-waf-vs-imperva-web-application-firewall-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 Imperva Web Application Firewall (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