F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud is a commercial cloud web application and API protection solution by F5. Instart Web Performance (Legacy) is a commercial cloud web application and API protection solution by Akamai. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.
What our shortlists say about the one we picked.
Best for: Teams running apps across many clouds
It earns a spot because one policy follows your apps wherever they run: F5's points of presence, your cloud accounts or your data center, on VMs, containers or serverless. That suits teams with apps spread across several clouds. If you take the managed option, ask which changes the 24x7 team makes on its own and which still need your sign-off.
From Best Cloud WAAP Solutions for Business, Fall 2026
Reviewed by Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze.
SaaS-based WAF for protecting web apps across multi-cloud, on-prem & edge
A legacy web application security and performance optimization solution that combines security controls with performance enhancement features.
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Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.
F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options.
Instart Web Performance (Legacy) fits if you want a cloud product.
Common questions when comparing F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud vs Instart Web Performance (Legacy) for cloud web application and API protection.
F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud: SaaS-based WAF for protecting web apps across multi-cloud, on-prem & edge. Built by F5.
Instart Web Performance (Legacy): A legacy web application security and performance optimization solution that combines security controls with performance enhancement features. Built by Akamai.
The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.
F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud is made by F5. Instart Web Performance (Legacy) is made by Akamai. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.
Often, yes. F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud and Instart Web Performance (Legacy) 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
