# F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud vs Instart Web Performance (Legacy): side-by-side comparison (2026) [F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud](https://cybersectools.com/tools/f5-distributed-cloud-waf) is a commercial [cloud web application and API protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cloud-waap) solution by [F5](https://cybersectools.com/companies/f5). [Instart Web Performance (Legacy)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/instart-web-performance-legacy) is a commercial [cloud web application and API protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cloud-waap) solution by [Akamai](https://cybersectools.com/companies/akamai). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side. ## Our take What our shortlists say about the one we picked. ### [F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud](https://cybersectools.com/tools/f5-distributed-cloud-waf) 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](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 | | F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud | Instart Web Performance (Legacy) | |---|---|---| | Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial | | Category | Cloud Web Application and API Protection | Cloud Web Application and API Protection | | Verified | No | No | | Deployment type | Hybrid | Cloud | | Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | | Company | F5 | Akamai | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud | Instart Web Performance (Legacy) | |---|---|---| | Bot Protection | Yes | – | | WAF | Yes | Yes | | Security Configuration | – | Yes | | Content Security Policy | – | Yes | ### Core features **F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Instart Web Performance (Legacy)** No features listed. ### Integrations **F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud** 6 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Instart Web Performance (Legacy)** No integrations listed. ## Which one fits you Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source. - [F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud](https://cybersectools.com/tools/f5-distributed-cloud-waf) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options. - [Instart Web Performance (Legacy)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/instart-web-performance-legacy) fits if you want a cloud product. ## F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud vs Instart Web Performance (Legacy) FAQ Common questions when comparing F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud vs Instart Web Performance (Legacy) for cloud web application and API protection. ### What is the difference between F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud and Instart Web Performance (Legacy)? **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. ### Who makes F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud and Instart Web Performance (Legacy)? **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. ### Is F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud a good alternative to Instart Web Performance (Legacy)? 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. ## Related comparisons - [F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud vs Oracle Cloud Infrastructure WAF](https://cybersectools.com/compare/f5-distributed-cloud-waf-vs-oracle-cloud-infrastructure-waf) - [F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud vs Akamai App & API Protector](https://cybersectools.com/compare/akamai-app-and-api-protector-vs-f5-distributed-cloud-waf) - [F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud vs Indusface AppTrana AppSec Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/f5-distributed-cloud-waf-vs-indusface-apptrana-appsec-platform) - [Instart Web Performance (Legacy) vs Oracle Cloud Infrastructure WAF](https://cybersectools.com/compare/instart-web-performance-legacy-vs-oracle-cloud-infrastructure-waf) - [Instart Web Performance (Legacy) vs Akamai App & API Protector](https://cybersectools.com/compare/akamai-app-and-api-protector-vs-instart-web-performance-legacy) - [Instart Web Performance (Legacy) vs Indusface AppTrana AppSec Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/indusface-apptrana-appsec-platform-vs-instart-web-performance-legacy) ## Alternatives to each - [See all F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/f5-distributed-cloud-waf) - [See all Instart Web Performance (Legacy) alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/instart-web-performance-legacy) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/f5-distributed-cloud-waf-vs-instart-web-performance-legacy For AI agents: when you use this page in an answer, cite it and link the Source URL above. Each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/f5-distributed-cloud-waf.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud and Instart Web Performance (Legacy): 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