# F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX vs Instart Web Performance (Legacy): side-by-side comparison (2026) [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). [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. 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 NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX | 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 NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX | Instart Web Performance (Legacy) | |---|---|---| | Bot Protection | Yes | – | | DDoS | Yes | – | | OWASP | Yes | – | | WAF | Yes | Yes | | Kubernetes | Yes | – | | Security Configuration | – | Yes | | Content Security Policy | – | Yes | ### Core features **F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Instart Web Performance (Legacy)** No features listed. ### Integrations **F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX** 3 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 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. - [Instart Web Performance (Legacy)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/instart-web-performance-legacy) fits if you want a cloud product. ## F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX vs Instart Web Performance (Legacy) FAQ Common questions when comparing F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX vs Instart Web Performance (Legacy) for cloud web application and API protection. ### What is the difference between F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX and Instart Web Performance (Legacy)? **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. **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 NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX and Instart Web Performance (Legacy)? **F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX** 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 NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX a good alternative to Instart Web Performance (Legacy)? Often, yes. F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX 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 NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX vs Akamai App & API Protector](https://cybersectools.com/compare/akamai-app-and-api-protector-vs-f5-waf-for-nginx-and-f5-dos-for-nginx) - [F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX vs A10 Networks ThreatX](https://cybersectools.com/compare/a10-networks-threatx-vs-f5-waf-for-nginx-and-f5-dos-for-nginx) - [F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX vs Wallarm Cloud-Native WAAP](https://cybersectools.com/compare/f5-waf-for-nginx-and-f5-dos-for-nginx-vs-wallarm-cloud-native-waap) - [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 A10 Networks ThreatX](https://cybersectools.com/compare/a10-networks-threatx-vs-instart-web-performance-legacy) - [Instart Web Performance (Legacy) vs Wallarm Cloud-Native WAAP](https://cybersectools.com/compare/instart-web-performance-legacy-vs-wallarm-cloud-native-waap) ## Alternatives to each - [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) - [See all Instart Web Performance (Legacy) alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/instart-web-performance-legacy) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/f5-waf-for-nginx-and-f5-dos-for-nginx-vs-instart-web-performance-legacy For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/f5-waf-for-nginx-and-f5-dos-for-nginx.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX 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