# F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX vs ModSecurity: 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). [ModSecurity](https://cybersectools.com/tools/modsecurity) is a free [cloud web application and API protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cloud-waap) solution. 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 | ModSecurity |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Free |
| Category | Cloud Web Application and API Protection | Cloud Web Application and API Protection |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Hybrid | On-Premises |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | F5 | – |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX | ModSecurity |
|---|---|---|
| Bot Protection | Yes | – |
| DDoS | Yes | – |
| OWASP | Yes | – |
| WAF | Yes | Yes |
| Kubernetes | Yes | – |
| Web Security | – | Yes |

### Core features

**F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**ModSecurity**

No features listed.

### Integrations

**F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX**

3 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**ModSecurity**

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.
- [ModSecurity](https://cybersectools.com/tools/modsecurity) fits if you need to run it on your own servers, you are a startup and you need a free product.

## F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX vs ModSecurity FAQ

Common questions when comparing F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX vs ModSecurity for cloud web application and API protection.

### What is the difference between F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX and ModSecurity?

**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.

**ModSecurity**: ModSecurity is an open-source web application firewall that provides a flexible and scalable way to monitor and control HTTP traffic.

The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.

### Is F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX a good alternative to ModSecurity?

Often, yes. F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX and ModSecurity are both Cloud Web Application and API Protection products, and both cover WAF. Key differences: F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX is Commercial while ModSecurity is Free. 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 Imperva Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/f5-waf-for-nginx-and-f5-dos-for-nginx-vs-imperva-application-security)
- [F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX vs Myra Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/f5-waf-for-nginx-and-f5-dos-for-nginx-vs-myra-application-security)
- [F5 WAF for NGINX and F5 DoS for NGINX vs Astra DDoS Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/astra-ddos-protection-vs-f5-waf-for-nginx-and-f5-dos-for-nginx)
- [ModSecurity vs Imperva Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/imperva-application-security-vs-modsecurity)
- [ModSecurity vs Myra Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/modsecurity-vs-myra-application-security)
- [ModSecurity vs Astra DDoS Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/astra-ddos-protection-vs-modsecurity)

## 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 ModSecurity alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/modsecurity)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/f5-waf-for-nginx-and-f5-dos-for-nginx-vs-modsecurity

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 ModSecurity: 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