# Instart Web Performance (Legacy) vs Polaris Infosec WAAP: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[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). [Polaris Infosec WAAP](https://cybersectools.com/tools/polaris-infosec-waap) is a commercial [cloud web application and API protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cloud-waap) solution by [Polaris Infosec](https://cybersectools.com/companies/polaris-infosec). 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

| | Instart Web Performance (Legacy) | Polaris Infosec WAAP |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | Akamai | Polaris Infosec |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Instart Web Performance (Legacy) | Polaris Infosec WAAP |
|---|---|---|
| Security Configuration | Yes | – |
| WAF | Yes | Yes |
| Content Security Policy | Yes | – |
| DDoS | – | Yes |
| Bot Protection | – | Yes |
| Web Security | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Instart Web Performance (Legacy)**

No features listed.

**Polaris Infosec WAAP**

10 features 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.

- [Instart Web Performance (Legacy)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/instart-web-performance-legacy) fits if you want a cloud product.
- [Polaris Infosec WAAP](https://cybersectools.com/tools/polaris-infosec-waap) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options and you are a startup.

## Instart Web Performance (Legacy) vs Polaris Infosec WAAP FAQ

Common questions when comparing Instart Web Performance (Legacy) vs Polaris Infosec WAAP for cloud web application and API protection.

### What is the difference between Instart Web Performance (Legacy) and Polaris Infosec WAAP?

**Instart Web Performance (Legacy)**: A legacy web application security and performance optimization solution that combines security controls with performance enhancement features. Built by Akamai.

**Polaris Infosec WAAP**: AI-powered WAAP platform with WAF, API security, DDoS, and bot mgmt. Built by Polaris Infosec.

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

### Who makes Instart Web Performance (Legacy) and Polaris Infosec WAAP?

**Instart Web Performance (Legacy)** is made by Akamai. **Polaris Infosec WAAP** is made by Polaris Infosec. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is Instart Web Performance (Legacy) a good alternative to Polaris Infosec WAAP?

Often, yes. Instart Web Performance (Legacy) and Polaris Infosec WAAP 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

- [Instart Web Performance (Legacy) vs Imperva Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/imperva-application-security-vs-instart-web-performance-legacy)
- [Instart Web Performance (Legacy) vs Myra Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/instart-web-performance-legacy-vs-myra-application-security)
- [Instart Web Performance (Legacy) vs Astra DDoS Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/astra-ddos-protection-vs-instart-web-performance-legacy)
- [Polaris Infosec WAAP vs Imperva Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/imperva-application-security-vs-polaris-infosec-waap)
- [Polaris Infosec WAAP vs Myra Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/myra-application-security-vs-polaris-infosec-waap)
- [Polaris Infosec WAAP vs Astra DDoS Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/astra-ddos-protection-vs-polaris-infosec-waap)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Instart Web Performance (Legacy) alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/instart-web-performance-legacy)
- [See all Polaris Infosec WAAP alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/polaris-infosec-waap)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/instart-web-performance-legacy-vs-polaris-infosec-waap

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More on Instart Web Performance (Legacy) and Polaris Infosec WAAP: 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