Cloudflare WAF vs ModSecurity: side-by-side comparison (2026)
Cloudflare WAF is a commercial cloud web application and API protection solution by Cloudflare, Inc. ModSecurity is a free cloud web application and API protection solution. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.
Our take
What our shortlists say about the one we picked.
- Cloudflare WAF
Best for: Teams wanting global protection with little upkeep
It earns its place because the firewall, bot controls and rate limiting all run as one cloud service, so you protect a site by routing its traffic through the network instead of running your own gear. It fits any size, from startups to enterprises. The question to weigh is whether you are comfortable sending all your web traffic through one provider.
From Best Cloud WAAP Solutions for Business, Fall 2026
Reviewed by Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze.
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VisitA cloud-based web application firewall that protects applications from various cyber threats through rule-based filtering, machine learning detection, and integrated security features.
ModSecurity is an open-source web application firewall that provides a flexible and scalable way to monitor and control HTTP traffic.
Side-by-side comparison
Feature
Cloudflare WAF
ModSecurity
Pricing model
Commercial
Free
Category
Cloud Web Application and API Protection
Cloud Web Application and API Protection
Deployment and fit
Deployment type
Cloud
On-Premises
Company size fit
Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise
Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise
Company
Company
Cloudflare, Inc.
–
Use cases and capabilities
DDoS
Yes
No
Web Security
Yes
Yes
WAF
Yes
Yes
Core features
10 features listed
No features listed
Integrations
13 integrations listed
No integrations listed
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