# Cloudflare WAF Cloudflare WAF is a Cloud Web Application and API Protection product by Cloudflare, Inc. It runs in the cloud. Pricing is commercial. A cloud-based web application firewall that protects applications from various cyber threats through rule-based filtering, machine learning detection, and integrated security features. Checked October 2026. ## What is Cloudflare WAF? Cloudflare WAF is a cloud-based web application firewall that operates within Cloudflare's global network infrastructure to protect web applications from various security threats. The WAF functions by positioning itself in front of web applications to intercept and analyze incoming traffic, implementing multiple security measures: - Implements OWASP Core ruleset to protect against common web application vulnerabilities - Utilizes machine learning algorithms for detecting and responding to emerging threats - Provides protection against credential stuffing and account takeover attempts - Includes file scanning capabilities to detect malware in uploaded content - Offers rate limiting functionality to prevent abuse and DDoS attacks - Enables custom rule creation for organization-specific security policies The system integrates with Cloudflare's broader security infrastructure and processes HTTP requests through their global network. It offers both managed rulesets for immediate protection and allows for custom rule configuration to meet specific security requirements. The WAF includes threat intelligence gathering capabilities, analyzing traffic patterns across its network to identify and respond to new attack vectors. It provides real-time protection against zero-day exploits and emerging threats through continuous updates to its security rules. Tags: DDoS, Web Security, WAF ## Where it fits in your security program (NIST CSF 2.0) - [Protect](https://cybersectools.com/guides/building-protect-program-small-team): helps you prevent attacks and keep data safe. - [Detect](https://cybersectools.com/guides/building-detect-program-small-team): helps you spot attacks and unusual activity. ## Quick facts - Category: [Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/categories/application-security) ยท [Cloud Web Application and API Protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cloud-waap) - Vendor: [Cloudflare, Inc.](https://cybersectools.com/companies/cloudflare-inc) - Deployment: Cloud - Company size fit: Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise - Pricing: Free plan. Paid plans: contact sales - Features: 10 listed - Integrations: 13 listed - Website: cloudflare.com The full feature and integration lists are on the page for signed-in visitors. ## Where it ranks Cloudflare WAF is #1 of 6 on [Best Cloud WAAP Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-cloud-waap-solutions). ## Who is 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. Our take, from #1 of 6 on [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). ## Cloudflare WAF FAQ ### What is Cloudflare WAF? Cloudflare WAF is a product by Cloudflare, Inc. in the Cloud Web Application and API Protection category. It covers DDoS, Web Security and WAF. ### What is the pricing for Cloudflare WAF? Cloudflare WAF is a commercial product. For pricing, visit https://www.cloudflare.com/en-gb/application-services/products/waf/ or contact Cloudflare, Inc.. ### What are alternatives to Cloudflare WAF? Alternatives to Cloudflare WAF listed on CybersecTools: 1. [Array ASF Series Web Application Firewall](https://cybersectools.com/tools/array-asf-series-web-application-firewall) - WAF protecting web apps from OWASP Top 10, DDoS, and zero-day attacks (Commercial) 2. [Imperva Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/imperva-application-security) - Platform protecting web apps and APIs from attacks, bots, and DDoS threats (Commercial) 3. [Baffin Bay Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/baffin-bay-application-security) - Web app and API protection with WAF, DDoS mitigation, and bot defense (Commercial) 4. [Myra Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/myra-application-security) - Cloud-based web app & API protection with WAF, DDoS mitigation & bot mgmt (Commercial) 5. [Astra DDoS Protection](https://cybersectools.com/tools/astra-ddos-protection) - Website security suite with DDoS, WAF, malware scanning & bot protection. (Commercial) Compare all Cloudflare WAF alternatives at [https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/cloudflare-waf](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/cloudflare-waf) ### What deployment and organization size does Cloudflare WAF fit? Cloudflare WAF is available as a cloud service. It is listed for startups, small businesses, mid-market companies and enterprises. Pricing is commercial. Ask Cloudflare, Inc. for pricing and support terms. ## Compare Cloudflare WAF with similar solutions - [Cloudflare WAF vs Array ASF Series Web Application Firewall](https://cybersectools.com/compare/array-asf-series-web-application-firewall-vs-cloudflare-waf) - [Cloudflare WAF vs Imperva Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cloudflare-waf-vs-imperva-application-security) - [Cloudflare WAF vs Baffin Bay Application Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/baffin-bay-application-security-vs-cloudflare-waf) All alternatives to Cloudflare WAF: [/alternatives/cloudflare-waf](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/cloudflare-waf) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/tools/cloudflare-waf For AI agents: every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md, and any compare page has a Markdown copy too (add .md to its URL). More on Cloudflare WAF and Cloudflare, Inc.: 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=product-md