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CGlobal network for CDN, DDoS protection, Zero Trust and serverless compute
Free, from $5/mo
DDoS protection & WAFFull list
Shield sites and APIs from attacks and abusive traffic.
3 tools1 with a free plan2 with an API
Subcategories · 6DDoS protection & WAF
3 tools
CC
Free, from $5/mo
C
Global network for CDN, DDoS protection, Zero Trust and serverless compute
DDoS protection & WAFFree plan
A
A
Paid
I
II
Contact
How to choose ddos protection & waf tools
Our list has three DDoS protection and WAF providers. These criteria tell them apart:
- Pricing model. Cloudflare is freemium, and its paid plans start at $5/mo, so it's the only one here you can try without talking to sales. Imperva is contact-for-pricing. We don't have pricing information for Akamai.
- Scope of the platform. These are all broader than a firewall. Akamai combines CDN, edge security and cloud computing. Cloudflare covers CDN, DDoS protection, Zero Trust and serverless compute. Imperva covers application, API and data security. Pick the one that matches the rest of your stack, not just the WAF.
- API access. Akamai and Imperva are listed with an API, which matters if you manage rules and settings as code or through automation. Our list doesn't record an API for Cloudflare.
- Target audience. Akamai and Imperva describe themselves as enterprise platforms. Cloudflare's free tier makes it the easier choice for small sites and side projects.
We haven't tested these tools, so check your traffic volume and compliance needs with each vendor.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free DDoS protection or WAF option?
Yes. Cloudflare is the only tool in our list with a free tier, and its paid plans start at $5/mo. Imperva is contact-for-pricing, and we don't have pricing information for Akamai.
How much does DDoS protection cost?
In our list, prices range from Cloudflare's free tier and $5/mo plans to custom enterprise quotes. Imperva asks you to contact sales, and Akamai's pricing isn't listed.
What should I look for in a DDoS protection and WAF tool?
Look at the pricing model, how well the platform fits what you already use (CDN, Zero Trust, API or data security), whether there's an API for automation, and whether the product is built for enterprises or smaller teams.
What are the alternatives to Cloudflare?
In this category we list Akamai, an enterprise CDN, edge security and cloud computing platform, and Imperva, an application, API and data security platform for enterprises. Both are listed with an API.