AWS Web Application Firewall vs Gcore Web Application and API Protection
Both AWS Web Application Firewall and Gcore Web Application and API Protection are capable WAF solutions. The right choice depends on your specific infrastructure, budget, and feature requirements.
Overview
AWS Web Application Firewall and Gcore Web Application and API Protection are both popular web application firewall solutions. This comparison will help you understand the key differences and choose the right one for your needs.
Native AWS security service providing scalable WAF protection for applications hosted on AWS infrastructure with pay-per-use pricing.
Edge-deployed WAAP platform combining WAF, bot management, L7 DDoS mitigation, and API security in one service. AI-driven threat detection with pricing starting at EUR 55/month.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | AWS Web Application Firewall | Gcore Web Application and API Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.3/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Free Tier | No | No |
| Pricing Model | Pay-per-use (rules + requests) | Per month / Tiered |
| Ease of Use | 3.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.0/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Support | 4.0/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Platforms | AWS CloudFront, ALB, API Gateway, AppSync, Cognito, App Runner, Verified Access | Cloud (SaaS), infrastructure-agnostic (any origin) |
| Compliance | SOC 1/2/3, PCI DSS, HIPAA, FedRAMP, ISO 27001 | GDPR, ISO 27001, PCI DSS |
Pricing Comparison
AWS Web Application Firewall
Model: Pay-per-use (rules + requests)
Small (1 ACL, 10 rules)
$15/month + $0.60/M requests
Medium (2 ACL, 25 rules)
$35/month + $0.60/M requests
Large (5 ACL, 50 rules)
$75/month + $0.60/M requests
Gcore Web Application and API Protection
Model: Per month / Tiered
Start
EUR 55/month
Pro
Custom pricing
Enterprise
Custom pricing
Features Comparison
AWS Web Application Firewall
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AWS Managed Rules
Pre-configured rule groups maintained by AWS and AWS Marketplace sellers for common threats.
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Custom Rules
Build your own rules using conditions like IP addresses, HTTP headers, URI strings, and more.
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Rate-Based Rules
Automatically block IPs that exceed defined request thresholds.
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Bot Control
Managed rule group for detecting and managing bot traffic (additional cost).
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Fraud Control
Account takeover prevention and creation fraud detection for login/signup pages.
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Firewall Manager Integration
Centrally configure and manage WAF rules across multiple AWS accounts.
Gcore Web Application and API Protection
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AI-Driven WAF
WAF using regex, signatures, heuristics, and behavioral analytics to protect against OWASP Top 10 and beyond. Custom rules and device fingerprinting for advanced detection.
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Bot Management
Distinguishes good bots from malicious ones using behavioral analytics, JavaScript challenges, CAPTCHA, session management, and rate limiting.
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L7 DDoS Mitigation
Application-layer DDoS protection with burst identification, AI-based IP filtering, and auto-scaling at the edge.
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API Security
Protects APIs against OWASP API Top 10 with ML-based filtering, JA3 fingerprinting, and heuristic analysis.
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Edge Deployment
All processing happens at Gcore's 180+ edge PoPs for minimal latency impact on legitimate traffic.
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Auto-Learning
Self-tuning capabilities that adapt protection rules based on observed traffic patterns and new threat types.
Which One Is Right for You?
The best WAF depends on your specific requirements, infrastructure, and team expertise.
AWS Web Application Firewall
- You need: AWS-native applications, organizations already invested in AWS ecosystem, variable traffic workloads, multi-account AWS environments
- You're using: AWS CloudFront, ALB, API Gateway, AppSync, Cognito, App Runner, Verified Access
Gcore Web Application and API Protection
- You need: Organizations wanting an affordable full WAAP platform, teams already using Gcore CDN, companies needing combined WAF and API security, globally distributed web applications
- You're using: Cloud (SaaS), infrastructure-agnostic (any origin)
We recommend evaluating both options with a trial or free tier before committing. Consider your existing infrastructure, team expertise, compliance requirements, and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has better support: AWS Web Application Firewall or Gcore Web Application and API Protection?
AWS Web Application Firewall has a higher support rating (4.0/5) compared to Gcore Web Application and API Protection (3.7/5). However, support quality can vary based on your plan tier - enterprise customers typically receive more responsive support from both providers. Consider evaluating support during a trial period.
Which is easier to implement: AWS Web Application Firewall or Gcore Web Application and API Protection?
Gcore Web Application and API Protection scores higher for ease of use (4.0/5) versus AWS Web Application Firewall (3.5/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: AWS Web Application Firewall or Gcore Web Application and API Protection?
Neither provider offers a completely free tier. Gcore Web Application and API Protection scores higher for value (4.2/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which works better with AWS: AWS Web Application Firewall or Gcore Web Application and API Protection?
AWS Web Application Firewall is AWS's native WAF solution, offering the tightest integration with AWS services like CloudFront, ALB, and API Gateway. Gcore Web Application and API Protection can also protect AWS workloads but requires additional configuration. Consider whether native AWS integration or cross-cloud portability matters more for your use case.