BBQ Firewall vs BulletProof Security
Both BBQ Firewall and BulletProof Security are capable WAF solutions. The right choice depends on your specific infrastructure, budget, and feature requirements.
Overview
BBQ Firewall and BulletProof Security are both popular web application firewall solutions. This comparison will help you understand the key differences and choose the right one for your needs.
The lightest WordPress firewall plugin. Under 10KB, zero configuration, based on Jeff Starr's battle-tested 7G/8G ruleset. 100,000+ active installs. Free version covers most sites. Pro adds customizable rules and statistics.
WordPress security plugin featuring .htaccess-based firewall protection, one-click setup wizard, login security, database backups, and a lifetime Pro license for unlimited sites.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | BBQ Firewall | BulletProof Security |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.0/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Freemium (Free tier + paid licenses with lifetime option) | Free edition + one-time Pro license (lifetime) |
| Ease of Use | 5.0/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Support | 3.7/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Platforms | WordPress (self-hosted) | WordPress (self-hosted) |
Pricing Comparison
BBQ Firewall
Model: Freemium (Free tier + paid licenses with lifetime option)
Free Tier AvailableFree
$0
Pro (1 site, yearly)
$30/year
Pro (1 site, lifetime)
$50 one-time
Pro (3 sites, lifetime)
$100 one-time
Pro (10 sites, lifetime)
$200 one-time
Pro (300 sites, lifetime)
$440 one-time
BulletProof Security
Model: Free edition + one-time Pro license (lifetime)
Free Tier AvailableFree
$0
Pro (Lifetime)
$69.95 one-time
Features Comparison
BBQ Firewall
-
7G/8G Request Filtering
Regex-based pattern matching against incoming URIs, query strings, user agents, and referrers. Based on over a decade of refinement by Jeff Starr.
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SQL Injection Protection
Blocks common SQL injection patterns including UNION, SELECT, eval(), and base64-encoded payloads.
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Directory Traversal Protection
Catches path traversal attempts, null byte injection, and requests for sensitive system files.
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Bad Bot Blocking
Filters known malicious user agents and referrer spam patterns.
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Request Method Scanning
Checks all HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, etc.) against firewall rules.
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Customizable Patterns
Add, edit, or remove firewall patterns to fine-tune protection for your specific site (Pro feature).
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Block Statistics
Visual bar graphs showing hit counts per pattern to measure firewall effectiveness (Pro feature).
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Email Alerts
Receive notifications when requests are blocked (Pro feature).
BulletProof Security
-
.htaccess Firewall
Server-level request filtering via Apache .htaccess rules blocking SQL injection, XSS, and code injection.
-
Setup Wizard
One-click automated setup that configures .htaccess firewall rules without manual configuration.
-
Login Security
Login monitoring, failed login lockout, and idle session logout to prevent unauthorized access.
-
MScan Malware Scanner
Scans for malware, modified files, and suspicious code with automated quarantine and restore (Pro).
-
Database Backup
Scheduled and manual database backups with email notifications and backup management.
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Real-Time File Monitoring
Monitors file system changes in real-time and alerts on unauthorized modifications (Pro).
Which One Is Right for You?
The best WAF depends on your specific requirements, infrastructure, and team expertise.
BBQ Firewall
- You need: WordPress site owners wanting the absolute lightest firewall with zero overhead. Sites where every millisecond of performance matters. Developers who want a clean, focused security tool without bloat. Agencies managing hundreds of sites on a budget with the lifetime license.
- You want to start with a free tier
- You're using: WordPress (self-hosted)
BulletProof Security
- You need: WordPress agencies needing affordable security for many sites, Apache-hosted WordPress sites, budget-conscious users wanting lifetime licensing
- You want to start with a free tier
- You're using: WordPress (self-hosted)
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 is better for startups: BBQ Firewall or BulletProof Security?
Both BBQ Firewall and BulletProof Security offer free tiers, making them accessible for startups. BBQ Firewall scores higher for ease of use (5.0/5), which is valuable for smaller teams. Consider your immediate security needs and growth plans when choosing.
Which has better support: BBQ Firewall or BulletProof Security?
BBQ Firewall has a higher support rating (3.7/5) compared to BulletProof Security (3.5/5). 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: BBQ Firewall or BulletProof Security?
BBQ Firewall scores higher for ease of use (5.0/5) versus BulletProof Security (3.4/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: BBQ Firewall or BulletProof Security?
Both providers offer free tiers, making it easy to start without commitment. BBQ Firewall scores higher for value (4.6/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which is better for WordPress: BBQ Firewall or BulletProof Security?
Both BBQ Firewall and BulletProof Security support WordPress sites. For WordPress-specific threats like plugin vulnerabilities and brute force attacks, look for providers with WordPress-specific rule sets.