BunkerWeb Open Source WAF vs StackPath Web Application Firewall
BunkerWeb Open Source WAF and StackPath Web Application Firewall take different approaches to web application security. Consider your team's expertise and infrastructure preferences when evaluating these options.
BunkerWeb Open Source WAF and StackPath Web Application Firewall take fundamentally different approaches to web application security. Understanding your infrastructure and team capabilities will help determine which approach fits your needs.
Overview
BunkerWeb Open Source WAF and StackPath Web Application Firewall are both popular web application firewall solutions. This comparison will help you understand the key differences and choose the right one for your needs.
Next-generation open source WAF built on NGINX with ModSecurity integration, offering comprehensive web security with an intuitive web UI and extensive plugin system.
Edge-based WAF that was part of StackPath's CDN and edge computing platform. Discontinued in June 2024 when the company shut down operations.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | BunkerWeb Open Source WAF | StackPath Web Application Firewall |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.0/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| Pricing Model | Free (Open Source) / Pro Support | Per site / Per bandwidth tier (discontinued) |
| Ease of Use | 3.8/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.9/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Support | 3.2/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Open Source | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Linux, Docker, Docker Swarm, Kubernetes, any NGINX-compatible environment | Cloud (SaaS, discontinued) |
| Compliance | N/A (self-hosted, compliance depends on implementation) | SOC 2, PCI DSS (historical) |
Pricing Comparison
BunkerWeb Open Source WAF
Model: Free (Open Source) / Pro Support
Free Tier AvailableCommunity Edition
Free
Pro Support
Contact for pricing
StackPath Web Application Firewall
Model: Per site / Per bandwidth tier (discontinued)
Edge Delivery 200
$27.50/month
Edge Delivery 2000
$275/month
Features Comparison
BunkerWeb Open Source WAF
-
ModSecurity Integration
Built-in ModSecurity WAF with OWASP Core Rule Set for comprehensive protection against web application attacks.
-
Bot Protection
Block malicious bots with challenge-based verification using cookies, JavaScript tests, captchas, or third-party services.
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Rate Limiting & DDoS Protection
Limit connections and requests from clients, automatically ban suspicious activities triggering abnormal HTTP status codes.
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IP Reputation
Block known bad IPs using external blacklists and DNSBL integration.
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Web UI Management
User-friendly graphical interface for configuration and monitoring without command-line expertise.
-
Plugin System
Extend functionality with official and community plugins including ClamAV antivirus, Coraza WAF, and notification integrations.
StackPath Web Application Firewall
-
Edge WAF
Application-layer firewall deployed at the edge, filtering traffic before it reached origin servers. Included OWASP Top 10 coverage and custom rule support.
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DDoS Protection
Volumetric and application-layer DDoS mitigation integrated with the CDN edge network.
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Bot Management
Bot detection and mitigation using behavioral analysis and challenge-based verification.
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Real-time Analytics
Dashboard showing traffic patterns, blocked requests, and attack trends across protected sites.
Which One Is Right for You?
The best WAF depends on your specific requirements, infrastructure, and team expertise.
BunkerWeb Open Source WAF
- You need: Security-conscious organizations wanting data control, DevOps teams comfortable with self-hosting, budget-constrained projects, privacy-focused deployments
- You want to start with a free tier
- You prefer open-source solutions
- You're using: Linux, Docker, Docker Swarm, Kubernetes, any NGINX-compatible environment
StackPath Web Application Firewall
- You need: Historical reference only. StackPath is no longer available.
- You're using: Cloud (SaaS, discontinued)
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: BunkerWeb Open Source WAF or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
BunkerWeb Open Source WAF offers a free tier while StackPath Web Application Firewall does not, which may be important for early-stage startups. BunkerWeb Open Source WAF scores higher for ease of use (3.8/5), which is valuable for smaller teams. Consider your immediate security needs and growth plans when choosing.
Which has better support: BunkerWeb Open Source WAF or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
BunkerWeb Open Source WAF has a higher support rating (3.2/5) compared to StackPath Web Application Firewall (1.0/5). 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: BunkerWeb Open Source WAF or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
BunkerWeb Open Source WAF scores higher for ease of use (3.8/5) versus StackPath Web Application Firewall (1.0/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: BunkerWeb Open Source WAF or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
BunkerWeb Open Source WAF offers a free tier while StackPath Web Application Firewall requires a paid plan. BunkerWeb Open Source WAF scores higher for value (4.9/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
What's the difference between BunkerWeb Open Source WAF (open source) and StackPath Web Application Firewall (commercial)?
BunkerWeb Open Source WAF is open source, which means you can inspect the code, customize it, and self-host without licensing fees. StackPath Web Application Firewall is a commercial solution with managed support and regular updates. Open source is ideal if you have in-house expertise and want full control. Commercial solutions are better if you prefer managed security with vendor support.