CDNetworks Application Shield vs Gcore Web Application and API Protection
Both CDNetworks Application Shield and Gcore Web Application and API Protection are capable WAF solutions. The right choice depends on your specific infrastructure, budget, and feature requirements.
Overview
CDNetworks Application Shield 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.
Cloud-based WAF integrated with CDNetworks' global CDN, offering signature-based threat detection, DDoS protection, and bot management across 1,500+ points of presence worldwide.
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 | CDNetworks Application Shield | Gcore Web Application and API Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.7/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Free Tier | No | No |
| Pricing Model | Custom pricing, usage-based | Per month / Tiered |
| Ease of Use | 3.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Value for Money | 3.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Support | 3.8/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Platforms | Any web application, cloud-hosted sites, on-premises origins | Cloud (SaaS), infrastructure-agnostic (any origin) |
| Compliance | PCI DSS, ISO 27001, SOC 2 | GDPR, ISO 27001, PCI DSS |
Pricing Comparison
CDNetworks Application Shield
Model: Custom pricing, usage-based
Application Shield Standard
Custom pricing
Application Shield Advanced
Custom pricing
Gcore Web Application and API Protection
Model: Per month / Tiered
Start
EUR 55/month
Pro
Custom pricing
Enterprise
Custom pricing
Features Comparison
CDNetworks Application Shield
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Edge-Based WAF
WAF filtering at 1,500+ global edge locations for low-latency protection close to end users.
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DDoS Protection
Multi-layer DDoS mitigation covering network (L3/L4) and application (L7) layer attacks.
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Bot Management
Identify and manage automated traffic including scrapers, credential stuffers, and inventory hoarders.
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API Protection
Secure APIs against abuse, injection attacks, and unauthorized access with dedicated API security rules.
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Virtual Patching
Quickly mitigate known vulnerabilities without modifying application code.
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Real-Time Analytics
Comprehensive dashboards showing attack trends, blocked requests, and traffic patterns.
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.
CDNetworks Application Shield
- You need: Businesses with significant Asian traffic, organizations needing combined CDN and WAF, enterprises targeting China market
- You're using: Any web application, cloud-hosted sites, on-premises origins
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: CDNetworks Application Shield or Gcore Web Application and API Protection?
CDNetworks Application Shield has a higher support rating (3.8/5) 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: CDNetworks Application Shield or Gcore Web Application and API Protection?
Gcore Web Application and API Protection scores higher for ease of use (4.0/5) versus CDNetworks Application Shield (3.5/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: CDNetworks Application Shield 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 is better for enterprise: CDNetworks Application Shield or Gcore Web Application and API Protection?
CDNetworks Application Shield is positioned for enterprise use cases, while Gcore Web Application and API Protection may be more suited for small to mid-market organizations. Both offer compliance certifications important for enterprise. Enterprise buyers should evaluate SLAs, support options, and integration capabilities.