CDNetworks Application Shield vs Jetpack Protect / Jetpack WAF
CDNetworks Application Shield and Jetpack Protect / Jetpack WAF take different approaches to web application security. Consider your team's expertise and infrastructure preferences when evaluating these options.
CDNetworks Application Shield and Jetpack Protect / Jetpack WAF take fundamentally different approaches to web application security. Understanding your infrastructure and team capabilities will help determine which approach fits your needs.
Overview
CDNetworks Application Shield and Jetpack Protect / Jetpack WAF 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.
WordPress security plugin by Automattic with built-in WAF, brute force protection, malware scanning, and downtime monitoring backed by WordPress.com infrastructure.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | CDNetworks Application Shield | Jetpack Protect / Jetpack WAF |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.7/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Custom pricing, usage-based | Freemium (Free tier + paid subscriptions) |
| Ease of Use | 3.5/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Value for Money | 3.5/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Support | 3.8/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Any web application, cloud-hosted sites, on-premises origins | WordPress (self-hosted) |
| Compliance | PCI DSS, ISO 27001, SOC 2 | Contact vendor |
Pricing Comparison
CDNetworks Application Shield
Model: Custom pricing, usage-based
Application Shield Standard
Custom pricing
Application Shield Advanced
Custom pricing
Jetpack Protect / Jetpack WAF
Model: Freemium (Free tier + paid subscriptions)
Free Tier AvailableFree
$0
Security
$9.95/month (billed yearly)
Complete
$24.95/month (billed yearly)
Features Comparison
CDNetworks Application Shield
-
Edge-Based WAF
WAF filtering at 1,500+ global edge locations for low-latency protection close to end users.
-
DDoS Protection
Multi-layer DDoS mitigation covering network (L3/L4) and application (L7) layer attacks.
-
Bot Management
Identify and manage automated traffic including scrapers, credential stuffers, and inventory hoarders.
-
API Protection
Secure APIs against abuse, injection attacks, and unauthorized access with dedicated API security rules.
-
Virtual Patching
Quickly mitigate known vulnerabilities without modifying application code.
-
Real-Time Analytics
Comprehensive dashboards showing attack trends, blocked requests, and traffic patterns.
Jetpack Protect / Jetpack WAF
-
Web Application Firewall
Endpoint firewall with automatically updated rules based on WordPress.com threat intelligence.
-
Brute Force Protection
Blocks distributed brute force login attacks using data from millions of WordPress.com sites.
-
Malware Scanning
Automated scanning for malware, suspicious code, and known vulnerabilities in plugins and themes.
-
Real-Time Backups
Cloud-based backups with every change saved, enabling one-click restore if your site is compromised.
-
Downtime Monitoring
Monitors site availability and sends instant alerts when your site goes offline.
-
Activity Log
Detailed log of all site changes, logins, and security events for auditing and troubleshooting.
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
Jetpack Protect / Jetpack WAF
- You need: WordPress site owners wanting an all-in-one solution from Automattic, sites already using Jetpack for other features, users who value simplicity and unified management
- You want to start with a free tier
- You prefer open-source solutions
- 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: CDNetworks Application Shield or Jetpack Protect / Jetpack WAF?
Jetpack Protect / Jetpack WAF offers a free tier while CDNetworks Application Shield does not, making Jetpack Protect / Jetpack WAF more accessible for budget-conscious startups. Jetpack Protect / Jetpack WAF scores higher for ease of use (4.6/5), which is valuable for smaller teams. Consider your immediate security needs and growth plans when choosing.
Which has better support: CDNetworks Application Shield or Jetpack Protect / Jetpack WAF?
Jetpack Protect / Jetpack WAF has a higher support rating (4.0/5) compared to CDNetworks Application Shield (3.8/5). 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 Jetpack Protect / Jetpack WAF?
Jetpack Protect / Jetpack WAF scores higher for ease of use (4.6/5) 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 Jetpack Protect / Jetpack WAF?
Jetpack Protect / Jetpack WAF offers a free tier while CDNetworks Application Shield requires a paid plan. Jetpack Protect / Jetpack WAF scores higher for value (3.8/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which is better for WordPress: CDNetworks Application Shield or Jetpack Protect / Jetpack WAF?
Jetpack Protect / Jetpack WAF explicitly supports WordPress while CDNetworks Application Shield takes a more platform-agnostic approach. For WordPress-specific threats like plugin vulnerabilities and brute force attacks, look for providers with WordPress-specific rule sets.