CDNetworks Application Shield vs StackPath Web Application Firewall
Both CDNetworks Application Shield and StackPath Web Application Firewall are capable WAF solutions. The right choice depends on your specific infrastructure, budget, and feature requirements.
Overview
CDNetworks Application Shield 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.
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-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 | CDNetworks Application Shield | StackPath Web Application Firewall |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.7/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Free Tier | No | No |
| Pricing Model | Custom pricing, usage-based | Per site / Per bandwidth tier (discontinued) |
| Ease of Use | 3.5/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Value for Money | 3.5/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Support | 3.8/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Platforms | Any web application, cloud-hosted sites, on-premises origins | Cloud (SaaS, discontinued) |
| Compliance | PCI DSS, ISO 27001, SOC 2 | SOC 2, PCI DSS (historical) |
Pricing Comparison
CDNetworks Application Shield
Model: Custom pricing, usage-based
Application Shield Standard
Custom pricing
Application Shield Advanced
Custom 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
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.
StackPath Web Application Firewall
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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.
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
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 has better support: CDNetworks Application Shield or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
CDNetworks Application Shield has a higher support rating (3.8/5) 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: CDNetworks Application Shield or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
CDNetworks Application Shield scores higher for ease of use (3.5/5) 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: CDNetworks Application Shield or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
Neither provider offers a completely free tier. CDNetworks Application Shield scores higher for value (3.5/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which is better for enterprise: CDNetworks Application Shield or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
CDNetworks Application Shield is positioned for enterprise use cases, while StackPath Web Application Firewall 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.