Coraza Web Application Firewall vs Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
Both Coraza Web Application Firewall and Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) are capable WAF solutions. The right choice depends on your specific infrastructure, budget, and feature requirements.
Overview
Coraza Web Application Firewall and Solid Security (formerly iThemes 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.
OWASP open source WAF written in Go, fully compatible with ModSecurity rules and OWASP Core Rule Set, designed as a modern alternative to ModSecurity with native support for Caddy, Traefik, and HAProxy.
Comprehensive WordPress security plugin with Patchstack-powered firewall rules, virtual patching, two-factor authentication, and site scanning for proactive protection.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Coraza Web Application Firewall | Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Free and open source (Apache 2.0) | Freemium (Free tier + annual Pro license) |
| Ease of Use | 3.8/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.8/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Support | 3.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Open Source | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Any platform running Go, Docker, Kubernetes, Linux, macOS, Windows | WordPress (self-hosted) |
| Compliance | Supports PCI DSS compliance when configured with OWASP CRS | Contact vendor |
Pricing Comparison
Coraza Web Application Firewall
Model: Free and open source (Apache 2.0)
Free Tier AvailableOpen Source
Free
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
Model: Freemium (Free tier + annual Pro license)
Free Tier AvailableFree
$0
Pro (1 site)
$99/year (~$8.25/month)
Pro (multi-site)
From $199/year
Features Comparison
Coraza Web Application Firewall
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ModSecurity Compatibility
Full compatibility with ModSecurity SecLang rule language. Existing ModSecurity rules and rule sets work without modification.
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OWASP CRS Support
Native support for the OWASP Core Rule Set, providing protection against SQL injection, XSS, RCE, and other OWASP Top 10 threats.
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Go Native
Pure Go implementation with no C dependencies. Embeddable as a library, usable as middleware, or deployable as a plugin for modern proxies.
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Proxy Plugins
Official plugins for Caddy (coraza-caddy), Traefik, and HAProxy allow adding WAF protection with minimal configuration.
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Kubernetes Ready
Lightweight enough to run as a sidecar or embedded in ingress controllers. Works with any Go-based K8s tooling.
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Audit Logging
Detailed audit logging of blocked and flagged requests for security analysis and compliance reporting.
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
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Patchstack Firewall
Virtual patching rules powered by Patchstack that protect against known plugin and theme vulnerabilities automatically.
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Two-Factor Authentication
Multiple 2FA methods including authenticator apps, email codes, and backup codes for all user roles.
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Passwordless Login
Login via passkeys and biometrics, eliminating password-based attacks entirely (Pro feature).
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Site Scanner
Checks for known malware, vulnerabilities in plugins and themes, and blocklist status.
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File Change Detection
Monitors WordPress core files and alerts when unexpected changes are detected.
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Security Dashboard
Unified dashboard showing security status, recent events, and actionable recommendations.
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Trusted Devices
Recognizes trusted devices and restricts admin access from unknown devices (Pro feature).
Which One Is Right for You?
The best WAF depends on your specific requirements, infrastructure, and team expertise.
Coraza Web Application Firewall
- You need: Teams migrating from ModSecurity, Kubernetes environments, Go-based applications, organizations using Caddy or Traefik, developers wanting embeddable WAF
- You want to start with a free tier
- You prefer open-source solutions
- You're using: Any platform running Go, Docker, Kubernetes, Linux, macOS, Windows
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
- You need: WordPress agencies managing multiple sites, users wanting modern authentication features like passkeys, sites needing automatic virtual patching for plugin vulnerabilities
- 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: Coraza Web Application Firewall or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Both Coraza Web Application Firewall and Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offer free tiers, making them accessible for startups. Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) scores higher for ease of use (4.3/5), which is valuable for smaller teams. Consider your immediate security needs and growth plans when choosing.
Which has better support: Coraza Web Application Firewall or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) has a higher support rating (4.0/5) compared to Coraza Web Application Firewall (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: Coraza Web Application Firewall or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) scores higher for ease of use (4.3/5) versus Coraza Web Application Firewall (3.8/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: Coraza Web Application Firewall or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Both providers offer free tiers, making it easy to start without commitment. Coraza Web Application Firewall scores higher for value (4.8/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which is better for WordPress: Coraza Web Application Firewall or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) explicitly supports WordPress while Coraza Web Application Firewall 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.