Gcore Web Application and API Protection vs LiteSpeed Web Server WAF

Both Gcore Web Application and API Protection and LiteSpeed Web Server WAF are capable WAF solutions. The right choice depends on your specific infrastructure, budget, and feature requirements.

View Gcore Web Application and API Protection Review View LiteSpeed Web Server WAF Review

Overview

Gcore Web Application and API Protection and LiteSpeed Web Server 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.

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.

Built-in WAF module for LiteSpeed Web Server providing ModSecurity-compatible protection with high performance and low resource usage.

Quick Comparison

Feature Gcore Web Application and API Protection LiteSpeed Web Server WAF
Overall Rating 3.9/5 3.8/5
Free Tier No Yes
Pricing Model Per month / Tiered Per-server license
Ease of Use 4.0/5 4.0/5
Value for Money 4.2/5 4.5/5
Support 3.7/5 3.5/5
Platforms Cloud (SaaS), infrastructure-agnostic (any origin) Linux servers
Compliance GDPR, ISO 27001, PCI DSS PCI DSS (with proper configuration)

Pricing Comparison

Gcore Web Application and API Protection

Model: Per month / Tiered

Start

EUR 55/month

Pro

Custom pricing

Enterprise

Custom pricing

View full pricing →

LiteSpeed Web Server WAF

Model: Per-server license

Free Tier Available

OpenLiteSpeed

Free

LiteSpeed Enterprise

From $0 (1-worker) to $92/month

View full pricing →

Features Comparison

Gcore Web Application and API Protection

  • 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.

  • Bot Management

    Distinguishes good bots from malicious ones using behavioral analytics, JavaScript challenges, CAPTCHA, session management, and rate limiting.

  • L7 DDoS Mitigation

    Application-layer DDoS protection with burst identification, AI-based IP filtering, and auto-scaling at the edge.

  • API Security

    Protects APIs against OWASP API Top 10 with ML-based filtering, JA3 fingerprinting, and heuristic analysis.

  • Edge Deployment

    All processing happens at Gcore's 180+ edge PoPs for minimal latency impact on legitimate traffic.

  • Auto-Learning

    Self-tuning capabilities that adapt protection rules based on observed traffic patterns and new threat types.

LiteSpeed Web Server WAF

  • ModSecurity Compatibility

    Supports ModSecurity rules with significantly better performance than Apache mod_security.

  • Built-In WAF

    WAF integrated directly into the web server for minimal overhead.

  • OWASP CRS Support

    Compatible with the OWASP Core Rule Set; CRS must be enabled and the rule set installed, it is not active by default.

Which One Is Right for You?

The best WAF depends on your specific requirements, infrastructure, and team expertise.

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)
Learn more →

LiteSpeed Web Server WAF

  • You need: Hosting providers, WordPress sites on LiteSpeed, organizations wanting server-level WAF
  • You want to start with a free tier
  • You're using: Linux servers
Learn more →

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: Gcore Web Application and API Protection or LiteSpeed Web Server WAF?

LiteSpeed Web Server WAF offers a free tier while Gcore Web Application and API Protection does not, making LiteSpeed Web Server WAF more accessible for budget-conscious startups. Consider your immediate security needs and growth plans when choosing.

Which has better support: Gcore Web Application and API Protection or LiteSpeed Web Server WAF?

Gcore Web Application and API Protection has a higher support rating (3.7/5) compared to LiteSpeed Web Server WAF (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: Gcore Web Application and API Protection or LiteSpeed Web Server WAF?

LiteSpeed Web Server WAF scores higher for ease of use (4.0/5) versus Gcore Web Application and API Protection (4.0/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.

Which is more cost-effective: Gcore Web Application and API Protection or LiteSpeed Web Server WAF?

LiteSpeed Web Server WAF offers a free tier while Gcore Web Application and API Protection requires a paid plan. LiteSpeed Web Server WAF scores higher for value (4.5/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.