Gcore Web Application and API Protection vs Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
Gcore Web Application and API Protection and Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) take different approaches to web application security. Consider your team's expertise and infrastructure preferences when evaluating these options.
Gcore Web Application and API Protection and Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) take fundamentally different approaches to web application security. Understanding your infrastructure and team capabilities will help determine which approach fits your needs.
Overview
Gcore Web Application and API Protection 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.
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.
Comprehensive WordPress security plugin with Patchstack-powered firewall rules, virtual patching, two-factor authentication, and site scanning for proactive protection.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Gcore Web Application and API Protection | Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.9/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Per month / Tiered | Freemium (Free tier + annual Pro license) |
| Ease of Use | 4.0/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.2/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Support | 3.7/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Cloud (SaaS), infrastructure-agnostic (any origin) | WordPress (self-hosted) |
| Compliance | GDPR, ISO 27001, PCI DSS | Contact vendor |
Pricing Comparison
Gcore Web Application and API Protection
Model: Per month / Tiered
Start
EUR 55/month
Pro
Custom pricing
Enterprise
Custom pricing
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
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.
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
-
Patchstack Firewall
Virtual patching rules powered by Patchstack that protect against known plugin and theme vulnerabilities automatically.
-
Two-Factor Authentication
Multiple 2FA methods including authenticator apps, email codes, and backup codes for all user roles.
-
Passwordless Login
Login via passkeys and biometrics, eliminating password-based attacks entirely (Pro feature).
-
Site Scanner
Checks for known malware, vulnerabilities in plugins and themes, and blocklist status.
-
File Change Detection
Monitors WordPress core files and alerts when unexpected changes are detected.
-
Security Dashboard
Unified dashboard showing security status, recent events, and actionable recommendations.
-
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.
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)
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: Gcore Web Application and API Protection or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offers a free tier while Gcore Web Application and API Protection does not, making Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) more accessible for budget-conscious 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: Gcore Web Application and API Protection or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) has a higher support rating (4.0/5) 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: Gcore Web Application and API Protection or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) scores higher for ease of use (4.3/5) 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 Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offers a free tier while Gcore Web Application and API Protection requires a paid plan. Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which is better for WordPress: Gcore Web Application and API Protection or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) explicitly supports WordPress while Gcore Web Application and API Protection 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.