Gcore Web Application and API Protection vs StackPath Web Application Firewall
Both Gcore Web Application and API Protection and StackPath Web Application Firewall are capable WAF solutions. The right choice depends on your specific infrastructure, budget, and feature requirements.
Overview
Gcore Web Application and API Protection 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.
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.
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 | Gcore Web Application and API Protection | StackPath Web Application Firewall |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.9/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Free Tier | No | No |
| Pricing Model | Per month / Tiered | Per site / Per bandwidth tier (discontinued) |
| Ease of Use | 4.0/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.2/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Support | 3.7/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Platforms | Cloud (SaaS), infrastructure-agnostic (any origin) | Cloud (SaaS, discontinued) |
| Compliance | GDPR, ISO 27001, PCI DSS | SOC 2, PCI DSS (historical) |
Pricing Comparison
Gcore Web Application and API Protection
Model: Per month / Tiered
Start
EUR 55/month
Pro
Custom pricing
Enterprise
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
Gcore Web Application and API Protection
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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.
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Bot Management
Distinguishes good bots from malicious ones using behavioral analytics, JavaScript challenges, CAPTCHA, session management, and rate limiting.
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L7 DDoS Mitigation
Application-layer DDoS protection with burst identification, AI-based IP filtering, and auto-scaling at the edge.
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API Security
Protects APIs against OWASP API Top 10 with ML-based filtering, JA3 fingerprinting, and heuristic analysis.
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Edge Deployment
All processing happens at Gcore's 180+ edge PoPs for minimal latency impact on legitimate traffic.
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Auto-Learning
Self-tuning capabilities that adapt protection rules based on observed traffic patterns and new threat types.
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.
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)
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: Gcore Web Application and API Protection or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
Gcore Web Application and API Protection has a higher support rating (3.7/5) 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: Gcore Web Application and API Protection or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
Gcore Web Application and API Protection scores higher for ease of use (4.0/5) 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: Gcore Web Application and API Protection or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
Neither provider offers a completely free tier. Gcore Web Application and API Protection scores higher for value (4.2/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.