IPFire vs StackPath Web Application Firewall
IPFire and StackPath Web Application Firewall take different approaches to web application security. Consider your team's expertise and infrastructure preferences when evaluating these options.
IPFire and StackPath Web Application Firewall take fundamentally different approaches to web application security. Understanding your infrastructure and team capabilities will help determine which approach fits your needs.
Overview
IPFire 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.
Open source Linux firewall distribution with a Netfilter packet filter, Suricata IPS, and a Squid proxy. A network perimeter firewall, not a web application firewall.
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 | IPFire | StackPath Web Application Firewall |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.4/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| Pricing Model | Free and open source (GPL); optional paid appliances and support from Lightning Wire Labs | Per site / Per bandwidth tier (discontinued) |
| Ease of Use | 3.8/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.8/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Support | 3.2/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Open Source | Yes | No |
| Platforms | x86_64 bare metal, ARM (Raspberry Pi and similar), KVM, VMware, Xen, Hyper-V, cloud images | Cloud (SaaS, discontinued) |
| Compliance | None (open source project, no vendor certifications) | SOC 2, PCI DSS (historical) |
Pricing Comparison
IPFire
Model: Free and open source (GPL); optional paid appliances and support from Lightning Wire Labs
Free Tier AvailableCommunity
Free
Appliance
Hardware purchase
Commercial Support
Contact Sales
StackPath Web Application Firewall
Model: Per site / Per bandwidth tier (discontinued)
Edge Delivery 200
$27.50/month
Edge Delivery 2000
$275/month
Features Comparison
IPFire
-
Stateful Packet Filter
Linux Netfilter firewall with zones, NAT, port forwarding, time-based rules, MAC rules, GeoIP country blocking, and SYN-flood rate limiting.
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Suricata IPS
Deep packet inspection against Emerging Threats and Cisco Talos signature sets, with per-category rule selection and automatic ruleset updates.
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Network Segmentation
Built-in LAN, DMZ, wireless, and guest zones with separate policy, which is how you actually put a web server behind IPFire.
-
Squid Web Proxy
Outbound proxy with transparent mode, URL filtering, MIME type blocking, traffic shaping, and LDAP, Active Directory, or RADIUS authentication.
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VPN Gateway
IPsec, WireGuard, and OpenVPN for site-to-site and remote access, with hardware crypto acceleration and post-quantum key exchange on IPsec.
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Pakfire Add-ons
Package manager for optional components including monitoring, backup tools, Guardian for log-driven blocking, and Tor.
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.
IPFire
- You need: Home labs, small offices, and branch networks needing a free perimeter firewall, VPN gateway, and IPS on modest hardware
- You want to start with a free tier
- You prefer open-source solutions
- You're using: x86_64 bare metal, ARM (Raspberry Pi and similar), KVM, VMware, Xen, Hyper-V, cloud images
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 is better for startups: IPFire or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
IPFire offers a free tier while StackPath Web Application Firewall does not, which may be important for early-stage startups. IPFire scores higher for ease of use (3.8/5), which is valuable for smaller teams. Consider your immediate security needs and growth plans when choosing.
Which has better support: IPFire or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
IPFire has a higher support rating (3.2/5) 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: IPFire or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
IPFire scores higher for ease of use (3.8/5) 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: IPFire or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
IPFire offers a free tier while StackPath Web Application Firewall requires a paid plan. IPFire scores higher for value (4.8/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
What's the difference between IPFire (open source) and StackPath Web Application Firewall (commercial)?
IPFire is open source, which means you can inspect the code, customize it, and self-host without licensing fees. StackPath Web Application Firewall is a commercial solution with managed support and regular updates. Open source is ideal if you have in-house expertise and want full control. Commercial solutions are better if you prefer managed security with vendor support.