ModSecurity Open Source WAF vs StackPath Web Application Firewall
ModSecurity Open Source WAF and StackPath Web Application Firewall take different approaches to web application security. Consider your team's expertise and infrastructure preferences when evaluating these options.
ModSecurity Open Source WAF 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
ModSecurity Open Source WAF 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.
The original open source WAF engine powering countless applications, offering unmatched flexibility for those willing to manage their own security infrastructure.
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 | ModSecurity Open Source WAF | StackPath Web Application Firewall |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.0/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| Pricing Model | Free (Open Source) | Per site / Per bandwidth tier (discontinued) |
| Ease of Use | 2.5/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.8/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Support | 3.0/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Open Source | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Apache, Nginx, IIS, Kubernetes (via Ingress), Docker, any platform via libmodsecurity | Cloud (SaaS, discontinued) |
| Compliance | N/A (varies by implementation) | SOC 2, PCI DSS (historical) |
Pricing Comparison
ModSecurity Open Source WAF
Model: Free (Open Source)
Free Tier AvailableCommunity Edition
Free
Commercial Support
Varies by vendor
StackPath Web Application Firewall
Model: Per site / Per bandwidth tier (discontinued)
Edge Delivery 200
$27.50/month
Edge Delivery 2000
$275/month
Features Comparison
ModSecurity Open Source WAF
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OWASP Core Rule Set
Comprehensive, community-maintained rule set providing protection against OWASP Top 10 and more.
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Custom Rules
Powerful SecRule language for creating custom detection logic based on any request/response attribute.
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Real-Time Request Analysis
Inspect and analyze every HTTP transaction with access to full request and response data.
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Audit Logging
Detailed logging of security events for forensics, compliance, and monitoring.
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Virtual Patching
Create temporary rules to protect against vulnerabilities while permanent fixes are developed.
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Data Loss Prevention
Inspect response bodies to prevent sensitive data leakage.
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.
ModSecurity Open Source WAF
- You need: Security teams with WAF expertise, organizations with strict budget constraints, those needing maximum customization, educational purposes
- You want to start with a free tier
- You prefer open-source solutions
- You're using: Apache, Nginx, IIS, Kubernetes (via Ingress), Docker, any platform via libmodsecurity
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: ModSecurity Open Source WAF or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
ModSecurity Open Source WAF offers a free tier while StackPath Web Application Firewall does not, which may be important for early-stage startups. ModSecurity Open Source WAF scores higher for ease of use (2.5/5), which is valuable for smaller teams. Consider your immediate security needs and growth plans when choosing.
Which has better support: ModSecurity Open Source WAF or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
ModSecurity Open Source WAF has a higher support rating (3.0/5) 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: ModSecurity Open Source WAF or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
ModSecurity Open Source WAF scores higher for ease of use (2.5/5) 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: ModSecurity Open Source WAF or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
ModSecurity Open Source WAF offers a free tier while StackPath Web Application Firewall requires a paid plan. ModSecurity Open Source WAF 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 ModSecurity Open Source WAF (open source) and StackPath Web Application Firewall (commercial)?
ModSecurity Open Source WAF 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.