NinjaFirewall (WP Edition) vs Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
NinjaFirewall (WP Edition) 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.
NinjaFirewall (WP Edition) 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
NinjaFirewall (WP Edition) 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.
PHP-based WordPress firewall that hooks into WordPress before core loads, providing stand-alone WAF protection with file integrity monitoring and real-time detection without cloud dependency.
Comprehensive WordPress security plugin with Patchstack-powered firewall rules, virtual patching, two-factor authentication, and site scanning for proactive protection.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | NinjaFirewall (WP Edition) | Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Free edition + annual license for premium | Freemium (Free tier + annual Pro license) |
| Ease of Use | 4.0/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.8/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Support | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | WordPress (self-hosted) | WordPress (self-hosted) |
Pricing Comparison
NinjaFirewall (WP Edition)
Model: Free edition + annual license for premium
Free Tier AvailableWP Edition (Free)
Free
WP+ Edition (1 site)
$34.90/year
WP+ Edition (multi-site)
From $59.90/year
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
NinjaFirewall (WP Edition)
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Pre-WordPress Filtering
Hooks into PHP before WordPress core loads, filtering malicious requests before they reach any WordPress code.
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File Integrity Monitoring
Detect unauthorized file changes with scheduled or real-time monitoring of WordPress core, plugins, and themes.
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Brute Force Protection
Rate-limit and block brute force attacks against wp-login.php and xmlrpc.php with configurable thresholds.
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Real-Time Detection
Immediate alerts for suspicious activity including file modifications, PHP shell uploads, and admin account changes.
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Event Notifications
Email alerts for security events including plugin/theme installations, user account changes, and PHP errors.
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Live Log
Real-time log viewer showing all HTTP/HTTPS requests processed by the firewall with detailed request data.
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
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Patchstack Firewall
Virtual patching rules powered by Patchstack that protect against known plugin and theme vulnerabilities automatically.
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Two-Factor Authentication
Multiple 2FA methods including authenticator apps, email codes, and backup codes for all user roles.
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Passwordless Login
Login via passkeys and biometrics, eliminating password-based attacks entirely (Pro feature).
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Site Scanner
Checks for known malware, vulnerabilities in plugins and themes, and blocklist status.
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File Change Detection
Monitors WordPress core files and alerts when unexpected changes are detected.
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Security Dashboard
Unified dashboard showing security status, recent events, and actionable recommendations.
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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.
NinjaFirewall (WP Edition)
- You need: WordPress site owners wanting affordable server-level WAF protection, developers preferring local security without cloud dependencies
- You want to start with a free tier
- You're using: WordPress (self-hosted)
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: NinjaFirewall (WP Edition) or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Both NinjaFirewall (WP Edition) and Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offer free tiers, making them accessible for 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: NinjaFirewall (WP Edition) or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) has a higher support rating (4.0/5) compared to NinjaFirewall (WP Edition) (4.0/5). 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: NinjaFirewall (WP Edition) or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) scores higher for ease of use (4.3/5) versus NinjaFirewall (WP Edition) (4.0/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: NinjaFirewall (WP Edition) or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Both providers offer free tiers, making it easy to start without commitment. NinjaFirewall (WP Edition) scores higher for value (4.8/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which is better for WordPress: NinjaFirewall (WP Edition) or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Both NinjaFirewall (WP Edition) and Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) support WordPress sites. For WordPress-specific threats like plugin vulnerabilities and brute force attacks, look for providers with WordPress-specific rule sets.