NSFOCUS Web Application Firewall vs StackPath Web Application Firewall
Both NSFOCUS Web Application Firewall and StackPath Web Application Firewall are capable WAF solutions. The right choice depends on your specific infrastructure, budget, and feature requirements.
Overview
NSFOCUS Web Application Firewall 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.
Enterprise-grade next-gen WAF from Chinese cybersecurity leader NSFOCUS, offering comprehensive web and API protection with flexible cloud, on-premises, and hybrid deployment options.
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 | NSFOCUS Web Application Firewall | StackPath Web Application Firewall |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.8/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Free Tier | No | No |
| Pricing Model | Custom / Quote-based | Per site / Per bandwidth tier (discontinued) |
| Ease of Use | 3.2/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Value for Money | 3.5/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Support | 4.0/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Platforms | Any web application, AWS, Azure, GCP, Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud, KVM, VMware ESXi, on-premises | Cloud (SaaS, discontinued) |
| Compliance | ISO 27001, PCI DSS | SOC 2, PCI DSS (historical) |
Pricing Comparison
NSFOCUS Web Application Firewall
Model: Custom / Quote-based
Standard
Custom pricing
Advanced
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
NSFOCUS Web Application Firewall
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Semantic Analysis Engine
Uses semantic analysis to understand and detect complex web attacks beyond simple pattern matching, reducing false positives and catching evasion attempts.
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API Security
Comprehensive API asset management with real-time shadow API discovery, parameter oversight, and sensitive data identification across regional deployments.
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Dynamic Bot Traffic Protection
Distinguishes between human and machine traffic using dynamic tokens to prevent replay attacks, unauthorized access, and information scraping.
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Virtual Patching
Virtually patch vulnerabilities in web applications without requiring the application to be updated, providing immediate protection for known CVEs.
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Threat Intelligence Integration
Deep integration with NSFOCUS Threat Intelligence (NTI) for real-time threat feeds and actionable intelligence to protect against emerging attacks.
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Layered Detection System
Multi-layered defense with traffic pre-filtering, customizable detection criteria, and sophisticated logical combinations for precise rule enforcement.
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.
NSFOCUS Web Application Firewall
- You need: Enterprise organizations, companies with multi-cloud or hybrid infrastructure, Asia-Pacific businesses, organizations needing flexible on-premises and cloud deployment
- You're using: Any web application, AWS, Azure, GCP, Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud, KVM, VMware ESXi, on-premises
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: NSFOCUS Web Application Firewall or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
NSFOCUS Web Application Firewall has a higher support rating (4.0/5) 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: NSFOCUS Web Application Firewall or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
NSFOCUS Web Application Firewall scores higher for ease of use (3.2/5) 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: NSFOCUS Web Application Firewall or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
Neither provider offers a completely free tier. NSFOCUS Web Application Firewall scores higher for value (3.5/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which works better with AWS: NSFOCUS Web Application Firewall or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
NSFOCUS Web Application Firewall explicitly supports AWS while StackPath Web Application Firewall's AWS integration may vary. Consider whether native AWS integration or cross-cloud portability matters more for your use case.
Which is better for enterprise: NSFOCUS Web Application Firewall or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
NSFOCUS Web Application Firewall is positioned for enterprise use cases, while StackPath Web Application Firewall may be more suited for small to mid-market organizations. Both offer compliance certifications important for enterprise. Enterprise buyers should evaluate SLAs, support options, and integration capabilities.