Patchstack vs Qualys Web Application Firewall
Both Patchstack and Qualys Web Application Firewall are capable WAF solutions. The right choice depends on your specific infrastructure, budget, and feature requirements.
Overview
Patchstack and Qualys 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.
WordPress vulnerability intelligence and virtual patching platform. Runs the largest open source vulnerability database and deploys targeted mitigation rules before exploits hit your site.
Cloud-managed WAF from Qualys that integrates with their vulnerability scanning platform, enabling one-click virtual patching of discovered vulnerabilities. Note — product was decommissioned September 2024.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Patchstack | Qualys Web Application Firewall |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.2/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Free Tier | No | No |
| Pricing Model | Subscription (per site, no free tier) | Subscription, per-asset licensing (product decommissioned) |
| Ease of Use | - | 3.2/5 |
| Value for Money | - | 2.5/5 |
| Support | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Platforms | WordPress (self-hosted) | VMware, Hyper-V, Docker, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform |
| Compliance | Contact vendor | PCI DSS, SOC 2, FedRAMP, ISO 27001 (Qualys platform level) |
Pricing Comparison
Patchstack
Model: Subscription (per site, no free tier)
Developer
$69/year (~$5.75/month)
Enterprise
Custom
Web Host
Custom
Qualys Web Application Firewall
Model: Subscription, per-asset licensing (product decommissioned)
Qualys WAF (Decommissioned)
Previously subscription-based
Features Comparison
Patchstack
See provider page for full feature list.
Qualys Web Application Firewall
-
WAS Integration
Automatically generate WAF rules from Qualys Web Application Scanning results for one-click virtual patching.
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Cloud-Managed Appliance
Virtual appliance deployed locally but managed centrally through the Qualys Cloud Platform.
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Custom Security Policies
Flexible policy engine with reusable rules and templates for common platforms and custom applications.
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Pre-Built CMS Policies
Out-of-the-box protection policies for WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, SharePoint, and Outlook Web Application.
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Security Event Analytics
Detailed dashboards with traffic summaries, threat trends, and drill-down capabilities for incident investigation.
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Local Traffic Processing
Application traffic stays within your environment for minimal latency and full data control.
Which One Is Right for You?
The best WAF depends on your specific requirements, infrastructure, and team expertise.
Qualys Web Application Firewall
- You need: Historical reference; previously suited for Qualys platform customers wanting integrated vulnerability management and WAF
- You're using: VMware, Hyper-V, Docker, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform
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: Patchstack or Qualys Web Application Firewall?
Patchstack has a higher support rating (4.5/5) compared to Qualys Web Application Firewall (3.5/5). 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 more cost-effective: Patchstack or Qualys Web Application Firewall?
Neither provider offers a completely free tier. Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which works better with AWS: Patchstack or Qualys Web Application Firewall?
Qualys Web Application Firewall explicitly supports AWS while Patchstack's AWS integration may vary. Consider whether native AWS integration or cross-cloud portability matters more for your use case.
Which is better for WordPress: Patchstack or Qualys Web Application Firewall?
Patchstack explicitly supports WordPress while Qualys Web Application Firewall takes a more platform-agnostic approach. For WordPress-specific threats like plugin vulnerabilities and brute force attacks, look for providers with WordPress-specific rule sets.