Patchstack vs Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
Patchstack 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.
Patchstack 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
Patchstack 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.
WordPress-specific vulnerability mitigation platform with virtual patching (vPatching). Not a traditional WAF but deploys targeted mitigation rules for known WordPress vulnerabilities. Claims 74% more exploits blocked than leading WAFs. Number 1 WordPress vulnerability intelligence handler with 12K+ mitigation rules and 4.1K vulnerabilities disclosed in 2024. Free monitoring mode with no time limit.
Comprehensive WordPress security plugin with Patchstack-powered firewall rules, virtual patching, two-factor authentication, and site scanning for proactive protection.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Patchstack | Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Per site/month (billed annually) | Freemium (Free tier + annual Pro license) |
| Ease of Use | 4.7/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.0/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Support | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | WordPress only. Compatible with any hosting environment that runs WordPress (shared hosting, VPS, dedicated servers, managed WordPress hosting, AWS, Azure, GCP). | WordPress (self-hosted) |
| Compliance | PCI-DSS 4.0 compliance support for eCommerce sites | Contact vendor |
Pricing Comparison
Patchstack
Model: Per site/month (billed annually)
Free Tier AvailableCommunity (Free)
Free
Developer
$69/mo (billed annually)
Enterprise
Custom
Web Host
Custom
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
Patchstack
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RapidMitigate (Virtual Patching)
Automatically deploys targeted mitigation rules within hours of vulnerability disclosure. Rules block only the specific exploit vector, not broad traffic patterns. Claims 74% more exploits blocked compared to leading generic WAFs.
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WordPress Vulnerability Database
The largest WordPress vulnerability database in the world. 12,000+ active mitigation rules. 4,100+ vulnerabilities disclosed in 2024 alone. Operates as the
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Patchstack Alliance Bug Bounty
Bug bounty program that pays security researchers to discover vulnerabilities in popular WordPress plugins. Sources vulnerability intelligence from a global community of researchers, ensuring rapid discovery and disclosure.
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Free Monitoring Mode
The Community plan provides free vulnerability detection and monitoring with no time limit. See which plugins and themes have known vulnerabilities without deploying patches. Useful for awareness and audit.
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PCI-DSS 4.0 Compliance
Helps WordPress eCommerce sites meet PCI-DSS 4.0 requirement 6.4.2, which requires automated detection and prevention of web-based attacks. Virtual patching specifically addresses this requirement for known vulnerabilities.
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Hardening Recommendations
Provides security hardening recommendations specific to your WordPress installation. Identifies misconfigured settings, unnecessary file permissions, and security headers.
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Plugin Priority Alerts
Prioritized alerts based on vulnerability severity and the popularity of affected plugins. Focuses attention on the vulnerabilities most likely to be exploited in the wild.
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Multi-site Management
Dashboard for managing vulnerability status and virtual patches across multiple WordPress sites. Bulk actions and centralized reporting for agencies and hosting providers.
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.
Patchstack
- You need: WordPress agencies and developers managing multiple sites. WooCommerce stores needing PCI-DSS 4.0 compliance. Managed WordPress hosting providers wanting to bundle vulnerability protection. Organizations where unpatched WordPress plugins are the primary security risk.
- You want to start with a free tier
- You're using: WordPress only. Compatible with any hosting environment that runs WordPress (shared hosting, VPS, dedicated servers, managed WordPress hosting, AWS, Azure, GCP).
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: Patchstack or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Both Patchstack and Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offer free tiers, making them accessible for startups. Patchstack scores higher for ease of use (4.7/5), which is valuable for smaller teams. Consider your immediate security needs and growth plans when choosing.
Which has better support: Patchstack or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) has a higher support rating (4.0/5) compared to Patchstack (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: Patchstack or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Patchstack scores higher for ease of use (4.7/5) versus Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) (4.3/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: Patchstack or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Both providers offer free tiers, making it easy to start without commitment. Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) scores higher for value (4.2/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which works better with AWS: Patchstack or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Patchstack explicitly supports AWS while Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)'s AWS integration may vary. Consider whether native AWS integration or cross-cloud portability matters more for your use case.