Radware Cloud WAF Service vs Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
Radware Cloud WAF Service 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.
Radware Cloud WAF Service 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
Radware Cloud WAF Service 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.
Fully managed cloud WAF combining automatic policy generation, advanced bot mitigation, and 24/7 expert support with industry-leading DDoS protection.
Comprehensive WordPress security plugin with Patchstack-powered firewall rules, virtual patching, two-factor authentication, and site scanning for proactive protection.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Radware Cloud WAF Service | Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Pricing Model | OPEX-based subscription | Freemium (Free tier + annual Pro license) |
| Ease of Use | 3.6/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Value for Money | 3.8/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Support | 4.6/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Any web application, AWS, Azure, GCP, Kubernetes, on-premises | WordPress (self-hosted) |
| Compliance | SOC 2, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, HIPAA | Contact vendor |
Pricing Comparison
Radware Cloud WAF Service
Model: OPEX-based subscription
Standard
Custom pricing
Advanced
Custom pricing
Premium
Custom pricing
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
Radware Cloud WAF Service
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Automatic Policy Generation
Patented technology automatically creates and optimizes security policies for new applications.
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Positive and Negative Security
Combines signature-based detection with positive security model for comprehensive protection.
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Bot Manager
Advanced bot detection using behavioral analysis, device fingerprinting, and CAPTCHA challenges.
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API Protection
Discover and protect APIs with schema validation, rate limiting, and anomaly detection.
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DDoS Protection
Integrated network and application layer DDoS mitigation backed by Radware''s global scrubbing network.
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Geo-Fencing
Block or allow traffic based on geographic location with granular country-level controls.
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.
Radware Cloud WAF Service
- You need: Mid-market to enterprise organizations, companies needing integrated WAF and DDoS, hybrid cloud environments, organizations valuing managed services
- You're using: Any web application, AWS, Azure, GCP, Kubernetes, on-premises
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: Radware Cloud WAF Service or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offers a free tier while Radware Cloud WAF Service does not, making Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) more accessible for budget-conscious 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: Radware Cloud WAF Service or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Radware Cloud WAF Service has a higher support rating (4.6/5) compared to Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) (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: Radware Cloud WAF Service or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) scores higher for ease of use (4.3/5) versus Radware Cloud WAF Service (3.6/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: Radware Cloud WAF Service or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offers a free tier while Radware Cloud WAF Service requires a paid plan. 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: Radware Cloud WAF Service or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Radware Cloud WAF Service 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.