Shield Security vs Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)
Both Shield Security and Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) are capable WAF solutions. The right choice depends on your specific infrastructure, budget, and feature requirements.
Overview
Shield Security 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 security plugin with SilentCAPTCHA bot detection, automatic IP blocking, firewall rules, and activity logging designed for hands-off, automated protection.
Comprehensive WordPress security plugin with Patchstack-powered firewall rules, virtual patching, two-factor authentication, and site scanning for proactive protection.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Shield Security | Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.8/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Freemium (Free tier + annual ShieldPRO license) | Freemium (Free tier + annual Pro license) |
| Ease of Use | 4.0/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.0/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Support | 3.8/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Open Source | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | WordPress (self-hosted) | WordPress (self-hosted) |
Pricing Comparison
Shield Security
Model: Freemium (Free tier + annual ShieldPRO license)
Free Tier AvailableFree
$0
ShieldPRO (1 site)
$99/year (~$8.25/month)
ShieldPRO (agency)
From $249/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
Shield Security
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SilentCAPTCHA
Proprietary invisible bot detection that identifies automated threats without showing challenges to visitors.
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AntiBot Detection Engine
Behavioral analysis engine that identifies and blocks malicious bots based on activity patterns.
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Automatic IP Blocking
Builds reputation scores for visitors and automatically blocks IPs that exhibit malicious behavior patterns.
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Firewall Rules
Protection against SQL injection, XSS, directory traversal, and other common WordPress attack vectors.
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Activity Log
Comprehensive log of all security events, user actions, and blocked threats for auditing.
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Traffic Rate Limiting
Controls request rates to prevent brute force attacks and resource exhaustion (ShieldPRO feature).
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.
Shield Security
- You need: WordPress site owners wanting automated hands-off security, sites plagued by bot traffic and automated attacks, agencies using MainWP for site management
- You want to start with a free tier
- You prefer open-source solutions
- 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: Shield Security or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Both Shield Security 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: Shield Security or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) has a higher support rating (4.0/5) compared to Shield Security (3.8/5). 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: Shield Security or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) scores higher for ease of use (4.3/5) versus Shield Security (4.0/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: Shield Security 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 is better for WordPress: Shield Security or Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security)?
Both Shield Security 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.