Shield Security vs StackPath Web Application Firewall
Shield Security and StackPath Web Application Firewall take different approaches to web application security. Consider your team's expertise and infrastructure preferences when evaluating these options.
Shield Security and StackPath Web Application Firewall take fundamentally different approaches to web application security. Understanding your infrastructure and team capabilities will help determine which approach fits your needs.
Overview
Shield Security 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.
WordPress security plugin with SilentCAPTCHA bot detection, automatic IP blocking, firewall rules, and activity logging designed for hands-off, automated protection.
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 | Shield Security | StackPath Web Application Firewall |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.8/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| Pricing Model | Freemium (Free tier + annual ShieldPRO license) | Per site / Per bandwidth tier (discontinued) |
| Ease of Use | 4.0/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.0/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Support | 3.8/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Open Source | Yes | No |
| Platforms | WordPress (self-hosted) | Cloud (SaaS, discontinued) |
| Compliance | Contact vendor | SOC 2, PCI DSS (historical) |
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
StackPath Web Application Firewall
Model: Per site / Per bandwidth tier (discontinued)
Edge Delivery 200
$27.50/month
Edge Delivery 2000
$275/month
Features Comparison
Shield Security
-
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.
-
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.
-
Traffic Rate Limiting
Controls request rates to prevent brute force attacks and resource exhaustion (ShieldPRO feature).
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.
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)
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 is better for startups: Shield Security or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
Shield Security offers a free tier while StackPath Web Application Firewall does not, which may be important for early-stage startups. Shield Security scores higher for ease of use (4.0/5), which is valuable for smaller teams. Consider your immediate security needs and growth plans when choosing.
Which has better support: Shield Security or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
Shield Security has a higher support rating (3.8/5) 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: Shield Security or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
Shield Security scores higher for ease of use (4.0/5) 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: Shield Security or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
Shield Security offers a free tier while StackPath Web Application Firewall requires a paid plan. Shield Security scores higher for value (4.0/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which is better for WordPress: Shield Security or StackPath Web Application Firewall?
Shield Security explicitly supports WordPress while StackPath 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.