Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) vs SonicWall Web Application Firewall
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) and SonicWall Web Application Firewall take different approaches to web application security. Consider your team's expertise and infrastructure preferences when evaluating these options.
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) and SonicWall 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
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) and SonicWall 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.
Comprehensive WordPress security plugin with Patchstack-powered firewall rules, virtual patching, two-factor authentication, and site scanning for proactive protection.
Appliance-based WAF from the established network security vendor, offering deep packet inspection, PCI DSS compliance, and integration with SonicWall's broader firewall ecosystem.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) | SonicWall Web Application Firewall |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.1/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| Pricing Model | Freemium (Free tier + annual Pro license) | Appliance + Annual subscription |
| Ease of Use | 4.3/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.2/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Support | 4.0/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Open Source | Yes | No |
| Platforms | WordPress (self-hosted) | Hardware appliance, Virtual appliance (VMware, Hyper-V, AWS, Azure) |
| Compliance | Contact vendor | PCI DSS, HIPAA, SOC 2, FIPS 140-2 |
Pricing Comparison
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
SonicWall Web Application Firewall
Model: Appliance + Annual subscription
SMA WAF (Virtual)
Custom pricing
SMA WAF (Hardware)
Custom pricing
Features Comparison
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).
SonicWall Web Application Firewall
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Deep Packet Inspection
Layer 7 traffic analysis using regularly updated threat signature databases to detect and block application-layer attacks.
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Anomaly Detection
Baselines normal application behavior and identifies suspicious deviations that may indicate attacks.
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Application Profiling
Learns application structure and enforces positive security model based on expected input patterns.
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SSL/TLS Offloading
Handles SSL/TLS termination and inspection, reducing load on backend servers while enabling encrypted traffic analysis.
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Bot Protection
Identifies and blocks malicious bots while allowing legitimate crawlers through configurable policies.
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PCI DSS Reporting
Built-in compliance reporting for PCI DSS requirements related to web application security.
Which One Is Right for You?
The best WAF depends on your specific requirements, infrastructure, and team expertise.
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)
SonicWall Web Application Firewall
- You need: Organizations already using SonicWall network firewalls, on-premise deployments requiring hardware WAF, mid-market companies needing PCI DSS compliance
- You're using: Hardware appliance, Virtual appliance (VMware, Hyper-V, AWS, Azure)
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: Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) or SonicWall Web Application Firewall?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offers a free tier while SonicWall Web Application Firewall does not, which may be important for early-stage 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: Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) or SonicWall Web Application Firewall?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) has a higher support rating (4.0/5) compared to SonicWall Web Application Firewall (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: Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) or SonicWall Web Application Firewall?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) scores higher for ease of use (4.3/5) versus SonicWall Web Application Firewall (3.2/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) or SonicWall Web Application Firewall?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) offers a free tier while SonicWall Web Application Firewall 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: Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) or SonicWall Web Application Firewall?
SonicWall Web Application Firewall 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.