Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) vs Vercel Firewall
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) and Vercel 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 Vercel 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 Vercel 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.
Edge-based web application firewall built into the Vercel platform, providing DDoS protection, bot management, and configurable security rules for Next.js and other frontend applications deployed on Vercel.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) | Vercel Firewall |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.1/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Freemium (Free tier + annual Pro license) | Included in Vercel plans, features vary by tier |
| Ease of Use | 4.3/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.2/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Support | 4.0/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Open Source | Yes | No |
| Platforms | WordPress (self-hosted) | Vercel platform only (Next.js, React, Svelte, Vue, Nuxt, Astro, and other frameworks) |
| Compliance | Contact vendor | SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, HIPAA (Enterprise) |
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
Vercel Firewall
Model: Included in Vercel plans, features vary by tier
Free Tier AvailableHobby (Free)
$0/month
Pro
$20/month per team member
Enterprise
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).
Vercel Firewall
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Edge-Based Protection
Firewall runs at the edge across Vercel''s global network, blocking threats before they reach origin servers or serverless functions.
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DDoS Protection
Automatic DDoS mitigation at the network and application layer, included on all plans with no configuration required.
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Rate Limiting
Configurable rate limits per IP, path, or custom criteria to prevent abuse of APIs and serverless functions.
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Bot Management
Detection and management of automated traffic using behavioral signals and challenge pages.
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Custom Firewall Rules
Configurable rules based on IP, geography, headers, paths, and request properties via dashboard or vercel.json.
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Attack Challenge Mode
Automatic challenge pages for suspicious traffic during active attacks, allowing legitimate users through while blocking bots.
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)
Vercel Firewall
- You need: Next.js and React applications on Vercel, frontend teams wanting integrated security, Jamstack projects, developers wanting zero-config protection
- You want to start with a free tier
- You're using: Vercel platform only (Next.js, React, Svelte, Vue, Nuxt, Astro, and other frameworks)
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 Vercel Firewall?
Both Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) and Vercel Firewall offer free tiers, making them accessible for startups. Vercel Firewall scores higher for ease of use (4.8/5), 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 Vercel Firewall?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) has a higher support rating (4.0/5) compared to Vercel 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 Vercel Firewall?
Vercel Firewall scores higher for ease of use (4.8/5) 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: Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) or Vercel Firewall?
Both providers offer free tiers, making it easy to start without commitment. Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which is better for WordPress: Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) or Vercel Firewall?
Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) explicitly supports WordPress while Vercel 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.