StackPath Web Application Firewall vs Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF
Both StackPath Web Application Firewall and Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF are capable WAF solutions. The right choice depends on your specific infrastructure, budget, and feature requirements.
Overview
StackPath Web Application Firewall and Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF are both popular web application firewall solutions. This comparison will help you understand the key differences and choose the right one for your needs.
Edge-based WAF that was part of StackPath's CDN and edge computing platform. Discontinued in June 2024 when the company shut down operations.
Enterprise zero trust security platform with integrated cloud WAF capabilities as part of Zscaler Internet Access. Inspects all traffic including encrypted SSL/TLS at cloud scale.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | StackPath Web Application Firewall | Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 1.0/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Free Tier | No | No |
| Pricing Model | Per site / Per bandwidth tier (discontinued) | Per user / Annual subscription |
| Ease of Use | 1.0/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value for Money | 1.0/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Support | 1.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Platforms | Cloud (SaaS, discontinued) | Cloud (SaaS) |
| Compliance | SOC 2, PCI DSS (historical) | SOC 2, ISO 27001, FedRAMP, HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR |
Pricing Comparison
StackPath Web Application Firewall
Model: Per site / Per bandwidth tier (discontinued)
Edge Delivery 200
$27.50/month
Edge Delivery 2000
$275/month
Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF
Model: Per user / Annual subscription
ZIA Business
Custom pricing
ZIA Transformation
Custom pricing
Features Comparison
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.
Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF
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Inline WAF Protection
Inspects web traffic inline for OWASP Top 10 threats as part of the broader ZIA security stack.
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Full SSL/TLS Inspection
Decrypts, inspects, and re-encrypts all encrypted traffic at cloud scale without performance degradation.
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AI-Powered Threat Detection
Machine learning models analyze traffic patterns to detect zero-day threats and advanced attacks.
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Cloud Firewall
Stateful inspection firewall for all ports and protocols, extending protection beyond HTTP/S traffic.
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Centralized Policy Management
Single console for global security policy enforcement across 150+ data centers.
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Zero Trust Architecture
Identity-based access control ensuring users only reach authorized applications regardless of location.
Which One Is Right for You?
The best WAF depends on your specific requirements, infrastructure, and team expertise.
StackPath Web Application Firewall
- You need: Historical reference only. StackPath is no longer available.
- You're using: Cloud (SaaS, discontinued)
Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF
- You need: Large enterprises adopting zero trust, organizations wanting a single vendor for all web security, companies with distributed workforces needing consistent global security policy
- You're using: Cloud (SaaS)
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 has better support: StackPath Web Application Firewall or Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF?
Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF has a higher support rating (4.0/5) 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: StackPath Web Application Firewall or Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF?
Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF scores higher for ease of use (3.2/5) 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: StackPath Web Application Firewall or Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF?
Neither provider offers a completely free tier. Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF scores higher for value (3.0/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which is better for enterprise: StackPath Web Application Firewall or Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF?
Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF is positioned for enterprise use cases, while StackPath Web Application Firewall may be more suited for small to mid-market organizations. Both offer compliance certifications important for enterprise. Enterprise buyers should evaluate SLAs, support options, and integration capabilities.