Fastly Next-Gen WAF (Signal Sciences) vs HUMAN Security
Both Fastly Next-Gen WAF (Signal Sciences) and HUMAN Security are capable WAF solutions. The right choice depends on your specific infrastructure, budget, and feature requirements.
Overview
Fastly Next-Gen WAF (Signal Sciences) and HUMAN 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.
Developer-friendly WAF using proprietary SmartParse technology, offering low false positives and seamless DevOps integration for modern application security.
Advanced bot management and fraud prevention platform combining technologies from HUMAN (formerly White Ops) and PerimeterX.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Fastly Next-Gen WAF (Signal Sciences) | HUMAN Security |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Free Tier | No | No |
| Pricing Model | Custom pricing based on requests and features | Custom enterprise pricing |
| Ease of Use | 4.0/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Value for Money | 3.8/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Support | 4.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Platforms | Any web application, AWS, GCP, Azure, Kubernetes, Docker, Serverless, Nginx, Apache | Any web application, mobile apps, APIs |
| Compliance | SOC 2 Type II, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR | SOC 2, ISO 27001, TAG Certified Against Fraud |
Pricing Comparison
Fastly Next-Gen WAF (Signal Sciences)
Model: Custom pricing based on requests and features
Essential
Custom pricing
Professional
Custom pricing
Premier
Custom pricing
Features Comparison
Fastly Next-Gen WAF (Signal Sciences)
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SmartParse Technology
Intelligent parsing technology that understands application context to reduce false positives by 90%+.
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Power Rules
Flexible rule language for creating custom detection and response logic based on any request attribute.
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API Discovery
Automatic discovery and cataloging of API endpoints with security assessment.
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DevOps Integration
Native integrations with CI/CD tools, infrastructure as code support, and developer-friendly APIs.
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Multi-Environment Deployment
Deploy as cloud service, agent, or edge module across diverse infrastructure.
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Real-Time Dashboards
Live visibility into attacks, decisions, and application health without sampling.
HUMAN Security
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Behavioral Analysis
Advanced behavioral detection using client-side signals and server-side analysis.
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Human Verification
Proprietary technology to verify whether interactions are from humans or bots.
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Account Protection
Prevent account takeover, credential stuffing, and fake account creation.
Which One Is Right for You?
The best WAF depends on your specific requirements, infrastructure, and team expertise.
Fastly Next-Gen WAF (Signal Sciences)
- You need: Modern DevOps teams, API-heavy applications, organizations frustrated with false positives, companies needing flexible deployment options
- You're using: Any web application, AWS, GCP, Azure, Kubernetes, Docker, Serverless, Nginx, Apache
HUMAN Security
- You need: Large enterprises facing sophisticated bot threats, ad-tech companies, e-commerce platforms
- You're using: Any web application, mobile apps, APIs
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: Fastly Next-Gen WAF (Signal Sciences) or HUMAN Security?
Fastly Next-Gen WAF (Signal Sciences) has a higher support rating (4.5/5) compared to HUMAN Security (4.0/5). 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: Fastly Next-Gen WAF (Signal Sciences) or HUMAN Security?
Fastly Next-Gen WAF (Signal Sciences) scores higher for ease of use (4.0/5) versus HUMAN Security (3.5/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: Fastly Next-Gen WAF (Signal Sciences) or HUMAN Security?
Neither provider offers a completely free tier. Fastly Next-Gen WAF (Signal Sciences) scores higher for value (3.8/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which works better with AWS: Fastly Next-Gen WAF (Signal Sciences) or HUMAN Security?
Fastly Next-Gen WAF (Signal Sciences) explicitly supports AWS while HUMAN Security's AWS integration may vary. Consider whether native AWS integration or cross-cloud portability matters more for your use case.
Which is better for enterprise: Fastly Next-Gen WAF (Signal Sciences) or HUMAN Security?
HUMAN Security is positioned for enterprise use cases, while Fastly Next-Gen WAF (Signal Sciences) 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.