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Head-to-head · Web Security Software

Akamai App & API Protector vs Fastly Next-Gen WAF

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Akamai App & API Protector #1 in Web Security Software 9.3/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 4 features Contact Akamai
Fastly Next-Gen WAF #7 in Web Security Software 8.7/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Fastly

Akamai App & API Protector leads on 0 checks, Fastly Next-Gen WAF on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAkamai App & API Protector · 9.3/10

Akamai App & API Protector scores higher on our rubric for web security software: 9.3 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.

Akamai App & API Protector is the better fit for enterprises needing hybrid edge and API protection. Fastly Next-Gen WAF is the better fit for mid-market and enterprise teams with distributed apps.

  • Akamai App & API Protector fits best

    Enterprises needing hybrid edge and API protection

  • Fastly Next-Gen WAF fits best

    Mid-market and enterprise teams with distributed apps

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Akamai App & API Protector 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Fastly Next-Gen WAF 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.7
Ranking #1 in Web Security Software #7 in Web Security Software
Best for Enterprises needing hybrid edge and API protection Mid-market and enterprise teams with distributed apps
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price Pricing on request —
Free plan Not checked yet —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms Web Web, Linux
Support Email, Phone, Community, Docs · 24/7 Docs
Built for Mid-market, Enterprise Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Akamai App & API Protector 0/4 · Fastly Next-Gen WAF 0/4
Phishing/malware blocking Not checked yet Not checked yet
Web app firewall Not checked yet Not checked yet
DDoS protection Not checked yet Not checked yet
Bot protection Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Deployment Not checked yet Not checked yet
Websites covered Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Protects HTTP and HTTPS traffic with managed WAF updates
  • Combines API discovery, request constraints, bot controls, and Layer 7 DDoS defense
  • Supports hybrid enforcement and automation through Terraform, CLI, and GitOps
  • Deploy at the edge, in the cloud, or through an agent
  • Use contextual detection, attack signals, and CVE virtual patches
  • Apply API, bot, and advanced rate-limiting rules
Cons
  • Pricing requires contacting sales
  • Its broad control set may exceed the needs of teams seeking a narrow WAF
  • Hybrid enforcement and policy automation may require security operations expertise
  • Pricing requires contacting sales
  • Support channels listed are limited to documentation
  • Retention varies by account entitlement and is capped at 30 days
Our verdict

Akamai App & API Protector brings web application firewall, API, bot, and Layer 7 DDoS controls together for organizations protecting complex applications and distributed environments. It is aimed at mid-market and enterprise teams, with a…

Read the review →

Fastly Next-Gen WAF protects web applications, APIs, and microservices from malicious and anomalous traffic. It is aimed at application security and DevOps teams, particularly at mid-market and enterprise organizations that need protection…

Read the review →
  1. Akamai App & API ProtectorWeb Security Software 9.3Pricing on request
  2. Fastly Next-Gen WAFWeb Security Software 8.7Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Akamai App & API Protector — where it wins

    • Protects HTTP and HTTPS traffic with managed WAF updates
    • Combines API discovery, request constraints, bot controls, and Layer 7 DDoS defense
    • Supports hybrid enforcement and automation through Terraform, CLI, and GitOps

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing requires contacting sales
    • Its broad control set may exceed the needs of teams seeking a narrow WAF
    • Hybrid enforcement and policy automation may require security operations expertise

  • Fastly Next-Gen WAF — where it wins

    • Deploy at the edge, in the cloud, or through an agent
    • Use contextual detection, attack signals, and CVE virtual patches
    • Apply API, bot, and advanced rate-limiting rules

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing requires contacting sales
    • Support channels listed are limited to documentation
    • Retention varies by account entitlement and is capped at 30 days
  • Akamai App & API Protector9.3/10 · Pricing on request

    A broad edge security suite for hybrid application and API environments.

    Contact AkamaiFull verdict →
  • Fastly Next-Gen WAF8.7/10 · Pricing on request

    Flexible deployment and CVE virtual patches, with pricing available through sales.

    Visit FastlyFull verdict →

More comparisons

All web security software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update