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Head-to-head · Web Security Software

AWS WAF vs Fastly Next-Gen WAF

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score AWS WAF #2 in Web Security Software 9.2/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 4 features Visit AWS WAF
Fastly Next-Gen WAF #7 in Web Security Software 8.7/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Fastly

AWS WAF 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 scoreAWS WAF · 9.2/10

AWS WAF scores higher on our rubric for web security software: 9.2 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.

AWS WAF is the better fit for AWS users seeking broad WAF protection at low entry cost. Fastly Next-Gen WAF is the better fit for mid-market and enterprise teams with distributed apps.

  • AWS WAF fits best

    AWS users seeking broad WAF protection at low entry cost

  • 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 AWS WAF 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Fastly Next-Gen WAF 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.7
Ranking #2 in Web Security Software #7 in Web Security Software
Best for AWS users seeking broad WAF protection at low entry cost Mid-market and enterprise teams with distributed apps
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $1/unit/mo —
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Browser extension Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms Web Web, Linux
Support Docs Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Mid-market, Enterprise
Features AWS WAF 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
  • Managed exploit rules plus SQL injection and XSS protection
  • Bot controls, rate limiting, CAPTCHA, and browser challenges
  • Integrates with CloudFront, API Gateway, ALB, and other AWS services
  • 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
  • Usage-based rule and request charges can increase monthly spend
  • Protection is designed primarily for applications running on AWS
  • Support channels are limited to documentation
  • Pricing requires contacting sales
  • Support channels listed are limited to documentation
  • Retention varies by account entitlement and is capped at 30 days
Our verdict

AWS WAF is a managed web application firewall for organizations operating applications on AWS. It monitors HTTP(S) requests sent to protected resources and lets teams allow, block, count, challenge, or rate-limit traffic using conditions…

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. AWS WAFWeb Security Software 9.2Paid
  2. Fastly Next-Gen WAFWeb Security Software 8.7Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • AWS WAF — where it wins

    • Managed exploit rules plus SQL injection and XSS protection
    • Bot controls, rate limiting, CAPTCHA, and browser challenges
    • Integrates with CloudFront, API Gateway, ALB, and other AWS services

    Where it doesn't

    • Usage-based rule and request charges can increase monthly spend
    • Protection is designed primarily for applications running on AWS
    • Support channels are limited to documentation

  • 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
  • AWS WAF9.2/10 · Paid

    Broad AWS-native WAF controls with a low entry price and usage-based costs.

    Visit AWS WAFFull 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