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Head-to-head · Web Application Firewall Software

AWS WAF vs Gcore WAAP

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score AWS WAF #2 in Web Application Firewall Software 9.2/10 Paid ✓ 4 of 4 features Visit AWS WAF
Gcore WAAP #14 in Web Application Firewall Software 8.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Gcore WAAP

AWS WAF leads on 0 checks, Gcore WAAP on 1, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAWS WAF · 9.2/10
  • Free planonly Gcore WAAP

AWS WAF scores higher on our rubric for web application firewall software: 9.2 against 8.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #14.

Gcore WAAP offers free plan; AWS WAF doesn't. On deployment model, AWS WAF gives you Hybrid where Gcore WAAP offers Edge.

AWS WAF is the better fit for AWS-native applications needing flexible pricing. Gcore WAAP is the better fit for budget-conscious teams needing free edge WAF access.

  • AWS WAF fits best

    AWS-native applications needing flexible pricing

  • Gcore WAAP fits best

    Budget-conscious teams needing free edge WAF access

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Side by side

Feature AWS WAF 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Gcore WAAP 8.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.0
Ranking #2 in Web Application Firewall Software #14 in Web Application Firewall Software
Best for AWS-native applications needing flexible pricing Budget-conscious teams needing free edge WAF access
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $1/unit/mo €25/mo
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Browser extension Cloud, Browser extension
Platforms Web Web
Support Docs Email, Live chat, Phone, Tickets, Docs · 24/7
Integrations 9 integrations 5 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features AWS WAF 4/4 · Gcore WAAP 4/4
Managed rule sets ✓ ✓
API protection ✓ ✓
Bot management ✓ ✓
Rate limiting ✓ ✓
Specs
Deployment model Hybrid Edge
Log retention Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Managed rules cover common web exploits, SQL injection, and cross-site scripting.
  • Supports bot controls, rate limiting, CAPTCHA, and Layer 7 DDoS mitigation.
  • Integrates with CloudFront, API Gateway, ALB, AppSync, and other AWS services.
  • Free OWASP Top 10 protection with no credit card required
  • €25 Start plan adds custom rules and IP firewall controls
  • Covers APIs, bots, rate limiting, analytics, and Layer 7 DDoS protection
Cons
  • No free plan is available.
  • Rules and request processing add usage-based charges.
  • Connected AWS services can incur separate charges.
  • Public plans have domain and request quotas
  • Bot Management and Advanced Rules are Pro add-ons
  • Enterprise pricing and requirements are custom
Our verdict

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

Read the review →

Gcore WAAP is a cloud-delivered web application and API protection service for organizations securing websites, APIs, login flows, and multi-tenant applications. Traffic is routed through Gcore’s edge network, where managed OWASP Top 10…

Read the review →
  1. AWS WAFWeb Application Firewall Software 9.2Paid
  2. Gcore WAAPWeb Application Firewall Software 8.0Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • AWS WAF — where it wins

    • Managed rules cover common web exploits, SQL injection, and cross-site scripting.
    • Supports bot controls, rate limiting, CAPTCHA, and Layer 7 DDoS mitigation.
    • Integrates with CloudFront, API Gateway, ALB, AppSync, and other AWS services.

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan is available.
    • Rules and request processing add usage-based charges.
    • Connected AWS services can incur separate charges.

  • Gcore WAAP — where it wins

    • Free OWASP Top 10 protection with no credit card required
    • €25 Start plan adds custom rules and IP firewall controls
    • Covers APIs, bots, rate limiting, analytics, and Layer 7 DDoS protection

    Where it doesn't

    • Public plans have domain and request quotas
    • Bot Management and Advanced Rules are Pro add-ons
    • Enterprise pricing and requirements are custom

More comparisons

All web application firewall software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update