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Head-to-head · Web Security Software

FortiWeb vs F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score FortiWeb #4 in Web Security Software 9.0/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 4 features Visit FortiWeb
F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud #5 in Web Security Software 8.9/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 4 features Contact F5

FortiWeb leads on 0 checks, F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud 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 scoreFortiWeb · 9.0/10

FortiWeb scores higher on our rubric for web security software: 9.0 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #5.

FortiWeb is the better fit for fortinet users needing broad application protection. F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud is the better fit for mid-market and enterprise teams with hybrid applications.

  • FortiWeb fits best

    Fortinet users needing broad application protection

  • F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud fits best

    Mid-market and enterprise teams with hybrid applications

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 FortiWeb 9.0/10 Visit ↗ F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.9
Ranking #4 in Web Security Software #5 in Web Security Software
Best for Fortinet users needing broad application protection Mid-market and enterprise teams with hybrid applications
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price Pricing on request Pricing on request
Free plan Not checked yet —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms Web Web
Support Email, Phone, Community, Docs Email, Phone, Tickets, Docs · 24/7
Compliance PCI DSS SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS
Integrations 9 integrations 7 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Mid-market, Enterprise
Features FortiWeb 0/4 · F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud 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
  • Covers OWASP attacks, APIs, bots, DDoS, and client-side threats
  • Machine learning, FortiGuard signatures, and analytics support threat detection
  • Integrates with FortiGate, FortiSandbox, and Fortinet Security Fabric
  • Managed attack signatures, violations, and threat campaigns
  • API protection, bot controls, and configurable rate limits
  • Cloud or self-hosted deployment with Terraform and API automation
Cons
  • Pricing requires contacting Fortinet sales
  • Multiple deployment forms can require architecture planning
  • Broad scope may exceed teams seeking only basic WAF protection
  • Pricing requires contacting sales
  • Firewall and event log retention is 7 days
  • Requires F5 Distributed Cloud management for the service
Our verdict

FortiWeb is Fortinet’s web application firewall for organizations protecting web applications and APIs against known vulnerabilities, zero-day threats, bots, and application-layer attacks. It supports cloud and self-hosted deployment, with…

Read the review →

F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud protects web applications and APIs across public clouds, on-premises environments, customer-edge sites, and F5 global network points of presence. It is aimed at mid-market and enterprise organizations running…

Read the review →
  1. FortiWebWeb Security Software 9.0Pricing on request
  2. F5 WAF for Distributed CloudWeb Security Software 8.9Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • FortiWeb — where it wins

    • Covers OWASP attacks, APIs, bots, DDoS, and client-side threats
    • Machine learning, FortiGuard signatures, and analytics support threat detection
    • Integrates with FortiGate, FortiSandbox, and Fortinet Security Fabric

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing requires contacting Fortinet sales
    • Multiple deployment forms can require architecture planning
    • Broad scope may exceed teams seeking only basic WAF protection

  • F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud — where it wins

    • Managed attack signatures, violations, and threat campaigns
    • API protection, bot controls, and configurable rate limits
    • Cloud or self-hosted deployment with Terraform and API automation

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing requires contacting sales
    • Firewall and event log retention is 7 days
    • Requires F5 Distributed Cloud management for the service
  • FortiWeb9.0/10 · Pricing on request

    Broad hybrid WAF protection for Fortinet-centered teams, with contact-sales pricing.

    Visit FortiWebFull verdict →
  • F5 WAF for Distributed Cloud8.9/10 · Pricing on request

    Hybrid WAF and API protection with managed signatures, bot controls, and risk scoring.

    Contact F5Full 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