List of the Top 12 On-Prem Web Application Firewalls (WAF) in 2025

The CacheGuard product range revolves around a foundational offering known as CacheGuard-OS. When installed on either a physical or virtual machine, CacheGuard-OS effectively converts that system into a robust network appliance. This newly formed appliance can serve multiple functions as various types of gateways that enhance the security and efficiency of your network. Below is a concise overview of the various CacheGuard appliances available. - Web Gateway: exercise control over organizational web traffic and filter out undesirable web access. - UTM (Unified Threat Management): protect your networks from a wide array of online threats using a combination of a firewall, antivirus at the gateway, VPN server, and a filtering proxy. - WAF (Web Application Firewall): prevent harmful requests from reaching your essential web applications and safeguard your enterprise. The WAF incorporates OWASP rules while allowing for the creation of custom rules, along with an IP reputation filtering system that enables the blocking of IPs identified in real-time blacklists. - WAN Optimizer: optimize the flow of your vital network traffic, conserve bandwidth, and ensure high availability for your internet connection through the use of multiple ISPs. Each appliance is designed to address specific network challenges, ultimately providing comprehensive solutions tailored to your organization’s needs.

Boost the protection of web applications against a wide range of attacks and vulnerabilities by implementing strong security protocols and a uniform policy framework through our SaaS-based Web Application Firewall (WAF), which is crafted for quick setup and seamless scalability in any setting. Enhance the security of applications by embedding protective mechanisms directly into the development process, bolstered by vital security features, centralized oversight, and thorough monitoring. The F5 Distributed Cloud WAF addresses the complexities of securing applications across diverse cloud platforms, on-premises systems, and edge locations. By offering the necessary programmability for DevOps along with the supervision required by SecOps, it accelerates the safe delivery of applications and simplifies release processes. Furthermore, users can deepen their comprehension of security incidents, such as WAF signature triggers, denial-of-service attacks, persistent automated threats, and all client interactions, while also obtaining insights into application performance, complete with detailed drill-down capabilities. This comprehensive strategy guarantees that security becomes an essential component of the entire development process, rather than a mere afterthought, enabling teams to build more resilient applications. Security, therefore, is woven into the fabric of development, ensuring that risks are managed proactively and effectively.

Secure both on-premises and multi-cloud environments with a comprehensive firewall solution specifically designed for cloud security. The seamless, cloud-based Advanced Threat Protection system efficiently detects and mitigates sophisticated threats, including zero-day exploits and ransomware incidents. With access to an extensive global threat intelligence network, informed by millions of data points, organizations can quickly respond to new and evolving threats. As modern cyber risks, such as ransomware and advanced persistent threats, continue to escalate, the need for sophisticated defensive strategies that ensure accurate threat detection and rapid response becomes paramount. The Barracuda CloudGen Firewall offers a robust array of next-generation firewall technologies, providing immediate defense against a diverse range of network risks, vulnerabilities, and attacks including SQL injections, cross-site scripting, denial of service assaults, and various types of malware. This powerful solution not only bolsters security but also facilitates adherence to industry regulations, thereby becoming an indispensable asset for any organization dedicated to protecting its digital resources. Moreover, with the increasing complexity of cyber threats, the importance of integrating advanced security measures cannot be overstated.

Fortinet emerges as a key global player in the cybersecurity sector, notable for its comprehensive and integrated approach to safeguarding digital infrastructures, devices, and applications. Founded in 2000, the organization provides a wide range of products and services, including firewalls, endpoint protection, intrusion prevention systems, and secure access solutions. A cornerstone of its offerings is the Fortinet Security Fabric, a unified platform that seamlessly combines various security tools to enhance visibility, automation, and provide real-time threat intelligence across the entire network. Renowned for its dependability among businesses, government agencies, and service providers worldwide, Fortinet prioritizes innovation, scalability, and performance, thereby reinforcing its defenses against the constantly shifting landscape of cyber threats. In addition to its protective capabilities, Fortinet’s dedication to enabling digital transformation and ensuring business continuity highlights its essential role within the cybersecurity landscape, positioning itself as a trusted partner for organizations striving to navigate modern security challenges effectively. With a focus on proactive measures and cutting-edge solutions, Fortinet continues to adapt and evolve to meet the demands of an increasingly complex digital world.

The leading hybrid and multi-cloud platform provides an exceptional array of security features, including next-generation WAF, API Security, RASP, Enhanced Rate Limiting, Bot Defense, and DDoS protection, specifically designed to overcome the shortcomings of traditional WAF systems. Conventional WAF solutions were inadequate for the challenges posed by modern web applications that function across cloud, on-premise, or hybrid environments. Our state-of-the-art web application firewall (NGWAF) and runtime application self-protection (RASP) solutions not only bolster security measures but also ensure reliability and optimal performance, all while offering the most competitive total cost of ownership (TCO) in the industry. This forward-thinking strategy not only satisfies the requirements of the current digital environment but also equips organizations to tackle future web application security challenges effectively. By continuously evolving our solutions, we aim to provide businesses with the tools necessary to navigate an ever-changing security landscape.

An advanced load balancing solution designed for high performance ensures that your applications remain highly available, fast, and secure. This solution guarantees efficient and dependable application delivery across various data centers and cloud environments, effectively reducing latency and downtime while improving the experience for end users. It features a comprehensive full-proxy Layer 4 and Layer 7 load balancer, equipped with adaptable aFleX® scripting and personalized server health checks. Furthermore, it enhances application security through sophisticated SSL/TLS offloading, single sign-on (SSO), robust DDoS protection, and integrated Web Application Firewall (WAF) capabilities. With these features, businesses can confidently scale their operations while maintaining optimal performance and security for their applications.

Alert Logic stands out as the sole managed detection and response (MDR) service that offers extensive protection across public clouds, SaaS, on-premises, and hybrid settings. With our advanced cloud-native technology and dedicated team of security professionals, we safeguard your organization around the clock, ensuring a prompt and effective response to any potential threats that may arise. Our commitment to comprehensive security enables businesses to focus on their core operations with peace of mind.

Open-appsec is an innovative open-source project that leverages machine learning to deliver proactive security measures for web applications and APIs, safeguarding against the OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities as well as zero-day exploits. This system can be seamlessly integrated as an add-on to Kubernetes Ingress, NGINX, Envoy, and various API Gateways. The core engine of open-appsec observes typical user interactions with your web application, utilizing this behavior data to identify any requests that deviate from established norms, subsequently forwarding these anomalies for further scrutiny to determine their potential maliciousness. To achieve this, open-appsec employs two distinct machine learning models: 1. A supervised model developed offline, drawing insights from millions of both malicious and harmless requests. 2. An unsupervised model that evolves in real time within the protected environment, focusing on the unique traffic patterns of that specific setting. In addition to its robust detection capabilities, open-appsec streamlines maintenance by eliminating the need for frequent threat signature updates and exception management, which are often prerequisites in many conventional WAF solutions. Overall, open-appsec not only enhances security but also reduces the complexity typically associated with managing web application firewalls.

BIG-IP Next WAF provides a containerized approach to securing web applications, combining robust security features with user-friendly management capabilities. Its sophisticated tools enable rapid detection and resolution of security threats, optimizing configuration processes to conserve time and expedite the transition to a blocking mode. By utilizing intuitive incident dashboards that encompass multiple policies, organizations can significantly enhance their threat detection and response capabilities. Additionally, it guarantees consistent application security policies across diverse environments, whether located in data centers, on the edge, or within public cloud infrastructures. Users can easily obtain additional licenses through a seamless platform process, thereby expanding their security coverage. The system effectively defends against common attack vectors, including known vulnerabilities (CVEs), while proactively mitigating active attack campaigns via insightful updates from F5’s dedicated threat researchers. By identifying and blocking sources of recognized malicious IP addresses, users gain essential contextual awareness that strengthens the defenses of their web applications. With BIG-IP Next WAF, organizations are equipped to implement a thorough web application security strategy that not only adapts to emerging threats but also simplifies management workflows, ultimately fostering a more resilient digital environment. Furthermore, this solution ensures that your web applications remain secure without compromising efficiency.

Protect your applications from detrimental and unwelcome online activities with a cloud-based web application firewall solution that complies with PCI standards. By utilizing threat intelligence alongside consistent rule application, the Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Web Application Firewall boosts security and safeguards internet-facing servers. Adopt an edge security methodology with a web application firewall that integrates threat data from multiple sources, including WebRoot BrightCloud®, and offers over 250 predefined rules designed for OWASP, specific applications, and compliance requirements. It is crucial to ensure that your applications—whether hosted on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, on-premises, or across multicloud environments—are defended with access limitations based on variables like geolocation, IP whitelisting and blacklisting, in addition to controls over HTTP URLs and headers. Furthermore, identify and mitigate harmful bot traffic with an advanced set of verification methods, incorporating JavaScript validations, CAPTCHA tests, device fingerprinting, and smart algorithms that differentiate between human interactions and automated actions. This all-encompassing strategy not only bolsters security but also instills confidence in organizations navigating the complexities of the digital landscape, as they can trust their systems are well-protected against evolving threats. Moreover, the proactive monitoring and adaptation of security measures ensure that businesses remain resilient in the face of emerging cyber risks.

Fortify your applications with our versatile Web Application Firewall (WAF), a critical component of a comprehensive security framework. It can function independently or be integrated with our ADS series to bolster security further, and its cloud-based deployment offers remarkable adaptability. Protect your APIs from numerous threats while effectively identifying and blocking bots that seek to infiltrate your web applications. Our WAF also monitors user behavior to detect and eliminate malicious traffic, enhancing your overall defense system. The ease of scaling and managing its cloud deployment gives it a notable edge over traditional solutions. Additionally, it allows for the virtual patching of vulnerabilities in your web applications without requiring direct updates, preserving operational continuity. Discover the power of cutting-edge web application security through our innovative WAF, designed to shield your applications from evolving threats. This solution utilizes semantic analysis, advanced analytics, threat intelligence, and smart patching strategies to detect and counter a broad range of web attacks, including all OWASP top 10 vulnerabilities, DDoS incidents, and more, ensuring your digital assets are protected in a constantly changing environment. Furthermore, investing in our WAF not only strengthens your defense mechanisms but also grants you peace of mind as you navigate the intricate landscape of online risks, allowing you to focus on your core business objectives without the worry of cyber threats.

BunkerWeb stands out as an innovative, open-source Web Application Firewall (WAF) tailored for the security requirements of contemporary web applications. Functioning as a full-fledged web server based on NGINX, it guarantees that your web services are "secure by default." This tool can be seamlessly integrated into diverse environments such as Linux, Docker, Swarm, and Kubernetes, and provides complete configurability via a user-friendly web interface for those who favor it over command-line interactions. In essence, BunkerWeb streamlines the intricacies of cybersecurity, making it user-friendly for everyone, regardless of their technical background. Moreover, BunkerWeb is equipped with vital security features within its core framework while also facilitating easy upgrades through a versatile plugin system, ensuring it can meet a wide array of security needs. With its adaptable architecture, users can tailor their security solutions to fit specific operational contexts, enhancing overall web protection.