When it comes to securing web applications, Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) are a critical part of modern defense strategies. In this article, we'll compare three popular solutions: SafeLine, Cloudflare WAF, and Fastly WAF — to help you understand their capabilities and differences.
🔍 What is SafeLine?
SafeLine is an open-source, self-hosted Web Application Firewall and reverse proxy designed for organizations that value autonomy, visibility, and customizability. Unlike cloud-only platforms, SafeLine runs on your own infrastructure, giving you full control over data and security policies.
💡 What is Cloudflare WAF?
Cloudflare WAF is a cloud-native web application firewall that protects websites and applications on the Cloudflare network. It provides managed rules, bot detection, and threat intelligence with easy global deployment.
💡 What is Fastly WAF?
Fastly WAF is a cloud-based WAF integrated into Fastly's edge cloud platform. Known for low latency and integration flexibility, Fastly WAF focuses on performance and real-time security at the edge.
⚙️ Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | SafeLine WAF | Cloudflare WAF | Fastly WAF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deployment Model | Self-hosted | Cloud-based | Cloud-based / Edge |
| Data Control | 100% Local | Routed via Cloudflare | Routed via Fastly Edge |
| Bot Management | ML, Fingerprinting, Behavioral, Risk Scoring, Obfuscation | ML, Heuristics, Verified Bots | Limited, Add-on Service |
| Custom Rules | Full Flexibility (Free) | Paid Plans Only | Paid Plans Only |
| Real-time Log Access | Yes (local & visual dashboards) | Cloudflare Analytics | Fastly Observability |
| TLS Version Control | Configurable via UI (support TLS1.2+) | Managed by Cloudflare | Managed by Fastly |
| Challenge-Response Verification | Supported (Captcha, JS Challenge) | Supported | Supported |
| Advanced Threat Protection | OWASP CRS + Custom Rules | OWASP CRS + Cloudflare Managed Rules | OWASP CRS + Custom Rules |
| Rate Limiting | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in |
| Geo Blocking | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in |
| API Security | Partial support via rules | API Shield (mTLS, Schema Validation) | Limited |
| Pricing | Open-source / Free (self-hosted) | Subscription (varies by feature) | Subscription-based |
🏆 Which One Should You Choose?
| Use Case | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|
| Full control & self-hosting | ✅ SafeLine |
| Easiest global deployment | ✅ Cloudflare WAF |
| Low latency at the network edge | ✅ Fastly WAF |
| Flexible bot defense | ✅ SafeLine / Cloudflare WAF |
| Tight API security | ✅ Cloudflare WAF |
💡 Conclusion
- SafeLine is ideal for teams that want open-source, self-hosted protection with high customization and strong bot mitigation capabilities.
- Cloudflare WAF excels in global scalability, ease of setup, and advanced API security.
- Fastly WAF shines in high-performance environments, especially where edge compute and real-time decisions are important.
Choosing the right WAF depends on your infrastructure, compliance needs, and the type of threats you face. Often, combining solutions can offer broader protection (e.g., SafeLine self-hosted + Cloudflare as an external layer).
For more details about SafeLine:
👉 SafeLine WAF Product Page
For Cloudflare WAF:
👉 Cloudflare WAF Product Page
For Fastly WAF:
👉 Fastly WAF Overview
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