Top 5 FortiWeb Alternatives to Consider in 2025

Fortinet FortiWeb is an enterprise-grade Web Application Firewall (WAF) built to protect web applications, APIs, and microservices from modern threats. It combines signature-based detection, machine learning, and analytics to deliver strong application security and integrates seamlessly into Fortinet’s Security Fabric.

Top FortiWeb Features and Benefits

Advanced API Security

Modern applications rely heavily on APIs, and FortiWeb provides continuous protection for these critical components. It validates API schemas for OpenAPI, XML, and JSON formats, ensuring requests align with approved structures. FortiWeb also uses machine learning to understand REST API behavior, flagging abnormal patterns and preventing sensitive data exposure.

Machine Learning–Based Anomaly Detection

FortiWeb’s anomaly detection stands out for its dual-layer design. The first layer builds a baseline of normal activity using a Hidden Markov Model (HMM). The second layer compares deviations against a library of trained attack models, including known threats like SQL Injection and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS).

DDoS Mitigation

Through FortiDDoS integration, FortiWeb offers real-time defense against distributed denial-of-service attacks. It operates on a massively parallel architecture and can detect and mitigate attacks from the very first packet, even those that have never been seen before (zero-day threats). This rapid detection capability ensures applications remain available even during high-volume attacks.

Deep Integration with FortiGate and FortiSandbox

FortiWeb extends WAF protections through tight integration with FortiGate and FortiSandbox. Suspicious files uploaded to web servers can be analyzed in FortiSandbox, with alerts and automated blocking of similar threats. Integration with FortiGate enables sharing of quarantined or infected IPs, ensuring FortiWeb blocks malicious internal traffic.

Reasons Why You Might Want to Switch from FortiWeb

Despite its strengths, FortiWeb has some challenges that organizations should consider:

Limited Visibility of Protection Status

While FortiWeb includes a built-in DAST vulnerability scanner, it does not provide real-time visibility into which vulnerabilities are actively protected. Additionally, some users report that the scanner could be improved, as signature-based rules may generate a high number of false positives. This requires careful tuning by security teams to ensure alerts are meaningful and actionable. Competitors like AppTrana WAAP offer more intuitive dashboards that clearly display protection status, which can be valuable for security and compliance reporting.

Managed Services Are Add-Ons

FortiWeb is primarily a product, not a fully managed service. Organizations that lack in-house expertise may find it challenging to handle configuration, tuning, and continuous monitoring without paying extra for Fortinet’s managed offerings. This can increase costs and complexity compared to solutions that include managed services by default.

Support and Responsiveness

According to user reviews, FortiWeb’s customer support can sometimes be slower than expected, particularly for urgent issues. For companies operating in fast-paced or high-risk environments, this can be a significant drawback.

Fifteen FortiWeb Alternatives to Consider

1. AppTrana
2. Cloudflare
3. Akamai
4. Imperva
5. AWS WAF
6. Radware
7. Barracuda
8. Azure WAF
9. F5
10. ThreatX
11. Palo Alto
12. Sucuri
13. Google Cloud Armor

A Quick Snapshot Comparison for the Top 5 FortiWeb Alternatives 

The Top Five Alternatives to FortiWeb: In-Depth Comparison

1. AI-Powered AppTrana WAAP

AppTrana WAAP is a fully managed Web Application and API Protection platform designed to provide end-to-end security. It combines AI-driven risk detection, autonomous remediation, and proactive threat mitigation to identify and stop evolving threats in real time. The platform covers web applications, APIs, and even zero-day vulnerabilities, supported by expert-driven monitoring and incident response.

Key Features and Benefits

100% Block Mode and Zero False Positives

Balancing strong security with usability is a challenge for many WAFs, but AppTrana solves this by operating in full block mode with zero false positives. Its AI-powered detection models are continuously refined with machine learning, while human experts validate critical actions. This combination ensures reliable protection, eliminating false positives that can disrupt business traffic, a common drawback in most WAAP providers where signature-based rules can produce noisy alerts.

AppTrana’s AI-Driven DAST Scanner

AppTrana’s inbuilt DAST scanner uses an AI crawler to intelligently map applications, reduce redundant actions, and improve coverage by accessing hidden areas. It also tracks zero-day vulnerabilities by analyzing threat feeds, assessing PoCs, and prioritizing high-risk vulnerabilities. This delivers faster, deeper, and more actionable results for security teams.

FortiWeb’s signature-based scanner has limited visibility and needs manual tuning, while AppTrana delivers AI-driven coverage, clear dashboards, and faster remediation for compliance.

Autonomous Vulnerability Remediation with SwyftComply

AppTrana goes beyond vulnerability reporting to help in remediating them through autonomous virtual patching capability – SwyftComply. SwyftComply uses AI-driven automation to instantly detect and remediate open vulnerabilities, delivering zero-vulnerability reports. It handles vulnerabilities across in-house code, APIs, and even third-party components, ensuring compliance and security are always up to date. By leveraging AI, SwyftComply shortens remediation windows, neutralizes zero-day threats, and reduces manual effort, keeping applications secure and audit-ready at all times.

In addition, SwyftComply Exploit Analytics shows which vulnerabilities were targeted and how many attacks were blocked, proving the measurable value of virtual patching. It gives security teams the evidence needed to demonstrate protection efficacy and accelerate compliance.

Comprehensive API and Asset Protection

AppTrana employs AI-based discovery and scanning to secure every internet-facing asset including domains, subdomains, APIs (including shadow APIs), IPs, mobile apps, and data centers. The AI crawler enhances scanning coverage by grouping UI elements intelligently and accessing deeper areas of applications missed by traditional scanners. Vulnerabilities are immediately mitigated through virtual patching, and continuous scanning ensures newly added or modified assets stay protected. Compared to FortiWeb’s built-in scanner, AppTrana’s AI crawler provides broader coverage and faster detection.

Behavioral DDoS and Bot Mitigation

AppTrana’s AI models monitor every request in real time, detecting anomalies against historical traffic baselines. Behavioral DDoS protection responds instantly to spikes or suspicious traffic sources. The AI-driven bot module analyzes over 30 behavioral and identity traits, detecting and blocking even advanced, evasive bots. In contrast to traditional rate-limiting, this adaptive approach stops sophisticated threats while ensuring a frictionless experience for legitimate users. This feature is given by default where as in most competing products advanced bot mitigation capabilities are add-ons.

Fully Managed, AI-Enhanced Security Services

AppTrana is backed by a dedicated managed security team, supported by AI-enabled monitoring platforms and large language model (LLM)-driven analysis tools. The team handles onboarding, custom rule tuning, incident response, and continuous false-positive monitoring, using AI heuristics to reach 94% accuracy in reducing noise. Logs are stored tamper-proof for 12 months, supporting compliance needs. Unlike FortiWeb, which requires additional tuning and add-on services, AppTrana delivers a complete AI-powered, SLA-backed managed service.

Areas for Improvement

Legacy API Support

When it comes to API security, AppTrana WAAP currently lacks protection for older standards like SOAP and WebSocket. This can be a challenge for organizations still running legacy applications that depend on these protocols.

Lack of On-Premise WAAP Option

AppTrana offers the advantages of a cloud-based security solution, such as scalability and centralized control. However, it may not meet the needs of organizations that prefer to maintain their security infrastructure entirely on-premises.

2. Cloudflare WAF

Cloudflare is one of the most widely adopted WAAP and CDN providers, with nearly 10% of global internet traffic passing through its network. Handling over 2 trillion requests daily, Cloudflare has built a reputation for providing robust security, scalability, and performance for businesses ranging from start-ups to enterprises.

Key Features and Benefits

DDoS Mitigation at Scale

Cloudflare has successfully mitigated some of the largest DDoS attacks recorded, thanks to its massive global infrastructure. Its adaptive DDoS defense adjusts to changing traffic patterns, ensuring protection even during unpredictable traffic spikes.

Global Threat Intelligence

With its scale, Cloudflare collects and analyzes vast amounts of traffic data, providing some of the most advanced threat intelligence in the industry. This insight allows Cloudflare to update rules quickly and identify emerging threats effectively.

Comprehensive Security Bundle for Start-Ups

Cloudflare’s platform includes SSL certificate management, vanity domain support, WAF, API security, and DDoS protection. The flexible pricing tiers such as Free, Pro, and Business, make it a strong choice for start-ups and growing companies, while the Enterprise plan offers more advanced features for larger organizations

Limitations and Areas for Improvement

False Positive Challenges

Because Cloudflare’s rules are designed to serve a vast number of applications, false positives are common. Organizations without dedicated security teams may struggle to fine-tune these rules, often forcing them to switch the WAF to log-only mode or loosen protections.

Limited Support for Lower Tiers

Although Cloudflare’s DDoS defense is strong, real-time expert support is only available to Enterprise customers. Free and Pro plans lack live assistance, and Business plans provide only chat support, which can be a concern during sophisticated attacks.

Virtual Patching Restrictions

Virtual patching for newly discovered vulnerabilities is only available with the Enterprise plan. Businesses using agile development methodologies or frequent deployments may find it challenging to manage vulnerabilities without internal expertise.

3. Imperva WAF

Imperva WAF is a robust security platform designed to protect web applications and APIs by continuously monitoring, filtering, and blocking malicious traffic. Widely adopted by mid-sized to large enterprises, Imperva focuses on preventing breaches through its hybrid security approach and emphasizes accurate detection, offering a zero false-positive SLA for its clients.

Like AppTrana, Imperva promotes full block mode deployments, with 90% of protected applications running in full enforcement mode to ensure optimal security.

Key Features and Benefits

Hybrid Deployment Options

Imperva supports organizations following a hybrid security strategy, combining on-premise and cloud-based protection. Sensitive data can be safeguarded within local data centers using an on-prem WAF, while the cloud WAF delivers agility and scalability for internet-facing assets.

Third-Party Integrations

Through SecureSphere, Imperva integrates with leading external systems like Amazon S3, ArcSight, RSA enVision, BMC Remedy, and Active Directory. These integrations enhance event monitoring, security analytics, and threat mitigation, helping security teams maintain centralized visibility.

Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP)

Imperva’s RASP technology strengthens defense-in-depth by providing real-time, application-layer insights. SOC teams can make faster, informed decisions and reduce investigation time, improving accuracy and minimizing the risk of false positives.

DDoS and Bot Protection

Imperva Cloud WAF offers robust Layer 7 DDoS protection and an effective bot classification engine. While basic bots are handled by default, advanced protections like Account Takeover Prevention and Advanced Bot Protection are available for more sophisticated threats.

Limitations and Areas for Improvement

Managed Services as an Add-On

Unlike providers like AppTrana, which bundle managed WAF services with premium plans, Imperva requires organizations to purchase managed services separately. This can increase costs for businesses seeking ongoing expert support, DDoS monitoring, and virtual patching.

API Discovery is Optional

Imperva offers API discovery only as an add-on, which can delay the detection of shadow APIs and vulnerabilities. Competitors such as AppTrana include API discovery and testing as part of their standard offering, often with additional manual penetration testing support.

No Built-In VAPT

Imperva does not include integrated VAPT. Organizations must rely on separate tools or vendors for DAST scanning and compliance reporting, unlike some competitors that provide these features as part of their core WAAP package.

4. Akamai WAF

Akamai, one of the earliest players in the content delivery and application security space, remains a dominant force in the WAAP market. Akamai WAF leverages its vast global infrastructure to secure and accelerate applications. Its flagship App & API Protector combines multiple security technologies including web application firewall, API security, bot mitigation, and DDoS protection into a single, unified solution.

Key Features and Benefits

Adaptive Threat Intelligence

Akamai’s global security team analyzes over 303 TB of attack data daily, using advanced AI, machine learning, and data mining to keep protections current. This proactive approach ensures the platform evolves with emerging threats and provides customers with timely updates and robust defense mechanisms.

Prolexic DDoS Protection

Akamai’s Prolexic platform offers one of the strongest cloud-based DDoS defenses, backed by a 24/7 Security Operations Command Center (SOCC) and 100% uptime SLA. With scrubbing centers across 32 metro locations worldwide, Prolexic mitigates attacks closer to their source, improving resilience and user performance.

Edge DNS

As a leading DNS provider, Akamai’s Edge DNS service delivers fast, reliable, and secure DNS resolution. It is designed to withstand even the largest DDoS attacks, ensuring uninterrupted availability and performance for mission-critical services.

Page Integrity Manager

To address risks from third-party scripts, Akamai’s Page Integrity Manager uses AI to detect malicious activity within browsers. It identifies suspicious scripts in real time, protecting users from data theft and supply-chain risks with rapid deployment and instant insights.

Limitations and Areas for Improvement

Unmetered DDoS as an Add-On

While Prolexic is highly capable, unmetered DDoS protection is not included by default. Always-on deployments can be costly, as all incoming traffic is routed through scrubbing centers. In contrast, competitors like AppTrana offer unmetered DDoS mitigation in all plans, charging only for clean traffic.

Premium Pricing

Akamai’s solutions are designed for large enterprises and come with premium pricing, particularly when using advanced features or managed services. Smaller organizations or those with tight budgets may find the costs challenging.

Payload Inspection Limits

The WAF enforces a payload size limit of 128 KB (default 8 KB). Larger request bodies require custom configurations, which may not be ideal for apps handling heavy content uploads or complex API transactions.

False Positives

Like most leading WAAP platforms, false positives remain a challenge, particularly if not paired with expert management. Without dedicated security staff or Akamai’s managed service, tuning rules and addressing legitimate traffic blocks can be time-consuming.

5. AWS WAF

As the first major cloud service provider, AWS (Amazon Web Services) has been instrumental in defining the public cloud market. Among its vast portfolio, AWS WAF has gained significant popularity, particularly for organizations already running workloads in AWS. Its native integration and ease of activation make it an attractive option for teams seeking a cloud-first security solution compared to appliance-driven products like FortiWeb.

Key Features and Advantages

Flexible Security Rules

AWS WAF allows you to tailor security to your needs. You can select from built-in security rule sets, create custom rules, or combine both approaches. Many rules are provided at no additional cost, and for specialized needs, you can subscribe to premium rule sets from third-party security vendors via the AWS Marketplace, paying only for what you use.

Strong Compliance Support

AWS operates across 25+ global regions, helping customers meet stringent compliance and data residency requirements. Its infrastructure undergoes continuous third-party audits, making it easier to adhere to regulatory standards in sectors like finance, healthcare, retail, and government.

Enhanced Monitoring and Visibility

AWS WAF integrates seamlessly with Amazon CloudWatch, providing real-time insights into traffic, threats, and rule performance. Features like the Bot Control dashboard give security teams detailed visibility into automated traffic and potential bot attacks.

Limitations and Areas for Improvement

For businesses comparing FortiWeb to AWS WAF, here are some considerations:

DDoS Protection Costs

While FortiWeb offers built-in protection, AWS provides AWS Shield, with the basic tier included but the advanced tier priced at $3,000/month, requiring a 1-year commitment. This may be costly for smaller organizations. Competitors like AppTrana provide DDoS mitigation as part of their core plans.

Request Size Limitation

AWS WAF can only inspect request bodies up to 64 KB. Larger payloads bypass inspection, which can leave applications exposed to larger attack vectors.

False Positives and Rule Management

Similar to many WAFs, AWS WAF can generate false positives, especially when managing diverse traffic. Many organizations end up running minimal rules or log-only modes to avoid disruptions.

Managed Service Gap

AWS does not offer a fully managed WAF service apart from AWS Shield’s DDoS coverage. Companies needing expert-managed tuning, virtual patching, and ongoing false-positive monitoring often need to engage third-party integrators, which can be expensive.

If a fully managed WAF is one of your main reasons for exploring FortiWeb alternatives, AWS WAF may not be the best fit.

Verdict

If you are evaluating alternatives to FortiWeb, the right choice depends on your security needs and budget. FortiWeb is strong for organizations already invested in the Fortinet ecosystem, but it can feel limited when it comes to fully managed services. AppTrana offers a good balance here with its AI and ML-based risk detection and round-the-clock managed support.

Other alternatives like Akamai, Imperva, and Fastly also bring robust capabilities, so it is best to run trials to see which solution aligns with your application environment and operational model.

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