Selection criteria

  • Free path
  • Deployability
  • Documentation
  • Upgrade clarity

Search intent

Users searching for free WAF options and trials.

1

Free-start self-hosted WAF

SafeLine

Easy to frame for hands-on Docker-based evaluation.

2

Free WAF engine

ModSecurity

A classic free option when users can manage rules and connectors.

3

Free rule set

OWASP Core Rule Set

Not a standalone product, but central to many free WAF stacks.

Ranking note

Shortlists are not universal rankings.

WAF fit depends on traffic path, hosting model, team skill, false-positive tolerance, and compliance needs. Treat this page as a research starting point, then validate the top candidates with your own workload.

Sources