Cloudflare Application Security and Performance
Enterprise content management (ECM) systems
Content delivery network (CDN) software
Enterprise content delivery network (eCDN) software
Managed DNS providers software
Load balancing software
API security tools
Threat intelligence software
Application shielding software
Certificate lifecycle management (CLM) software
SSL & TLS certificates software
Web application firewalls (WAF)
DNS security solutions
Bot detection and mitigation software
DDoS protection software
Website security software
Cloud security software
System security software
Application security software
Confidentiality software
DevSecOps software
Network security software
Web security software
Client-side protection solutions
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
Take the quiz to check if Cloudflare Application Security and Performance and its alternatives fit your requirements.
$20 per month
Free TrialFree version
Small
Medium
Large
- Retail and wholesale
- Accommodation and food services
- Transportation and logistics
What is Cloudflare Application Security and Performance
Cloudflare Application Security and Performance is a set of edge network services that accelerates and protects web applications, APIs, and internet-facing infrastructure. It combines CDN caching, DNS, load balancing, DDoS mitigation, web application firewalling, bot management, TLS/PKI services, and related security controls delivered through Cloudflare’s global network. It targets security, network, and application teams that need to reduce latency and manage application-layer and network-layer threats without deploying customer-managed edge hardware. Differentiation centers on consolidating performance and multiple security controls into a single edge platform with centralized policy management and telemetry.
Broad edge security coverage
The product bundles DDoS protection, WAF, bot mitigation, API-focused protections, DNS security features, and client-side protection options under one platform. This reduces the number of separate point tools required for common internet-facing application risks. Centralized controls help standardize policy across multiple applications and domains.
Integrated performance and routing
CDN, smart routing options, and load balancing work alongside security controls, allowing teams to optimize latency and availability while enforcing protections. This can simplify operations compared with managing separate performance and security stacks. The same edge footprint can serve static content delivery and security inspection for dynamic traffic.
Centralized DNS and TLS management
Managed DNS, DNSSEC support, and TLS certificate services are integrated with application delivery and security policies. This supports consistent configuration across zones and reduces manual steps for certificate issuance and renewal in common deployments. Consolidated telemetry across DNS, edge traffic, and security events can aid troubleshooting and incident response.
Not an ECM system
Despite being listed among ECM categories, the product does not provide document repositories, records management, content governance workflows, or end-user content collaboration features typical of ECM platforms. Organizations seeking enterprise document management will still need a dedicated ECM solution. Cloudflare’s scope is primarily edge delivery and security rather than content lifecycle management.
Feature complexity and tuning
WAF rules, bot controls, API protections, and client-side protections often require tuning to reduce false positives and avoid breaking application behavior. Effective use typically involves coordination between security and application owners and iterative testing. Teams without dedicated security engineering resources may find policy design and exception handling time-consuming.
Platform dependency and fit
Using the service as a front door for applications can increase dependency on the vendor’s edge network for availability and change management. Some advanced capabilities vary by plan and may require higher tiers to meet enterprise requirements. Certain architectures or compliance constraints may limit which traffic can be proxied or inspected at the edge.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 (forever) | Basic CDN and security features; suitable for personal or hobby projects. |
| Pro | $20 per month (paid annually) — $25 per month if billed monthly | For professional websites; adds enhanced performance and security features (listed on product pages). |
| Business | $200 per month (paid annually) — $250 per month if billed monthly | For small businesses; includes higher SLAs, advanced features and support. |
| Enterprise / Contract | Custom pricing (contact sales) | Mission-critical applications; custom terms, advanced features (WAF, DDoS, advanced bot mitigation, custom SLAs). |
Notes / add-ons (selected examples from official site): Argo Smart Routing — starting at $5 per month; Load Balancing — starting at $5 per month; Advanced Certificate Manager — starting at $10 per month; Access (per-user access control) — starting at $3 per month.
Seller details
Cloudflare, Inc.
San Francisco, CA, USA
2009
Public
https://www.cloudflare.com/
https://x.com/cloudflare
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cloudflare/
