Cloudflare vs. Sucuri
Which Web Application Firewall Is Right for You?
Website security is no longer optional. Whether you’re running a personal blog or managing a growing eCommerce business, protecting your site from hackers, malware, and DDoS attacks is critical. Two of the most trusted names in website protection are Cloudflare and Sucuri—but they serve very different roles.
This article compares Cloudflare and Sucuri as Web Application Firewalls (WAFs), breaks down their strengths and limitations, and helps you decide which one (or both) your website really needs.
What Each Service Offers
Cloudflare
Cloudflare is best known for its global CDN, enterprise-grade WAF, and DDoS mitigation. It protects your website at the network edge, stopping malicious traffic before it ever hits your server.
OWASP Top 10 protection
Custom firewall rules
Bot and DDoS protection
Smart caching & fast DNS
Available on free and paid plans
Sucuri
Sucuri offers a full-stack website security platform with an emphasis on malware detection, site cleanups, and post-hack support. Its WAF is effective but less customizable than Cloudflare’s.
Malware scanning
Manual malware removal
Blacklist monitoring & removal
Basic CDN & WAF
Available only on paid plans
When to Choose What
Use Cloudflare if:
You want best-in-class prevention (WAF, DDoS, CDN).
You need performance improvements (faster load times, caching).
You’re comfortable managing your own security stack.
You already have backups or third-party malware scanners.
Use Sucuri if:
You want a hands-off security solution.
You need malware detection, removal, and blacklist cleanup.
Your site has already been hacked or blacklisted.
You want ongoing assurance against infections.
Use Both if:
You want to combine Cloudflare’s strong edge security with Sucuri’s cleanup safety net.
You run a high-value WordPress or WooCommerce site where downtime or infection is costly.
You want layered protection: Cloudflare at the edge, Sucuri inside your server.
Pros and Cons Comparison
| Feature | Cloudflare – Pros | Cloudflare – Cons | Sucuri – Pros | Sucuri – Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WAF | Advanced rules, OWASP top 10, customizable | Some features locked behind Pro plan | Decent protection out of the box | Limited customization |
| DDoS Protection | Unmetered and fast, even on free tier | None | Good mitigation in paid plans | Not as robust as Cloudflare |
| Malware Scanning | Not included | No malware scanning | Full file & server scan | None |
| Malware Removal | Not offered | You handle cleanup | Manual cleanup included | Cleanup tied to subscription |
| Blacklist Monitoring | Not included | No notifications | Includes blacklist checks + removal | Slower updates |
| CDN Speed | Fastest globally (300+ PoPs) | None | Global, but slower than Cloudflare | Smaller network footprint |
| Bot Protection | Super Bot Fight Mode, JS challenge | Advanced features on paid plans | Basic bot filtering | No advanced bot management |
| Ease of Use | Powerful dashboard, full API | Some complexity for non-tech users | Simple dashboard, support-driven | Older UI, limited API options |
| Price | Starts free, $20/mo Pro WAF | Enterprise features cost extra | $47.88/year includes everything | No free tier, all or nothing |
Pricing Breakdown
| Service | Free WAF | Entry WAF Tier | Malware Removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare | ✅ Yes | $20/month (Pro) | ❌ Not offered |
| Sucuri | ❌ No | $47.88/year | ✅ Included |
How to Evaluate Your Decision
Ask yourself:
Is my site already hacked or blacklisted? → Go with Sucuri.
Do I need to improve speed and traffic handling? → Choose Cloudflare.
Do I need both prevention and guaranteed recovery? → Use both.
Do I have internal resources or staff to manage site security? → Cloudflare alone might suffice.
Is cost the deciding factor? → Cloudflare offers excellent protection even on the free tier.
Conclusion
Cloudflare is the stronger WAF and performance booster. Sucuri is the go-to for malware cleanup and post-hack care. They’re not strictly competitors—they’re complementary.
For proactive security and performance, go Cloudflare. For reactive cleanup and peace of mind, go Sucuri. For serious websites, use both.
