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Top 10 Best Ddos Mitigation Software of 2026

Explore top 10 best DDoS mitigation software solutions. Compare features, find the right tool, and protect your network—read now.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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In an era where digital infrastructure is central to operations, robust DDoS mitigation is critical to maintaining availability, performance, and stakeholder trust. With a wide spectrum of tools—ranging from edge-based solutions to cloud-native and enterprise-grade platforms—choosing the right tool demands careful consideration of scalability, integration, and threat adaptability, as explored in our comprehensive ranking.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: Cloudflare DDoS Protection - Delivers always-on, autonomous DDoS mitigation at the network edge for websites, applications, and networks with unlimited capacity.
  2. 2#2: Akamai Prolexic - Offers scalable, carrier-grade DDoS protection with global scrubbing centers for enterprise networks and applications.
  3. 3#3: Imperva DDoS Protection - Provides advanced DDoS mitigation integrated with WAF capabilities to protect web applications from volumetric and application-layer attacks.
  4. 4#4: Radware Cloud DDoS Protection - Combines behavioral-based detection and autonomous mitigation for multi-vector DDoS attacks across cloud and on-premises environments.
  5. 5#5: AWS Shield - Offers managed DDoS protection service with automatic detection and mitigation for AWS resources, including advanced options for high-volume attacks.
  6. 6#6: F5 Silverline DDoS Protection - Provides on-demand and always-on DDoS mitigation services with real-time telemetry and global scrubbing capacity for critical infrastructure.
  7. 7#7: Azure DDoS Protection - Delivers adaptive DDoS protection powered by Azure's global network intelligence for virtual networks and applications.
  8. 8#8: Google Cloud Armor - Secures applications with DDoS and WAF protections using machine learning and global threat intelligence at Google's edge.
  9. 9#9: NetScout Arbor DDoS Protection - Uses network-wide visibility and ATLAS intelligence for precise DDoS detection and inline mitigation in service provider and enterprise networks.
  10. 10#10: Cisco Secure DDoS Protection - Integrates hardware-accelerated DDoS mitigation with AI-driven analytics for protecting data centers and cloud environments.

We selected and ranked these tools based on key factors including detection accuracy, mitigation speed, ease of deployment and management, and alignment with diverse use cases, ensuring a balanced focus on reliability, value, and practicality.

Comparison Table

In today's digital environment, DDoS attacks are a persistent threat, emphasizing the need for effective mitigation tools. This comparison table features top solutions like Cloudflare DDoS Protection, Akamai Prolexic, and AWS Shield, among others, to guide readers in selecting the right fit for their security needs. Analyzing key capabilities helps users make informed choices to safeguard systems against disruptive attacks.

Delivers always-on, autonomous DDoS mitigation at the network edge for websites, applications, and networks with unlimited capacity.

Features
9.9/10
Ease
9.7/10
Value
9.6/10

Offers scalable, carrier-grade DDoS protection with global scrubbing centers for enterprise networks and applications.

Features
9.5/10
Ease
8.0/10
Value
8.5/10

Provides advanced DDoS mitigation integrated with WAF capabilities to protect web applications from volumetric and application-layer attacks.

Features
9.6/10
Ease
8.1/10
Value
8.4/10

Combines behavioral-based detection and autonomous mitigation for multi-vector DDoS attacks across cloud and on-premises environments.

Features
9.3/10
Ease
8.1/10
Value
8.4/10
5AWS Shield logo8.7/10

Offers managed DDoS protection service with automatic detection and mitigation for AWS resources, including advanced options for high-volume attacks.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
8.8/10
Value
8.5/10

Provides on-demand and always-on DDoS mitigation services with real-time telemetry and global scrubbing capacity for critical infrastructure.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
8.0/10

Delivers adaptive DDoS protection powered by Azure's global network intelligence for virtual networks and applications.

Features
8.5/10
Ease
9.2/10
Value
7.8/10

Secures applications with DDoS and WAF protections using machine learning and global threat intelligence at Google's edge.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
7.6/10
Value
8.0/10

Uses network-wide visibility and ATLAS intelligence for precise DDoS detection and inline mitigation in service provider and enterprise networks.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.4/10
Value
8.0/10

Integrates hardware-accelerated DDoS mitigation with AI-driven analytics for protecting data centers and cloud environments.

Features
8.4/10
Ease
6.9/10
Value
7.2/10
1
Cloudflare DDoS Protection logo

Cloudflare DDoS Protection

enterprise

Delivers always-on, autonomous DDoS mitigation at the network edge for websites, applications, and networks with unlimited capacity.

Overall Rating9.8/10
Features
9.9/10
Ease of Use
9.7/10
Value
9.6/10
Standout Feature

Magic Transit for Layer 3/4 DDoS protection with BGP anycast routing across 330+ cities worldwide

Cloudflare DDoS Protection is a comprehensive cloud-based service that leverages a massive global network to detect and mitigate DDoS attacks in real-time across Layers 3, 4, and 7. It automatically absorbs and filters malicious traffic at the edge, ensuring websites and applications remain accessible during attacks. With always-on protection available even on the free plan, it scales effortlessly from small sites to enterprise-level operations, backed by one of the world's largest DDoS mitigation capacities exceeding 200 Tbps.

Pros

  • Unmatched global network capacity over 200 Tbps for absorbing massive attacks
  • Autonomous, always-on mitigation with no manual intervention required
  • Seamless integration via DNS change, supporting any origin server

Cons

  • Advanced analytics and custom rules limited to paid plans
  • Potential for over-mitigation false positives in complex setups
  • Enterprise features require custom pricing and onboarding

Best For

Businesses and websites of any size seeking scalable, always-on DDoS protection without hardware investments.

Pricing

Free plan with unlimited DDoS mitigation; Pro starts at $20/month, Business at $200/month, Enterprise custom.

2
Akamai Prolexic logo

Akamai Prolexic

enterprise

Offers scalable, carrier-grade DDoS protection with global scrubbing centers for enterprise networks and applications.

Overall Rating9.2/10
Features
9.5/10
Ease of Use
8.0/10
Value
8.5/10
Standout Feature

Prolexic Routing: Automated, network-layer attack detection and mitigation using BGP anycast across 32+ scrubbing centers worldwide

Akamai Prolexic is a premier DDoS mitigation solution that leverages Akamai's global edge network and dedicated scrubbing centers to defend against massive volumetric, protocol, and application-layer attacks. It supports always-on proactive protection and on-demand mitigation via BGP anycast routing, automatically detecting and diverting malicious traffic while preserving legitimate user access. The platform includes advanced analytics, behavioral analysis, and 24/7 expert support from a dedicated Security Operations Center (SOC) for comprehensive threat intelligence and rapid response.

Pros

  • Unmatched global scrubbing capacity exceeding 20 Tbps to handle the largest attacks
  • Automated BGP-based traffic diversion with minimal latency impact
  • Round-the-clock SOC expertise and customizable protection profiles

Cons

  • High enterprise-level pricing not suitable for small businesses
  • Complex initial setup requiring network engineering expertise
  • Limited flexibility for non-enterprise deployments

Best For

Large enterprises and critical infrastructure providers needing robust protection against sophisticated, high-volume DDoS attacks.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing starting at $10,000+/month based on protected bandwidth, resources, and service tier; always-on protection adds premium costs.

3
Imperva DDoS Protection logo

Imperva DDoS Protection

enterprise

Provides advanced DDoS mitigation integrated with WAF capabilities to protect web applications from volumetric and application-layer attacks.

Overall Rating9.2/10
Features
9.6/10
Ease of Use
8.1/10
Value
8.4/10
Standout Feature

Behavioral DoS Protection powered by machine learning, which distinguishes legitimate traffic surges from sophisticated attacks in real-time.

Imperva DDoS Protection is a cloud-based cybersecurity solution that provides advanced mitigation against volumetric, protocol, and application-layer DDoS attacks using behavioral analysis and machine learning. It leverages a massive global network with over 20 Tbps of scrubbing capacity to absorb and filter malicious traffic, ensuring high availability for websites, applications, and APIs. The platform offers always-on and on-demand protection modes, integrating seamlessly with Imperva's WAF and bot management for comprehensive defense.

Pros

  • Massive global scrubbing capacity exceeding 20 Tbps for handling the largest attacks
  • Advanced behavioral analysis and ML for precise attack detection with low false positives
  • Multi-layer protection (L3/4/7) with seamless integration into existing security stacks

Cons

  • High cost structure unsuitable for small businesses
  • Complex initial setup and configuration requiring technical expertise
  • Custom pricing lacks transparency for budgeting

Best For

Large enterprises and high-traffic websites needing always-on, enterprise-grade DDoS mitigation with minimal latency.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing starting at around $5,000/month for basic protection, scaling with bandwidth, traffic volume, and features.

4
Radware Cloud DDoS Protection logo

Radware Cloud DDoS Protection

enterprise

Combines behavioral-based detection and autonomous mitigation for multi-vector DDoS attacks across cloud and on-premises environments.

Overall Rating8.8/10
Features
9.3/10
Ease of Use
8.1/10
Value
8.4/10
Standout Feature

AI-powered behavioral analysis that differentiates legitimate traffic spikes from attacks without relying on signatures

Radware Cloud DDoS Protection is a fully managed, cloud-based service that detects and mitigates sophisticated multi-vector DDoS attacks across network, transport, and application layers. It utilizes a global anycast network of high-capacity scrubbing centers to cleanse traffic in real-time, ensuring minimal latency and business continuity. The solution integrates AI-driven behavioral analysis for zero-day threat detection and provides detailed analytics for post-attack insights.

Pros

  • Global scrubbing network with massive capacity exceeding 300 Tbps
  • Advanced behavioral DoS protection using AI/ML for zero-day attacks
  • Seamless integration with on-premises appliances and hybrid environments

Cons

  • Premium pricing may deter SMBs
  • Configuration requires networking expertise
  • Limited transparency on exact scrubbing capacities per customer

Best For

Enterprises and service providers with high-traffic applications requiring robust, always-on DDoS mitigation at scale.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing based on protected bandwidth and resources; subscription or pay-per-clean models starting from several thousand dollars monthly.

5
AWS Shield logo

AWS Shield

enterprise

Offers managed DDoS protection service with automatic detection and mitigation for AWS resources, including advanced options for high-volume attacks.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
8.8/10
Value
8.5/10
Standout Feature

Always-on automatic mitigation at AWS edge locations with global anycast network for instant scaling against volumetric attacks

AWS Shield is a managed DDoS protection service from Amazon Web Services that automatically safeguards applications running on AWS against distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. It includes Shield Standard, which is free and enabled by default for all AWS customers, providing protection against common Layer 3 and Layer 4 attacks via always-on detection and mitigation. Shield Advanced offers enhanced capabilities for sophisticated Layer 7 attacks, including proactive engagement from the AWS Shield Response Team (SRT), detailed visibility, and cost protection during attacks.

Pros

  • Seamless integration with AWS services like CloudFront, Route 53, and ELB for automatic mitigation
  • Free Shield Standard tier protects against most common DDoS attacks without setup
  • Advanced tier includes expert SRT support and automatic scaling to absorb massive attacks

Cons

  • Limited to AWS-hosted resources, not ideal for multi-cloud or on-premises environments
  • Shield Advanced has high base fees ($3,000/month) that can escalate with data transfer costs during large attacks
  • Less granular customization options compared to specialized DDoS vendors

Best For

AWS-centric businesses and applications needing native, scalable DDoS protection with minimal configuration.

Pricing

Shield Standard: free for all AWS customers; Shield Advanced: $3,000/month commitment + data processing ($0.023-$0.034/GB) and transfer fees.

Visit AWS Shieldaws.amazon.com
6
F5 Silverline DDoS Protection logo

F5 Silverline DDoS Protection

enterprise

Provides on-demand and always-on DDoS mitigation services with real-time telemetry and global scrubbing capacity for critical infrastructure.

Overall Rating8.6/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Hyper scales with a 20+ Tbps global anycast network across 40+ scrubbing centers for unmatched volumetric attack absorption.

F5 Silverline DDoS Protection is a cloud-based DDoS mitigation service leveraging a massive global anycast network of over 40 scrubbing centers to absorb and mitigate attacks up to 20+ Tbps. It provides multi-vector protection against volumetric, protocol, and application-layer DDoS attacks using behavioral analysis and machine learning for precise detection. The solution supports always-on, on-demand, and hybrid deployment models, with managed services for hands-off operation.

Pros

  • Massive global scrubbing capacity exceeding 20 Tbps for handling the largest attacks
  • Advanced behavioral DoS (BDoS) protection that adapts to zero-day threats without signatures
  • Flexible hybrid integration with on-premises F5 BIG-IP appliances

Cons

  • Enterprise-level pricing lacks transparency and can be prohibitively expensive for SMBs
  • Initial setup and customization require technical expertise and F5 familiarity
  • Reporting and dashboard can feel overwhelming for non-expert users

Best For

Large enterprises with high-value web applications and infrastructure needing scalable, always-available DDoS defense against sophisticated attacks.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $10,000+ annually for basic protection, scaling with bandwidth, attack volume, and managed services.

7
Azure DDoS Protection logo

Azure DDoS Protection

enterprise

Delivers adaptive DDoS protection powered by Azure's global network intelligence for virtual networks and applications.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
8.5/10
Ease of Use
9.2/10
Value
7.8/10
Standout Feature

Adaptive attack tuning that profiles normal traffic patterns for precise, customized detection and mitigation

Azure DDoS Protection is a managed service that defends Azure Virtual Network resources against Layer 3 and Layer 4 DDoS attacks using Microsoft's global network and intelligence. It features two tiers: Basic (free, always-on for common attacks) and Standard (advanced mitigation with adaptive tuning, real-time telemetry, and integration with Azure Monitor). The Standard tier automatically detects anomalies, mitigates attacks inline, and provides detailed insights for post-attack analysis.

Pros

  • Seamless integration with Azure ecosystem and services like Monitor and Sentinel
  • Always-on monitoring with machine learning-based adaptive tuning
  • Low-latency inline mitigation leveraging Microsoft's global edge network

Cons

  • Limited to Azure resources; no support for on-premises or multi-cloud environments
  • Costs can accumulate during large-scale or prolonged attacks
  • Primarily L3/L4 protection; L7 requires additional WAF services

Best For

Azure-centric organizations needing native, low-effort DDoS protection for cloud workloads.

Pricing

Basic tier free; Standard tier usage-based (~$2,850/month equivalent for 100 Gbps protection + data processing fees after 5 Gbps free threshold during mitigations).

Visit Azure DDoS Protectionazure.microsoft.com
8
Google Cloud Armor logo

Google Cloud Armor

enterprise

Secures applications with DDoS and WAF protections using machine learning and global threat intelligence at Google's edge.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
7.6/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Adaptive Protection, which employs machine learning to dynamically rate-limit attack traffic without predefined thresholds

Google Cloud Armor is a web application firewall (WAF) and DDoS protection service integrated with Google Cloud Load Balancing, designed to safeguard applications from Layer 7 DDoS attacks and other web threats. It leverages Google's global edge network for automatic mitigation, offering pre-configured defenses, custom rules, and adaptive protection powered by machine learning. Primarily focused on HTTP/S traffic, it provides robust L7 DDoS filtering while complementing Google's always-on L3/L4 DDoS protection.

Pros

  • Scales effortlessly with Google's global anycast network for high-volume DDoS absorption
  • Adaptive Protection uses ML to automatically detect and mitigate sophisticated L7 attacks
  • Seamless integration with GCP services like Load Balancers and monitoring tools

Cons

  • Limited to Google Cloud Platform ecosystems, lacking multi-cloud flexibility
  • Pricing based on rules evaluated can become costly during sustained attacks
  • Requires GCP expertise for optimal configuration and custom rule tuning

Best For

Google Cloud users seeking integrated L7 DDoS protection and WAF capabilities for web applications.

Pricing

Pay-as-you-go: ~$0.75 per million rule evaluations for standard policies, plus $3 per million for adaptive protection; free tier for basic L3/L4 via Google Cloud.

Visit Google Cloud Armorcloud.google.com
9
NetScout Arbor DDoS Protection logo

NetScout Arbor DDoS Protection

enterprise

Uses network-wide visibility and ATLAS intelligence for precise DDoS detection and inline mitigation in service provider and enterprise networks.

Overall Rating8.5/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.4/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

ATLAS global sensor network providing unparalleled DDoS threat intelligence from billions of daily events.

NetScout Arbor DDoS Protection is a robust enterprise-grade solution for detecting, mitigating, and analyzing DDoS attacks using advanced behavioral analysis and the ATLAS global threat intelligence platform. It supports on-premises appliances like Arbor Sightline, cloud-based scrubbing via Arbor Intelligent DDoS Cloud Services, and hybrid deployments for flexible protection. The platform provides real-time visibility, automated mitigation, and scalability to handle multi-vector attacks up to hundreds of Gbps.

Pros

  • World-class ATLAS global threat intelligence for proactive detection
  • Highly scalable with support for massive attack volumes
  • Flexible deployment options including on-prem, cloud, and hybrid

Cons

  • Complex configuration and management for non-experts
  • High cost unsuitable for SMBs
  • Requires significant hardware investment for on-premises setups

Best For

Large enterprises and service providers with critical infrastructure requiring enterprise-scale DDoS mitigation and global threat intelligence.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically $100K+ annually for cloud services, plus hardware costs for on-prem starting at $200K+.

10
Cisco Secure DDoS Protection logo

Cisco Secure DDoS Protection

enterprise

Integrates hardware-accelerated DDoS mitigation with AI-driven analytics for protecting data centers and cloud environments.

Overall Rating7.8/10
Features
8.4/10
Ease of Use
6.9/10
Value
7.2/10
Standout Feature

Always-on, automated traffic scrubbing across Cisco's global backbone with over 100 on-net locations for ultra-low latency mitigation.

Cisco Secure DDoS Protection is an enterprise-grade DDoS mitigation solution that combines on-premises appliances, cloud scrubbing centers, and behavioral analytics to detect and neutralize volumetric, protocol, and application-layer attacks. It leverages Cisco's global network infrastructure for high-capacity traffic cleaning, ensuring minimal latency and high availability. The solution integrates seamlessly with Cisco's SecureX platform for unified threat management and automated response.

Pros

  • Deep integration with Cisco networking and security ecosystem
  • High-capacity scrubbing via global on-net locations
  • Advanced behavioral analysis and real-time telemetry

Cons

  • Complex configuration and management for non-Cisco users
  • Premium pricing that may not suit SMBs
  • Limited third-party integrations compared to pure-play vendors

Best For

Large enterprises with existing Cisco infrastructure needing scalable, always-on DDoS protection integrated into their broader security operations.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $50,000+ annually for mid-tier deployments, scaling with protected bandwidth and features.

Conclusion

When evaluating DDoS mitigation tools, three options rise to the forefront, each offering distinct strengths. Cloudflare DDoS Protection leads with always-on, edge-based mitigation and unlimited capacity, making it a versatile top choice. Akamai Prolexic excels with scalable, carrier-grade global scrubbing, ideal for enterprise networks, while Imperva DDoS Protection stands out by integrating advanced mitigation with WAF capabilities to address both volumetric and application-layer threats. The top three tools represent industry leadership, with each tailored to specific needs.

Cloudflare DDoS Protection logo
Our Top Pick
Cloudflare DDoS Protection

Secure your infrastructure today by trying Cloudflare DDoS Protection—your key to maintaining uninterrupted service and safeguarding against evolving threats.