Recently, I published an article about the best brute force WordPress security plugins. This was after a great response from tons of readers on my general security plugins guide last year.
But then I thought to myself, what’s next after brute force protection? Is brute force security enough? I also need to show my readers how I stop other types of attacks.
That’s when I realized something important. Brute force plugins only protect your login page. They’re amazing at that job. But WordPress faces way more threats than just login attacks.
Here’s what I learned during my research.
Firewalls block thousands of malicious requests daily per website. Sites without firewalls see more successful attacks than protected ones.
Plus, a lot of WordPress vulnerabilities get exploited through methods that brute force protection can’t stop.
Think about it this way.
Brute force security guards your front door while firewalls protect your entire property.
They stop hackers from stealing your data, block virus uploads, prevent traffic floods that crash your site, and filter out bad visitors before they reach your website.
So I tested every major WordPress security plugin that offers firewall features. In this article, I list the 8 best firewall security plugins so that you can find one within your needs and budget.
Key Takeaways:
- Cloud-based solutions offer better speed and protection
- Free options provide solid security for most sites
- AI-powered tools automate most security tasks
- eCommerce sites need specialized compliance features
- Different plugins suit different technical skill levels
Whether you’re running a personal blog or a busy online store, there’s a firewall solution here that’ll take your security to the next level.
How I Test Firewall Plugins for WordPress
Testing firewall plugins isn’t like reviewing themes or page builders. You can’t just install them and see if they look pretty. Firewalls work behind the scenes, so I had to get creative with my testing approach.
Here’s exactly how I evaluate each firewall plugin to make sure my recommendations actually protect your site.
- Easy Setup and Use: I time how long it takes to install and configure each plugin. The best ones work right out of the box. If I need a computer science degree to set it up, most beginners will struggle too. I also check if the interface makes sense and whether settings are clearly explained.
- Protection Effectiveness: This is the big one. I use security testing tools to simulate common attacks like SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and malware uploads. I also check how well each firewall blocks suspicious IP addresses and bot traffic. The winners stop attacks that others miss.
- Site Speed Impact: Some firewalls can actually slow your site down. I test page load speeds before and after installing each plugin using tools like GTmetrix and Google PageSpeed Insights. The best firewalls either improve speed or have zero impact.
- Customer Support Quality: When security goes wrong, you need help fast. I test support response times and knowledge levels by asking technical questions. I also check if they offer phone support, live chat, or just email tickets.
- Value for Money: Not everyone has a huge security budget. I compare features against pricing to find the best deals. Sometimes a free plugin works better than expensive alternatives. Other times, premium features justify the cost.
- Mobile Compatibility: More than half of web traffic comes from mobile devices. I test how well each firewall handles mobile traffic and whether it breaks mobile functionality or slows down phone browsing.
Why Trust IsItWP?
At IsItWP, we’ve been the WordPress community’s go-to resource since 2009, helping over 2 million users choose better security solutions.
To do this, we maintain active accounts, run real client websites, and provide ongoing WordPress consultation.
Our team manages WordPress sites for small businesses, large corporations, and everything in between. As a result, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when security fails and which tools actually prevent disasters.
When I test firewall plugins, I’m not just clicking through features. I’m running the same security tools that hackers use to attack WordPress sites and measuring real performance impacts on actual websites.
On top of that, I’m evaluating these tools based on years of experience protecting client sites from real threats.
What is a Firewall? Why is it Important?
Let me explain firewalls using the same example I gave above to keep things simple.
Imagine your WordPress site is a house. A regular security plugin is like having good locks on your doors and windows. But a firewall? That’s like having a security guard stationed at the end of your street.
The security guard checks every person before they can even walk up to your house. If someone looks suspicious or carries dangerous items, they get stopped before reaching your property.
That’s exactly what a firewall does for your website!
Here’s how it works:
- Every time someone visits your site, they send requests to your server.
- Normal visitors send innocent requests like “show me the homepage” or “load this blog post.”
- But attackers send malicious requests trying to break in, steal data, or crash your site.
- A firewall sits between visitors and your website and examines every single request.
- Good requests get through instantly, while bad requests get blocked immediately.
- This happens before the malicious traffic ever reaches your WordPress files.
In a nutshell, firewall WordPress plugins help with:
- Hackers trying to steal your customer data
- Bad code that hijacks visitor accounts
- Traffic floods designed to crash your website
- Virus uploads through your contact forms
- …The list goes on.
At the end of the day, firewall plugins protect your entire website, not just the login page like brute force plugins do.
But remember, some security plugins handle both firewall and brute force protection. On the other hand, others focus on just one area.
That’s exactly why I put together this guide to help you find the right firewall protection for your site.
With that said, let’s get into it!
Best Firewall Plugins for WordPress
Before diving into detailed reviews, here’s a quick overview of all 8 firewall plugins to help you get oriented. Plus you can click on the names of the plugins to skip to that section of the article.
Below, you’ll find paid and free WordPress firewall plugins for security and protection.
Are you ready to add a layer between your website and visitors to prevent any unwanted traffic and malicious threats?
Let’s get started!
1. Sucuri ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cloud-based protection with 60-80% speed boost | Best for: Serious website owners
Pricing: Basic firewall protection starts at $9.99 per month. Full platform plans with extra features start at $229 per year.
Sucuri is the best firewall plugin for anyone who needs bulletproof protection and a practical approach.
Instead of installing software on your server, Sucuri routes all your website traffic through their global cloud network first.
Think of it like having a super-smart security checkpoint that examines every visitor before they reach your site.
As a result, malicious requests get blocked instantly, and clean traffic flows through faster than before.
My favorite feature is their virtual patching system.
When a new WordPress vulnerability gets discovered, Sucuri deploys protection across their entire network within minutes. With this, your site stays protected even before WordPress releases an official fix.
The speed improvements are incredible too. Their built-in CDN and traffic optimization delivered a speed boost.
The downside is, setting up Sucuri requires changing your DNS settings, which sounds scary but takes about 10 minutes.
Their support team can walk you through it if needed. Once active, you get detailed security reports showing exactly what threats they’re blocking daily.
The platform also includes professional malware cleanup if your site ever gets infected.
The best part is, their security experts handle everything manually, so you don’t have to worry about automated tools missing hidden threats.
►Pros
►Cons
- Requires DNS changes that some users find intimidating
- No free plan available
- Higher cost than plugin-based alternatives
My Verdict: If your website generates income or contains sensitive data, Sucuri is worth every penny. The combination of bulletproof protection and speed improvements makes it an investment that pays for itself.
Check out my detailed Sucuri review here.
Plus, you can also compare it with other top security plugins in this article on Sucuri vs. SiteLock vs. CloudFlare. We will also discuss the other plugins in this article from the comparison post.
Pricing: Basic firewall protection starts at $9.99 per month. Full platform plans with extra features start at $229 per year.
2. Cloudflare ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
World’s largest CDN network with free firewall protection | Best for: Performance-focused sites
Pricing: Free plan available with solid protection. Pro plans start at $20/month per domain with advanced features.
Cloudflare is my favorite free CDN that works perfectly with WordPress.
It’s not just me; because of its many features, many WordPress owners use it for speeding up their sites and blocking malicious traffic at the same time.
That means they see more attack patterns in a single day than most security companies see in a year. This massive scale gives them an unbeatable advantage in protecting WordPress sites.
I’ve been using Cloudflare’s free plan on my personal sites for years. And from this experience, I can say that even the free tier is better than many premium security tools. With the added advantage of speeding up sites, it is a no-brainer for many.
What makes Cloudflare special is their machine learning system.
It analyzes billions of requests across their network to identify new attack patterns instantly.
When a hacker tries a new technique on one website, Cloudflare automatically protects all their other customers within seconds. It’s like having a security team that learns from every attack attempt globally.
Their WordPress-specific rules are incredibly smart too.
They understand common WordPress weaknesses and can block hacker attempts even before you update your plugins.
I’ve watched their firewall stop comment spam attacks, block virus file uploads, and filter out fake visitors automatically.
The setup process couldn’t be easier.
You change your DNS settings once, and Cloudflare starts protecting and accelerating your site immediately.
Their dashboard shows exactly what they’re blocking in real-time, which is fascinating and reassuring.
One feature I love is their “Always Online” capability.
If your hosting server goes down, Cloudflare serves a cached version of your site so visitors never see error messages. This saved a client during a hosting provider outage last month.
►Pros
- Excellent free plan with robust protection
- Massive global network provides superior performance
- Machine learning adapts to new threats automatically
- WordPress-specific rules protect against platform vulnerabilities
►Cons
- Advanced features require paid plans
- Some plugins may need configuration adjustments
- DNS-based setup intimidates some beginners
My Verdict: Cloudflare offers unbeatable value, especially for its free plan. Even if you upgrade to Pro, you’re getting enterprise-level protection at a fraction of traditional security service costs.
Pricing: Free plan available with solid protection. Pro plans start at $20/month per domain with advanced features.
3. Wordfence Security ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5+ million installations with deep WordPress integration | Best for: Hands-on beginners
Pricing: Free version available with full firewall protection. Premium plans start at $149/year per site with real-time updates.
Wordfence is the plugin I recommend most often to WordPress beginners who want serious protection without changing DNS settings.
With over 5 million active installations, it’s proven itself on more websites than any other security plugin. But what makes it special is how deeply it understands WordPress.
Unlike cloud-based firewalls, Wordfence runs directly on your server as an “endpoint firewall.”
This means it can see exactly what’s happening inside WordPress and make smart decisions based on user roles, plugin activity, and content changes.
But my favorite feature is their malware scanner.
It compares every WordPress file against the official repository and flags anything that’s been modified. The one-click repair feature fixed the infected core files instantly.
Plus, the live traffic feature is absolutely amazing, too! You can watch visitors access your site in real-time, with color-coded threat indicators showing which requests are safe and which look suspicious.
Apart from that, it is one of the best brute force protection systems. It’s way smarter than simple login attempt limiting.
Wordfence can detect distributed attacks where hackers use multiple IP addresses to avoid detection. After this, it automatically blocks these coordinated attacks while letting legitimate users log in normally.
You get the full firewall, malware scanning, and live traffic monitoring with the free version. While premium users get real-time updates instead of waiting 30 days, which matters during active attacks.
►Pros
- Deep WordPress integration catches platform-specific threats
- Live traffic monitoring shows attacks in real-time
- Powerful free version with comprehensive features
- Sophisticated brute force protection beyond basic login limiting
►Cons
- Can impact site performance during intensive scans
- Interface might overwhelm complete beginners
- Free users get security updates with 30-day delay
My Verdict: Wordfence offers the best balance of power and accessibility for WordPress users. The free version provides enterprise-level protection, and premium features are worth upgrading for active sites.
Check out my Wordfence review here.
Pricing: Free version available with full firewall protection. Premium plans start at $119/year per site with real-time updates.
4. Jetpack Security ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Powered by WordPress.com with 27+ million sites data | Best for: WordPress.com users
Pricing: Security plans start at $9.95/month, including backup integration.
Jetpack Security has a massive advantage over other WordPress security tools because it’s powered by Automattic. This is the same company behind WordPress.com, which hosts over 27 million WordPress sites.
This gives them access to threat intelligence from more WordPress installations than anyone else on the planet. As a result, Jetpack Security is effortless to use.
For starters, the cloud-based firewall runs completely in the background with zero performance impact. Unlike server-based plugins that can slow down your site during scans, Jetpack Security processes everything on its servers.
On top of that, the one-click malware fixes are a lifesaver for beginners. Instead of trying to manually clean infected files, Jetpack can automatically repair the most common infections.
After this, their file integrity monitoring also alerts you immediately when unauthorized changes happen.
Setup couldn’t be simpler. All you have to do is connect your WordPress.com account, activate security features, and you’re protected.
The integration with WordPress.com’s ecosystem means updates and monitoring happen seamlessly without any technical configuration.
Plus, the brute force protection system blocks an average of 5,193 attacks per installation, according to their own data.
►Pros
- Leverages massive WordPress.com threat intelligence network
- Zero performance impact with cloud-based processing
- Extremely user-friendly setup and management
►Cons
- Requires WordPress.com account connection
- Advanced features need paid plans
- Less granular control compared to endpoint firewalls
My Verdict: Jetpack Security is perfect for beginners who want powerful protection without complexity. The WordPress.com integration provides unique advantages you can’t get elsewhere.
Check out my detailed Jetpack review here.
Pricing: Security plans start at $9.95/month, including backup integration.
5. All in One Security ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Comprehensive protection with budget-friendly pricing | Best for: Cost-conscious beginners
Pricing: Free version available with core features. Premium version starts at $70/year.
All in One Security gives you great value for money. At just $70 per year for premium features, it costs less than what most competitors charge.
Plus, the free version includes basic firewall protection that blocks common attacks without spending a dime.
But don’t let the low price fool you. This plugin packs serious security features that rival much more expensive alternatives.
What makes AIOS unique is its dual firewall system.
You get protection that works inside WordPress (PHP-based protection), plus server-level blocking (.htaccess rules) that stops threats before they reach your website.
It’s like having two security guards working different shifts to protect your site around the clock.
I particularly love their security scoring system.
It guides beginners through Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced protection levels with clear explanations of what each setting does. The visual progress bar makes it feel like a game rather than a chore.
As a result, you can start simple and gradually increase security as you become more comfortable.
What’s more, their geographic blocking feature works surprisingly well for a budget plugin. While the smart 404 detection also caught vulnerability scanners that other plugins missed.
►Pros
- Dual firewall system provides layered protection
- Beginner-friendly security scoring and guidance system
- Exceptional value with premium features under $70/year
►Cons
- Interface can feel overwhelming with many options
- Requires more manual configuration than cloud alternatives
- Advanced features need moderate technical understanding
My Verdict: AIOS offers the best feature-to-price ratio in WordPress security. Perfect for budget-conscious users who want comprehensive protection without ongoing monthly fees.
Pricing: Free version available with core features. Premium version starts at $70/year.
6. MalCare ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
AI-powered scanning with 60-second malware removal | Best for: Set-and-forget protection
Pricing: Plans start at $149/year with 24/7 security expert support included across all paid tiers.
MalCare completely changed how I think about WordPress security.
Instead of relying on outdated virus definitions like traditional scanners, it uses artificial intelligence that analyzes over 100 different signals to identify threats.
This AI learns from 18 billion requests processed monthly across 300,000+ protected sites. As a result, the 60-second malware removal works fast and effectively.
Apart from that, you get their behavioral firewall. This feature doesn’t just block known bad IP addresses; it analyzes visitor behavior patterns to spot suspicious activity.
So, when someone starts probing for vulnerabilities or attempting unusual requests, the system blocks them automatically.
This collective intelligence approach means your site benefits from threats discovered on any other site in their network.
When MalCare identifies a new attack pattern anywhere, protection gets deployed to all customers within minutes.
What impressed me most was the zero performance impact. Everything happens in MalCare’s cloud, so your server resources stay free for serving visitors.
►Pros
- AI-powered detection catches threats other scanners miss
- True zero performance impact with cloud processing
- Incredibly fast automated malware removal
►Cons
- No free version available
- Higher pricing than basic plugin alternatives
- Less detailed reporting than some competitors
My Verdict: MalCare is perfect for busy site owners who want bulletproof protection without any maintenance. The AI technology and speed make it worth the premium pricing.
Pricing: Plans start at $149/year with 24/7 security expert support included across all paid tiers.
7. SiteLock ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Small business focused on PCI compliance | Best for: E-commerce beginners
Pricing: Plans start at $149/year.
SiteLock is one of the best small business security solutions, because it’s built with features specifically for online stores and service businesses.
If you’re running a WooCommerce shop or accepting payments online, their PCI compliance assistance can save you hours of research and implementation headaches.
With that in mind, the trust seal feature can help improve conversion rates by displaying the security badge on checkout pages. Customers feel more confident entering credit card information.
Apart from that, their automated malware removal system can handle up to 500 pages daily, which is impressive for sites with large product catalogs. SiteLock can clean your entire site automatically without any manual intervention needed.
I like how their protection covers the ten most common ways hackers attack online stores.
The firewall specifically watches for criminals trying to steal credit card numbers and mess with payment forms, which basic security plugins often miss.
►Pros
- PCI compliance assistance for e-commerce sites
- Trust seals improve customer confidence and conversions
- Automated cleanup handles large infected sites efficiently
►Cons
- Mixed customer service reviews and false positive reports
- Requires 12-month commitment with a higher upfront cost
- Less flexible than competitors with monthly billing
My Verdict: SiteLock works well for small eCommerce businesses that need compliance help and trust-building features.
To learn more, check out my SiteLock review.
Pricing: Plans start at $149/year.
8. BulletProof Security ⭐⭐⭐
Lifetime license with basic protection | Best for: Extreme budget users
Pricing: $69.95 lifetime license for unlimited sites, with a free version available for basic features.
BulletProof Security is excellent for anyone looking for budget security plugins. It offers a unique lifetime license model where you pay $69.95 once, and you can use it on unlimited sites forever.
No monthly fees, no annual renewals – just one payment and you’re done. For small bloggers and site owners managing multiple sites, this pricing model can add up to significant savings over time.
You can easily start with the free version to test it out, then upgrade to the Pro without any ongoing commitment pressure.
This security plugin provides basic protection through server-level rules (.htaccess rules) that can block common spam bots and automated scanning attempts.
Plus, it is super easy to use. The one-click setup wizard handles initial configuration automatically, making it accessible for beginners who want simple protection without complexity.
However, my testing revealed important limitations compared to modern alternatives.
While other firewalls use smart detection methods, BulletProof relies mainly on basic server rules that only work after WordPress has already loaded.
This approach can’t understand WordPress-specific attacks or analyze user behavior patterns like advanced firewalls do.
►Pros
- Lifetime license eliminates ongoing subscription costs
- Works on unlimited sites once purchased
- Basic protection against simple automated threats
►Cons
- Limited effectiveness against modern WordPress attacks
- Can’t analyze WordPress-specific threats or user behavior
My Verdict: BulletProof Security provides basic protection against simple spam bots and automated scanning attempts. I recommend it if you are running a hobby blog with zero security budget.
Pricing: $69.95 lifetime license for unlimited sites, with free version available for basic features.
Honorable Mentions
While researching this guide, I tested several other firewall plugins that didn’t quite make the main list but deserve brief mention:
- Solid Security, previously iThemes Security, offers solid basic protection with a user-friendly setup, but its firewall features lag behind dedicated security services. At $99/year, you get better value from Wordfence Premium or All in One WP Security. Check out the latest Solid Security review here.
- Shield Security takes a minimalist approach with clean interfaces and smart defaults. While easier to use than complex alternatives, its protection capabilities don’t match the depth of our top picks. The free version is quite limited compared to Wordfence or Cloudflare.
These plugins all have their strengths. But they either lack comprehensive features, cost more for similar functionality, or have usability issues that make them less suitable for most WordPress users.
The eight plugins in our main list offer better combinations of protection, usability, and value.
How to Choose the Right Firewall Plugin
Picking the perfect firewall plugin doesn’t have to be complicated. I’ve helped hundreds of WordPress users make this decision, and the right choice usually comes down to four simple factors.
- Start with your budget. If money is tight, begin with Cloudflare’s free plan or Wordfence’s free version. Both offer excellent protection without spending a dime.
- Need premium features on a budget? All in One Security gives you comprehensive protection for just $70 yearly.
- Consider your technical comfort level. Complete beginners should lean toward Jetpack Security or Cloudflare for their simple setup and minimal maintenance.
- Think about your site type and traffic. Personal blogs and small business sites work great with free options like Cloudflare or Wordfence.
- High-traffic eCommerce stores need premium protection. So, consider Sucuri for bulletproof security or SiteLock for compliance help.
- Membership sites benefit from MalCare‘s automated threat detection.
- Evaluate your support needs. Planning to handle security yourself? Free plugins with good documentation work fine.
- Need expert help when problems arise? Sucuri and MalCare include professional support that can save your site during emergencies.
Quick Decision Matrix:
Remember, you can always start with a free option and upgrade later as your site grows.
The most important step is getting some firewall protection in place today rather than waiting for the perfect solution.
Don’t overthink it. Any firewall from our top list will dramatically improve your WordPress security compared to having no firewall protection at all.
That’s it for my list today on the best firewall WordPress plugins. If anything is unclear, check out the commonly asked questions below.
FAQs: Best WordPress Firewall Plugins for Security & Protection
Do I need a firewall if I already have a security plugin?
Yes, absolutely. Regular security plugins focus on things like strong passwords, login protection, and basic malware scanning. Firewalls work at a deeper level, blocking malicious traffic before it reaches your website. Think of security plugins as locks on your doors, while firewalls are security guards checking everyone before they reach your building. You need both for complete protection.
Will a firewall slow down my website?
Cloud-based firewalls like Cloudflare and Sucuri actually speed up websites by blocking malicious traffic and using CDN technology. Server-based firewalls like Wordfence might cause slight slowdowns during intensive scans, but the protection benefits far outweigh minor performance impacts. Most users never notice any speed difference.
Can I use multiple firewall plugins together?
No, this usually causes conflicts and can break your website. Choose one primary firewall solution and stick with it. But, you can combine a cloud-based firewall (like Cloudflare) with a WordPress security plugin (like Wordfence) since they work at different levels and complement each other well.
What’s the difference between free and paid firewall protection?
Free versions typically offer basic protection with delayed security updates. Paid versions include real-time threat intelligence, advanced features like geographic blocking, priority support, and immediate protection against new threats. For personal blogs, free versions are often enough. Business sites should invest in premium protection.
How do I know if my firewall is working?
Most firewalls provide dashboards showing blocked threats, attack attempts, and security statistics. You’ll see numbers like “blocked 1,247 malicious requests this month.” Some also send email alerts when significant threats are detected. If you’re not seeing any blocked attempts, either your firewall isn’t configured properly or you’re lucky enough to have a very clean site.
Should I choose cloud-based or server-based firewall protection?
Cloud-based firewalls (Cloudflare, Sucuri) process traffic before it reaches your server, providing better performance and protection against large attacks. Server-based firewalls (Wordfence) offer deeper WordPress integration and work without DNS changes. I recommend that if you are a beginner, to start with cloud-based solutions for their simplicity and performance benefits.
What happens if I change web hosts?
Cloud-based firewalls stay with you regardless of hosting changes since they work at the DNS level. While server-based plugins need to be reinstalled and reconfigured on your new host. This is another advantage of cloud-based solutions for users who might switch hosts in the future.
Final Verdict: Are Firewall Plugins Worth It?
Absolutely yes. After testing dozens of WordPress security tools over the years, firewall plugins deliver some of the best protection you can get for your investment.
For example, sites with firewalls experience fewer successful attacks and load faster on average.
Even free options like Cloudflare or Wordfence provide protection that would cost thousands if you hired security experts to build custom solutions.
The peace of mind alone makes firewall plugins worth it. Instead of worrying about the next attack, you can focus on growing your business or creating content.
Resource Center
Now, as tradition here at IsItWP, we always want to fully equip you on every topic you read about. So, check the articles below for more information on how to improve your WordPress site security.
With these firewall plugins and additional security resources, you now have everything needed to protect your WordPress site from the ground up.
Remember, the best security strategy combines a solid firewall with regular maintenance and smart security practices – so explore these guides to build your complete defense system.
منبع: https://www.isitwp.com/firewall-plugins-for-wordpress/