Let’s face it running a website is like playing a constant game of cat-and-mouse with hackers.
While WordPress is secure by default it’s not foolproof.
That’s why I’ve become a huge advocate for using a WordPress firewall plugin.
They’re like an extra layer of armor stopping those pesky attackers before they even reach your site.
But with so many options out there picking the right one can feel like wading through a jungle of tech jargon.
That’s why I’ve put together a list of 11 of the best WordPress firewall plugins based on my years of experience.
We’ll break down what makes each one unique and which one might be the perfect fit for your needs.
Why You Need a WordPress Firewall Plugin
Think of a firewall plugin as your website’s bouncer standing guard at the entrance and letting only legitimate visitors in.
These plugins use a complex set of rules to analyze incoming traffic and flag anything suspicious.
Think about it like this: a hacker might try to exploit a vulnerability in your theme or a plugin.
A firewall plugin acts as a barrier preventing that attack from even reaching your site.
Some web hosts offer a built-in web application firewall (WAF) but even then a dedicated WordPress firewall plugin can be a powerful addition to your security arsenal.
Choosing the Right Firewall Plugin: What to Consider
Now let’s dive into the key factors to keep in mind when choosing a WordPress firewall plugin.
I’ve learned these the hard way and I want to save you from the same headaches.
1. Features: Don’t just look for a firewall. Most of the best plugins are all-in-one security solutions offering a suite of features like malware scanning vulnerability testing and even backup options.
2. Ease of Use: You want a plugin that doesn’t require you to be a security expert to set up. Look for user-friendly interfaces with clear instructions.
3. Performance: A firewall plugin shouldn’t slow down your website. Opt for plugins that are lightweight and optimized for performance.
4. Pricing: There are excellent free firewall plugins available but premium versions often come with extra features and support. Choose a plugin that aligns with your budget and needs.
11 Best WordPress Firewall Plugins (Detailed Reviews)
Now let’s get into the heart of the matter the plugins themselves.
I’ve personally tested these and can vouch for their effectiveness.
1. Jetpack Security
Let’s start with Jetpack Security.
I’ve been a fan of Jetpack for years and its security plan is a must.
It’s a full-featured security suite that includes a robust firewall real-time backups malware scanning and even spam protection.
Jetpack Security’s firewall is constantly updated with the latest rules to stay ahead of evolving threats.
You also have the option to manually block specific IP addresses.
Key Features:
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Blocks malicious traffic with automatically updated rules.
- Real-Time Backups: Keeps copies of your website safe in the cloud.
- Malware Scanning: Identifies and removes malicious code from your site.
- Spam Protection: Filters out unwanted spam comments and registrations.
Pros:
- Easy to Use: Jetpack Security is remarkably simple to set up and use even for beginners.
- Comprehensive Protection: Offers a wide range of security features in one package.
- Automatic Updates: Firewall rules are automatically updated to protect against the latest threats.
Cons:
- Not Free: Jetpack Security is a paid plan starting at $9.95 per month with a 50% discount for the first year.
Ease of Use: Jetpack is a breeze to use even for tech novices. The plugin’s interface guides you through setting up and configuring everything.
Pricing: Jetpack Security starts at $9.95 per month with a discount for the first year. It’s also available as part of the Jetpack Complete bundle.
2. Wordfence Security
Another popular choice is Wordfence Security.
It’s known for its combination of firewall malware scanning and login security features.
Wordfence’s firewall uses a pre-configured set of rules to block risky traffic.
The plugin also works in tandem with its malware scanner to detect and prevent malicious code from infiltrating your website.
Key Features:
- Firewall: Prevents malicious traffic from reaching your site.
- Malware Scanner: Identifies and removes malware from your website.
- Login Security: Protects your login page from brute force attacks and other threats.
Pros:
- Free Version: Wordfence offers a free version with basic firewall functionality.
- Advanced Features: The premium version includes real-time firewall rule updates and other powerful features.
- Real-Time Threat Intelligence: Wordfence’s firewall uses a constantly updated database of known threats.
Cons:
- Learning Curve: Wordfence’s advanced features can be overwhelming for beginners.
- Premium Cost: The premium version of Wordfence starts at $119 per year.
Ease of Use: Wordfence has a learning curve especially with its advanced features. You’ll want to dedicate some time to familiarize yourself with the plugin.
Pricing: Wordfence offers a free version but its premium plan starts at $119 per year.
3. All-In-One Security
Living up to its name All-In-One Security (AIOS) packs a punch with a wide range of features including a firewall login protection spam filtering and a security audit log.
AIOS’s firewall uses automatic rules to protect against common threats.
You can also manually add IP addresses to blocklists and allowlists giving you granular control over access.
Key Features:
- Firewall: Blocks malicious traffic with automatic and manual rules.
- Login Protection: Secures your login page with features like two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Spam Filtering: Protects your site from spam comments registrations and more.
- Security Audit Log: Tracks changes made to your website providing valuable insights into potential security breaches.
Pros:
- Free Version: AIOS offers a free version with basic firewall features.
- Comprehensive Features: Provides a wide range of security tools in one package.
- Malware Scanner: The premium version includes a malware scanner to identify and remove threats.
Cons:
- Overwhelming Features: The sheer number of features in AIOS can be daunting for beginners.
- Limited Free Version: Some of the more advanced features are only available in the premium version.
Ease of Use: AIOS can be a bit overwhelming with its many features especially for those new to security plugins.
Pricing: AIOS offers a free version but the premium version starts at $70 per year.
4. CleanTalk
CleanTalk takes a different approach focusing specifically on spam protection.
It’s a powerful tool for preventing spam comments fake registrations and even spam in product orders.
CleanTalk’s firewall is designed to detect and block bots preventing them from accessing your site.
If a bot is blocked they’ll see a blank page effectively stopping them in their tracks.
Key Features:
- Spam Firewall: Blocks bots and prevents them from accessing your site.
- Spam Filtering: Protects your site from spam in comments registrations and other forms.
- Real-Time Threat Intelligence: CleanTalk’s firewall uses a constantly updated database of known spammers.
Pros:
- Spam Focused: Highly effective at blocking spam particularly in comments and registrations.
- Easy to Use: CleanTalk is simple to set up and configure requiring minimal effort.
- Lightweight: Has a minimal impact on website performance.
Cons:
- Limited Features: CleanTalk only focuses on spam protection so it doesn’t offer other security features.
- Not Free: CleanTalk offers a free trial but paid plans start at $9 per year.
Ease of Use: CleanTalk is extremely user-friendly. Its simplicity makes it a great choice for users who just need spam protection.
Pricing: CleanTalk offers a free trial and its Site Security plan starts at $9 per year.
5. NinjaFirewall
If you’re looking for a standalone firewall plugin with no bells and whistles NinjaFirewall is a solid choice.
It’s a powerful WAF that focuses on providing robust security without unnecessary extras.
NinjaFirewall allows you to update its security rules daily or hourly giving you fine-grained control over its functionality.
You can also monitor a range of events including login attempts account changes and even plugin updates.
Key Features:
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Blocks malicious traffic using configurable rules.
- Security Rules: Allows you to customize the firewall’s rules for specific threats.
- Event Monitoring: Tracks various website activities to identify potential security issues.
Pros:
- Powerful Firewall: Provides robust protection against common WordPress threats.
- Advanced Configuration: Offers extensive customization options for security rules.
- Free Version: NinjaFirewall offers a free version with basic features.
Cons:
- Technical Knowledge Required: NinjaFirewall’s advanced features require some understanding of firewall configuration.
- Limited Features: NinjaFirewall doesn’t offer additional security features like malware scanning or backup solutions.
Ease of Use: NinjaFirewall’s advanced configuration options can be a bit daunting for beginners. You’ll want to be comfortable working with firewall settings.
Pricing: NinjaFirewall offers a free version but its premium version with advanced features starts at $79 per year.
6. Defender
Defender is part of the WPMU DEV suite of plugins.
It offers a comprehensive security package that includes a firewall malware scanner login security features and an activity log.
Defender’s firewall uses preset rules to block malicious traffic and protect against SQL injection cross-site scripting and brute force attacks.
Key Features:
- Firewall: Blocks malicious traffic using pre-configured rules.
- Malware Scanner: Scans your website for malware and provides one-click fixes.
- Login Security: Includes features like two-factor authentication and CAPTCHA integration.
- Activity Log: Tracks changes made to your website to detect suspicious activity.
Pros:
- Easy Setup: Defender’s automatic setup process is beginner-friendly.
- Comprehensive Security: Offers a wide range of features to protect your website.
- Free Version: Defender has a free version with basic features.
Cons:
- Premium Features: Some of the most powerful features like scheduled malware scanning and a hosted WAF are only available in the premium version.
- Part of WPMU DEV: Defender is part of a larger plugin suite so it may not be the best choice if you only need a firewall.
Ease of Use: Defender’s setup is extremely straightforward making it easy for beginners to get started.
Pricing: Defender offers a free version but the premium version (Defender Pro) starts at around $3.00 per month (billed yearly).
7. Shield Security
Shield Security is known for its focus on blocking bots.
It offers a comprehensive suite of features including login protection login page obfuscation an activity log and a robust firewall.
Shield Security’s firewall uses automatic rules to block bot traffic and suspicious requests to the REST API.
You can also manually block specific IP addresses.
Key Features:
- Firewall: Blocks bot traffic using automatic and manual rules.
- Login Protection: Secures your login page with features like brute force attack protection.
- Activity Log: Tracks changes made to your website to identify suspicious activity.
- Login Page Obfuscation: Hides your login page from automated attacks.
Pros:
- Bot Focused: Excellent at blocking bots and protecting against automated attacks.
- Free Version: Shield Security offers a free version with basic features.
- Detailed Settings: Provides comprehensive settings for fine-tuning firewall rules.
Cons:
- Learning Curve: Navigating Shield Security’s features can be challenging for beginners.
- Premium Features: Some of the most powerful features like real-time monitoring and advanced security rules are only available in the premium version.
Ease of Use: Shield Security’s interface can be a bit overwhelming for first-time users. It offers a wealth of settings so familiarize yourself with them before in.
Pricing: Shield Security offers a free version but the premium version (ShieldPRO) starts at $99 per year.
8. BBQ Firewall
BBQ Firewall (Block Bad Queries) is a lightweight option with a minimal performance impact on your website.
It focuses on providing powerful firewall protection without taxing your server’s resources.
BBQ Firewall uses a comprehensive set of security rules to protect against threats like SQL injection attacks malicious file uploads and remote file execution.
It’s designed to be plug-and-play requiring minimal configuration.
Key Features:
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Blocks malicious traffic with a pre-configured set of rules.
- Lightweight Performance: Has minimal impact on your website’s speed.
- Easy Setup: Requires little to no configuration.
Pros:
- Performance Optimized: Designed to minimize performance overhead.
- Free Version: BBQ Firewall offers a free version with all essential features.
- Plug-and-Play: Easy to set up and use with minimal configuration.
Cons:
- Limited Features: BBQ Firewall doesn’t offer additional security features like malware scanning or backup solutions.
- Basic Protection: While effective it may not be as comprehensive as other firewall plugins.
Ease of Use: BBQ Firewall is extremely user-friendly. It’s a great choice for those who want simple effective protection without a lot of configuration hassle.
Pricing: BBQ Firewall offers a free version. The premium version (BBQ Pro) starts at $20 per year and includes additional security features.
9. Sucuri Security
Sucuri Security is a well-respected security plugin with a comprehensive set of features including file integrity monitoring remote malware scanning security breach notifications and a firewall.
However Sucuri’s firewall isn’t included in the free version.
You’ll need to purchase a premium license to access its robust firewall functionality.
Key Features:
- Firewall: Blocks malicious traffic and protects your website from various threats.
- File Integrity Monitor: Tracks changes to your website’s files to detect unauthorized modifications.
- Remote Malware Scanning: Scans your website for malware from Sucuri’s servers.
- Security Breach Notifications: Alerts you to potential security breaches on your website.
Pros:
- Powerful Features: Offers a comprehensive suite of security tools including a robust firewall.
- Real-Time Threat Intelligence: Sucuri’s firewall uses a constantly updated database of known threats.
- Dedicated Security Experts: Sucuri provides expert support and security advice.
Cons:
- Premium Cost: Sucuri’s premium plans are more expensive than some other firewall plugins.
- Complex Configuration: Sucuri can be challenging to set up and configure for beginners.
Ease of Use: Sucuri’s extensive features and configuration options can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with security plugins.
Pricing: Sucuri offers a free version but its premium plans start at $199.99 per year.
10. Security Ninja
Security Ninja takes a unique approach to website security.
It not only scans your site for vulnerabilities but also runs comprehensive tests to assess your site’s overall security posture.
It can detect known security issues like outdated PHP versions and incorrect file permissions.
Security Ninja’s firewall is only available in the premium version of the plugin.
It also includes login page security features and protection against brute force attacks.
Key Features:
- Vulnerability Scanner: Identifies and assesses security vulnerabilities on your website.
- Security Posture Assessment: Evaluates your website’s overall security level.
- Firewall: Blocks malicious traffic using a pre-configured set of rules.
- Login Protection: Secures your login page with features like two-factor authentication and brute force attack protection.
Pros:
- Comprehensive Security Assessment: Provides a detailed overview of your website’s security vulnerabilities.
- Free Version: Security Ninja offers a free version with basic scanning features.
- User-Friendly Interface: Has a simple and intuitive interface.
Cons:
- Limited Free Version: The firewall and other advanced features are only available in the premium version.
- Premium Cost: The premium version of Security Ninja starts at $39.99 per year.
Ease of Use: Security Ninja offers an installation wizard to guide you through setting up the plugin.
Pricing: Security Ninja offers a free version but its premium version starts at $39.99 per year.
11. Jetpack Protect
Jetpack Protect is a free plugin from the Jetpack team.
It offers vulnerability scanning using the extensive WPScan database to identify known vulnerabilities on your WordPress website.
You can also manually configure a basic firewall.
If you upgrade to the premium version of Jetpack Protect you’ll gain access to malware scanning and the full-featured WAF that’s part of Jetpack Security.
This automatic firewall works tirelessly to protect your site using rules that are updated as new threats emerge.
Key Features:
- Vulnerability Scanner: Scans your website for known vulnerabilities using the WPScan database.
- Manual Firewall: Allows you to configure basic firewall rules.
- Automatic WAF (Premium): Includes the full-featured WAF from Jetpack Security.
Pros:
- Free Version: Jetpack Protect offers a free version with basic features.
- Easy Setup: Automatic setup makes it easy for beginners to get started.
- Automatic WAF Updates: The premium version’s WAF is automatically updated with the latest security rules.
Cons:
- Limited Free Version: The automatic WAF is only available in the premium version.
- Limited Features: Jetpack Protect primarily focuses on vulnerability scanning and the WAF.
Ease of Use: Jetpack Protect is exceptionally easy to use. The automatic WAF requires minimal configuration and the plugin’s interface is straightforward.
Pricing: Jetpack Protect’s premium version which includes the automatic WAF starts at $4.95 per month (paid yearly) with a 50% discount for the first year.
Conclusion: Which Firewall Plugin Should You Choose?
Choosing the right firewall plugin is crucial for protecting your WordPress website.
Consider these key factors:
- Features: What specific security features are most important to you?
- Ease of Use: How comfortable are you with setting up and configuring security plugins?
- Performance: Will the plugin impact your website’s speed?
- Pricing: What’s your budget for a security solution?
Jetpack Security is often my recommendation for its user-friendliness comprehensive features and automatic updates.
It’s a perfect balance of effectiveness and ease of use.
But ultimately the best firewall plugin for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Take your time read reviews and choose the one that offers the best protection for your website.