Azure Web Application Firewall vs NetScaler comparison

Azure Web Application Firewall

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91% willing to recommend

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Jan 1, 2025

NetScaler and Azure Web Application Firewall both compete in the web application security category. Azure Web Application Firewall has an edge due to its integration with the Azure ecosystem, making it ideal for cloud-centric deployments and easier configuration.

Features: NetScaler provides flexible deployment options with features like SSL offloading, traffic management, and application delivery suited for complex setups. It incorporates TriScale architecture, which supports scalability and consolidation. In comparison, Azure Web Application Firewall integrates seamlessly with Azure services, offers DDoS protection, and leverages OWASP rules for effective request filtering.

Room for Improvement: NetScaler requires improvements in asymmetric optimization, better support for custom scripting, and enhanced troubleshooting documentation. Its graphical user interface could also be simpler and its pricing model more flexible for smaller deployments. Azure Web Application Firewall could benefit from better documentation, real-time monitoring features, and simplified licensing to support smaller enterprises.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: NetScaler offers deployment options for both cloud and on-premises environments, but users often need expert help to leverage its full capabilities. Its technical support, despite improvements, can be inconsistent. Azure Web Application Firewall provides straightforward integration within Azure, supported by a robust support network, though ticket resolution speed may be inconsistent.

Pricing and ROI: NetScaler's pricing is seen as high with a complex licensing structure, which might not be economical for small businesses, but its comprehensive features are valued by users. Azure Web Application Firewall provides competitive pricing within the Microsoft ecosystem, offering clear cost management and scalability that appeals to a wide range of organizations.

To learn more, read our detailed Azure Web Application Firewall vs. NetScaler Report (Updated: June 2025).

Azure Web Application Firewall vs. NetScaler

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Azure Web Application Firewall

Ranking in Web Application Firewall (WAF)

12th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.7

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Microsoft Security Suite (22nd)

NetScaler

Ranking in Web Application Firewall (WAF)

14th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

7.0

Number of Reviews

107

Ranking in other categories

Application Delivery Controllers (ADC) (1st), Network Management Applications (5th)

Mindshare comparison

As of July 2025, in the Web Application Firewall (WAF) category, the mindshare of Azure Web Application Firewall is 4.2%, down from 4.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of NetScaler is 3.3%, down from 3.4% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Web Application Firewall (WAF)

Featured Reviews

Mano Senaratne

Management Consultant at a consultancy with 201-500 employees

Comprehensive suite simplifies configuration while frequent updates require management

Mainly, it comes with the complete suite of Microsoft services. I can use it in conjunction with the best options and other features that come with it. Configuration is much easier than using different platforms. For example, if I have hosted the application in AWS and am using the Application Firewall from Azure, there are certain additional steps to follow when configuring them. With Microsoft, everything is within a single suite, making it easier to configure and plan. Azure continually upgrades platforms and sends us messages to upgrade to the next version, simplifying the process. Later, it's much easier if I want to upgrade the software platform, scale it, or move it to a different application host as the whole suite comes together. The return on investment is good. If I am doing applications for clients, I can invoice them for better costs. Most applications that I run and use have a better return on investment.

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DEMİRHAN ÇAVUŞOĞLU

Cloud Consultant at Migros Ticaret A.Ş.

A tool for centralized management including inventory and sales tracking

Citrix ADM has the ability to implement policies to tighten security. For instance, you can restrict access to your network from outsiders or lack necessary security measures such as antivirus programs. Additionally, there's the Delivery Controller, which allows for comprehensive monitoring and management tasks such as remote restarts, maintenance, and registration. Another essential component is the Director, which provides detailed insights into sessions, including identifying session failures, connection issues, user lockouts, etc. It presents a list of problems to address, enabling you to click on them and resolve them efficiently.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"It is almost impossible to access these assets from outside, requiring a very skilled attacker to obtain asset tokens of a customer using Azure."

"It has been a stable product in my experience."

"I can only strongly recommend using the Azure Web Application Firewall."

"The return on investment is good."

"It's quite a stable product and works well with Microsoft products."

"The integration it has with GitHub is great."

"We have found the most valuable features to be the web application, minimal skills required for management, control through policies, and automation."

"The most valuable feature is that it allows us to publish our applications behind the firewall."

More Azure Web Application Firewall pros

"I like the ease of use. It's easy to manage. I also like it's ease of use with virtualization technologies with applications."

"The most valuable features of Citrix ADC are load balancing and application firewall."

"Very stable."

"It is a very stable solution."

"It has helped us to increase the resiliency of the application and the performance."

"The most valuable feature for us is the application firewalling in Citrix NetScaler, ensuring only valid traffic enters our environment."

"The web application firewall which protects our services on the internet, and then of course services like our ability to provide high availability for the services we are offering are the most valuable features."

"The most valuable feature is the SSL VPN."

More NetScaler pros

Cons

"From my point of view, there is no need for improvement."

"Deployment should be simplified so that a non-techie can handle it."

"In Brazil, we have some problems with the phone service that affect our connection with the cloud. However, it isn't common."

"Some Azure applications, like the web application firewall, require a certain level of SKU for hosting setup. The basic setup does not allow me to use the web application firewall and other additional services."

"I would say that Azure's customer service is not that good...I am not very happy with the support offered."

"Azure WAF should not be deployed in the middle of the traffic."

"From a reporting perspective, they could do more there."

"The knowledge base could be improved."

More Azure Web Application Firewall cons

"Should offer more flexible cost-effective licensing for small to medium sized organizations."

"Getting to use some of the advanced tools, even with the assistance of Citrix support, can be challenging."

"I would like to see the virtual and desktop license included in the pricing."

"Citrix ADC is a complex product, and it takes time to understand these things. But the documentation is poor, and the deployment is difficult. Integration could also be better because what I find is that you cannot easily integrate the panel in the second sector. What I have found is that in the last index, there is a limitation when getting validated. Technical support could also be better."

"We are looking for some in-depth monitoring and analytics and more information that Citrix Director doesn't provide. ControlUp has insights that not only give you an overview but also allow you to do some drill-down troubleshooting for what's going on in your environment. We are looking for some more analytical and monitoring data to be able to monitor the environment better, not only from an application standpoint but also from the standpoint of the infrastructure to everything it sits on. They can provide more data to the administrators about what's going on within the application. They can provide data not only on the application side but also about what the application sits on. They're making strides with Citrix Analytics in regards to that."

"Citrix Web App and API Protection could improve in the area of licensing"

"Currently, it is not easy to use the configuration capabilities of the product."

"The GUI should be improved."

More NetScaler cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The price is for this solution is fair and there is a license needed."

"Azure WAF has price advantages over other WAF solutions. The pricing model is flexible because you pay on a scale based on the level of protection you need."

"I give the pricing a nine out of ten."

"The price of the solution depends on your architecture and how you manage it. You can control the cost in Azure quite well. The costs do not directly correlate to expenses in the features we are using."

"The price is reasonable. It is approximately $2,000 US per month."

"We have an enterprise agreement with Microsoft and the pricing is good."

"NetScaler does the same thing as an F5 and it's cheaper."

"This product is more expensive than some of the competitors."

"After deployment, Citrix Netscaler shifted to a subscription-based license scheme for support, which is slightly more expensive."

"Licensing is adequate. I wanted to have a more prominent license, but until I do they don't give enough support. The additional cost would be too much."

"I do not have any experience with the pricing of the product."

"It is very pricey, but we get it. If you need the best, money shouldn't be a problem."

"We have all the features and functions of Citrix because we have a premium license."

"The price for Citrix ADC here in Mexico was good, when you compare it with F5 and Radware."

More NetScaler pricing and cost advice

See which vendors are best for you

Use our free recommendation engine to learn which Web Application Firewall (WAF) solutions are best for your needs.

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

18%

Financial Services Firm

12%

Manufacturing Company

11%

Government

Computer Software Company

15%

Financial Services Firm

11%

Government

Manufacturing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Azure Web Application Firewall?

The integration it has with GitHub is great.

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Azure Web Application Firewall?

The pricing is okay at the moment. Sometimes, when opting for a higher SKU, it's not the WAF itself that's costly but the additional requirements. A higher SKU application hosting platform adds to ...

What needs improvement with Azure Web Application Firewall?

While using it, I identified certain areas where it would have been good to have additional features. Right now, I can't recall any specific instances. Seamless integration is good, yet having mult...

What do you like most about Citrix ADC?

The most valuable feature for us is the application firewalling in Citrix NetScaler, ensuring only valid traffic enters our environment.

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Citrix ADC?

After deployment, Citrix Netscaler shifted to a subscription-based license scheme for support, which is slightly more expensive.

What needs improvement with Citrix ADC?

Citrix NetScaler is a robust product, but mastering it requires significant learning and training due to its complexity. While it could be easier to manage, it is like transitioning from driving a ...

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Product Reports

Azure Web Application Firewall

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Also Known As

No data available

Citrix ADC, Citrix NetScaler VPX, NetScaler Console, NetScaler Web Application Firewall

Overview

Azure Web Application Firewall (WAF) provides centralized protection of your web applications from common exploits and vulnerabilities. Web applications are increasingly targeted by malicious attacks that exploit commonly known vulnerabilities. SQL injection and cross-site scripting are among the most common attacks.

To learn more about our solution, ask questions, and share feedback, join our Microsoft Security, Compliance and Identity Community.

Microsoft

One platform for a consistent application delivery and security experience because nobody has time to learn multiple systems to manage ADC deployments. NetScaler is built with a single code base using a software-based architecture, so no matter which ADC form factor you choose — hardware, virtual machine, bare metal, or container — the behavior will be the same.

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

ABB Schweiz, Aer Lingus, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Amnet Technology Solutions, Aramex International, Ascenty, Atos, Autodesk

Azure Web Application Firewall vs. NetScaler