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F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) Reviews

Vendor: F5
4.2 out of 5
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What is F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM)?

F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager provides robust network protection with advanced DDoS features and efficient load balancing. Its design prioritizes scalability and ease of management, catering to securing data centers and applications.

Get the F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM), Cloudflare, Cloudflare One and more!
F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) is the #13 ranked solution in top Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Protection solutions. PeerSpot users give F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) an average rating of 8.4 out of 10. F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) is most commonly compared to Cloudflare: F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) vs Cloudflare. F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) is popular among the small business segment, accounting for 45% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 17% of all views.
Buyer's Guide
F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM)
April 2026
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Featured F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) reviews

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F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) mindshare

As of April 2026, the mindshare of F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) in the Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Protection category stands at 1.3%, down from 1.4% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Protection Mindshare Distribution
ProductMindshare (%)
F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM)1.3%
Cloudflare14.9%
Imperva Application Security Platform8.3%
Other75.5%
Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Protection

PeerResearch reports based on F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) reviews

TypeTitleDate
CategoryDistributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) ProtectionApr 28, 2026Download
ProductReviews, tips, and advice from real usersApr 28, 2026Download
ComparisonF5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) vs Radware DDoSApr 28, 2026Download
ComparisonF5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) vs Arbor DDoSApr 28, 2026Download
ComparisonF5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) vs CloudflareApr 28, 2026Download
Suggested products
TitleRatingMindshareRecommending
Cloudflare4.314.9%96%79 interviewsAdd to research
Cloudflare One4.33.9%100%23 interviewsAdd to research
 
 
Key learnings from peers
Last updated Feb 15, 2026

Valuable Features

F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) provides valuable features such as DDoS protection, IP blocking, web application firewall, load balancing, scalability, stability, and ease of use. Users find it effective in securing applications from attacks, preventing downtime, and maintaining performance. The platform integrates with AI for advanced threat detection and reporting, supports deployment across environments, and offers a unified solution for network security needs, enhancing performance and operational continuity.
  • "The most valuable features of F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) are the web gateway, load balancing, services, and applications available."
  • "The features of F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager that have proven most effective in securing the network are significant."
  • "It is a highly stable solution."

Room for Improvement

F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) faces challenges with pricing and lacks seamless integration with cloud services. Users find the interface complex and the GUI could benefit from enhancements. Automatic updates for geolocation are needed. The database isn't straightforward for users, and there's a call for better threat intelligence and dynamic traffic shaping. Management software would be helpful, and there's a desire for application inspection. More comprehensive dashboard statistics and simplified integration with BIG-IQ are also requested.
  • "F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) is an expensive solution. They are one of the best in the market, but the price could be cheaper."
  • "I have encountered challenges with the price of the solution."
  • "If you compare it with the next-generation firewalls, then definitely this tool is not comparable."

ROI

Organizations experience mixed ROI from F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM). Combining it with other F5 solutions enhances affordability and favorable ROI due to substantial discounts. When used standalone, its ROI may be lower. Some users report a clear return through cost reductions, citing security benefits and operational efficiency. However, challenges in quantifying specific savings arise, although users note significant practical value.

Pricing

F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) is generally perceived as an expensive solution, though it offers strong value for money due to its robust features. Licensing can be perpetual or subscription-based, with additional costs for support, threat intelligence, and other enhancements. Opinions on affordability vary, with some users finding it priced higher than competitors, while others consider it reasonably priced for its multi-functionality. Comprehensive documentation and community support enhance usability.
  • "As per pricing, I would not say cheap, but little higher than cheap, but not very expensive. So you can say kind of value for money solutions."
  • "We have purchased a five-year licensing package for the product."
  • "We need to pay a yearly licensing fee for the solution."

Popular Use Cases

F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) is primarily used for protecting web services and software with a firewall. It offers features like IP geolocation, IP intelligence, and DDoS protection. Organizations utilize it for load balancing, blocking or allowing traffic, clientless VPN, and IP gateway. Its application includes securing DNS solutions, safeguarding against cyber threats, web and mobile application security, and API protection. AFM is used in data centers, financial services, and government offices to monitor and secure infrastructure.

Service and Support

F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager's customer service is excellent with a ten out of ten rating. Technical support varies; many find it effective and responsive, though some opinions note issues with communication, accuracy, and wait times. Global support receives praise, but occasionally lacks product insight. Users report mixed experiences, rating it from seven to nine out of ten for resolving issues, with the engineering hot seat approach seen as resourceful and professional.

Deployment

Many reported F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM)'s initial setup as straightforward, with clear guidelines aiding smooth installation. While some faced complexities due to logic differences from other firewalls, understanding traffic processing eased the process. Deployment time varied, typically requiring multiple personnel and careful observation in monitoring mode. Users noted a basic setup could be rapid, though fine-tuning and integration took additional time. Most found maintenance manageable post-configuration.

Scalability

F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager is characterized by high scalability with various options like virtual or physical scaling and the ability to upgrade hardware or licenses. It supports multiple users, including enterprises and banks, with roles ranging from content editors to viewers. Users appreciate its performance in scaling architecture through SKN, enabling synchronization and efficient management in hybrid environments. However, some note that scaling involves costs and may require hardware purchases.

Stability

F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) is praised for its stability and reliability. Users consistently find it dependable, with no major issues such as bugs, crashes, or glitches. Even when "end of life" cycles are reached, support continues. Many rate stability highly, from eight to nine out of ten. Patches effectively resolve any rare bugs. Logging capabilities aid analysis and integration with other security solutions, making AFM's performance in stability highly regarded.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business8
Midsize Enterprise5
Large Enterprise12
By reviewers
By visitors reading reviews
Company SizeCount
Small Business56
Midsize Enterprise21
Large Enterprise47
By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Financial Services Firm
17%
Comms Service Provider
9%
Marketing Services Firm
7%
Performing Arts
6%
Construction Company
6%
Media Company
5%
Manufacturing Company
5%
Government
4%
Computer Software Company
4%
Retailer
4%
Religious Institution
3%
Real Estate/Law Firm
3%
Educational Organization
2%
Recreational Facilities/Services Company
2%
Insurance Company
2%
Outsourcing Company
2%
Hospitality Company
2%
Healthcare Company
2%
Logistics Company
2%
Venture Capital & Private Equity Firm
2%
Engineering Company
2%
Transportation Company
2%
University
2%
Non Profit
1%
Security Firm
1%
Museum Or Institution
1%
Legal Firm
1%
Recruiting/Hr Firm
1%
Aerospace/Defense Firm
1%

Compare F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) with alternative products

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Learn more about F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM)

F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager is a strategic choice for combating cyber threats, including DDoS attacks. With powerful network defenses, integrated WAF, and adaptable capabilities, it efficiently handles web services on-premise and in the cloud. Users value its application-level threat defense with IP blocking and AI-enhanced reporting. Advanced integration with SIEM solutions allows comprehensive monitoring and enhanced threat detection through dynamic resource allocation. However, areas for improvement include better dashboard statistics and pricing adjustments. Enhancing integration with BIG-IQ and intuitive configuration would streamline its operation. Automatic geolocation updates and improved support could address current challenges alongside its high cost and complex initial setup.

What are the standout features?
  • Integrated WAF: Enhances security by protecting applications from online threats.
  • DDoS Protection: Defends against large-scale DDoS attacks efficiently.
  • AI-Enhanced Reporting: Provides detailed insights through AI-driven analytics.
  • IP Blocking: Offers IP-based threat defense and geolocation capabilities.
  • Resource Allocation: Dynamically allocates resources for optimized performance.
What are the benefits and ROI to consider?
  • Ease of Management: Simplifies management processes with user-friendly features.
  • Comprehensive Monitoring: Through SIEM integration for better visibility.
  • Superior Threat Detection: Identifies and mitigates threats proactively.
  • Scalability: Adapts to evolving network needs and traffic demands.

F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager is widely used in sectors requiring stringent security measures, such as finance and healthcare. These industries deploy it as a data center and web application firewall to protect against cyber threats, manage client connections, and ensure the security of on-premise and cloud applications.

F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) was previously known as F5 AFM, F5 Advanced Firewall Manager.

F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) customers

City Bank, Ricacorp Properties, Miele, American Systems, Bangladesh Post Office

Related questions

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We are looking at managed DNS providers and want to know what others are using
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Prolexic vs. Arbor Networks: How do they compare?
  • 249
How does a WAF help to protect against DDoS attacks?
  • 169
Which is the best DDoS protection solution for a big ISP for monitoring and mitigating?
  • 60
DDoS solutions: Any other solutions to consider aside from Radware DDoS Protection Service and F5 Silverline DDoS Protection?
  • 47
Which is the best DDoS solution and why?
  • 56
When evaluating DDoS Protection, what aspect do you think is the most important to look for?
  • 64
What is the difference between denial of service and distributed denial of service?
  • 70
How does BGP routing help to mitigate DDoS attacks?
  • 88
How does a CDN protect against DDoS attacks?

Product Categories

Product Categories
Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Protection

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F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) Reviews Summary
Author infoRatingReview Summary
Information Security Engineer at BigFish Enterprise Ltd.4.5I've used F5 BIG-IP AFM for 2–3 years and find it stable, scalable, and easy to use, especially for DDoS protection, though I believe the pricing could improve and better cloud integration would be valuable.
System Advisor at CRIF SpA4.5I use F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager (AFM) to secure my application against attacks and manage global client connections. Its most valuable features include stability, security, and scalability. Improvements could include enhanced security features and more competitive pricing.
Network Security Engineer at IIPL4.0I provide F5 solutions for load balancing and API security using AFM and BIG-IP. The IP Intelligence and AI-driven behavioral analysis are valuable, but zero-day attack prevention needs improvement compared to competitors like Palo Alto. Integration with SIEM enhances security monitoring.
IT Manager at Chong Hua Hospital4.0I found F5 BIG-IP AFM valuable for its web application firewall, enhancing our cloud migration. While NGINX's load balancing features need improvement, the cost-effective security makes F5 a worthwhile investment compared to our previous Fortinet firewall use.
Network Administrator at Bank of Abyssinia4.5I use F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager to establish both clientless and client VPNs, as well as to monitor, block, and filter traffic between environments. It's easily deployable with great functionality, but the UI needs improvement and it requires high CPU power.
Sr. Architect at NBC Universal4.0We use F5 BIG-IP AFM as a data center firewall for approximately 10,000 users. Its performance is commendable, although it doesn't fully meet edge firewall needs. The setup is straightforward, and we haven't used another solution previously.
Network and Security Engineer at Malam Engineering PLC4.0I have used F5 BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager for two years in government. Its features effectively secure the network, though the price is a challenge. Setup was easy, and I recommend it, rating it 8/10.
Chief Technology Officer, Senior Executive Vice President at Midland Bank Plc4.0I primarily use F5 BIG-IP AFM for web and mobile application security, including DDoS protection. The platform's WAF feature is valuable, but I seek improvements in API discovery and pricing options to better align with our budget.