BunkerWeb vs Pomerium

BunkerWeb is an open-source web application firewall and NGINX-based server that protects web services as a reverse proxy. Its core protections include HTTPS with automated Let's Encrypt, HTTP security headers, TLS hardening, ModSecurity with the OWASP Core Rule Set and automatic bans for suspicious behavior. It can block known malicious IPs through external blacklists and DNS-based blackhole lists. Bot challenges can use cookies, JavaScript, CAPTCHA, hCaptcha, reCAPTCHA or Turnstile. Supported deployment integrations include Docker, Docker autoconf, Swarm, Kubernetes and Linux. An optional web UI manages instances and configurations, though it is currently supported with Docker and Linux integrations. The open-source plan costs nothing under the AGPLv3 license. A PRO version has pricing based on the number of protected services; Standard has no technical support, while Enterprise includes dedicated technical support. Kubernetes Gateway API mode is in beta. For API access, the documentation recommends an IP whitelist and optionally an API token. Free community support is available through Discord, GitHub Discussions, Reddit, Server Fault and Super User; professional support and consulting are also offered.

Pomerium is an open-source identity-aware proxy for controlling access to internal applications, servers, services, and workloads without requiring VPN client software. It checks identity, device state, and request context before granting access, and authenticates through identity providers that support OpenID Connect. Listed access scenarios include HTTP, MCP, SSH, gRPC, TCP, and UDP; supported app protocols also include HTTPS, HTTP/2, HTTP/3, and WebSocket. Pomerium removes its authentication cookies before forwarding requests upstream, and sensitive databroker data is encrypted at rest. Downstream TLS has a minimum of TLS 1.2. Deployment options include Linux and macOS binaries, packages, Docker images, source builds, and desktop clients for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The free Personal plan lists 10 users, 10 routes, five policies, and two service accounts. Business costs $7.00 per month, billed annually, and lists limits of 1,000 users, 100 routes, 100 policies, and 20 service accounts. A free trial is also listed.