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# Azure Application Gateway vs F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM) Comparison - What are their main differences?

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Azure Application GatewayF5 BIG-IP Local Traffic...[+ Add Product](#)

Pricing

**Azure Application Gateway**
No pricing available

**F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM)**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Perceived Cost

**Azure Application Gateway**
$$$$$

**F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM)**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**Azure Application Gateway**
17%

**F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM)**
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Time to Implement

**Azure Application Gateway** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM)**6 months
Based on 100 responses

Return on Investment

**Azure Application Gateway** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM)**6 months
Based on 100 responses

**Pros & Cons**
from reviews

**Azure Application Gateway**

Ease of Use (6)

Scalability (5)

Complexity (5)

Cost Issues (3)

**F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM)**

Configuration Ease (1)

Features (1)

Debugging Issues (1)

Difficult Setup (1)

**Ratings**
from reviews

Meets Requirements

**Azure Application Gateway**

**8.8** /10

Based on 104 responses

**F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM)**

**9.2** /10

Based on 21 responses

Ease of Use

**Azure Application Gateway**

**8.5** /10

Based on 104 responses

**F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM)**

**9.0** /10

Based on 22 responses

Ease of Setup

**Azure Application Gateway**

**8.2** /10

Based on 71 responses

**F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM)**

**8.8** /10

Based on 17 responses

Ease of Admin

**Azure Application Gateway**

**8.6** /10

Based on 67 responses

**F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM)**

**8.9** /10

Based on 16 responses

Quality of Support

**Azure Application Gateway**

**8.5** /10

Based on 102 responses

**F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM)**

**8.7** /10

Based on 20 responses

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Azure Application Gateway**

**8.8** /10

Based on 66 responses

**F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM)**

**9.0** /10

Based on 16 responses

Product Direction (% positive)

**Azure Application Gateway**

**8.9** /10

Based on 97 responses

**F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM)**

**9.4** /10

Based on 19 responses

**Features**
ratings from reviews

Web Application Firewall (WAF)

**9.0** /10

Based on 15 responses

Not enough data

User Insights

**Reviewers' Company Size**

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
23.0%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
33.8%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
43.2%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
23.0%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
33.8%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
43.2%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
9.7%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
19.4%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
71.0%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
9.7%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
19.4%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
71.0%

**Reviewers' Industry**

[![Azure Application Gateway](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_f176b4154a751d10150daa67a57b7dc5/azure-application-gateway.jpg "Azure Application Gateway")](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-application-gateway/reviews)
Azure Application Gateway

Information Technology and Services
23.0%

Computer Software
10.8%

Computer & Network Security
7.9%

Banking
5.0%

Hospital & Health Care
4.3%

Other
48.9%

[![F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_57a879ab5b127c9cc00f273c01d09a36/f5-big-ip-local-traffic-manager-ltm.png "F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM)")](https://www.g2.com/products/f5-big-ip-local-traffic-manager-ltm/reviews)
F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM)

Information Technology and Services
23.3%

Banking
16.7%

Financial Services
10.0%

Telecommunications
6.7%

Computer & Network Security
6.7%

Other
36.7%

Alternatives

**Azure Application Gateway Alternatives**

 ![F5 NGINX](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/62010ad6d5b954f5a6a5bdaf40a5d2b7/f5-nginx.svg "F5 NGINX")

[
Nginx
](/products/f5-nginx/reviews)

 ![NetScaler](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/cfa232d9f9881e5c95c23d2a5b2d67a2/netscaler.svg "NetScaler")

[
NetScaler
](/products/netscaler/reviews)

 ![HAProxy](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/7b4d7d3f13ff9a655c3e07b1ab59128a/haproxy.svg "HAProxy")

[
HAProxy
](/products/haproxy/reviews)

 ![Cloudflare Application Security and Performance](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_b2231a414cb9f3f7c194f65af32b723e/cloudflare-application-security-and-performance.png "Cloudflare Application Security and Performance")

[
Cloudflare Application...
](/products/cloudflare-application-security-and-performance/reviews)

**F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM) Alternatives**

 ![Progress Kemp LoadMaster](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/c78ac0b6d20134e5a20f999092ab6cf7/progress-kemp-loadmaster.svg "Progress Kemp LoadMaster")

[
Progress Kemp LoadMaster
](/products/progress-kemp-loadmaster/reviews)

 ![Azure Traffic Manager](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_f176b4154a751d10150daa67a57b7dc5/azure-traffic-manager.jpg "Azure Traffic Manager")

[
Azure Traffic Manager
](/products/azure-traffic-manager/reviews)

 ![NetScaler](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/cfa232d9f9881e5c95c23d2a5b2d67a2/netscaler.svg "NetScaler")

[
NetScaler
](/products/netscaler/reviews)

 ![HAProxy](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/7b4d7d3f13ff9a655c3e07b1ab59128a/haproxy.svg "HAProxy")

[
HAProxy
](/products/haproxy/reviews)

## Azure Application Gateway vs F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic... FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 14, 2026

### What is the difference between Azure Application Gateway vs F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic...?

Azure Application Gateway and F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager differ most clearly in their reviewer-cited strengths, with Azure Application Gateway favored for ease of use and scalability, while F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager is recognized for advanced traffic management and reliability.

| [Azure Application Gateway](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-application-gateway/reviews) | [F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic...](https://www.g2.com/products/f5-big-ip-local-traffic-manager-ltm/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.4/5 (162 reviews) | 4.5/5 (41 reviews) |
| Enterprise | Enterprise |
| 8.2 | 8.5 |
| 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Ease of Use (6 all-time mentions) | Advanced Traffic Management |

### How do the pricing models of Azure Application Gateway and F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic... compare?

Reviewers consider Azure Application Gateway and F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager to be closely matched on value, with no material difference in price satisfaction scores.

- **Azure Application Gateway:** In recent reviews, several reviewers cite cost efficiency and a pay-as-you-go model as benefits, but also mention that the service can be expensive, especially for high-traffic scenarios.
- **F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager:** Reviewers note that the platform is expensive and can be a heavy financial burden, particularly for smaller environments, but recognize its advanced features as justification for the cost in enterprise use cases.

### What are the best alternatives to Azure Application Gateway and F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic...?

The top 3 alternatives to Azure Application Gateway and F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager are Nginx, NetScaler, and Progress Kemp LoadMaster.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Azure Application Gateway](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-application-gateway/reviews) | 4.4/5 (162 reviews) | Enterprise | In recent reviews, several reviewers cite cost efficiency and scalability, but also mention high costs for advanced features. | Ease of Use (6 all-time mentions) |
| [F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic...](https://www.g2.com/products/f5-big-ip-local-traffic-manager-ltm/reviews) | 4.5/5 (41 reviews) | Enterprise | Reviewers note the platform is expensive but highlight advanced traffic management as a key value. | Advanced Traffic Management |
| [Nginx](https://www.g2.com/products/f5-nginx/reviews) | 4.6/5 (113 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | — |
| [NetScaler](https://www.g2.com/products/netscaler/reviews) | 4.4/5 (85 reviews) | Enterprise | — | — |
| [Progress Kemp LoadMaster](https://www.g2.com/products/progress-kemp-loadmaster/reviews) | 4.7/5 (214 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | — |

### Which Load Balancing features should I prioritize when comparing Azure Application Gateway and F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic...?

Buyers should prioritize scalability, security, ease of use, advanced traffic management, and cost efficiency when comparing Azure Application Gateway and F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager.

- **Scalability:** Azure Application Gateway has 5 all-time mentions for scalability; F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager is recognized for handling high traffic environments in recent reviews.
- **Security:** Azure Application Gateway is frequently cited for its built-in firewall and security features; F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager is noted for SSL offloading and security capabilities.
- **Ease of Use:** Azure Application Gateway has 6 all-time mentions for ease of use; F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager is described as user-friendly in recent reviews.
- **Advanced Traffic Management:** F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager is highlighted for advanced features like iRules and granular control; Azure Application Gateway is noted for URL-based routing and session affinity.
- **Cost Efficiency:** Azure Application Gateway has 4 all-time mentions for cost efficiency; F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager is described as expensive but justified for enterprise needs.

### What are the pros and cons of Azure Application Gateway vs F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic...?

Azure Application Gateway's headline strength is ease of use and scalability, while F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager is recognized for advanced traffic management and reliability.

- **Azure Application Gateway strengths:** Ease of use (6 all-time mentions), scalability (5 all-time mentions), cost efficiency (4 all-time mentions), integrations (4 all-time mentions), and advanced security features.
- **Azure Application Gateway trade-offs:** Complexity (5 all-time mentions), high cost (3 all-time mentions), learning difficulty (3 all-time mentions), and limited to HTTP/HTTPS protocols.
- **F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager strengths:** Advanced traffic management, reliability, security, and user-friendly GUI in recent reviews.
- **F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager trade-offs:** Expensive (recent reviews), steep learning curve, and dated web UI.

### Is Azure Application Gateway or F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic... better for small businesses?

Azure Application Gateway is better suited for small businesses, as reviewers highlight its ease of use and scalability for organizations without large infrastructure needs.

- **Azure Application Gateway:** Largest segment is Enterprise, but recent reviews recommend it for small organizations due to minimal infrastructure requirements and pay-as-you-go pricing.
- **F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager:** Largest segment is Enterprise, and reviewers note its high cost and advanced features are best justified in large-scale or enterprise environments.

### Which Load Balancing platform has better integrations?

Azure Application Gateway is favored for integrations, with more reviewer-cited mentions and positive sentiment around integration capabilities.

- **Azure Application Gateway:** Integrations are cited in 4 all-time mentions, with reviewers highlighting ease of integration with other platforms and Microsoft products.
- **F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager:** Reviewers mention API documentation and integration with automation platforms, but no all-time mention count is supplied.

### How do Azure Application Gateway and F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic... compare on customer support?

Azure Application Gateway and F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager are rated equally on Quality of Support, both scoring 8.5, indicating parity in reviewer satisfaction.

- **Azure Application Gateway:** Reviewers frequently mention responsive customer support and technical assistance, with 2 all-time mentions for customer support.
- **F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager:** Reviewers describe good customer service and support, with several noting helpful assistance during deployment and troubleshooting.

### Which is easier to implement, Azure Application Gateway or F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic...?

F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager has a slight edge in Ease of Setup, scoring 8.5 versus Azure Application Gateway's 8.2, but the difference is below the materiality threshold, indicating near parity.

- **Azure Application Gateway:** Reviewers describe the setup as generally straightforward but note some complexity and a learning curve, especially for advanced configurations.
- **F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager:** Reviewers highlight an easy initial setup, especially with vendor assistance, but mention a steep learning curve for advanced features and iRules.

## Azure Application Gateway vs F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM)

When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM) easier to use, set up, and administer. Reviewers also preferred doing business with F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM) overall.

- Reviewers felt that F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM) meets the needs of their business better than Azure Application Gateway.
- When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM) is the preferred option.
- For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM) over Azure Application Gateway.