Quick Overview
- 1#1: Cloudflare - Global CDN with DDoS protection, WAF, and performance optimization for websites and APIs.
- 2#2: Akamai - Enterprise CDN delivering superior security, media streaming, and edge computing capabilities.
- 3#3: Amazon CloudFront - Scalable CDN integrated with AWS for low-latency global content delivery.
- 4#4: Fastly - Developer-focused CDN with real-time configuration and edge compute for dynamic content.
- 5#5: Google Cloud CDN - High-performance CDN leveraging Google's premium network for caching and delivery.
- 6#6: Microsoft Azure CDN - Reliable CDN for static and dynamic content with Azure integration.
- 7#7: KeyCDN - Pay-as-you-go CDN with HTTP/3, image optimization, and real-time analytics.
- 8#8: Bunny CDN - Ultra-fast, affordable CDN with edge storage and video optimization tools.
- 9#9: StackPath - Edge platform combining CDN, security, and compute for high-traffic sites.
- 10#10: CDN77 - Global CDN specializing in video delivery with competitive pricing and 30+ PoPs.
Tools were evaluated and ranked based on performance metrics, feature depth (including security, edge compute, and integration capabilities), ease of use, and overall value, ensuring they address the varied demands of modern digital environments.
Comparison Table
CDN software is essential for optimizing web performance, lowering latency, and ensuring global content accessibility, a key component of modern digital strategies. This comparison table explores leading tools like Cloudflare, Akamai, Amazon CloudFront, Fastly, Google Cloud CDN, and more, equipping readers to assess features, performance, and fit for their unique use cases.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cloudflare Global CDN with DDoS protection, WAF, and performance optimization for websites and APIs. | enterprise | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 2 |  Akamai Enterprise CDN delivering superior security, media streaming, and edge computing capabilities. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 |  Amazon CloudFront Scalable CDN integrated with AWS for low-latency global content delivery. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 4 |  Fastly Developer-focused CDN with real-time configuration and edge compute for dynamic content. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Google Cloud CDN High-performance CDN leveraging Google's premium network for caching and delivery. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | Microsoft Azure CDN Reliable CDN for static and dynamic content with Azure integration. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 7 | KeyCDN Pay-as-you-go CDN with HTTP/3, image optimization, and real-time analytics. | other | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 8 | Bunny CDN Ultra-fast, affordable CDN with edge storage and video optimization tools. | other | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 9 | StackPath Edge platform combining CDN, security, and compute for high-traffic sites. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 10 | CDN77 Global CDN specializing in video delivery with competitive pricing and 30+ PoPs. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 |
Global CDN with DDoS protection, WAF, and performance optimization for websites and APIs.
Enterprise CDN delivering superior security, media streaming, and edge computing capabilities.
Scalable CDN integrated with AWS for low-latency global content delivery.
Developer-focused CDN with real-time configuration and edge compute for dynamic content.
High-performance CDN leveraging Google's premium network for caching and delivery.
Reliable CDN for static and dynamic content with Azure integration.
Pay-as-you-go CDN with HTTP/3, image optimization, and real-time analytics.
Ultra-fast, affordable CDN with edge storage and video optimization tools.
Edge platform combining CDN, security, and compute for high-traffic sites.
Global CDN specializing in video delivery with competitive pricing and 30+ PoPs.
Cloudflare
enterpriseGlobal CDN with DDoS protection, WAF, and performance optimization for websites and APIs.
Argo Smart Routing, which uses machine learning to dynamically optimize traffic paths for up to 30% faster delivery across its anycast network.
Cloudflare is a premier content delivery network (CDN) that caches and delivers web content from its vast global network of over 300 cities, dramatically improving site speed and reliability for users worldwide. It integrates advanced security features like DDoS protection, Web Application Firewall (WAF), and bot management to safeguard against threats without compromising performance. Additionally, Cloudflare offers edge computing via Cloudflare Workers, DNS resolution, and analytics, making it a comprehensive platform beyond traditional CDN services.
Pros
- Unmatched global network coverage with 330+ cities for minimal latency
- Generous free tier including unlimited DDoS protection and basic CDN
- Seamless integration of CDN with security, analytics, and serverless computing
Cons
- Advanced features like Polish image optimization require paid plans
- Steep learning curve for complex configurations and Workers scripting
- Occasional reports of over-aggressive caching or WAF false positives
Best For
High-traffic websites, e-commerce platforms, and enterprises requiring top-tier performance, security, and scalability in a CDN solution.
Pricing
Free plan for basics; Pro at $20/month (100k requests); Business at $200/month; Enterprise custom pricing with volume discounts.
Akamai
enterpriseEnterprise CDN delivering superior security, media streaming, and edge computing capabilities.
The world's largest edge platform with over 365,000 servers for unparalleled low-latency delivery and security at the edge.
Akamai is a leading enterprise-grade content delivery network (CDN) that caches and delivers web content, applications, and streaming media from a massive global edge network spanning over 365,000 servers in more than 135 countries. It excels in accelerating performance, reducing latency, and providing advanced security features like DDoS mitigation, web application firewall (WAF), and bot management. Beyond core CDN functions, Akamai offers edge computing, API management, and detailed analytics for optimizing digital experiences at scale.
Pros
- Unmatched global network coverage for superior latency and reliability
- Comprehensive security suite including advanced DDoS protection and WAF
- Robust edge computing and personalization capabilities
Cons
- High cost structure unsuitable for small-scale users
- Complex setup and management requiring technical expertise
- Custom contracts limit transparency and flexibility
Best For
Large enterprises and high-traffic websites needing maximum performance, security, and global scalability.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on traffic volume, features, and contract terms; typically starts at $5,000+ per month for mid-tier usage.
Amazon CloudFront
enterpriseScalable CDN integrated with AWS for low-latency global content delivery.
Lambda@Edge for running serverless code at the edge to customize content delivery and personalization without managing servers
Amazon CloudFront is a fast content delivery network (CDN) service from AWS that securely delivers data, videos, applications, and APIs to customers globally with low latency and high transfer speeds. It caches content at over 600 edge locations worldwide, reducing origin server load and enabling real-time applications. Key capabilities include integration with AWS services like S3 and EC2, Lambda@Edge for custom logic, and advanced security features such as AWS Shield and WAF.
Pros
- Extensive global network with 600+ Points of Presence for superior coverage and performance
- Deep integration with AWS ecosystem including S3, Lambda@Edge, and advanced security tools
- Highly scalable with pay-as-you-go pricing and robust analytics
Cons
- Complex pricing model with multiple components that can lead to unexpected costs
- Steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with AWS console and IAM
- Potential vendor lock-in for non-AWS workloads
Best For
Enterprises and developers building large-scale web applications or streaming services within the AWS ecosystem needing reliable global delivery.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go: $0.085/GB data transfer out (varies by region), $0.01/10,000 HTTPS requests; free tier includes 1 TB data transfer/month for first year.
Fastly
enterpriseDeveloper-focused CDN with real-time configuration and edge compute for dynamic content.
Instant global configuration propagation and real-time purging without cache invalidation delays
Fastly is a high-performance edge cloud platform and CDN that accelerates content delivery worldwide through its global Anycast network of points of presence. It excels in serving dynamic content, APIs, and applications with real-time configurability via VCL or WebAssembly-based Compute@Edge. Beyond traditional caching, it offers advanced security, image/video optimization, and logging for developers building scalable web experiences.
Pros
- Exceptional real-time configurability and instant purging
- Powerful edge computing with VCL and WebAssembly support
- Superior performance for dynamic content and APIs
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-developers
- Premium pricing can add up for high-volume usage
- Limited free tier compared to competitors
Best For
Developer-focused teams handling high-traffic, dynamic websites, APIs, or edge applications requiring customization and low latency.
Pricing
Usage-based pay-as-you-go starting at ~$50/month for basic plans; charges per GB transferred, requests, and advanced features like Compute.
Google Cloud CDN
enterpriseHigh-performance CDN leveraging Google's premium network for caching and delivery.
Native integration with Google Cloud Load Balancing for multi-region origin failover and automatic HTTPS management
Google Cloud CDN is a fully managed content delivery network service from Google Cloud Platform that caches web content at global edge locations to reduce latency and improve load times for users worldwide. It integrates tightly with Google Cloud Load Balancing, Cloud Storage, and Compute Engine, supporting advanced features like dynamic compression, caching rules, and HTTP/3 protocol. Ideal for delivering static and dynamic content at scale, it leverages Google's premium global network for high performance and reliability.
Pros
- Extensive global edge network with low-latency delivery via Google's premium tier
- Seamless integration with GCP services like Load Balancing and Cloud Storage
- Advanced caching controls, security features including DDoS protection, and support for HTTP/3
Cons
- Pricing complexity due to egress fees and regional variations
- Steeper learning curve for users outside the GCP ecosystem
- Potential vendor lock-in for multi-cloud setups
Best For
Enterprises and developers already using Google Cloud Platform who need scalable, high-performance CDN with native integrations.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go model billed on data egress (e.g., $0.08-$0.12/GB in most regions) and requests; free tier for low usage; no upfront costs.
Microsoft Azure CDN
enterpriseReliable CDN for static and dynamic content with Azure integration.
Multi-provider profiles (Microsoft, Akamai, Verizon) for flexible network optimization and redundancy.
Microsoft Azure CDN is a scalable content delivery network that caches static and dynamic web content at over 150 edge locations worldwide to reduce latency and improve load times. It integrates deeply with the Azure ecosystem, supporting seamless delivery from Azure Storage, Blob, or custom origins. Advanced features include real-time analytics, compression, and security options like DDoS protection and Web Application Firewall.
Pros
- Extensive global network with 150+ POPs for low-latency delivery
- Seamless integration with Azure services like Storage and Functions
- Robust security features including WAF, DDoS protection, and token authentication
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to Azure portal complexity for newcomers
- Pricing model can be complex with egress fees and tiered costs
- Potential vendor lock-in for non-Azure users
Best For
Enterprises already invested in the Azure cloud ecosystem needing scalable, secure CDN with deep integration.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go; Standard tier ~$0.08/GB data transfer (varies by region/provider), Premium higher; additional fees for requests, storage, and features.
KeyCDN
otherPay-as-you-go CDN with HTTP/3, image optimization, and real-time analytics.
Perma-Cache, which indefinitely caches static assets until manually purged for maximal hit ratios and speed.
KeyCDN is a performant content delivery network (CDN) designed to accelerate websites and applications by caching content on a global network of over 34,000 edge servers across 15+ countries. It provides essential features like HTTP/3 support, real-time analytics, image and video optimization, and DDoS protection to reduce latency and improve user experience. With a focus on simplicity and transparency, it's particularly suited for developers and SMBs seeking reliable delivery without complex configurations.
Pros
- Transparent pay-as-you-go pricing with no contracts or minimums
- Lightning-fast performance with HTTP/3 and global PoPs
- Simple setup with one-click integrations for CMS like WordPress
Cons
- No free tier or generous trial beyond 30-day money-back
- Fewer enterprise-grade features like advanced WAF compared to leaders
- Support primarily ticket-based without live chat for basic plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized websites and developers needing cost-effective, high-speed CDN delivery without long-term commitments.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go bandwidth from $0.04/GB (tiered down to $0.01/GB for high volume); add-ons like image optimization ($0.04/GB processed) and storage ($0.025/GB/month).
Bunny CDN
otherUltra-fast, affordable CDN with edge storage and video optimization tools.
Perma-Cache for indefinite storage of static assets on edge servers, eliminating repeated origin fetches
Bunny CDN (bunny.net) is a high-performance, cost-effective content delivery network that caches and delivers static and dynamic web content from over 120 edge locations worldwide to minimize latency and boost site speed. It includes tools for image and video optimization, DDoS protection, and edge storage, making it ideal for websites, applications, and streaming services. The service features a straightforward dashboard, API access, and pay-as-you-go billing without contracts.
Pros
- Extremely affordable pay-as-you-go pricing with volume discounts
- Global network of 120+ PoPs delivering low latency
- Intuitive dashboard and quick setup with cname delegation
Cons
- Ticket-based support lacks live chat or phone options
- Fewer enterprise-grade analytics and reporting tools
- Limited custom SSL certificate options compared to competitors
Best For
Developers, SMBs, and video streamers seeking high-performance CDN at minimal cost without complex configurations.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go from $0.002/GB (high volume) to $0.01/GB standard; $5/month minimum after free trial, plus add-ons like Optimizer at $0.0025/GB.
StackPath
enterpriseEdge platform combining CDN, security, and compute for high-traffic sites.
EdgeEngine: Serverless JavaScript execution at the edge for custom logic without origin server load
StackPath is a robust CDN platform that delivers high-speed content acceleration across a global network of over 65 edge locations in 35+ countries. It integrates advanced security features like DDoS protection, Web Application Firewall (WAF), and bot management, alongside edge computing and storage capabilities. Designed for websites, APIs, video streaming, and dynamic applications, it emphasizes performance, security, and developer-friendly tools like EdgeRules and EdgeEngine.
Pros
- Extensive global edge network with low latency
- Comprehensive integrated security suite including real-time DDoS mitigation
- Powerful edge computing via EdgeEngine for serverless functions
Cons
- Pricing can become complex and costly at high traffic volumes
- Customer support response times vary
- Limited free tier compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large businesses needing a secure CDN with edge computing for dynamic web apps and media delivery.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go model with a free tier (1GB/month), then ~$0.01-$0.04/GB bandwidth plus request fees; enterprise plans custom.
CDN77
otherGlobal CDN specializing in video delivery with competitive pricing and 30+ PoPs.
Real-time analytics dashboard with instant cache purging and resource monitoring
CDN77 is a global content delivery network (CDN) service that accelerates website, application, and video content delivery by caching data across over 320 points of presence (PoPs) worldwide. It provides essential features like DDoS protection, image and video optimization, real-time analytics, and API access for seamless integration. Primarily aimed at developers and businesses seeking reliable performance without long-term commitments, it excels in high-traffic video streaming and cost efficiency.
Pros
- Exceptional value with pay-as-you-go pricing starting at $0.0085/GB
- Strong video streaming capabilities with adaptive bitrate support
- Instant setup and intuitive dashboard with real-time monitoring
Cons
- Fewer PoPs in North America compared to top competitors
- Customer support lacks 24/7 live chat for lower tiers
- Limited advanced edge computing features
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and developers needing affordable, high-performance CDN for websites and video delivery.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go from $0.0085/GB for traffic (volume discounts apply); free tier unavailable, no contracts.
Conclusion
The top CDN solutions reviewed showcase diverse strengths, with Cloudflare leading as the overall best, combining global coverage, DDoS protection, WAF, and performance optimization. Akamai and Amazon CloudFront follow closely, offering enterprise-grade security and AWS integration respectively—each a strong alternative for specific use cases. Whether prioritizing simplicity, scalability, or industry-specific tools, the top three deliver exceptional value.
Take your content delivery to the next level by trying Cloudflare, a versatile choice that balances power and ease for websites and APIs alike.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison