On this guide, we’ll compare Fastly and Cloudflare, two of the most well-liked content delivery networks (CDNs) and speed optimization providers. We’ll discuss ten key considerations and answer seven common questions that a DevOps engineer might need when selecting between these two platforms.
10 Key Considerations when Selecting between Fastly and Cloudflare
Performance
Fastly and Cloudflare each offer excellent performance by way of content delivery and speed optimization. Nonetheless, Fastly is thought for its faster cache purge times and lower latency, while Cloudflare is thought for its extensive network and higher DDoS protection.
Network Size
Cloudflare has a bigger global network, with greater than 200 data centers in over 100 countries. Fastly, in contrast, has around 60 data centers in 24 countries. Which means that Cloudflare can offer higher coverage and potentially faster content delivery in additional locations.
Pricing
Each Fastly and Cloudflare offer quite a lot of pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets. Fastly has a pay-as-you-go model, which will be less expensive for smaller businesses or those with fluctuating traffic. Cloudflare offers a free plan with basic features, in addition to paid plans with more advanced features.
Ease of Use
Cloudflare is mostly considered to be more user-friendly, with an intuitive dashboard and easy-to-understand settings. Fastly, while powerful, could have a steeper learning curve for some users resulting from its more complex configuration options.
Security Features
Each Fastly and Cloudflare provide strong safety features, including DDoS protection, SSL encryption, and web application firewalls. Nonetheless, Cloudflare is usually considered to have a more robust security offering, particularly by way of DDoS mitigation.
Customer Support
Fastly and Cloudflare each offer customer support through various channels, comparable to email, phone, and live chat. Fastly is thought for its knowledgeable and responsive support team, while Cloudflare’s support is usually praised for its extensive documentation and community resources.
Custom Configuration
Fastly allows for more custom configuration options, enabling users to fine-tune their CDN settings to fulfill specific requirements. This will be particularly useful for larger businesses or those with complex needs. Cloudflare, while offering an excellent range of configuration options, is probably not as flexible as Fastly on this regard.
API and Integration
Each Fastly and Cloudflare provide extensive APIs, allowing for seamless integration with other services and tools. Fastly’s API is thought for its granularity and adaptability, while Cloudflare’s API is praised for its ease of use and comprehensive documentation.
Edge Computing
Fastly offers an edge computing platform called Compute@Edge, which allows developers to run serverless applications at the sting of their network. This could improve performance and reduce latency for certain use cases. Cloudflare also offers an edge computing solution called Cloudflare Staff, which enables developers to deploy serverless applications on Cloudflare’s global network.
Additional Services
Fastly and Cloudflare each offer a variety of additional services beyond their core CDN and speed optimization offerings. Fastly provides services comparable to image optimization, video streaming, and log streaming, while Cloudflare offers additional products like Argo Smart Routing, Cloudflare Access, and Cloudflare Stream.
7 Common Fastly vs Cloudflare Questions Answered
Which platform is quicker?
While each Fastly and Cloudflare offer excellent performance, Fastly is mostly known for its faster cache purge times and lower latency. Nonetheless, Cloudflare’s extensive network may provide faster content delivery in certain locations.
Which is safer?
Although each Fastly and Cloudflare provide strong safety features, Cloudflare is usually considered to have a more robust security offering, particularly by way of DDoS mitigation.
Is Cloudflare or Fastly less expensive?
Fastly’s pay-as-you-go model will be less expensive for smaller businesses or those with fluctuating traffic, while Cloudflare offers a free plan with basic features and paid plans with more advanced features. Probably the most cost-effective option will rely on your specific needs and budget.
Which is less complicated to make use of?
Cloudflare is mostly considered more user-friendly, with an intuitive dashboard and easy-to-understand settings. Fastly, while powerful, could have a steeper learning curve for some users resulting from its more complex configuration options.
Does Cloudflare or Fastly offers higher customer support?
Each Fastly and Cloudflare offer customer support through various channels, comparable to email, phone, and live chat. Fastly is thought for its knowledgeable and responsive support team, while Cloudflare’s support is usually praised for its extensive documentation and community resources.
Is Cloudflare or Fastly is healthier for custom configuration?
Fastly allows for more custom configuration options, enabling users to fine-tune their CDN settings to fulfill specific requirements. Cloudflare, while offering an excellent range of configuration options, is probably not as flexible as Fastly on this regard.
Which company has higher API and integration options?
Each Fastly and Cloudflare provide extensive APIs, allowing for seamless integration with other services and tools. Fastly’s API is thought for its granularity and adaptability, while Cloudflare’s API is praised for its ease of use and comprehensive documentation.
Which CDN offers higher edge computing solutions
Fastly’s edge computing platform, Compute@Edge, and Cloudflare’s edge computing solution, Cloudflare Staff, each enable developers to deploy serverless applications at the sting of their network. The alternative between these two solutions will rely on your specific use case and requirements
Conclusion
In conclusion, each Fastly and Cloudflare are powerful CDN and web optimization platforms, each with their very own strengths and weaknesses. The alternative between the 2 will largely rely on your specific needs, budget, and technical requirements. It’s essential to rigorously evaluate the features, performance, and support offered by each platforms to find out which one is one of the best fit for what you are promoting.
