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Looking for the best Cloudflare alternatives?
Cloudflare is a name synonymous with CDN (Content Delivery Network). Websites worldwide rely on its services to deliver content quickly and securely.
But like any other technology solution, it's not immune to challenges and glitches.
That's why we've put together this list of the 10 Best Cloudflare Alternatives that might just fulfill your needs.
Let's get into it:
Contents
1. Akamai: Best Cloudflare Alternative
Akamai is a distributed edge and cloud platform with services ranging from cloud computing to CDN. The company calls itself 'the world's largest network edge platform.' Its reach spans 130 countries, 1,200+ networks, and 4,100+ locations.
Akamai focuses on keeping websites operational and responsive. Specialized tools within its arsenal enhance the loading times of images and videos.
For web developers, Akamai offers a range of tools. These tools test website speed, monitor performance, and provide valuable feedback.
Key Features
- Security: Keeps your website safe from cybercriminals.
- Load testing: Checks if your website can handle multiple web visitors at one time.
- CDN: Helps your website show up quickly anywhere in the world.
- Cloud computing: A place on the internet to store and use your data.
- API acceleration: Makes apps work together better and faster.
- Media delivery: Lets videos and music play smoothly without constant buffering.
- Global traffic management: Connects visitors to your website in the fastest way.
- mPulse: Measures how well your website works.
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Excellent performance
- Strategically located servers
- Vast network
- Zero trust segmentation
CONS
- Has a learning curve
Pricing
Akamai offers a generous 30-day or 60-day trial period for most individual features within their CDN lineup. You can test them out on your website and get a quote from their experts if you're satisfied.
2. Amazon CloudFront (AWS): Best Enterprise Alternative
Amazon CloudFront is Amazon's rapid content delivery network. Designed for enterprise users, it prioritizes performance, security, and developer ease. At a glance, the AWS homepage reveals its expansive reach with over 450 globally distributed PoPs. This number surpasses even familiar names like Cloudflare.
AWS packs many features like data compression, edge computing abilities, detailed encryption, automated network mapping, and smart routing. These not only speed up content delivery but also beef up security via traffic encryption, defined access controls, and AWS Shield Standard DDoS protection.
However, it's not for everyone. CloudFront setup demands a tech-savvy hand, making it less ideal for individual bloggers or entrepreneurs without a tech team. But, for those equipped with these skills, it remains unmatched in its category.
Key Features
- AWS Shield: Amazon's protection layer against harmful internet attacks keeps your site safe.
- SSL/TLS encryption: Security tools that scramble data, ensuring safe exchanges between websites and visitors.
- Access control: A system that determines who can see or use specific parts of a website.
- Origin Shield: An added protection layer to reduce the load on your main server.
- Global edge network: A worldwide system to make websites and apps load quickly.
- AWS Web Application Firewall (WAF): A barrier by Amazon that blocks harmful website traffic and threats.
- Logging: A detailed record of everything that happens on a website or app.
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Unlimited server capacity
- Developer friendly
- Various price plans
- Huge network (450+ points of presence)
CONS
- Not suitable for non-dev teams
- Pay-as-you-go pricing on the higher side
Pricing
Amazon CloudFront is completely free for up to:
- 1TB of data transfer out
- 10 million HTTP/HTTPS requests
- 2 million CloudFront Function Invocations
You can also estimate your budget for CloudFront using AWS Pricing Calculator.
3. Fastly: A Fast, Secure, But Premium CloudFlare Alternative
Fastly emerges as a strong contender to Cloudflare, excelling in performance and security. Unlike Cloudflare, Fastly lets you test its capabilities with up to $50 in traffic with its free plan. After this trial period, you can pay by bandwidth or opt for their Essential plans and beyond.
Fastly has a staggering network capacity of 215 Tbps and handles an impressive 1.4 trillion requests daily. Its standout feature, the Web Application Firewall (WAF), is confidently deployed by 90% of its clientele in full-block mode.
Moreover, Fastly equips businesses with API defense, DDoS shield, bot deterrence, and safeguards against complex threats like account takeovers.
With a customizable CDN and flexible load balancing in its feature list, Fastly confidently positions itself as a prime Cloudflare alternative for those who require a blazing-fast CDN with unparalleled security.
Key Features
- Configurability: Customize your CDN settings for a tailored content delivery experience.
- Full control of HTTP headers: Dictate data headers for precise content serving and caching.
- Dynamic ad insertion preparation: Seamlessly incorporate targeted ads for responsive content streaming.
- API configurability: Adjust CDN settings using API; comes with a web interface showcasing usage maps/graphs.
- Static, dynamic, and video content delivery: Deliver a diverse range of content types efficiently and smoothly.
- Real-time log streaming: Monitor CDN activities live for instant insights and troubleshooting.
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Many ways to configure
- First $50 traffic at no cost
- Immediate purge cache
- Various enterprise-level features
CONS
- Not beginner-friendly
- More expensive than other CDNs
Pricing
Fastly has a usage-based pricing system, but you can try their network, security, and computing services for 30-days without any charges.
4. Sucuri
Sucuri is a comprehensive website security platform with built-in CDN and WAF that you can use to enhance and safeguard your website. While Cloudflare focuses heavily on boosting website performance, Sucuri is all about strengthening web defenses.
Its powerful cloud-based firewall actively diverts malicious attacks, while its malware scanner consistently monitors your website for potential vulnerabilities. If any threat arises, Sucuri is capable of tackling them head-on.
On the performance front, Sucuri’s CDN manages to offer a 60% boost in page speeds on average. Even though its network of edge servers isn't as vast as Cloudflare's, they're strategically spread across essential web traffic regions and provide decent performance increases without network interference.
Key Features
- CDN speed enhancement: Sucuri's CDN boosts loading speeds by delivering content rapidly to users worldwide.
- Website Application Firewall (WAF): This feature protects websites by identifying and blocking harmful traffic.
- SSL support and website monitoring: Ensures sites maintain encrypted connections while consistently checking the health of SSL certificates.
- Blocklist monitoring and removal: Frequently checks if a site is on any blocklist and takes action to remove it swiftly.
- Advanced DDoS mitigation: Offers tight protection against large-scale DDoS attacks, keeping the website accessible during threats.
- High availability/load balancing: Efficiently distributes incoming traffic across multiple servers, guaranteeing website uptime and optimized performance.
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Works with all web hosts and CMS
- Advanced security protection
- Comprehensive website monitoring
- Affordable backups
CONS
- Smaller edge server footprint
- Security plans expensive for smaller enterprises
Pricing
Sucuri offers a Basic Plan at $199/year, Pro Plan for $299/year, and Business Plan for $499/year. You also get a 30-day guarantee with each individual service.
5. Azure
Azure is a Microsoft-owned cloud computing platform known for its cutting-edge content delivery network (CDN). This platform ensures that all kinds of content—whether it's audio, video, or apps—reaches users faster by utilizing a nearby server. With a global presence in over 118 cities, Azure guarantees speedy content delivery for clients.
Beyond that, Azure also focuses on efficiency and security. It effectively uses bandwidth and responds instantly to user needs. When your website experiences a surge in visitors, Azure deploys its excess server space to handle traffic load without breaking a sweat.
Developers also find Microsoft Azure CDN to be quite user-friendly. It offers unified APIs, flexible configurations, and essential tools, simplifying the process of building global applications.
Key Features
- Optimization features: Improves site responsiveness and handles traffic spikes to ensure a consistent user experience.
- Developer tools: Provides robust tools that facilitate seamless application development and deployment.
- CDN: Vast global network of servers ensures quick content delivery across 118 major cities worldwide.
- Security capabilities: Safeguards websites with top-notch protection mechanisms against potential cyber threats.
- Unified API: Developers can integrate and navigate Azure's services through a streamlined interface.
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Highly configurable
- Developer-oriented
- Layer-7 attack safeguard
- Expansive server network
CONS
- Difficult to use for beginners
- Pricing plans are a bit complex
Pricing
Azure offers 55+ services, some of which have a 12-month trial while others are free for life. You also get $200 credit for 30 days after creating an account to spend towards their services.
6. Google Cloud CDN
Internet giant Google also offers a world-class content delivery network called Google Cloud CDN. A key component of Google's Cloud Platform, it's ideal for businesses focused on fast global online service delivery. Cloud CDN uses Anycast IP architecture, connecting caches with most ISPs and providing a single global IP address for easier management.
The CDN utilizes modern protocols like HTTP/2 and QUIC, optimizing content delivery for smartphones and even reaching distant regions. Another added perk of Cloud CDN is dynamic compression, which reduces data size by up to 60%.
To ensure uninterrupted service, Google integrates Cloud Load Balancing for seamless network routing. Security isn't compromised either, as Google Cloud Armor, a powerful web application firewall, defends your website against volumetric and protocol-based DDoS threats. All of this makes Google Cloud CDN a great Cloudflare alternative.
Key Features
- Anycast IP addresses: Global IP routes user requests to the nearest global location.
- HTTP/3 and QUIC protocols: Enhances mobile performance and improves content delivery in remote locations.
- Dynamic data compression: Reduces data sizes significantly, improving transfer speeds and efficiency.
- Integrated with Google's infrastructure: Seamless connection with Google services like Cloud Load Balancing.
- Payload and header compression: Speeds up content delivery by compressing both headers and payloads.
- HTTP/HTTPS load balancing: Automatic multi-region load balancing with cross-region failover.
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Load balancing support
- Data-saving content delivery
- Huge network reach
- Google service integration
CONS
- Complex setup and configuration
- Confusing pricing
Pricing
Google Cloud CDN offers a usage-based pricing structure as follows:
- Cache Egress: $0.02-$0.20 per GiB
- Cache Fill: $0.01-$0.04 per GiB
- HTTP/HTTPS Requests: $0.0075 per 10,000 requests
You can estimate your cost for using Google Cloud CDN using the Pricing Calculator.
If you're struggling with cyber attacks and protecting your website, check out our list of 7 Best WordPress Malware Services For Your Peace Of Mind.
7. StackPath
Formerly known as MaxCDN, StackPath has built a niche for itself in the CDN market. With its impressive edge computing on the cloud, it features 60% less latency than most rivals, and its 80% cache hit ratio is proof of that efficiency.
For those concerned about security, StackPath comes equipped with bot and spam shields, not to mention its DDoS mitigation system that protects against Layer-7 attacks.
A unique feature that sets StackPath apart is its strategic server placement. With servers located at 35 major internet exchanges worldwide, it ensures outstanding performance even in populated regions. If a simple yet effective CDN service is what you're after, StackPath is a worthy alternative to Cloudflare.
Key Features
- DDoS Layer-7 protection: Shields websites from harmful traffic and potential threats.
- Instant purge: Enables quick content removal or update from the cache.
- SSL/TLS encryption: Promotes secure data transfer between user and server.
- Intelligent caching: Automatically determines content to cache based on request patterns.
- Advanced load balancing: Distributes incoming traffic evenly across servers to prevent overload.
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Has servers in prominent internet exchanges
- Robust bot and spam protection
- Edge computing for reduced latency
CONS
- May be challenging for beginners
- Less extensive global reach than Cloudflare
Pricing
StackPath offers a variety of pricing structures depending on the service. Reach out to their support team to receive a customized quote for your business.
8. KeyCDN
KeyCDN is yet another Cloudflare alternative in the high-performance CDN lineup. Its edge servers, spread across six continents, tap into advanced TCP stacks and provide full SSD coverage, ensuring rapid content distribution.
KeyCDN also offers sophisticated image optimization tools and foolproof security features such as DDoS protection and TLS encryption. Developers will find KeyCDN especially appealing with its user-friendly RESTful API, detailed documentation, and effortless integration with renowned CMS platforms like WordPress and Magento.
Key Features
- Robust CDN: Rapid content delivery across global networks.
- Image compression: Enhances and compresses visuals effectively.
- DDoS protection: Shields against disruptive online attacks.
- RESTful API: Streamlines developer tasks and processes.
- CMS integration: Seamlessly pairs with WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla.
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Developer-friendly
- Advanced security features
- Global reach
- High performance servers
CONS
- Limited configurations for non-tech users
- No free option
Pricing
KeyCDN offers the following price plans for their CDN:
- North America/Europe: $0.04/GB for first 10TB per month
- Asia/Oceania: $0.08/GB for first 10TB per month
- Africa/Latin America: $0.10/GB for first 10TB per month
To use their cost estimator or view their complete pricing structure, click here.
9. Imperva
Imperva makes our list due to its compelling range of web security services and top-notch CDN services. Its standout WAF promptly defends applications and APIs from threats like DDoS, Bot, and supply chain attacks.
Another perk of choosing Imperva is its precision in distinguishing threats. This results in almost zero false positives, enabling an uninterrupted blocking mode.
For those concerned about client-side threats, Imperva can effectively track down suspicious JavaScript code, making it easier to stop malicious attempts like digital skimming and formjacking before they occur. Furthermore, the CDN excels in efficient DNS query resolution and on-premise data protection.
Key Features
- DNS: Shields name servers against malicious attacks.
- Anti-DDoS: Fortified protection against large-scale online attacks.
- Private CDN: Exclusive content delivery for specific user bases.
- WAF: Robust defense mechanism for web applications.
- Dynamic content delivery: Swift distribution of real-time updates across the network.
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Efficient DNS query resolution
- Precision WAF (reduces false positives)
- Load balancing
- Advanced client-side threat protection
CONS
- Expensive plans
- Room for improvement
Pricing
Imperva provides a wide range of services at different price levels. To get a tailored quote for your website, please get in touch with their support team.
10. Bunny.net
Bunny.net stands strong as a CDN complemented by advanced edge storage solutions. Despite having fewer data centers than Cloudflare, Bunny.net still achieves reduced global latency, showcasing its efficiency.
The best part? Bunny.net offers this top-level performance without the hefty price tag of Cloudflare, making it tremendous value for money. Plus, deploying Bunny Optimizer is a breeze, allowing users to boost website speed effortlessly.
Beyond speed, Bunny.net is versatile. From precise DNS management and image processing to robust DDoS defense, persistent caching, and streamlined video delivery, it's clear that Bunny.net is more than just a regular Cloudflare CDN alternative.
Key Features
- DDoS protection: Shields against massive, disruptive online threats.
- Perma-caching: Ensures consistent, long-lasting content availability.
- Free SSL certificate: Guarantees encrypted, secure web connections.
- DNS: Directs traffic efficiently, ensuring rapid website access.
- CDN: Swift global content delivery enhancing user experience.
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Comprehensive features
- Enterprise-grade CDN
- Easy to configure
- Affordable pricing
CONS
- Fewer server locations
Pricing
Bunny.net CDN pricing for their Standard Network with 121 PoPs starts at:
- North America & Europe: $0.01/GB for up to 100TB per month
- Asia & Oceania: $0.03/GB for first 10TB per month
- Middle East & Africa: $0.06/GB for first 100TB per month
- South America: $0.045 /GB for first 100TB per month
You can start using Bunny.net CDN with as little as $1/month and add unlimited websites without any restrictions.
Conclusion: Best Cloudflare Alternatives
That concludes our list of the best Cloudflare alternatives. When making our choices, we looked at key features like global coverage, evaluated security features, considered user experience, and checked cost-effectiveness. When exploring an alternative global CDN, think about what you truly need to make the right choice for your website.
If you're struggling with a laggy website and want to improve your webpage speed, check out our guide on Why Is My WordPress Website So Slow? 6 Ways To Boost Site Speed.
Or, if you want to switch to a faster and more secure hosting provider, read our list of 9 Fastest Web Hosting Platforms: Everything You Need To Know.
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