Azure CDN vs jsDelivr: What are the differences?

Introduction

In the world of content delivery networks, Azure CDN and jsDelivr are popular choices for optimizing website performance. However, there are key differences between them that make each suited for specific use cases.

1. Origin Pull vs. Reverse Proxy: Azure CDN uses an origin pull model where it retrieves content from the origin server, caches it, and delivers it to end-users upon request. On the other hand, jsDelivr operates as a reverse proxy, serving content directly from its own servers without contacting the origin server every time a request is made.

2. Network Coverage: Azure CDN has a vast global network of Points of Presence (PoPs) spanning multiple continents, ensuring fast and reliable content delivery worldwide. In contrast, jsDelivr relies on a smaller but strategically placed network of PoPs, which may not offer the same level of coverage as Azure CDN in some regions.

3. Pricing Structure: Azure CDN offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model based on factors like data transfer and CDN features used, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes. On the flip side, jsDelivr is a free, open-source CDN funded by sponsors, making it a cost-effective choice for smaller websites and projects with limited budgets.

4. Security Features: Azure CDN provides various security features such as DDoS protection, SSL/TLS encryption, and Web Application Firewall (WAF) capabilities to safeguard content and websites from cyber threats. In comparison, jsDelivr may not offer the same level of built-in security features, requiring users to implement additional measures for protection.

5. Customization and Control: Azure CDN offers extensive customization options and control over caching rules, content delivery policies, and other settings to tailor the CDN service to specific requirements. Conversely, jsDelivr may have limitations in terms of customization and control, as it follows a more standardized approach to content delivery.

6. Support and Documentation: Azure CDN comes with comprehensive support from Microsoft, including documentation, tutorials, and 24/7 technical assistance for troubleshooting and resolving issues promptly. While jsDelivr has an active community of contributors and users who offer support through forums and GitHub, professional support options may be limited compared to Azure CDN.

In Summary, Azure CDN and jsDelivr differ in their delivery models, network coverage, pricing, security, customization, and support offerings, catering to distinct needs in the realm of content delivery optimization.