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CloudFlare vs Fastly vs MaxCDN: What are the differences?
Introduction: In this comparison, we will explore the key differences between CloudFlare, Fastly, and MaxCDN.
Edge Locations: CloudFlare has over 200 edge locations worldwide, while Fastly has around 60, and MaxCDN has 34. This means that CloudFlare has a wider coverage and can serve content faster to a larger audience.
Security Features: CloudFlare offers more robust security features such as DDoS protection, Web Application Firewall (WAF), and SSL/TLS encryption compared to Fastly and MaxCDN. Fastly also provides security features but not as comprehensive as CloudFlare.
Caching Strategies: Fastly is known for its efficient caching strategies, allowing users to customize caching rules based on specific criteria, while CloudFlare offers more generic caching solutions that may not be as customizable. MaxCDN also provides caching capabilities but with limited customization options.
Real-Time Analytics: Fastly offers real-time analytics and performance monitoring tools, providing users with detailed insights into traffic patterns and content delivery performance. CloudFlare and MaxCDN also offer some level of analytics but may not be as advanced as Fastly's real-time monitoring capabilities.
Pricing Structure: CloudFlare has a free plan available for individuals and small businesses, while Fastly and MaxCDN are more geared towards larger enterprises with subscription-based pricing models. Fastly tends to be more expensive, but offers advanced features that may justify the higher cost compared to MaxCDN.
API Integration: Fastly provides robust API integration capabilities, allowing users to automate and customize various functions within the service, whereas CloudFlare and MaxCDN also offer API integration but may not be as extensive as Fastly's options.
In Summary, CloudFlare offers a wider network coverage and advanced security features, Fastly excels in caching strategies and real-time analytics, and MaxCDN is more cost-effective for larger enterprises but with fewer customization options.
I don't think I have registered a domain in the last 10 years that hasn't been linked to CloudFlare within the first 2 hours from registration.
The benefits you get from even the free version of CloudFlare are amazing. From day 0: - 30/80% of bandwidth savings thanks to their CDN - Origin IP address protection - Managed SSL
Pros of CloudFlare
- Easy setup, great cdn423
- Free ssl277
- Easy setup199
- Security190
- Ssl180
- Great cdn98
- Optimizer77
- Simple71
- Great UI44
- Great js cdn28
- Apps12
- HTTP/2 Support12
- DNS Analytics12
- AutoMinify12
- Rocket Loader9
- Ipv69
- Easy9
- IPv6 "One Click"8
- Fantastic CDN service8
- DNSSEC7
- Nice DNS7
- SSHFP7
- Free GeoIP7
- Amazing performance7
- API7
- Cheapest SSL7
- SPDY6
- Free and reliable, Faster then anyone else6
- Ubuntu5
- Asynchronous resource loading5
- Global Load Balancing4
- Performance4
- Easy Use4
- CDN3
- Registrar2
- Support for SSHFP records2
- Web31
- Прохси1
- HTTPS3/Quic1
Pros of Fastly
- Real-time updates28
- Fastest CDN26
- Powerful API22
- Great support20
- Great customer support14
- Instant Purging7
- Custom VCL7
- Good pricing6
- Tag-based Purging6
- HTTP/2 Support5
- Speed & functionality4
- Image processing on demande (Fastly IO)4
- Best CDN4
Pros of MaxCDN
- Easy setup47
- Speed to my clients33
- Great service & Customer Support15
- Shared and Affordable SSL5
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Cons of CloudFlare
- No support for SSHFP records2
- Expensive when you exceed their fair usage limits2
Cons of Fastly
- Minimum $50/mo spend1