Akamai vs NS1: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Akamai and NS1 comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Akamai
Enterprise CDN and cloud security platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You need cdn features specifically
- • Akamai is a global CDN and cloud security provider powering many of the world's largest websites
- • It delivers content from edge servers worldwide while protecting against DDoS and web attacks
NS1
Managed DNS and traffic management
Best for you if:
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • NS1 is an intelligent DNS and traffic management platform
- • It provides fast DNS resolution with traffic steering and analytics
| At a Glance |  Akamai | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | CDN | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | 85/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Akamai | NS1 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | CDNSecurity Monitoring | Hosting & DeploymentCDN |
Understanding the Differences
Both Akamai and NS1 solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Akamai positions itself as "enterprise cdn and cloud security platform" while NS1focuses on "managed dns and traffic management". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Akamai
Akamai makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 85/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose NS1
NS1 is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: NS1
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Akamai handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Akamai
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Akamai is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Akamai
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Akamai—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Akamai higher (85/100). But the community has upvoted NS1 more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Akamai Does Better
- Higher overall score (85/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider NS1 If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Akamai (85/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Akamai scores higher in our analysis, but NS1 might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Akamai or NS1 better?
Based on our analysis, Akamai scores higher with 85/100. Akamai ispaid while NS1 is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Akamai to NS1 easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Akamai and NS1 offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Akamai is paid with potential trial.NS1 is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.