CrowdStrike vs Fastly: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between CrowdStrike and Fastly 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:
CrowdStrike
AI-native cybersecurity platform for endpoint protection and threat detection
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.7/10)
- • You need security monitoring features specifically
- • CrowdStrike is an enterprise endpoint security platform using AI for threat detection
- • It provides next-gen antivirus, EDR, and threat intelligence with a cloud-native architecture
Fastly
Edge cloud platform
Best for you if:
- • You need cdn features specifically
- • Fastly is an edge cloud platform providing CDN, security, and edge computing services
- • It delivers content globally with instant purging, DDoS protection, and edge logic
| At a Glance |  Fastly | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Security Monitoring | CDN |
Rating | 88/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | CrowdStrike | Fastly |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Security Monitoring | CDNSecurity Monitoring |
Understanding the Differences
Both CrowdStrike and Fastly solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.CrowdStrike positions itself as "ai-native cybersecurity platform for endpoint protection and threat detection" while Fastlyfocuses on "edge cloud platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose CrowdStrike
CrowdStrike makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 88/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Fastly
Fastly 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: Fastly
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. CrowdStrike handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: CrowdStrike
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. CrowdStrike is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: CrowdStrike
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with CrowdStrike—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 CrowdStrike higher (88/100). But the community has upvoted Fastly more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What CrowdStrike Does Better
- Higher overall score (88/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Fastly 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 CrowdStrike (88/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. CrowdStrike scores higher in our analysis, but Fastly 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 CrowdStrike or Fastly better?
Based on our analysis, CrowdStrike scores higher with 88/100. CrowdStrike ispaid while Fastly 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 CrowdStrike to Fastly 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 CrowdStrike and Fastly offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. CrowdStrike is paid with potential trial.Fastly is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.