Fastly vs KeyCDN: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Fastly and KeyCDN 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.
Bottom line: Fastly wins this matchup. BunnyCDN is our overall CDN pick. Photon is our free CDN pick. Pick KeyCDN if you need CDN.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Fastly
Edge cloud for fast, secure, scalable online experiences
Best for you if:
- • You want ultra-fast edge
- • You want real-time purging
KeyCDN
High-performance content delivery network
Best for you if:
- • You want affordable CDN
- • You want good performance
| At a Glance | Fastly | KeyCDN |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $500/moCompute Starter | $0.02/GBVolume 100TB |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | CDN |
Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose Fastly or KeyCDN?
Choose Fastly if
Edge cloud for fast, secure, scalable online experiences
- You want ultra-fast edge
- You want real-time purging
- Your work is cloud & infrastructure-shaped, not CDN-shaped
Choose KeyCDN if
High-performance content delivery network
- You want affordable CDN
- You want good performance
- Budget matters ($0.02/GB vs $500/mo)
- Your work is CDN-shaped, not cloud & infrastructure-shaped
| Feature | Fastly | KeyCDN |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 88 reviews | ★4.4/5 138 reviews |
| Categories | Cloud & InfrastructureCDN | CDNCloud & Infrastructure |
In-Depth Analysis
Fastly
Edge cloud for fast, secure, scalable online experiences
Fastly's pricing appears expensive for smaller businesses, with the 'Network Basic' tier starting at $1500/month for 100M requests.
Watch out
Overage fees for exceeding request limits
Strengths
- +Ultra-fast edge
- +Real-time purging
- +Developer-friendly
Weaknesses
- -Complex pricing
- -Enterprise focused
Key features
KeyCDN
High-performance content delivery network
KeyCDN's pricing is quite competitive, especially the 'Pay as you go' tier at $0.04/GB, which is fair for smaller users.
Strengths
- +Affordable CDN
- +Good performance
- +Pay-as-you-go
- +Image processing
- +Good documentation
Weaknesses
- -Smaller network
- -Less features than CF
- -Limited DDoS protection
- -Support basic
- -Less known
Key features
Pricing: Fastly vs KeyCDN
| Plan | Fastly | KeyCDN |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $1500 Network Basic | usage-based Pay as you go |
| Tier 2 | $6000 Network Starter | $0.03 /GB Volume 10TB |
| Tier 3 | $500 Compute Starter | $0.02 /GB Volume 100TB |
| Tier 4 | $1500 Observability Starter | N/A |
| Tier 5 | Advantage/Ultimate | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Fastly pricing and KeyCDN pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Fastly
Want the highest-rated option?
Fastly: 4.7/5 (88 reviews). KeyCDN: 4.4/5 (138 reviews).
Go with: Fastly
Value user reviews?
Fastly: 88 reviews (4.7/5). KeyCDN: 138 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: KeyCDN
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Fastly is a cloud & infrastructure tool. KeyCDN is in CDN. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Fastly is rated higher: 4.7/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Fastly
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.4/5
- Our pick for this comparison
KeyCDN
- Larger review base (138 reviews)
- Better fit for CDN
The Bottom Line
Fastly wins this matchup. BunnyCDN is our overall CDN pick. Photon is our free CDN pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fastly or KeyCDN better?
Fastly is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Fastly and KeyCDN used for?
Fastly: Edge cloud for fast, secure, scalable online experiences. KeyCDN: High-performance content delivery network.
What does Fastly cost vs KeyCDN?
Fastly is a paid tool. KeyCDN is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.