Gcore vs Fastly: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Gcore 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.
Bottom line: Fastly wins this matchup. BunnyCDN is our overall CDN pick. Photon is our free CDN pick. Pick Gcore if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Gcore
Global cloud, edge, security, and AI solutions for accelerating applications and protecting infrastructure.
Best for you if:
- • You want extensive global network with numerous PoPs and cloud locations for low latency
- • You want integrated, state-of-the-art DDoS and web protection across all services
Fastly
Edge cloud for fast, secure, scalable online experiences
Best for you if:
- • You want ultra-fast edge
- • You want real-time purging
| At a Glance | Gcore | Fastly |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | $500/moCompute Starter |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose Gcore or Fastly?
Choose Gcore if
Global cloud, edge, security, and AI solutions for accelerating applications and protecting infrastructure.
- You want extensive global network with numerous PoPs and cloud locations for low latency
- You want integrated, state-of-the-art DDoS and web protection across all services
Choose Fastly if
Edge cloud for fast, secure, scalable online experiences
- You want ultra-fast edge
- You want real-time purging
| Feature | Gcore | Fastly |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 152 reviews | ★4.7/5 88 reviews |
| Categories | Cloud & InfrastructureSecurity | Cloud & InfrastructureCDN |
In-Depth Analysis
Gcore
Global cloud, edge, security, and AI solutions for accelerating applications and protecting infrastructure.
Strengths
- +Extensive global network with numerous PoPs and cloud locations for low latency.
- +Integrated, state-of-the-art DDoS and web protection across all services.
- +Flexible and scalable infrastructure due to owned and managed hardware.
- +Specialized and powerful AI infrastructure with various GPU options.
- +Unified control panel for managing all services (CDN, Streaming, Storage, Cloud, DDoS Protection, DNS Hosting).
Weaknesses
- -Pricing details for many services are not immediately transparent and require contact with sales.
- -The complexity of the offerings might require a steeper learning curve for new users.
Key features
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
Pricing: Gcore vs Fastly
| Plan | Gcore | Fastly |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | $1500 Network Basic |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $6000 Network Starter |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $500 Compute Starter |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $1500 Observability Starter |
| Tier 5 | N/A | Advantage/Ultimate |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Gcore pricing and Fastly pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Fastly
Want the highest-rated option?
Gcore: 4.6/5 (152 reviews). Fastly: 4.7/5 (88 reviews).
Go with: Fastly
Value user reviews?
Gcore: 152 reviews (4.6/5). Fastly: 88 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Gcore
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?
Both are cloud & infrastructure tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Fastly is rated higher: 4.7/5 vs 4.6/5.
Key Takeaways
Fastly
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.6/5
- Our pick for this comparison
Gcore
- Larger review base (152 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Fastly wins this matchup. BunnyCDN is our overall CDN pick. Photon is our free CDN pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gcore or Fastly better?
Fastly is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Gcore and Fastly used for?
Gcore: Global cloud, edge, security, and AI solutions for accelerating applications and protecting infrastructure.. Fastly: Edge cloud for fast, secure, scalable online experiences.
What does Gcore cost vs Fastly?
Gcore is a paid tool. Fastly is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.