jsDelivr vs Fastly: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between jsDelivr 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:
jsDelivr
Free CDN for open source packages
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need CDN features specifically
- • jsDelivr is a free CDN for open-source projects hosted on npm and GitHub
- • It serves JavaScript libraries with global distribution and automatic minification
Fastly
Edge cloud for fast, secure, scalable online experiences
Best for you if:
- • You need cloud & infrastructure 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 |  jsDelivr |  Fastly |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $500/moCompute Starter |
Best For | CDN | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | - | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose jsDelivr or Fastly?
Choose jsDelivr if
Free CDN for open source packages
- Free CDN for npm/GitHub
- Fast global network
- No configuration
- You want a fully free tool (Fastly requires payment)
- Your work is CDN-shaped, not cloud & infrastructure-shaped
Choose Fastly if
Edge cloud for fast, secure, scalable online experiences
- Ultra-fast edge
- Real-time purging
- Developer-friendly
- Your work is cloud & infrastructure-shaped, not CDN-shaped
| Feature | jsDelivr | Fastly |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.6/5 117 reviews |
| Categories | CDNDeveloper Tools | Cloud & InfrastructureCDN |
In-Depth Analysis
jsDelivr
Free CDN for open source packages
Strengths
- +Free CDN for npm/GitHub
- +Fast global network
- +No configuration
- +Good uptime
- +Multi-CDN
Weaknesses
- -No custom domains
- -Limited analytics
- -No origin support
- -For public packages only
- -Rate limits possible
Key features
Fastly
Edge cloud for fast, secure, scalable online experiences
Strengths
- +Ultra-fast edge
- +Real-time purging
- +Developer-friendly
Weaknesses
- -Complex pricing
- -Enterprise focused
Key features
Pricing: jsDelivr vs Fastly
| Plan | jsDelivr | 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 jsDelivr pricing and Fastly pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
jsDelivr is free. Fastly is paid.
Go with: jsDelivr
Want the highest-rated option?
Fastly is rated 4.6/5. jsDelivr has no ratings yet.
Go with: Fastly
Value user reviews?
jsDelivr: no ratings yet. Fastly: 117 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Fastly
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
jsDelivr is free. Fastly is paid. Go with jsDelivr if free matters most.
What's your use case?
jsDelivr is a CDN tool. Fastly is in cloud & infrastructure. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Fastly is rated 4.6/5; jsDelivr has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
jsDelivr
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Fastly
- Better fit for cloud & infrastructure
The Bottom Line
jsDelivr is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is jsDelivr or Fastly better?
jsDelivr is rated in our evaluation. jsDelivr is free and Fastly is paid.
What are jsDelivr and Fastly used for?
jsDelivr: Free CDN for open source packages. Fastly: Edge cloud for fast, secure, scalable online experiences.
What does jsDelivr cost vs Fastly?
jsDelivr is completely free. Fastly is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.