Vercel vs Fastly: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Vercel 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:
Vercel
Frontend cloud platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.2/10 vs 8.7/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • Frontend cloud platform
- • Next.js creators
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 |  Vercel |  Fastly |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | CDN |
Rating | 92/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | Vercel | Fastly |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 92 | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentCI/CD | CDNSecurity Monitoring |
Understanding the Differences
Both Vercel and Fastly solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Vercel positions itself as "frontend cloud platform" while Fastlyfocuses on "edge cloud platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Vercel
Vercel makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 92/100, 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?
When every dollar counts, Vercel lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Vercel
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Vercel handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Vercel
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Fastly takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Fastly
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Vercel, upgrade when you're ready.
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 Vercel higher (92/100). But the community has upvoted Fastly more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Vercel Does Better
- Higher overall score (92/100)
- 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 Vercel (92/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Vercel 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 Vercel or Fastly better?
Based on our analysis, Vercel scores higher with 92/100. Vercel isfreemium 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 Vercel 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 Vercel and Fastly offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Vercel is freemium with a free tier.Fastly is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.