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This Cloudflare review is for anyone who wants to make a website faster and more secure, whatever host it sits on. Cloudflare is a US company founded in 2009, publicly traded on the NYSE, running one of the largest global networks across more than 300 cities, offering CDN, DDoS protection, DNS, Zero Trust security and edge compute, with a free tier and Pro plans from around $20 per month. This Cloudflare review explains what it does and who it fits.
Key takeaways
- Cloudflare is a global CDN and security company founded in 2009.
- It offers CDN, DDoS protection, DNS, Zero Trust, WAF, edge compute and R2 storage.
- Its network spans more than 300 cities worldwide.
- Best for any site that wants better speed and security, on top of its existing host.
What is Cloudflare?
Cloudflare is a company that sits between your website and its visitors to make it faster and safer. It runs a huge global network that caches your content close to users, blocks attacks, and speeds up DNS. Rather than replacing your web host, it usually works alongside it, adding a layer of performance and protection. Over time it has grown into a broad platform covering security, networking and even edge computing with Workers.
The main appeal is that almost any site can benefit, often for free. Cloudflare improves speed and blocks threats without you moving hosts, which is why it is so widely used.
Cloudflare features
The catalog is large: a global content delivery network, DDoS protection, a web application firewall, fast DNS, SSL, Zero Trust security for teams, edge compute through Workers, and R2 object storage. Many core features, including the CDN, DNS and basic DDoS protection, are available on a generous free tier.
For developers, Workers and R2 allow you to run code and store data at the edge, close to users. For everyone else, the CDN and security features are the main draw, making sites faster and harder to attack.
Cloudflare pricing
Cloudflare offers a strong free tier that covers the CDN, DNS and basic security for many sites. Paid plans, including Pro from around $20 per month, add more security and performance features, with higher business and enterprise tiers for larger needs. Because pricing and features change, check the official Cloudflare site for current details.
For many websites, the free tier is enough to see real benefits. Businesses that need advanced security or support move up to paid plans.
Pros and cons
On the plus side: a huge global network, strong security and DDoS protection, fast DNS, edge compute, and a genuinely useful free tier. It improves almost any site and works alongside your existing host.
On the downside: it is not a traditional web host, so you still need somewhere to host your site, and its advanced features have a learning curve. Some enterprise features and support require paid plans. Match it to your needs.
Who is Cloudflare best for?
Cloudflare is best for almost any website owner who wants better speed and security, from personal blogs on the free tier to businesses using advanced security and edge compute. This Cloudflare review is broadly positive, with the caveat that it complements rather than replaces your host. For actual hosting, you still need a web host.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cloudflare a web host?
Not in the traditional sense. Cloudflare sits in front of your existing host to add speed and security, though it also offers edge compute and storage for developers.
Does Cloudflare have a free plan?
Yes. Cloudflare offers a generous free tier covering the CDN, DNS and basic DDoS protection, which is enough for many sites.
How much does Cloudflare cost?
There is a free tier, with Pro plans from around $20 per month and higher business and enterprise tiers. Check the official site for current pricing.
What does Cloudflare do?
Cloudflare speeds up and protects websites with a global CDN, DDoS protection, a firewall, fast DNS, Zero Trust security and edge compute.
The bottom line
Cloudflare is a near essential layer for making almost any website faster and more secure, with a free tier that delivers real value. Just remember it complements your host rather than replacing it. Compare actual hosts in our hosting reviews. For background, see Wikipedia.