Table of Contents
This Akamai review is for enterprises that need a massive, proven content delivery and security network. Akamai is a US company founded in 1998, the pioneer of the commercial CDN, running more than 4,000 points of presence across 130 plus countries, offering CDN, DDoS and WAF security, media delivery and cloud computing through Linode. If you run large scale sites or apps, this Akamai review will help.
Key takeaways
- Akamai is the pioneer of the commercial CDN, founded in 1998.
- It runs more than 4,000 points of presence across 130 plus countries.
- It offers CDN, DDoS and WAF security, media delivery and cloud computing via Linode.
- Best for enterprises that need large scale delivery and security.
What is Akamai?
Akamai is one of the oldest and largest content delivery and security companies. It helped invent the commercial CDN, and its enormous network of points of presence delivers content quickly and reliably worldwide. Over time it has expanded into security, with DDoS protection and a web application firewall, and into cloud computing after acquiring Linode. In 2025 it acquired select assets from Edgio following that company’s bankruptcy.
The main appeal is scale and reliability at the enterprise level. For large organizations that need to deliver media and applications to global audiences while defending against attacks, Akamai is a long trusted name.
Akamai features
The catalog covers a global CDN, media and video delivery, DDoS protection, a web application firewall, edge security, and cloud computing through its Linode based platform. Its network reach and capacity are among the largest available, which matters for high traffic events and streaming.
For enterprises, that combination of massive delivery capacity plus strong security is the core draw. Akamai is built to handle the demands of the world’s biggest sites, apps and media platforms.
Akamai pricing
Akamai uses custom, enterprise pricing based on traffic, features and support needs. It is not a consumer product with simple public plans, so you contact Akamai for a quote tailored to your requirements. Because pricing depends heavily on scale, check directly for current figures.
When comparing, weigh delivery capacity, security features and support, since those are the core of what large organizations pay for at this level.
Pros and cons
On the plus side: an enormous global network, proven reliability, strong security, media delivery strength, and cloud computing through Linode. For enterprise scale delivery and defense, it is a leading choice.
On the downside: it is aimed at enterprises, not small sites, pricing is custom rather than transparent, and it is more than a typical website needs. Small owners are better served by a simpler CDN or host.
Who is Akamai best for?
Akamai is best for enterprises and large organizations that need global content delivery, media streaming and strong security at scale. This Akamai review points to a proven enterprise network. For a small site, a simpler CDN or host is a better fit.
Frequently asked questions
Is Akamai a web host?
Akamai is mainly a CDN and security company, though it now offers cloud computing through Linode. It sits in front of or alongside your infrastructure at scale.
How big is Akamai’s network?
Akamai runs more than 4,000 points of presence across 130 plus countries, one of the largest delivery networks available.
How much does Akamai cost?
Pricing is custom and enterprise based, depending on traffic, features and support. Contact Akamai for a quote.
Is Akamai good for small sites?
Not really. It targets enterprises. Small sites are better served by a simpler CDN or a standard web host.
The bottom line
Akamai is a proven, enterprise scale CDN and security network, ideal for large organizations delivering media and apps worldwide. For a small site, choose a simpler option in our hosting reviews. For background, see Wikipedia.