Table of Contents
This Fastly review is for developers and businesses that want a fast, programmable edge cloud and CDN. Fastly is a US company founded in 2011, publicly traded on the NYSE, running a global edge network, offering a CDN, edge compute, image optimization and DDoS and WAF security, with usage based pricing and trial credit. It is known for real time cache purging. If you want a developer friendly CDN, this Fastly review will help.
Key takeaways
- Fastly is a real time edge cloud and CDN founded in 2011.
- It offers a CDN, edge compute, image optimization and DDoS and WAF security.
- Pricing is usage based, with trial credit to start.
- Best for developers and businesses that want a fast, programmable CDN.
What is Fastly?
Fastly is an edge cloud platform and content delivery network. Like other CDNs, it caches your content close to users to make sites faster, but it stands out for being highly programmable and for real time features, such as instant cache purging that updates content in milliseconds. It also offers edge compute, letting developers run code at the network edge close to visitors.
The appeal is speed plus control. For developers and businesses that want a fast CDN they can program and that updates content in real time, Fastly is a popular, powerful choice that works alongside your existing host.
Fastly features
Key features include a global CDN, real time cache purging, edge compute for running logic at the edge, image optimization, and security tools like a web application firewall and DDoS protection. Its programmable configuration appeals to developers who want fine control over caching and delivery behavior.
For teams building fast, dynamic sites and apps, that combination of real time control, edge compute and security is the core draw. It gives developers more power than a basic CDN, on top of their existing infrastructure.
Fastly pricing
Fastly uses usage based pricing, so you pay for the traffic, requests and services you use, with trial credit for new accounts. This model suits sites of many sizes, though costs scale with heavy traffic and advanced features. Because pricing varies by usage and product, check the official Fastly site and estimate your needs before committing.
When comparing CDNs, look at per usage rates and any costs for edge compute or security, since those drive the real bill for your traffic and features.
Pros and cons
On the plus side: a fast global edge network, real time cache purging, powerful programmable configuration, edge compute, image optimization, and security tools. For developers who want control and speed, it is compelling.
On the downside: it is a CDN and edge platform, not a web host, so you still need somewhere to host your site, it has a learning curve for its programmable features, and costs can climb with heavy usage. Match it to your needs.
Who is Fastly best for?
Fastly is best for developers and businesses that want a fast, programmable CDN with real time control, edge compute and security, on top of their existing host. This Fastly review is a strong match for that group. For actual hosting, you still need a web host.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fastly a web host?
Not exactly. Fastly is an edge cloud and CDN that speeds up and delivers your content, working alongside your existing web host.
What makes Fastly different?
Fastly is known for being highly programmable and for real time features like instant cache purging, plus edge compute for running code at the edge.
How much does Fastly cost?
Fastly uses usage based pricing with trial credit for new accounts. Costs scale with traffic and features. Check the official site for details.
Does Fastly offer security?
Yes. Fastly offers security tools including a web application firewall and DDoS protection alongside its CDN and edge compute.
The bottom line
Fastly is a fast, programmable edge cloud and CDN that gives developers real time control on top of their host. Just remember it complements rather than replaces your host. Compare actual hosts in our hosting reviews. For background, see Wikipedia.