Fastly vs Netlify: Full Comparison (2026)
Pricing, features, scores, and a clear verdict on which one is right for you.
The bottom line
Fastly positions itself as "real-time cdn and edge computing for high-performance apps" while Netlify goes after "frontend cloud for static sites and serverless functions" — so the right pick depends on which problem you're actually solving. They take different commercial approaches — Fastly uses a usage-based-based model and Netlify a freemium approach, which affects how costs scale as your team grows. Netlify lets you start for free, which means you can validate the fit before committing budget. Fastly requires a paid commitment upfront, so make sure it matches your workflow before signing.
At a glance
| Fastly | Netlify | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 76/100 | 82/100 |
| Starting price | $50/mo | Free |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Best for | Real-time CDN and edge computing for high-performance apps | Frontend cloud for static sites and serverless functions |
Pricing comparison
Calculate your cost
Feature comparison
core
| Feature | Fastly | Netlify |
|---|---|---|
| CDN | Yes | No |
| DDoS protection | Yes | No |
| Instant cache purge | Yes | No |
| WAF | Yes | No |
| Real-time analytics | Yes | No |
| Git-based deploys | No | Yes |
| Preview deployments | No | Yes |
| Serverless functions | No | Yes |
| Edge functions | No | Yes |
| Form handling | No | Yes |
Ratings breakdown
What the data tells us
Key capabilities you'd miss
Choosing Fastly means going without Git-based deploys, Preview deployments, Serverless functions (which Netlify offers). Choosing Netlify means losing CDN, DDoS protection, Instant cache purge. These are the features that typically drive the final decision — check whether your workflow depends on any of them before committing.
Switching cost consideration
Netlify has a broader integration ecosystem, which is great for workflow automation but also creates higher switching costs down the road. Fastly's simpler integration footprint means less vendor lock-in — easier to switch if your needs change, but fewer automation possibilities out of the box.
What company size tells you
Fastly (501-1,000 employees) has the engineering bench to ship features across many fronts but may iterate slower on individual requests. Netlify (201-500 employees) typically ships faster on its core product but may lag on peripheral features. Consider which matters more for your roadmap.
Choose Fastly if...
- You're ready to invest from $50/mo
- You value powerful features over simplicity
- You need enterprise-grade capabilities
Choose Netlify if...
- You want a free tier to get started
- You value an intuitive, easy-to-use interface
- Getting strong value for money is a priority
Frequently asked questions
Is Fastly or Netlify better?
Netlify scores 82/100 compared to Fastly's 76/100 on VendorVS. However, the best choice depends on your needs — Fastly excels at ease of use (6/10) while Netlify scores 9/10.
How much does Fastly cost compared to Netlify?
Fastly starts at $50/mo. Netlify starts at free (free tier available). Netlify is the more affordable option.
Does Fastly or Netlify have a free plan?
Netlify offers a free tier. Fastly does not — its cheapest plan starts at $50/mo.
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