Need advice about which tool to choose?Ask the StackShare community!

Amazon CloudFront

21.2K
10.7K
+ 1
935
Azure CDN

56
90
+ 1
2
Add tool

Amazon CloudFront vs Azure CDN: What are the differences?

In this article, we will compare and highlight the key differences between Amazon CloudFront and Azure CDN, two popular content delivery networks.

  1. Integration with Cloud Services: One key difference between Amazon CloudFront and Azure CDN is their integration with cloud services. Amazon CloudFront integrates seamlessly with other Amazon Web Services (AWS) like S3, EC2, and Elastic Load Balancer, providing a unified experience within the AWS ecosystem. On the other hand, Azure CDN is tightly integrated with Azure services such as Blob storage, Web Apps, and Media Services, allowing for efficient content delivery across the Azure platform.

  2. Network Size and Global Presence: Another difference lies in the network size and global presence of both CDNs. Amazon CloudFront has a vast network of edge locations spread across various countries and continents, ensuring low latency and fast content delivery from a global perspective. Azure CDN also has a significant number of edge nodes but may have a relatively smaller network compared to CloudFront, especially in certain regions.

  3. Pricing and Cost Structure: Pricing and cost structure are other areas where the two CDNs differ. Amazon CloudFront offers flexible pricing options with a pay-as-you-go model, where you are charged based on data transfer and request volumes. Azure CDN, on the other hand, has different pricing tiers based on the type of content being delivered and offers a range of plans that cater to different needs. The specific pricing details for each CDN should be reviewed based on your usage requirements.

  4. Security Features and Capabilities: When it comes to security features, both Amazon CloudFront and Azure CDN offer robust options. CloudFront supports features like SSL/TLS encryption, AWS Web Application Firewall (WAF) integration, and AWS Shield Standard for DDoS protection. Azure CDN provides options such as HTTPS support, Azure Front Door integration for advanced security features, and integration with Azure Web Application Firewall (WAF) for application-level protection.

  5. Customization and Control: The level of customization and control varies between the two CDNs. Amazon CloudFront allows for extensive configuration options, allowing you to fine-tune caching behavior, origin server settings, and content delivery rules. Azure CDN also offers configuration options, but the level of control may not be as granular as CloudFront. The specific needs and preferences of your application will determine the significance of this difference.

  6. Third-Party Ecosystem and Integrations: The availability of third-party ecosystem and integrations is a factor to consider. Amazon CloudFront has a vast ecosystem of third-party tools, services, and integrations, making it easier to incorporate additional functionalities into your content delivery workflow. Azure CDN also offers integrations with various Azure services, but the breadth of third-party ecosystem and tooling may not be as extensive as CloudFront.

In summary, CloudFront reigns supreme in global reach and customization, while Azure CDN shines in seamless Azure integration and diverse pricing options. Choose CloudFront for ultimate control and global delivery, or Azure CDN for tight Azure integration and flexible pricing for specific needs.

Manage your open source components, licenses, and vulnerabilities
Learn More
Pros of Amazon CloudFront
Pros of Azure CDN
  • 245
    Fast
  • 166
    Cdn
  • 157
    Compatible with other aws services
  • 125
    Simple
  • 108
    Global
  • 41
    Cheap
  • 36
    Cost-effective
  • 27
    Reliable
  • 19
    One stop solution
  • 9
    Elastic
  • 1
    Object store
  • 1
    HTTP/2 Support
  • 2
    Low Latency

Sign up to add or upvote prosMake informed product decisions

Cons of Amazon CloudFront
Cons of Azure CDN
  • 3
    UI could use some work
  • 1
    Invalidations take so long
    Be the first to leave a con

    Sign up to add or upvote consMake informed product decisions

    What is Amazon CloudFront?

    Amazon CloudFront can be used to deliver your entire website, including dynamic, static, streaming, and interactive content using a global network of edge locations. Requests for your content are automatically routed to the nearest edge location, so content is delivered with the best possible performance.

    What is Azure CDN?

    It lets you reduce load times, save bandwidth, and speed responsiveness—whether you’re developing or managing websites or mobile apps, or encoding and distributing streaming media, gaming software, firmware updates, or IoT endpoints.

    Need advice about which tool to choose?Ask the StackShare community!

    What companies use Amazon CloudFront?
    What companies use Azure CDN?
    Manage your open source components, licenses, and vulnerabilities
    Learn More

    Sign up to get full access to all the companiesMake informed product decisions

    What tools integrate with Amazon CloudFront?
    What tools integrate with Azure CDN?

    Sign up to get full access to all the tool integrationsMake informed product decisions

    Blog Posts

    What are some alternatives to Amazon CloudFront and Azure CDN?
    Akamai
    If you've ever shopped online, downloaded music, watched a web video or connected to work remotely, you've probably used Akamai's cloud platform. Akamai helps businesses connect the hyperconnected, empowering them to transform and reinvent their business online. We remove the complexities of technology, so you can focus on driving your business faster forward.
    CloudFlare
    Cloudflare speeds up and protects millions of websites, APIs, SaaS services, and other properties connected to the Internet.
    Google Cloud Storage
    Google Cloud Storage allows world-wide storing and retrieval of any amount of data and at any time. It provides a simple programming interface which enables developers to take advantage of Google's own reliable and fast networking infrastructure to perform data operations in a secure and cost effective manner. If expansion needs arise, developers can benefit from the scalability provided by Google's infrastructure.
    Fastly
    Fastly's real-time content delivery network gives you total control over your content, unprecedented access to performance analytics, and the ability to instantly update content in 150 milliseconds.
    MaxCDN
    The MaxCDN Content Delivery Network efficiently delivers your site’s static file through hundreds of servers instead of slogging through a single host. This "smart route" technology distributes your content to your visitors via the city closest to them.
    See all alternatives