Best CDN for WordPress in the USA: Cloudflare vs. Bunny.net (2026 Comparison)

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Cloudflare or Bunny.net — which CDN is best for US WordPress sites? Compare pricing, speed, security, and ease of setup to find the right CDN for your site in 2026.

If your WordPress site serves visitors across the United States — or anywhere beyond your hosting server’s location — a CDN (Content Delivery Network) can make a real difference in how fast your site loads.

But when you start researching CDNs, two names consistently rise to the top: Cloudflare and Bunny.net. Both are excellent, both are affordable, and both are widely used by WordPress sites. So which one is actually better for US-based websites in 2026?

This guide breaks down everything: performance, pricing, features, ease of use, and which CDN makes the most sense for different types of WordPress sites.


What Is a CDN and Why Does Your WordPress Site Need One?

A CDN stores copies of your site’s static content — images, CSS files, JavaScript, fonts — on servers distributed around the world. When someone visits your site, they’re served those files from the server closest to them geographically, rather than from your origin hosting server.

The result: faster load times, reduced server load, better user experience, and improved Google Core Web Vitals scores (which affect your search rankings).

For WordPress sites targeting US audiences, a CDN with strong US coverage is critical. The further your visitor is from your hosting server, the more a CDN matters.


Quick Overview: Cloudflare vs. Bunny.net

FeatureCloudflareBunny.net
PricingFree tier availableStarting at $1/month (pay-as-you-go)
US Server CoverageExtensiveExtensive
Ease of SetupModerate (DNS change)Simple (plugin integration)
WordPress IntegrationVia pluginsNative WordPress plugin
PerformanceExcellentExcellent
Security FeaturesIndustry-leadingStrong
Best ForSites needing security + CDNPure speed & affordability

Cloudflare: The Industry Standard

Cloudflare is one of the largest and most well-known CDN providers in the world. It powers millions of websites, including some of the largest sites on the internet. For WordPress users, Cloudflare offers a compelling combination of CDN, security, and performance optimization.

Key Features

  • Global network: Cloudflare operates over 300+ data centers worldwide, with extensive coverage across the United States. This means your content is served from nearby locations whether your visitor is in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, or anywhere in between.
  • Free tier: Cloudflare’s free plan includes unlimited bandwidth, basic DDoS protection, SSL/TLS encryption, and CDN caching. For small to medium WordPress sites, the free tier is genuinely functional — not a limited trial.
  • Security features: Cloudflare’s firewall, DDoS protection, bot management, and threat intelligence are industry-leading. If your site has ever been attacked or you’re concerned about security, Cloudflare is a proven shield.
  • Performance optimization: Beyond caching, Cloudflare offers image optimization (Polish), automatic mobile optimization, HTTP/3, Brotli compression, and more — some features require paid plans, but the core performance stack is accessible.
  • DNS management: Cloudflare functions as both a CDN and a DNS provider, which means you route your entire domain through Cloudflare. This setup unlocks additional features but requires a DNS change during setup.

Pricing

  • Free: $0/month — unlimited bandwidth, basic CDN, SSL, DDoS protection
  • Pro: $20/month — image optimization, web application firewall, priority support
  • Business: $200/month — advanced security, faster purging, uptime guarantees
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing for large-scale needs

For most WordPress sites, the free tier is more than adequate. The Pro tier at $20/month is worth considering if you need image optimization or advanced caching rules.

Setup Process

Cloudflare requires a DNS change — meaning you point your domain’s nameservers to Cloudflare. This sounds more technical than it is (Cloudflare’s onboarding walks you through it), but it’s more involved than a plugin install.

Once DNS is configured, you can manage caching rules, purge cache, and configure settings from the Cloudflare dashboard. WordPress integration is handled through plugins like Cloudflare APO (Automatic Platform Optimization for WordPress) or third-party plugins like WP Cloudflare Super Page Cache.

Pros

✅ Free tier with unlimited bandwidth
✅ Industry-leading security and DDoS protection
✅ Massive global network with excellent US coverage
✅ Additional features beyond CDN (DNS, firewall, analytics)
✅ Trusted by millions of sites worldwide

Cons

❌ Requires DNS change (not just a plugin)
❌ Dashboard can feel overwhelming for beginners
❌ Some advanced features locked behind paid tiers
❌ Caching behavior can be aggressive and cause issues if misconfigured

Best for: WordPress sites that want CDN + security in one package, sites concerned about attacks, and users comfortable with DNS configuration.


Bunny.net: The Fast, Affordable Alternative

Bunny.net is a newer player compared to Cloudflare, but it’s built a strong reputation in the WordPress community for delivering exceptional performance at a genuinely low cost. It’s a pure CDN — meaning it focuses on speed and content delivery without Cloudflare’s broader security and infrastructure features.

Key Features

  • Global network: Bunny.net operates 123+ edge locations worldwide, with strong coverage in North America. While smaller than Cloudflare’s network, it’s more than sufficient for US-focused WordPress sites.
  • Pay-as-you-go pricing: You only pay for what you use. Bandwidth starts at $0.01/GB in the US, which means even a high-traffic site can run on Bunny.net for a few dollars per month. For most small to medium WordPress sites, costs stay under $5/month.
  • WordPress plugin: Bunny.net offers a dedicated WordPress plugin (BunnyCDN) that handles integration cleanly. No DNS changes required — just install the plugin, connect your account, and your static assets are served through Bunny’s edge network.
  • Perma-cache: Bunny.net’s perma-cache feature stores your content indefinitely on edge servers, reducing origin requests and improving cache hit rates significantly.
  • Pull zones: Bunny.net automatically pulls content from your WordPress site and serves it via CDN. Setup is straightforward and works with almost any hosting configuration.
  • Video streaming: If you host video content on your WordPress site, Bunny.net offers a robust video streaming platform as an add-on — something Cloudflare doesn’t focus on.

Pricing

  • Pay-as-you-go: $1/month minimum + bandwidth usage
    • US bandwidth: $0.01/GB
    • Europe: $0.01/GB
    • Asia/Pacific: $0.03/GB
  • Video streaming: Separate pricing (optional)

For a typical WordPress site serving 100GB of bandwidth per month (images, CSS, JS), that’s about $2–3/month total. High-traffic sites serving 500GB/month would pay around $6–8/month.

Setup Process

Bunny.net’s WordPress integration is one of the easiest CDN setups available. Install the official BunnyCDN plugin, create a pull zone in your Bunny.net dashboard, connect the plugin to your account, and you’re done. No DNS changes, no complicated configuration.

Cache purging is handled through the plugin or the Bunny.net dashboard.

Pros

✅ Extremely affordable pay-as-you-go pricing
✅ Simple setup — no DNS changes required
✅ Dedicated WordPress plugin for easy integration
✅ Excellent performance with low latency
✅ Perma-cache for high cache hit rates
✅ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

Cons

❌ No free tier (though costs are minimal)
❌ Fewer security features compared to Cloudflare
❌ Smaller network (though still excellent for US sites)
❌ No built-in firewall or DDoS protection

Best for: WordPress sites that want pure CDN performance without security overhead, budget-conscious users, and anyone who prefers simple plugin-based setup.


Head-to-Head Comparison: Cloudflare vs. Bunny.net

Performance & Speed

Both CDNs deliver excellent performance for US-based WordPress sites. In independent benchmarks, Bunny.net often edges out Cloudflare slightly in pure CDN speed, particularly for static asset delivery. Cloudflare’s performance is also excellent, and in practice, the difference is marginal — both will meaningfully improve your load times.

Winner: Tie — both are fast. Bunny.net has a slight edge in raw CDN benchmarks.


Pricing & Value

This is where the two diverge most clearly.

Cloudflare’s free tier is unbeatable if you need $0 cost. Unlimited bandwidth, core CDN features, and security tools at zero cost is a genuinely compelling offer. The Pro tier at $20/month is reasonable if you need image optimization and advanced features.

Bunny.net’s pay-as-you-go model is more cost-effective for most traffic levels. Even moderately high-traffic sites stay under $10/month. You pay exactly for what you use, with no overage penalties or tier jumps.

Winner: Cloudflare if you need a $0 option. Bunny.net for best long-term value.


Ease of Setup

Cloudflare requires a DNS change, which means pointing your domain’s nameservers to Cloudflare. For experienced users, this takes 10 minutes. For beginners, it can feel intimidating — though Cloudflare’s onboarding has improved considerably.

Bunny.net requires no DNS changes. Install the WordPress plugin, connect your account, and you’re live. It’s one of the smoothest CDN setups available.

Winner: Bunny.net — significantly easier for non-technical users.


Security

Cloudflare is a security-first platform. Its DDoS protection, web application firewall (WAF), bot management, and threat intelligence are industry-leading. For WordPress sites that face attacks or operate in high-risk industries (finance, eCommerce, news), Cloudflare’s security layer is a major advantage.

Bunny.net is a CDN, not a security platform. It offers basic token authentication and geographic restrictions, but no firewall or DDoS protection. If security is a priority, you’ll need to layer Bunny.net with other tools (like a hosting-level firewall or a separate security plugin).

Winner: Cloudflare by a wide margin.


WordPress Integration

Cloudflare integrates via plugins like Cloudflare APO (Automatic Platform Optimization for WordPress), which costs $5/month and significantly improves full-page caching for WordPress. Without APO, integration is handled through third-party plugins or manual configuration.

Bunny.net offers a dedicated free WordPress plugin that handles integration cleanly. Setup, cache purging, and configuration are all managed within WordPress.

Winner: Bunny.net for simplicity and native WordPress focus.


Support

Cloudflare offers community forums for free users, email support for Pro users, and priority support for Business/Enterprise customers. Documentation is extensive, but support response times for free users can be slow.

Bunny.net offers email support for all users, typically with faster response times than Cloudflare’s free tier. The team is smaller but known for being responsive and helpful.

Winner: Bunny.net for responsiveness, especially at lower price points.


Which CDN Should You Choose?

Choose Cloudflare if:

  • You want a free CDN with unlimited bandwidth
  • Security is a top priority (DDoS protection, firewall, bot management)
  • You’re comfortable with DNS configuration
  • You want an all-in-one platform (CDN + DNS + security)
  • Your site faces frequent attacks or operates in a high-risk industry
  • You’re willing to pay $5/month for Cloudflare APO to optimize WordPress caching

Choose Bunny.net if:

  • You want the best value for pure CDN performance
  • Ease of setup matters more than advanced security
  • You prefer transparent pay-as-you-go pricing
  • You want a simple WordPress plugin integration with no DNS changes
  • Your site is hosted on a server with existing security (like Hostinger or a managed WordPress host)
  • You host or plan to host video content on your WordPress site

What About Your Hosting?

Your hosting choice can influence which CDN makes more sense.

If you’re on Hostinger (which runs LiteSpeed servers with built-in LiteSpeed Cache), pairing with Bunny.net is an excellent combination. Hostinger’s infrastructure already handles server-level performance and basic security, so Bunny.net adds pure CDN speed without redundancy.

👉 Get Hostinger Hosting + Use Bunny.net CDN

If you’re on shared hosting with minimal security (like basic cPanel hosting), Cloudflare’s free tier gives you both CDN and security in one setup — which is valuable when your hosting doesn’t provide much protection on its own.


Can You Use Both Together?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Running Cloudflare and Bunny.net simultaneously creates unnecessary complexity, potential conflicts, and doesn’t deliver meaningful performance gains. Pick one and configure it well.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cloudflare CDN really free? Yes. Cloudflare’s free tier includes unlimited bandwidth, basic caching, SSL, and DDoS protection. It’s not a trial — it’s genuinely free forever. Paid tiers unlock additional features, but the free tier is fully functional.

How much does Bunny.net cost for a WordPress site? Most small to medium WordPress sites use 50–200GB of bandwidth per month, which costs $1–3/month on Bunny.net. Even high-traffic sites rarely exceed $10/month. You pay only for bandwidth used, with no minimum commitment.

Which CDN is faster for US visitors? Both perform excellently for US traffic. In pure speed tests, Bunny.net often has a slight edge, but the difference is marginal. Either CDN will deliver fast load times for US-based visitors.

Do I need a CDN if I’m already using a caching plugin? Caching plugins (like WP Rocket or LiteSpeed Cache) and CDNs solve different problems. Caching plugins generate and serve static HTML from your server. CDNs distribute that content globally so visitors far from your server still get fast load times. They complement each other — use both.

Will a CDN improve my Google rankings? Indirectly, yes. CDNs improve page speed and Core Web Vitals scores, which are Google ranking factors. Faster sites also have lower bounce rates and better user engagement, which signals quality to Google.

Does Bunny.net work with WooCommerce? Yes. Bunny.net works with WooCommerce and all major WordPress plugins. Dynamic content (like the cart and checkout) isn’t cached by the CDN, so functionality remains intact.


Other CDN Options Worth Considering

While Cloudflare and Bunny.net are the top two for most WordPress users, a few other CDNs are worth mentioning:

KeyCDN — Similar to Bunny.net in pricing and approach, with solid performance and WordPress integration. Good alternative if Bunny.net is unavailable in your region.

StackPath — Formerly MaxCDN, now merged into StackPath. Reliable but more expensive than Bunny.net for similar features.

Amazon CloudFront — AWS’s CDN. Powerful and scalable, but complex to configure and overkill for most WordPress sites.

Jetpack Site Accelerator — Free CDN included with Jetpack plugin. Limited to images and static assets, but zero-cost and simple to enable.

For most US WordPress sites, Cloudflare or Bunny.net will be the smarter choice over these alternatives.


Final Verdict

Cloudflare is the best CDN for WordPress sites that need security and performance in one package, especially if budget is tight and you’re comfortable with DNS configuration. The free tier is genuinely impressive and trusted by millions of sites worldwide.

Bunny.net is the best CDN for WordPress sites that prioritize pure speed, simplicity, and transparent pricing. It’s the easiest WordPress CDN to set up, offers excellent performance, and costs pennies per gigabyte.

For most US-based WordPress sites, Bunny.net is the smarter choice in 2026 — unless security is a primary concern, in which case Cloudflare’s free tier is unbeatable.

Pair either CDN with solid hosting (like Hostinger’s LiteSpeed-powered infrastructure) and a good caching plugin, and you’ll have a fast, reliable WordPress site that delivers excellent user experience anywhere in the United States.

👉 Get Hostinger Hosting + Use Bunny.net or Cloudflare Free


Final Recommendation Summary

Your SituationBest CDN Choice
WordPress blogger, budget-focusedBunny.net
Small business site, simple setupBunny.net
eCommerce site needing securityCloudflare Free or Pro
High-traffic site, cost-consciousBunny.net
Site facing attacks or threatsCloudflare
Developer managing multiple sitesBunny.net (easier to scale)
Absolute $0 budgetCloudflare Free

Choose based on your priorities. Both are excellent — you can’t go wrong with either.

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