Top 5 CDNs for Video Distribution in 2026

Use this 2026 ranking to compare CDNs for live and on-demand video, including the stream authentication options that can help restrict access. We also explain the trade-offs in regional delivery costs and features so you can shortlist a provider for your audience.

How we ranked these video CDNs

For this category, we prioritised support for both live video and video on demand, then checked for token authentication and basic authentication. These controls help you decide how viewers or playback requests can access protected streams; token authentication can be useful for time-limited or signed access, while basic authentication offers a simpler credential-based option. We then considered the listed data-transfer cost per GB by region. A low rate can matter for a high-volume video service, but monthly minimums and missing authentication features can change which option fits your setup. We also considered delivery footprint, origin shield, security features and support where they help clarify the trade-offs.

1. CDNvideo

CDNvideo ranks first because it lists live video and video on demand alongside both token and basic authentication. That combination makes it the most complete fit here if you need to serve different video formats while putting access controls in place. Its listed transfer rate is consistent across Europe and North America, Latin America and Asia-Pacific, which can make regional budgeting easier than a provider with more variation. CDNvideo also lists 204 PoP locations across 63 countries, including 100 locations in China, plus origin shield. That broad footprint is useful when your audience is spread across regions.

• Strengths: Live and on-demand video; token and basic authentication; origin shield; 24/7 phone and email support; 204 PoP locations and a substantial China presence.
• Drawbacks: No listed DDoS protection, no custom SSL certificate, and no log files. Its listed per-GB rate is higher than several options below it.

Choose CDNvideo if stream authentication and broad reach, especially in China, matter more than finding the lowest transfer rate. Its support channels also suit teams that want round-the-clock contact options.

2. CDN77

CDN77 is a strong alternative when you need both stream types and both authentication methods, but want a lower listed per-GB transfer rate than CDNvideo. It also includes origin shield, WAF, DDoS protection, HTTP/3 and wildcard cache purging. Those features give you useful control over delivery and cache updates. The trade-off is its high monthly minimum, which may outweigh the lower rate if your video traffic is modest. Its network lists 52 PoP locations across 41 countries, with no China locations, so check that footprint against where your viewers are.

• Strengths: Live and on-demand video; token and basic authentication; origin shield; WAF and DDoS protection; HTTP/3; wildcard purge; 24/7 support by chat, phone and email.
• Drawbacks: High monthly minimum; no listed China PoPs; no DNS, dynamic content acceleration or HTTPS on your own domain.

Consider CDN77 if your usage can justify its monthly commitment and you value the lower transfer rate, broad security feature set and flexible purge options. It is less compelling for a small or seasonal channel.

3. Gcore CDN by Gcore

Gcore supports live video and video on demand, with token authentication for protected delivery. Its listed per-GB rate sits between the lower-cost options and the higher-priced choices in this ranking. It has 104 PoP locations in 78 countries, plus HTTP/3, WAF, DDoS protection and origin storage. Unlike the first two providers, it does not list basic authentication or origin shield. That makes it a better fit if token access is enough and you want a broad feature set beyond video, rather than both authentication methods.

• Strengths: Live and on-demand video; token authentication; HTTP/3; WAF and DDoS protection; 104 PoP locations; origin storage; edge computing.
• Drawbacks: No basic authentication or origin shield; support is listed by email only, with no 24/7 availability; per-request charges apply.

Pick Gcore if you need token-protected streams, a wide country footprint and features such as edge computing. Check that token authentication alone meets your access-control requirements before choosing it.

4. Fastly CDN by Fastly

Fastly lists both video formats, token and basic authentication, plus origin shield. It also includes WAF, DDoS protection, HTTP/3 and WebSockets. This gives you a strong set of delivery and security tools, though its listed per-GB rates are comparatively high, particularly for Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Fastly lists 67 PoP locations in 35 countries. It can therefore make sense for a service that values its feature set and needs both authentication options, but the transfer cost deserves close attention if viewers are concentrated in the more expensive regions.

• Strengths: Live and on-demand video; token and basic authentication; origin shield; WAF and DDoS protection; HTTP/3; logs; edge computing.
• Drawbacks: Higher listed transfer rates, especially outside Europe and North America; no 24/7 support; no HTTPS on your own domain is listed.

Choose Fastly when its security, logging and edge features fit your workflow and you can account for regional transfer costs. Compare your audience locations before committing to it for high-volume streaming.

5. CacheFly CDN by CacheFly

CacheFly rounds out the ranking with live and on-demand video, token authentication, origin shield and a listed per-GB rate below CDNvideo and Fastly. It also lists WAF, DDoS protection, origin storage and 24/7 phone and email support. Its 71 PoP locations span 45 countries, including two locations in China. The limitation for protected streams is that basic authentication is not listed. If token-based access is sufficient, CacheFly brings together a useful video feature set and support availability at a relatively low listed transfer rate.

• Strengths: Live and on-demand video; token authentication; origin shield; WAF and DDoS protection; origin storage; 24/7 phone and email support.
• Drawbacks: No basic authentication; smaller footprint than the top-ranked provider; no apex/root-domain support is listed.

CacheFly suits teams that need token-authenticated video and around-the-clock support, but do not require basic authentication. Check whether its China presence and overall footprint match your viewers’ locations.

Why Bunny CDN missed the list

Bunny CDN lists video on demand and token authentication, but not live video or basic authentication. Its low listed transfer rate for Europe and North America cannot make up for the missing live-stream support in a ranking focused on both formats.

How to choose a CDN for video

Start with your delivery format. If you distribute live streams and an on-demand library, confirm that the provider lists both rather than assuming VOD support covers live delivery. Then decide whether token authentication is enough or you also need basic authentication. For paid, private or time-limited streams, map the access method to the way your player and application issue playback requests.

Next, estimate traffic by region. The listed per-GB rate can vary across Europe and North America, Latin America and Asia-Pacific, so use your likely viewer mix rather than one global average. Also check any monthly minimum: a lower transfer rate may not be economical if you cannot meet the commitment. For example, a small service may prefer a provider with a lower floor, while a high-volume operation may benefit more from a lower rate.

Finally, check the operational details before you switch. Origin shield, purge controls and support availability can affect how you handle cache changes and delivery issues. Consider the PoP footprint in the countries where your viewers live, and review protections such as WAF and DDoS protection separately from stream authentication. Our 2026 ranking compares listed specifications and features, not lab test results; confirm the provider’s current terms and regional rates for your own deployment.