How it works
When a domain uses Cloudflare, visitors connect to Cloudflare's servers in a nearby city first. Cloudflare answers from its cache when it can, filters out attacks and abusive bots, and passes the rest on to your real server (the origin). Even the free plan includes DNS, the CDN, a free SSL certificate and unmetered DDoS protection, which is why so many small sites sit behind it.
On top of that network sits a developer platform: Workers for code, Pages for sites, R2 for files, KV and D1 for data, Durable Objects for shared state, Queues and Workers AI. Cloudflare also sells domains at cost through Cloudflare Registrar, offers Turnstile as a CAPTCHA alternative, and runs Zero Trust tools that secure company networks.
Cloudflare pros and cons
Pros
- Free plan covers DNS, CDN, SSL and DDoS protection
- One dashboard for domains, security, hosting and storage
- No egress fees on R2 and no bandwidth charges on Workers
- Domains sold at cost, with no markup
Cons
- So many products that the dashboard can overwhelm newcomers
- Your traffic passes through Cloudflare, so its outages affect your site
- Advanced security rules and faster support need paid plans
When to use Cloudflare
Pick it when
- Almost any public website that wants free speed and protection
- Managing DNS for domains bought anywhere
- Building on Workers, Pages and R2 together
Skip it when
- Rules or contracts forbid routing traffic through a third-party proxy
Cloudflare pricing
Free tier
Free plan for personal sites. Pro is $20 a month billed yearly ($25 monthly) and Business $200 a month billed yearly ($250 monthly); Enterprise is quoted. Developer products bill separately.
Cloudflare pricing page (opens in a new tab)Approximate, checked September 2026.What the other tools cost
Related terms
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