Fastly vs Akamai vs Callaba: Which CDN/Streaming Solution to Choose?

If you are comparing Fastly vs Akamai and also want to see where Callaba fits, this guide gives a clear, modern view focused on live and VOD streaming. We cover latency, pricing models, use cases, and a simple decision path at the end.

Quick takeaway

• Akamai: best for very large, global distribution with strict enterprise needs and complex security/compliance.
• Fastly: great developer workflow, strong edge logic, real-time control, fast configuration changes.
• Callaba: streaming-first workflow layer (cloud or self-hosted) for producing and routing live video (SRT ↔ NDI ↔ WebRTC, HLS), pay-per-view, multi-output, monitoring, and API control. Pairs with any CDN (including Akamai/Fastly).

What each one is best at

Akamai

• Massive global edge footprint for large OTT and broadcast-level scale.
• Advanced security options (WAF, bot management, DDoS, token auth).
• Mature workflows and enterprise support models.

Fastly

• Developer-friendly: fast config deploys, real-time logs, edge compute.
• Fine control over caching, headers, access, and content rules.
• Popular with engineering teams that iterate often.

Callaba

• Live production layer: ingest (SRT/RTMP/WebRTC), turn streams into NDI in the cloud, and route to switchers or CDNs.
• Ultra-low-latency options with WebRTC; reliable low-latency contribution with SRT; HLS for scale.
• Multi-output to socials/CDNs, pay-per-view, multilingual web player, recording with growing files.
• API for start/stop, routing, monitoring; encoder/hardware-agnostic; cloud and self-hosted options.

Latency: what to expect

Real-world latency depends on protocol, player, CDN settings, and the production workflow:

• HLS/DASH (via Akamai or Fastly): optimized for reach and stability; can be tuned for low-latency HLS/DASH, but still above sub-second.
• SRT (Callaba): contribution transport with steady low latency for moving video from encoders/cameras to the cloud.
• WebRTC (Callaba): sub-second for interactive events, stages, and talk shows.

Pricing models (high level)

Each vendor prices differently, so compare by the shape of costs, not a single number:

• Akamai: typically contract-based with volume tiers. Good for very high scale where committed traffic lowers unit costs.
• Fastly: usage-based (transfer/requests) with clear developer-oriented controls; easy to iterate and measure.
• Callaba: infrastructure + workflow costs (cloud or self-hosted). You control ingest, transcode, routing, and outputs; bandwidth/compute scale with your event size and chosen CDN.

Common use cases

Choose Akamai when you need:

• Global OTT distribution to millions with strict SLAs.
• Advanced security/compliance and complex tokenized access.
• Long-term enterprise contracts and support structures.

Choose Fastly when you need:

• Rapid iteration by engineers and fine-grained edge behavior.
• Real-time visibility, quick rollbacks, and fast config deploys.
• Custom edge logic to shape requests and caching.

Choose Callaba when you need:

• Live event production in the cloud or on-premise: bond main/backup SRT, switch or route to NDI, deliver as HLS/WebRTC, restream to socials.
• Stream recording.
• Ultra-low-latency stages, remote guests, and talk formats.
• Monetization (pay-per-view), multilingual player, recording for instant highlights.

Callaba + Amazon CloudFront

You can also pair Callaba with Amazon CloudFront for delivery. This combo keeps Callaba as the production/ingest layer while CloudFront handles last-mile scale and security.

• Global reach + low TTFB: CloudFront’s worldwide edge network accelerates HLS/DASH playback generated by Callaba.
• Tight AWS integration: Stream from Callaba to S3 or MediaStore as origin; use ALB/ECS/EKS as dynamic origins.
• Security & access control: Signed URLs/cookies, Origin Access Control (OAC), geo-restrictions, and TLS policies protect premium streams.
• Edge logic without devops pain: CloudFront Functions/Lambda@Edge for token checks, header manipulation, and per-country routing.
• Stability at scale: Origin Shield and origin failover smooth out traffic spikes and protect Callaba origins.
• Low-latency tuning: Fine-grain cache keys, segment size control, and HTTP/3 enable faster start-up and smoother playback.
• Observability & cost control: Real-time logs via Kinesis/CloudWatch, granular metrics, and usage-based pricing.
• Multi-CDN ready: Keep CloudFront as primary and add Akamai/Fastly as backups; Callaba stays the production hub.

Typical path: SRT/WebRTC in → process/record/NDI in Callaba → HLS to S3/MediaStore → CloudFront for global delivery, with optional paywall and monetization handled in Callaba.

How they fit together (typical stack)

1. Contribution & production: Cameras/encoders send SRT to Callaba. You convert to NDI for switchers, add outputs, and record.
2. Delivery at scale: Publish HLS to your CDN (Akamai or Fastly) for global playback. Keep WebRTC paths for ultra-low-latency interactions.
3. Monetize & monitor: Use Callaba’s paywall, player options, and API monitoring. Use CDN logs/analytics for reach and QoE.

Developer & ops checklist

• Latency target: sub-second → WebRTC (Callaba); low seconds → SRT + tuned HLS; broad scale → CDN HLS.
• Scale & regions: huge global audiences → Akamai/Fastly. Hybrid events → combine CDN + Callaba WebRTC.
• Control & workflow: need switching/routing/NDI and API automation → Callaba.
• Security: token auth, DRM, WAF, bot protection → use CDN features; combine with application-level controls.
• Budget shape: prefer contract stability (Akamai), agile usage-based iteration (Fastly), or infra-level control for production (Callaba).

FAQ

Is Callaba a CDN?

No. Callaba is a streaming/production layer that works with any CDN. It handles ingest, routing, NDI, low-latency paths, paywalls, and recording, then publishes to a CDN for scale.

Can I use both Akamai and Fastly with Callaba?

Yes. Many teams use Callaba for contribution and processing, and Akamai or Fastly for last-mile delivery. You can even run multi-CDN strategies.

Which is faster: Fastly or Akamai?

It depends on region, protocol, and your setup. Both support low-latency HLS/DASH tuning. For sub-second, use WebRTC paths managed in Callaba.

Do I need special encoders?

No. Callaba is encoder-agnostic. Send SRT/RTMP/WebRTC, convert to NDI in the cloud, and route outputs as needed.

Decision guide

If your core need is distribution at massive scale, start with Akamai or Fastly. If your core need is producing, routing, and controlling live video (with sub-second options), start with Callaba and pair it with your preferred CDN. Many teams use all three pieces together for the best result.

Next step: run a pilot. Ingest SRT into Callaba, publish HLS to Akamai or Fastly, and open a WebRTC path for speakers. Measure latency, stability, and cost, then adjust.