FlyingCDN is an automated WordPress CDN for FlyingPress users, powered by Cloudflare Enterprise. Is it better than other WordPress CDN providers?
Of course, the answer is YES. FlyingCDN offers multiple benefits over a typical CDN or even Cloudflare paid plans. It caches content across more than 300 edge networks, enabling visitors to access it quickly. It also offers smart routing, auto-optimization, and full-page caching to help your site load faster, even during high traffic.
Before switching to Cloudflare, FC used BunnyCDN. Yes, most users will find this beneficial because, compared with Bunny, you get more features and POPs.
I will not explain the meaning or process of CDN at the end of this article. Instead, I will provide a brief review of Flying CDN. Here’s how to optimize your visitors’ browsing experience with FlyingPress optimization and its CDN.
What Makes FlyingCDN Unique?
Almost all CDNs claim to be fast and tout their quality. However, I do not fully agree that Flying CDN is the best option. What sets it apart is its seamless integration with Cloudflare Enterprise.
The process is automatic, and you don’t need to sign up for Cloudflare separately. If you want to get Enterprise on your own, it costs about $6,000 per month. I have experience with Cloudflare Enterprise (I have used it for this site).
What makes Cloudflare Enterprise different? Compared with lower-tier plans, Enterprise provides access to all global edge locations. It offers advanced features and security, resulting in better performance and protection than other plans.
These features set FlyingCDN apart:
- Robust CDN: 310 edge locations (120+ countries). Even behind proxies, Cloudflare performs well despite not being a traditional CDN.
- Full-Page Caching: One of the most essential features. Most CDNs do not support HTML caching, but with FlyingCDN, TTFB is under 100 ms.
- Image optimization: Image optimization is included in the setup and automatically converts images to WebP without changing URLs. Adaptive images (the right size) and compression without affecting quality.
- Robust Security: Cloudflare’s specialty is security, so Enterprise provides strong protection. No security plugins or services are needed.
- WooCommerce-ready: Caching accelerates browsing, including with shopping cart items. The origin server will handle critical dynamic requests.
- Adapt to traffic spikes: It reduces unnecessary queries, improves page speed, lowers server load, and manages traffic spikes more efficiently.
It works with any web host, so you can trust its flexibility. Choosing a reliable web host is important when you use a CDN. This helps create a better user experience and improves caching.
My Experiences With FlyingPress + CDN
Having used FlyingPress for years, I’d say it’s the best cache plugin for optimizing WordPress site speed (it’s easy to use and offers numerous features). I’ve already written a FlyingPress review, so I won’t go into specifics here.
With one of the largest Edge networks, Cloudflare is regularly rated among the fastest CDNs. It can reduce latency, security errors, and other issues.
It’s likely the most powerful WordPress CDN, offering robust security features such as firewalls, DDoS protection, Wildcard SSL, and bot management.
FlyingPress CDN offers optimized features such as Argo Routing, dynamic caching, load balancing, and Polish image optimization.
Edge Caching, AKA Full-Page Caching
A caching technique that stores frequently accessed data on servers near end users instead of the origin server. Full-page caching reduces the time to first byte for users. TTFB depends on factors such as your web host; choose a reliable host like Vultr.
Cloudflare caches your site’s HTML, so you’ll notice a big improvement when you test your site with tools like KeyCDN and SpeedVitals.
You’ll also benefit from Argo if you have an online store or other dynamic websites. They have a massive CDN with cloud caching and optimization. This is the time it takes for my website to first byte after the Flying CDN integration.
When you use full-page caching, your site’s global time to first byte will likely be below 100ms. This technique can deliver dynamic content, and you can benefit even if your site has heavy themes and page builders.
TTFB measures the time it takes the browser to receive its first byte of data from the server. When it is low, users have a better experience, and pages load instantly.
The only page speed metric I care about is Time to First Byte. High TTFB means being stuck on an empty screen waiting for the server to respond. The Core Web Vitals signal is significantly affected by high TTFB. You can simplify TTFB by using a CDN, improving database performance, and moving to a VPS with a cloud control panel.
Here are the GTmetrix results after using FlyingPress + CDN.
FlyingCDN Integration
The first step is to become a FlyingPress customer. You can access FlyingCDN only if you are a FlyingPress cache plugin user. I don’t see any other way to integrate this service, as it requires an API key.
I assume you’re using FlyingPress. You can try the free 7-day CDN trial. Sign up, then go to your CDN dashboard and add your website (don’t use ‘www’). Enter your server (web host) IP address.
During the process, you will receive an IP address and CNAME record, which you should use to update your website’s DNS records.
Log in to your DNS provider and add or update records. Then, don’t activate the proxy if you are using Cloudflare DNS.
It’s easy; read the doc if you have a question. Or learn how to integrate.
Verify It Works
With the KeyCDN HTTP Header Checker, you can ensure the CDN works on your site. Check the site URL, and you’ll see the first request headers:
x-flying-press-cache: HIT
cf-cache-status: HIT
cdn: FlyingCDN
flyingcdn-cache: HIT
server: cloudflareIf all cache statuses are HIT, everything is fine. TTFB affects your host and caching strategies, such as full-page caching. Web hosts like Rocket.net use this technique.
FlyingCDN vs. BunnyCDN vs. Cloudflare Pro
| FlyingCDN | BunnyCDN | Cloudflare Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Start at $5/M | Minimum $1/M | $25/M |
| Full-page Cache | ✓ | × | APO |
| Optimizing Images | ✓ | Paid | Polish/Mirage |
| Points of Presence | 300+ | 120+ | 250+ |
| Access All Locations | ✓ | ✓ | × |
| Simple Configs | ✓ | × | × |
| Automatic Process | ✓ | × | × |
| Customizable | × | ✓ | ✓ |
| UI | Minimal | Extensive | Depth |
| Cache Hit Ratio | Very high | High | Average |
Price Comparison
Want to use Cloudflare Enterprise for just $10?
The monthly fee recently increased from $5 to $10. But if you buy Enterprise directly, you’ll pay thousands of dollars. Yes, it does not offer as many customization options as the Cloudflare dashboard (far from it). But FlyingPress CDN has no hidden costs and offers pricing that’s more affordable than KeyCDN, Rocket, and even BunnyCDN.
It’s $5 per 100 GB of bandwidth per site. Web hosting companies usually provide tools to track your bandwidth usage. You can now view it in your current CDN usage. Plus, small to medium-sized sites usually use less than 100 GB of bandwidth per month.
FlyingPress CDN is more affordable than KeyCDN: a website with 1 TB of bandwidth would cost nearly $50 per month with KeyCDN. The minimum usage fee is $4, with a minimum payment of $49.
Flying-CDN costs $50/M for a site with 1 TB of bandwidth, making it affordable.
It offers enterprise-grade features and is a strong alternative to Bunny or KeyCDN for WordPress websites. I wouldn’t recommend this option if you prefer to proceed your way. Furthermore, I don’t think you can buy the Enterprise CDN service at this price.
Where Is FlyingCDN Lacking?
When setting up FlyingPress and its CDN, you’ll immediately feel how minimalist it is… There aren’t that many options. When you’re used to other CDNs, this will feel straightforward. But here are a few little annoyances…
- Lacks detailed documentation.
- The significant limitation is that you need FlyingPress to use it.
- Users can’t make the hostname look like cdn.example.com. Since Cloudflare functions as a proxy rather than a CDN, it won’t matter.
- You can’t customize anything, which may be acceptable for average users but problematic for advanced users.
- The UI doesn’t provide as many details as other CDNs. You see balance, bandwidth usage, and integration info. It would be beneficial to view metrics such as cache hit rates, visitors, IP addresses, WAF history, and platforms.
- Having difficulty determining which features are enabled or disabled.
Those are the only things I’ve been annoyed with FlyingCDN. It is ideal for those who prefer a simple and stress-free experience. If you’re using low-cost hosting for WordPress, it doesn’t matter how robust your CDN is.
Final Thoughts
So far, I am impressed with FlyingCDN. It is a solid choice for those who prefer an automated CDN without manual setup, but you must be a FlyingPress user to use it.
Just add the domain, point it to the DNS record, and you’ll love it. It’s cheaper than most other WordPress CDNs, but the lack of customization makes it less suitable for tech enthusiasts who want to tailor it to their specific needs.
But it’s a hassle-free service that won’t add issues to your site, even with optimization features. It works regardless of site type (static or dynamic) or traffic volume.
The final decision is yours, so try it out and see if it works for you. If your site only has a few caching options, use them to speed things up.
Read More: Webdock Cloud | Spaceship VPS Hosting
