Best Image CDN in 2025: Compare Cloudinary, Imgix, Cloudflare & More

Images account for nearly 50% of the average webpage's size. An image CDN doesn't just deliver your images faster—it automatically optimizes, transforms, and serves them in the best format for each visitor's device and browser. But with dozens of options available, how do you choose the right one?

This guide compares the leading image CDNs in 2025, breaking down their pricing, features, performance, and ideal use cases so you can make an informed decision.

Quick Comparison: Top Image CDNs at a Glance

What to Look for in an Image CDN

Before diving into individual providers, here are the key factors to evaluate:

1. Performance & Global Coverage

• Edge locations: More locations = faster delivery worldwide
• Response times: Sub-100ms is the gold standard
• Cache hit rates: Higher rates mean fewer origin requests

2. Transformation Capabilities

• Resizing & cropping: Basic requirement for responsive images
• Format conversion: Auto WebP/AVIF is essential in 2025
• Advanced effects: Blur, sharpen, watermarks, overlays

3. Pricing Model

• Bandwidth-based: Pay per GB delivered
• Transformation-based: Pay per image processed
• Storage-based: Pay for images stored
• Hybrid: Combination of the above

4. Developer Experience

• URL-based API: Simple parameters vs. complex SDKs
• Documentation quality: Clear examples and references
• Integration options: Plugins for popular frameworks

5. Additional Features

• Image storage: Some CDNs include storage, others require external
• Analytics: Usage insights and performance metrics
• Security: Signed URLs, access controls, DDoS protection

Detailed Provider Comparison

VisionFly

VisionFly positions itself as the accessible alternative to enterprise-priced image CDNs. Built for developers and small-to-medium businesses who want powerful image optimization without complex pricing or configuration.

Key Features:

• 100+ edge locations with sub-50ms response times
• Automatic WebP/AVIF conversion based on browser
• URL-based transformations (resize, crop, blur, sharpen, color adjustments)
• Privacy-first: no persistent storage of transformations
• Simple, predictable pricing

Pricing:

• Free: 1GB bandwidth, 100 images/month
• Starter ($9/mo): 10GB bandwidth, 1,000 images
• Pro ($29/mo): 50GB bandwidth, 10,000 images
• Business ($99/mo): 200GB bandwidth, unlimited images
• Overage: $0.08/GB bandwidth, $0.05/GB storage

Ideal For: Startups, indie developers, small e-commerce sites, and anyone who values simple pricing and quick setup over enterprise features.

Limitations: Newer platform with smaller feature set than Cloudinary; no video support; no built-in AI features.

Cloudinary

Cloudinary is the most feature-rich option, offering a complete digital asset management (DAM) platform alongside CDN delivery. It's the go-to choice for enterprises with complex media workflows.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive transformation API (300+ parameters)
• AI-powered features: auto-tagging, background removal, content-aware cropping
• Video transcoding and streaming
• Built-in DAM with search, folders, and metadata
• Extensive SDK support for all major frameworks

Pricing: Cloudinary uses a credit system that combines bandwidth, transformations, and storage. This can be confusing:

• Free: 25 credits/month (~25GB bandwidth OR 25,000 transformations)
• Plus ($99/mo): 225 credits
• Advanced ($249/mo): 600 credits
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

Ideal For: Large enterprises, media companies, sites with complex transformation needs, teams needing video support.

Limitations: Complex pricing makes costs unpredictable; can get expensive quickly; steep learning curve for full feature set.

Imgix

Imgix focuses on real-time image processing with exceptional speed. It doesn't store images—you connect your existing storage (S3, GCS, etc.), and Imgix processes and delivers on-the-fly.

Key Features:

• Blazing fast real-time processing
• 150+ transformation parameters
• Purge API for instant cache invalidation
• Face detection and auto-cropping
• PDF and video frame extraction

Pricing:

• Free: 1,000 origin images
• Basic ($100/mo): 50,000 origin images
• Growth ($500/mo): 500,000 origin images
• Additional bandwidth charged separately

Ideal For: Media-heavy sites with existing storage infrastructure, publishers, high-traffic applications needing fast processing.

Limitations: No built-in storage; pricing based on origin images can be confusing; minimum $100/mo is steep for small sites.

Cloudflare Images

Cloudflare Images integrates tightly with Cloudflare's CDN and security features. Great if you're already in the Cloudflare ecosystem.

Key Features:

• Leverages Cloudflare's massive global network
• Variants system for predefined transformations
• Direct upload API
• Polish (automatic optimization) and Mirage (responsive images)
• Integrated with Cloudflare Workers for custom logic

Pricing:

• Storage: $5/month per 100,000 images
• Delivery: $1 per 100,000 images delivered
• No bandwidth charges (uses your Cloudflare plan)

Ideal For: Teams already using Cloudflare, sites prioritizing security, those wanting tight CDN integration.

Limitations: Limited transformation options compared to dedicated image CDNs; requires Cloudflare account; variants must be predefined.

Bunny CDN (Bunny Optimizer)

Bunny CDN offers image optimization as an add-on to their already-affordable CDN. Known for transparent, usage-based pricing.

Key Features:

• Automatic WebP/AVIF conversion
• On-the-fly resizing and cropping
• Bunny Storage integration
• 114 global PoPs
• Simple API and dashboard

Pricing:

• CDN: Starting at $0.01/GB (varies by region)
• Optimizer: +$9.50/month for image processing
• Storage: $0.01/GB/month

Ideal For: Cost-conscious teams, high-bandwidth sites, developers who want predictable pay-as-you-go pricing.

Limitations: Fewer transformation options; no AI features; image optimization requires separate subscription.

ImageKit

ImageKit offers a balanced feature set with one of the most generous free tiers in the market. Good middle-ground option.

Key Features:

• 20GB free bandwidth (most generous free tier)
• Real-time URL-based transformations
• DAM with media library
• AI-based smart cropping
• Video optimization support

Pricing:

• Free: 20GB bandwidth/month
• Starter ($49/mo): 75GB bandwidth
• Business ($199/mo): 300GB bandwidth
• Enterprise: Custom

Ideal For: Growing startups, teams evaluating options with generous free tier, sites needing both image and video.

Limitations: Higher tiers get expensive; some advanced features locked to enterprise.

Pricing Comparison: Real-World Scenarios

Let's compare costs for three common scenarios:

The Verdict: Which Image CDN Should You Choose?

Getting Started with VisionFly

Ready to try a simpler approach to image optimization? VisionFly offers a generous free tier to test everything:

1. Sign up at visionfly.ai (no credit card required)
2. Upload an image or connect your existing storage
3. Get your CDN URL with instant optimization
4. Add transformations via URL parameters

That's it. No complex configuration, no unpredictable bills, no enterprise sales calls.